Southwest Zone

SW Fishing

January 8, 2026

Best bets for weekend fishing:

• This is good time of year for Chinook anglers to check wild Chinook bag limits for the locations they are planning to fish.
• Lost Creek Reservoir has had great reports by folks trolling for rainbow trout.

Trout stocking 

Regular stocking will resume February 2026.

Check out the Trout stocking schedule.

Trout stocking maps

Check out the ODFW fishing and trout stocking maps to find nearby fishing locations, driving directions and descriptions of amenities.

Sign up for the latest information on boater access 

Marine Board's Opportunities and Access Report incorporates information from federal and state agencies, local facility operators and fellow boaters to provide up-to-date information so boaters can decide where to recreate and what to expect this season. Subscribe to receive email updates.

Rogue South Coast Winter Steelhead Validation is required to target steelhead starting December 1. A Wild Steelhead Harvest Tag is also required to harvest non-adipose clipped (wild) steelhead where open. See page 35-39 in the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations.

Updates by waterbody

AGATE LAKE: Bass, carp, black crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead

Agate Lake is 32 percent full. Anglers are encouraged to harvest any carp or catfish caught at the reservoir. Last updated 1/7/26

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: Trout, landlocked spring chinook, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill,

The lake level is 1,915 ft and the surface temperature at Applegate is 45F. Check up-to-date reservoir levels here, or call the Army Corps of Engineers at (800) 472-2434 for lake level and temperature information. The low-water ramp at French Gulch is the only available ramp at these levels.

There is a longstanding health advisory for consumption of resident species due to elevated levels of mercury. See Oregon Health Authority consumption guidelines or the sportfishing regulations for more information. Last updated 1/7/26

APPLEGATE RIVER below Applegate Dam: Trout, steelhead

The Applegate River is open for hatchery trout and winter steelhead. All wild (unclipped) fish must be released. Try focusing effort low in the system in January. Flows should be decent with little turbidity by the weekend. Last updated 1/7/26

Arizona Pond: rainbow trout

Located on Arizona Beach State Park property, this pond offers a unique angling opportunity to youth anglers under 17. Trout were stocked over the Holidays so anglers should still be able to find a few swimming around. The edges of the pond can be quite wet and muddy so anglers may want to wear waterproof boots.BEN IRVING RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, yellow perch, crappie

With recent cooler/wet weather, warmwater fish will be slowing down. Try slower presentations. Angling is slow. Last update 12/10/25

CHETCO RIVER: Winter steelhead

River conditions will slowly improve this week. Plunkers will do best until flows get below 4000cfs. Steelhead are scattered throughout the river. As of December 1 anglers will need the Rogue South Coast steelhead validation to fish for steelhead.

COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, yellow perch, crappie

Recent rains will have mad the water more cloudy. Brighter presentations and bait may be a better choice. Cooler weather may also slow the bit of warmwater fish Last updated 1/7/2026

COOS RIVER BASIN: Bottomfish, trout, surfperch, salmon

Rougher weather/waves warrant caution when fishing along the jetties, however, some rockfish can still be caught around the jetties in the lower Coos Bay estuary, but you may need to move around to several spots to find actively biting fish. Best fishing is typically near slack tides with good fishing one day and fair fishing the next. A jig fished with a twister tail trailer is always a good option to catch bottom fish.

The 2025 daily general marine fish bag limit is 3 fish plus 2 lingcod with no retention of yelloweye or quillback rockfish. There is a one fish daily sub-bag limit for canary rockfish as part of the general marine bag limit. Anglers are allowed to harvest cabezon with a 1 fish daily sub-bag limit as part of the general marine bag limit.

Chinook salmon have moved through the bay and have spawned in tributaries or been spawned at the Morgan Creek and Noble Creek hatcheries and are no longer available to be caught. The wild coho season closed on October 10^th, 2025 For any questions on Salmon Fishing in the Coos or Coquille please call the Charleston office at 541-888-5515 (dial zero at the answer of the machine).

On occasion stray feeder Chinook from the ocean may be caught in the lower Coos Bay. The salmon bite is typically best a couple hours before and through the high slack tide. Regulations through the winter period default to standard regs of 2 fish per day.

Steelhead are now showing up at typical locations, (W.F. Millicoma River, S. Coos River) . Steelhead fishing is expected to improve as river levels continue to drop. Fish should be available in traditional locations 01/07/26

Coho spawning is has peaked and is decreasing peak in the Coos Basin. However, a few fish may still be observed. in spawning streams with family/friends. Please be protective of fish and keep sufficient distance when viewing spawning coho to avoid disturbing them. Medium sized streams including Marlow Creek, Glenn Creek, Daniels Creek, and W.F. Millicoma R. upstream of Joes Creek are good locations for viewing.

With caution to choose a day when surf is minimal it is possible that a few striped surfperch may be caught around the jetties with a few red-tail surfperch being available along the ocean beaches like Horsefall Beach. Anglers have the best success fishing with sand shrimp near the bottom. Last updated 01/07/26

Trout season closed Oct. 31 and will not reopen until May 22^nd, 2026. Last updated 01/07/26

STARTING IMMEDIATELY THERE MAY BE A TEMPORARY DOCK MOORED TO THE CHANDLER BRIDGE TO ALLOW FOR BRIDGE MAINTENANCE. BOATERS IN THIS REACH OF RIVER NEED TO BE AWARE OF THIS BOATING RISK.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: trout, striped bass, smallmouth bass

The hatchery fall Chinook and wild coho seasons closed on October 15^th, 2025. Fall Chinook have finished spawning. Coho spawning has also peaked and is steadily decreasing There are still a few fish in spawning streams for viewing of fish with family/friends. Please be protective of fish and keep sufficient distance when viewing spawning coho to avoid disturbing them. Medium sized streams such as Moon Creek, Park Creek, Big Creek, and Middle Creek are good locations for viewing.

Striped bass fishing in the lower Coquille has slowed substantially and very few anglers pursue this species this time of year due to high and muddy flows. If a week or two of dry weather returns and the river clears an occasional fish might be caught using nightcrawler or 1/3 of an anchovy/herring bait on the bottom. Use of a sliding line through a three way swivel or swivel stopper with drop lead is popular.

Smallmouth bass are essentially dormant in the winter throughout the Coquille River and main tributaries due to cooler water temps and lower metabolism. Spearfishing closed October 31^st. Bait fishing for smallmouth remains open in tidewater locations and the S.F. Coquille River and where steelhead fishing is open. Fishing will be very very slow. Either bait on the bottom or artificial grubs/worms worked very slowly are the best bet . Hardcore anglers may entice a smallmouth bass to bite in the tidewater reaches upstream of Coquille, with bait on the bottom. Higher river flows are expected to continue through January 12^th and the ability to catch smallmouth during higher water will be minimal There is no limit for smallmouth bass, which are destructive to salmon fry production. Last updated 01/07/26

Steelhead have been caught in the tidewater reaches of the Coquille River, where flows have been higher than desirable for fishing. Levels are expected to continue to drop and should start to be very fishable by the weekend of January 10-11^th. Fish are now considered distributed upstream to Powers on the S.F. and LaVerne Park on the N.F. As river levels drop fishing is expected to be fair to good in the mainstem reaches of the S.F. and N.F. where water conditions are suitable. There has been some confusion about use of bait in the Coquille basin during the steelhead season due to the language in the S.W. section Regulations Exceptions. Bait is allowed during steelhead season in all waters of the Coquille basin where steelhead fishing is open. The plan at this point is to adjust the language in the regulations for the 2027 manual. Last updated 01/07/26

For any questions on Salmon Fishing in the Coos or Coquille please call the Charleston office at 541-888-5515 (dial zero at the answer of the machine).

Trout fishing closed in rivers and streams in the Coquille Basin on October 31 and will reopen May 22^nd 2026. Last updated 01/07/26.

DIAMOND LAKE: Trout

Winter weather has finally arrived but the lake has not started to freeze over. Anglers can still access that lake, but there is little pressure currently..

Diamond Lake has been stocked with tiger and brown trout. These fish were introduced to help control illegally introduced tui chub. These trout are catch-and-release only and need to be released immediately and unharmed if caught. Follow these catch-and-release tips for reducing fish mortality. Last updated 1/7/2026

ELK RIVER: Hatchery Chinook, winter steelhead

Anglers are still picking up a few chinook, but most effort has shifted to targeting winter steelhead.

EMIGRANT LAKE: Largemouth and smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, catfish, rainbow trout

Emigrant Lake is 26 percent full and the boat ramp may be difficult to use with larger boats at this level. With cooler weather and rain trout should start becoming easier to target throughout the reservoir.

There is a longstanding health advisory for consumption of resident warmwater species in Emigrant for high levels of mercury. Consult the sportfishing regulations or the Oregon Health Authority for more information on consumption guidelines.

The most current elevations for Emigrant Reservoir and other Rogue Basin reservoirs can be found on the Bureau of Reclamation's website, here. Last updated 1/7/26

EXPO POND: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie

Fishing for largemouth bass and panfish might be slow with cooler temperatures, but anglers can catch nice Largemouth Bass year-round here. Expo Pond is the pond at the Jackson County Fairgrounds located directly adjacent to the access road at Gate 5, at Southern Oregon RV Park.

There are Chinese mystery snails in the most northern pond. They are highly invasive and were illegally dumped here. Please do not move these creatures and drain and dry any personal watercraft before using them in another waterbody. Last updated 1/7/26

FISH LAKE: Rainbow trout, brook trout, spring Chinook

Fish Lake is 64 percent full. It was stocked with rainbow trout in early October. There is some snow in the area but the lake is still ice-free.

The USFS reports problems with the water system. Porta-potties have been installed, but the fish cleaning station will not be available this year.

Anglers are encouraged to report catches of tiger trout or send other fishing reports to Rogue Fish District Staff 541-826-8774. Last updated 1/7/26

FLORAS LAKE: Rainbow trout, cutthroat

This is a good lake to target when area rivers are either low and clear or high and muddy. Anglers may want to fish in the afternoon when conditions are a little warmer and the fish become more active. The lake has very little bank angling. Boat anglers can launch at Boice Cope County Park. Anglers will want to check the weather conditions prior to heading out. The lake can be very windy. Last updated 12/17/25

GALESVILLE RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, bass

The boat ramps are still accessible. The reservoir is about 40 feet lower than summer full pool. Trout fishing can still be good during cooler weather. Bass fishing has slowed down as winter weather arrives. A lower reservoir can mean the fish are concentrated and easier to target. Last updated 1/7/2026

GARRISON LAKE: Trout

Fishing this lake may be an excellent alternative when local rivers are too low and clear or high and muddy. The fish are generally more active in the afternoon in warmer weather. The lake usually has quite a few large trout that carry through the summer. This is the time of year when anglers should check weather conditions before heading out. The lake can be very windy. Last updated 12/17/25

HEMLOCK LAKE & LAKE IN THE WOODS (Douglas County): Trout

Winter weather may make the lake inaccessible until spring. However, the extra warm weather has meant the road was open until recently. There should be lots of trout from summer stocking. Last updated 1/7/2026

HOWARD PRAIRIE: Trout, bass

Howard Prairie is 80 percent full. Bait fishing, casting from shore, and trolling are all good techniques. Larger trout can be caught on Powerbait still-fished about 2 ft off the bottom. Trolling a variety of lures with a worm can at depth can also be productive this time of year. County boat ramps are all closed for the season, but the gravel boat launch by the dam should be available.

Remember to remove all vegetation from gear, boots and boats before leaving Howard Prairie. Last updated 1/7/26

HYATT LAKE: Trout, bass, brown bullhead, black crappie

Hyatt is 78 percent full. All the campground and boat ramp gates have been locked for the season, so boat access is limited. Fishing for trout by the dam with power bait is a good bet this time of year.

Remember to remove all vegetation from gear, boots, and boats before leaving Hyatt. Last updated 1/7/26

ILLINOIS RIVER: Trout, steelhead

The Illinois River is open for trout and steelhead fishing using flies and lures only. Water levels should be good until forecasted rain comes in later this weekend. Click here for river flow and river forecasts. Consult the fishing regulations for more information and locations open to fishing. Tributaries, including East Fork and West Fork Illinois, are closed to angling.

Last updated 12/9/25.

LAKE MARIE: Rainbow trout, yellow perch

Lake Marie receives only a little pressure this time of year, and can be a good place to visit in the winter as it remains open year-round. This is a good lake to use scented bait. Fishing has been slow, but no recent reports. Last updated 1/7/2026

LAKE SELMAC (Selmac Lake): Trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie

Try slow presentation of rubber baits for largemouth bass, or bobber and small jig for bluegill and crappie. Lake Selmac has its share of non-native aquatic hitchhikers. Boat anglers are asked to do their part to remove as much vegetation as possible before leaving the ramp, as well as drain and dry their vessel before boating in another waterbody.

Please help stop the spread of Oregon's aquatic hitchhikers! Last updated 1/7/26

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: Brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee

Lemolo is drawn down for the winter which can make accessing the reservoir difficult, but it remains ice free and fish will be concentrated.

The US Forest Service campgrounds are closed for the season. For other information call the Lemolo Lake Resort at (541) 643-0750.

Kokanee in Lemolo are considered trout and therefore fall under the daily limit of trout of five per day with only one of those measuring over 20-inches. Last updated 1/7/2026

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, landlocked spring chinook, bass

The lake level is 1,807ft and the water surface temperature at Lost Creek is 49F. At this level the Takelma boat ramp might be difficult for larger boats to launch & retrieve. The lake was stocked with 6,000 rainbow trout in early October, and anglers have had excellent success on legal-sized and larger trout trolling. Lost Creek also offers good bank fishing access, and fishing on both sides of the lake near the dam can be very effective using PowerBait.

Anglers can click here to get the latest reservoir details or by calling the US Army Corps Lost Creek Lake and Applegate Reservoir projects information line at (800) 472-2434. Last updated 12/15/25

MEDCO POND: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie

Try a bobber and small jig for bluegill and crappie. Slow presentations of rubber baits can work well for largemouth in cooler temperatures. Medco Pond is a private pond, and access can be revoked at any time. Bank anglers should stay away from the east portion of the lake, again due to private property, and stay on the roadside of the gate with any vehicles (even if the gate is open). To help keep access open, anglers should make sure to pick up their trash, as well as other trash when they are there. Last updated 1/7/26

PLAT I RESERVOIR: Trout, bass

Angling is slow in the areas with water. The Water Control District City of Sutherlin has drained the lake. Duck hunting is open on Plat I, see ODFW Bird Regulations for more details. Last updated 12/10/25

ROGUE RIVER

Rogue River, lower: Winter steelhead

Fishing conditions should be great for anglers plunking spin and glows. Boat anglers may need to wait until flow and river conditions improve. Remember to purchase Rogue South Coast Steelhead Validation prior to going steelhead fishing.

Rogue River, middle: Steelhead, trout

There may be a few summer steelhead still in the mainstem Rogue, but most be on the lookout for fresh winter steelhead in the coming weeks. River conditions should be good through the weekend. Anglers, please use proper catch-and-release techniques, such as keeping fish in the water as much as possible and releasing them quickly.

Current flow, temp and turbidity conditions for the Rogue can be found at the USGS stream gauges here, or checking the City of Grants Pass water page's river data here. Last updated 1/7/26.

Rogue River, upper: Steelhead, Coho, trout

The release from Lost Creek Reservoir is around 2,000cfs. Click here for current flow at the Ray Gold gage. A few summer steelhead continue to migrate into the upper Rogue, but the coho run is pretty much finished.

Cole Rivers Hatchery returns as of 1/6/26

Anglers, please use proper catch-and-release techniques, such as keeping fish in the water as much as possible and releasing them quickly.

For up-to-date river levels, check all the USGS Rogue gauges here.

Last updated 1/7/26

Rogue River, above Lost Creek Reservoir: Trout

Fishing is available all year above Lost Cr Lake but snow will start to limit access. Take a look at ODOT TripCheck before heading up. Anglers are encouraged to harvest brook trout regardless of size. Last updated 1/7/26

Sixes River: Chinook

Low and clear. Bank angling is the best method to target chinook until flows pick up.

There is a complete angling closure upstream of Edson Creek until January 1. This closure is to protect fall Chinook staging to spawn in the mainstem and tributaries. 

SMITH RIVER, Umpqua: Winter steelhead

Winter steelhead fishing should be picking up with recent rains. There is good access for angling since the Smith River Road follows the mainstem for most of the time. Last updated 1/7/2026

TENMILE LAKES/TENMILE CREEK: Trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch, coho salmon

Largemouth bass have fully transitioned to their late winter patterns as the aquatic vegetation begins to die back for the year. Fishing will continue to be very slow through February. Few if any fish are likely to be taken by topwater fishing. Fishing below surface is recommended. During the middle of the day a bass or two may be able to be caught on crankbaits, jigs, and finesse lures like drop shots. Look to find bass along submerged logs and deeper weed line edges.

Anglers may still catch a few yellow perch along the edge of the weed lines near the bottom and submerged structure. Yellow perch can be caught using a worm fishing near the bottom or using a small jig/jigging spoon tipped with a worm fished near the bottom.

The Tenmile Lakes wild coho season officially opened in October. Most coho have entered tributaries to spawn and only a few fish remain in the lake. A few fish are still likely present in Big, Shutters, Benson, and Blacks Creek arms. Casting spinners to fish rolling at times is effective. 01/07/26

Winter steelhead are in Tenmile Creek and Eel Creek. Fishing is expected to continue to pick up, although there have not been any reports of a strong bite. Last updated 01/07/26.

Trout fishing in rivers and streams closed October 31. Trout fishing in the lakes is open year-round. Trout anglers are having success trolling in deeper water using wedding rings tipped with a nightcrawler. Last updated 01/07/26

UMPQUA HIKE-IN LAKES AND FOREBAYS: Trout

With recent winter weather it is likely some of the lakes will be difficult to access. Big Twin, Bullpup, and Fuller lakes may still be accessible for now. Check with USFS for current trail and road conditions. For a map of lakes stocked in the SW check out the ODFW's trout stocking map. Last updated 1/7/2026

UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: Winter steelhead

Winter steelhead are being caught throughout the mainstem. With recent rains the river might be a bit cloudy and anglers using bait may have more success.

Spring Chinook seasons were announced recently. The mainstem will be closed to all harvest of wild spring Chinook including jacks. Hatchery fish are still open and there should be a decent run again this year. Last updated 1/7/2026

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: Winter steelhead

Winter steelhead fishing is picking up and early returns seem to be above the 10-year average. Cooler weather may slow the bite, but with recent rains fishing should be on the move.

Spring Chinook seasons were announced recently. Anglers may retain one wild adult Chinook per day and 10 for the season through June 30.Last updated 1/7/2026

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: Steelhead, bass

The South Umpqua River is now open for winter steelhead. Recent rains should be getting fish further upriver. Reports of steelhead are being caught throughout the river.

Stanton Park campground (near Canyonville) is under construction, and the old access is closed for the winter. A new access roadway through the main park entrance is available for anglers. It is steep and only currently only rocked, so 4-wheel drive is recommended. Please look at before driving down. If anglers have questions they can contact Douglas County Parks. Last updated 1/7/2026

WILLOW LAKE: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, black crappie, brown bullhead, yellow perch

Willow Lake is about half full, but boat ramps are not available at this level. The combination of legal and pounder-sized fish provides an excellent trout fishery at Willow this time of year. Anglers are encouraged to harvest undersized yellow perch (also illegally introduced) for a fish fry.

For more information on camping and day use please visit Jackson County Parks or call (541) 774-8183. Last updated 1/7/26