Make sure you set your hook early when fishing near the dam so you can release unharmed any aggressive steelhead smolt that you might hook. Another popular spot for the bank anglers is along the Breitenbush River where it enters the lake. A lot of garbage accumulates here around and in the lake. Please pack out what you take in. There are numerous boat ramps, and slips are available.
Many people rent boats at the lake.
Both party barges and fishing boats can be rented. Detroit Lake offers one of the largest congregations of campsites in the entire state. This is a busy, raucous area, with smoke from bacon grease, echoes from chopping axes, and screams from happy children filling the air. The sites fill up fast, so reservations are encouraged. Detroit Lake is a wheelchair accessible location.