Lake Umatilla is the long Columbia River pool behind John Day Dam, stretching upriver from near Rufus past Arlington toward McNary Dam at Umatilla. It runs between Oregon and Washington through open, sunny Columbia Plateau country.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake Umatilla, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons.
Wide water, sandy beaches and warm summers make it great for water sports, and it is one of the top walleye and smallmouth bass fisheries in the West.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake Umatilla
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Lake Umatilla with no towing required.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Lake Umatilla.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – rent one or a pair, including 3-seat models that can tow a tube or skier.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Lake Umatilla while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- Water toys – tubes, lily pads, water trampolines, paddle boards and more to keep the whole group busy.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Lake Umatilla at a glance
| Location | Columbia River, between John Day Dam and McNary Dam |
|---|---|
| Length | Roughly 75 miles of river |
| Towns | Arlington, Boardman, Irrigon and Umatilla |
| Climate | Hot, dry and sunny summers |
| Fish | Walleye, smallmouth bass and salmon |
| Best season | June through September |
Best things to do on Lake Umatilla
- Wakesurfing – calm mornings in protected bays.
- Jet skiing – endless open river.
- Beach days – sandy shores at the riverside parks.
- Fishing – walleye and smallmouth bass.
Where to launch at Lake Umatilla
- Arlington and Boardman marinas – ramps, docks and parks on the Oregon side.
- Umatilla Marina and RV Park – near McNary Dam at the upper end.
Wind on the Columbia can build quickly. Your rental from us is ready at the river.
Tips for a great day on Lake Umatilla
- Afternoon wind is common, so plan surfing for the morning.
- Stay clear of barges and the navigation channel.
- Keep slow within 200 feet of ramps and swim areas.
Oregon boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children 12 and under must wear one on an open deck while the boat is underway, and anyone being towed must wear one.
- When towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber, an observer must watch the rider, a skier-down flag goes up when the rider is in the water, and towing is only allowed from sunrise to sunset.
- Jet skis must stay at slow-no wake speed within 200 feet of the shoreline on lakes and reservoirs (except for safe take-offs and landings) and can’t ride within 200 feet directly behind a towed rider.
- Slow-no wake is required within 200 feet of boat ramps, marinas, moorages, swimmers and anyone working at the water’s edge.
- Columbia River (Lake Umatilla): slow-no wake within 200 feet of public ramps and marked swim areas, and boats must stay out of the restricted zones at the dams.
Map of Lake Umatilla
Lake Umatilla rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake Umatilla?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Do I have to tow the boat to Lake Umatilla myself?
No. Your rental is ready for you at Lake Umatilla, so you don't need a truck or trailer.
Where is Lake Umatilla?
On the Columbia River between John Day Dam near Rufus and McNary Dam at Umatilla.
Is Lake Umatilla good for water sports?
Yes. Mornings are often calm, and protected bays are great for surfing and tubing.
Are there barges on Lake Umatilla?
Yes. Commercial barges use the river, so give them plenty of room.
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