McDonald Waterhole is a lake in Oregon, near Harney County.
McDonald Waterhole is a lake in Harney County, Oregon.
Without a dependable size figure for McDonald Waterhole, weeds, rock, water color, and nearby depth are the best starting clues.
During a short evening pass near the outside weed line under flat light, the fish mix is not confirmed, so check fresh local information before choosing a target or keeping a catch.
During a careful second pass near scattered wood beside useful cover, begin with one slow bottom presentation and one moving bait, then let bites show whether fish are holding close to cover or roaming open water.
During a return to the best bank near a shallow shelf in stained water, do not let the deepest number control the whole day; nearby cover, firm bottom, and food usually matter more than the deepest hole by itself.
During a warm summer afternoon near the downwind side in clear water, spring runoff can add color and pull fish toward fresh water; green weeds and the first drop become stronger summer targets; in fall, follow bait toward points and shallow flats, while winter rewards a slower search.
During a short evening pass near a channel bend with stable weather, a medium spinning rod, 8-pound line, a small box of jigs, a few crankbaits, and a simple bottom rig cover most situations; change depth or speed before changing every piece of tackle.
During a careful second pass near the downwind side while the water is falling, record the wind, water color, depth where the bait worked, and cover after a bite; those four notes are more useful on the next trip than a long list of spots that did not produce.
Explore nearby waters, including local Featured destinations. Check each page for access and fishing restrictions.
Distances are straight-line estimates between mapped water locations.