Boating At Lake Umatilla In Washington

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Lake Umatilla, located on the southern border Washington state, is a stunning reservoir formed by the John Day Dam on the Columbia River. Nestled amidst the scenic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, the lake offers a tranquil escape for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Nearby attractions around Lake Umatilla abound, attracting visitors with diverse interests. The McNary Dam, just downstream from the lake, offers an opportunity to learn about the region's hydroelectric power generation and the Columbia River's role in the area's history. Additionally, the McNary Wildlife Refuge provides a habitat for various bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and nature photography.

Boating is a very popular activity on Lake Umatilla, with its vast expanse of water inviting boaters to explore its serene waters. From motorboats and sailboats to kayaks and paddleboards, boating enthusiasts can indulge in a variety of watercraft activities on the lake.

Water sports such as water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing attract thrill-seekers and adventure lovers to Lake Umatilla. The lake's calm waters and scenic surroundings create an ideal setting for water sports enthusiasts to experience the rush of gliding on the water.

Boat launch ramps are conveniently located around Lake Umatilla, making it easy for boaters to access the water. These launch ramps offer a seamless entry into the lake, providing boaters with a hassle-free starting point for their aquatic adventures.

Lake Umatilla is surrounded by charming nearby cities and towns, including Hermiston and Umatilla, where visitors can find a variety of amenities, dining options, and local attractions to complement their lake experience.

The boating season on Lake Umatilla typically runs from late spring to early fall, coinciding with the warmer months of the year. During this time, boaters can enjoy the lake's inviting waters and pleasant weather, making it an ideal period for outdoor water activities.

Fishing is another favored pastime on Lake Umatilla, with anglers seeking a variety of fish species, including walleye, bass, and catfish. The lake's abundant fish population provides ample opportunities for fishing enthusiasts to cast their lines and reel in a catch.

Camping facilities are available nearby, offering a chance to experience the serenity of Lake Umatilla's surroundings and enjoy a peaceful camping retreat.

Boating, camping and fishing.

Stretching for 110 miles along the Washington/Oregon border, Lake Umatilla is a giant boating waterway and an excellent fishery. The elevation is 268 ft above sea level. This section of the Columbia River is accessible from both Oregon and Washington with numerous boat launch ramps in each state. No boat rentals are available here so bring a canoe, kayak, family boat or fishing boat and enjoy this great fishing in southern Washington. Residing in this 48,000-acre lake are bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch, salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and others. Over 220 miles of shoreline give anglers plenty of places to wet a line for bass, crappie and sunfish. The deeper river channel, ledges and humps are favorite hangouts of most the other species.

Area Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Camping

Crowe Butte Park Campground - 509 875-2644

Agate Acres RV Park - 509 735-8642

Plymouth Park Campground - 541 506-4807

Driftwood RV Resort & Campground - 541 481-3262

US Army Corps of Engineers Campground - 541 739-2713

Roosevelt Park Recreation Area Campground - 541 506-7819

Oregon Trail RV Park - 541 571-0661

Umatilla Marina RV Park - 541 922-3939

Green Acres RV Park - 541 481-2205

Lake Umatilla Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Lake Umatilla include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead and sturgeon.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Channel catfish Black crappie White crappie Walleye Bluegill Pumpkinseed Sunfish Yellow Perch Chinook salmon Coho salmon Steelhead Sturgeon