Kinney Lake

Kinney Lake is a public carry-in (hand-launch) site on Kinney Lake in Wallowa County, Oregon.

It is owned and managed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

This is a carry-in access designed for canoes, kayaks and other hand-launched small craft rather than trailered powerboats.

Kinney Lake is a hand-carry / car-top access.

Facilities include 1 launch lane.

The site is managed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Kinney Lake is open to public fishing, boating and paddling across the Pacific Northwest. Anglers here target largemouth and smallmouth bass, trout, crappie, catfish and panfish.

The rivers are famous for spring and fall runs of chinook and coho salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon.

On a lake like this, weed edges, drop-offs, points and structure hold fish through the open-water season.

Kinney Lake is a public access point to Kinney Lake for hand-carried craft.

This launch sits on Kinney Lake; look for other public access points, marinas and shoreline fishing spots along the same water, and check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for the full list of access sites nearby.

Conditions are usually milder than big water, but wind can still build a chop on open stretches. Watch for shallow bars, stumps and swimmers near shore, and check the forecast before a long run.

Carry U.S. Coast Guard–required safety gear, wear your life jacket, file a float plan for longer trips, and watch the afternoon heat and storms in summer.

An Oregon angling license is required for anglers 12 and older. Follow the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's seasons, size and creel limits, which vary by water and species.

Clean, Drain and Dry: remove all aquatic plants and animals, drain every compartment, and never move live fish or bait between waters — this is how invasive species like zebra mussels and invasive carp spread.

Observe posted launch rules, no-wake and idle zones near the ramp, and any local watercraft controls.

Access/parking fee: Yes.

This is a hand-launch site — bring a cart for longer carries and pack light. It is ideal for kayaks, canoes and small car-top boats rather than big trailered rigs.

Arrive early on summer weekends for parking, and have a plan for wind direction before you launch on open water.