Southwest Zone

SW Fishing

April 23, 2026

Best bets for weekend fishing:

• Trolling at Lost Creek and Applegate Reservoirs should be very good this weekend.
• Howard Prairie and Hyatt Reservoirs will be full of legal-size rainbow trout and holdover trout should be good sized this year.

Trout stocking 

Stocked the week of April 20-24: Applegate Res, Empire Lake- upper and lower, Floras Lake, Howard Prairie, Hyatt Res., Lost Creek Res, Garrison Lake, Laird Lake, Bradley Lake, Arizona Pond.

Scheduled to be stocked the weeks of April 20- May 8:

Spalding Pond, Expo Pond (Rogue) Empire Lake- Upper, Howard Prairie Res, Fish Lake, Hyatt Res, Burma Pond, Medco Pond, Butterfield Lake, Saunders Lake, Laird Lake, Eel Lake, Galesville Res, SRU Lake (formerly USFS Lake), Bradley Lake, Empire Lake lower, Cooper Creek Res, Tenmile Lake, Floras Lake, Powers Pond, Loon Lake, Emigrant Res, .

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 December 1 – April 30. 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, trout

Agate Lake is still100 percent full. There should still be rainbow trout available. Fishing crank baits and poppers can be a lot of fun for bass as the water starts to warm up through next week. Anglers are encouraged to harvest any carp or catfish caught at the reservoir and chicken liver is a good bait to target them. Last updated 4/22/26

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

The lake level is 1,948 ft and the surface temperature at Applegate is 57F. Check up-to-date reservoir levels here, or call the Army Corps of Engineers at (800) 472-2434 for lake level and temperature information.

10,000 legal-size and 800 trophy trout were released last week. Holdover trout should be evenly distributed throughout the reservoir. Bank fishing or trolling should be good. Bass fishing along the vegetation and structure along the banks should also start to get good with the forecast of warmer weather in the next week.

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 4/22/26

APPLEGATE RIVER below Applegate Dam: Closed to all angling

Seasonal closure to all angling is in effect until May 22. Last Updated 4/1/26

ARIZONA POND: Rainbow trout

Fishing conditions have improved with recent rains. Bobbers and worms or fishing small spinners are all good methods for fishing the pond. Trout will be stocked through April. Located on Arizona Beach State Park property, this pond offers a unique angling opportunity to youth anglers under 17.

BEN IRVING RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, yellow perch, crappie

Ben Irving was stocked with rainbow trout last month, trout fishing has been slow despite the recent stocking. However, warmwater fishing has been picking up. Crappie and bass are some of the best bets for now, but recent rain could get the trout more interested in biting. Last update 4/22/26

BOLAN LAKE: Rainbow trout, brook trout

Bolan Lake was stocked with 700 legal-size rainbow trout a couple weeks ago. It has been fairly cool up there, so brook trout should still be distributed throughout the lake and can be caught on spinners. There is good bank access and a small unimproved boat ramp available. Last updated 4/15/26

CHETCO RIVER: Winter steelhead

Chetco river closed to all angling April 1.

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

The water does have some color, so brighter presentations and bait may be a better choice. The warmwater bite should be getting better and some notably large largemouth bass have been spotted lately. The reservoir was stocked with 1,500 legal and 400 trophy rainbow trout the last week of January. the middle of March, and again in the middle of April. Anglers are reporting good catches. Bass angling has been good.

Common carp have been illegally introduced into the reservoir. If one should catch a carp, please take a photo, get the size, and location where caught and send to evan.leonetti@odfw.oregon.gov or call the Roseburg office at 541-440-3353. Do not release the fish back into the water. Last updated 4/22/26

COOS RIVER BASIN: Bottomfish, trout, surfperch, steelhead, salmon

Rougher weather and sneaker wave warnings warrant caution when fishing along the jetties, however, some rockfish can 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.

For the general marine fish regulations, please visit the sport bottomfish seasons page.

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 throughout the winter period default to standard regs of 2 fish per day.

Steelhead have finished their spawning run for 2026 and fishing has ended in the Coos River basin. 04/07/26

Choose a day when the surf is not at a dangerous level, and it is possible to catch a few striped perch around the jetties. Some of the more popular spots to fish for red-tailed surfperch are along beaches like Horsefall Beach and Whiskey Run. Anglers have the best success fishing with sand shrimp near the bottom. Last updated 04/07/26

ODFW is steadily stocking coastal lakes in the district (Saunders, Bradley, Butterfield, Empire Lakes, Powers) on a two to three week rotation. Trout fishing has been fair in those locations. Trout season for streams closed until May 22. Last updated 04/07/26 

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, steelhead, smallmouth bass

Striped bass fishing in the lower Coquille has slowed substantially and very few anglers pursue this species this time of year due to cold water, in addition to high and muddy flows. 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 will become more active in the upcoming weeks with warmer weather and lower river flows. Spearfishing closed on October 31. Bait fishing for smallmouth remains open in tidewater locations and the Coquille River S.F. and where steelhead fishing is open. Fishing will improve over the next month with rising river temperatures. Try bait on the bottom or artificial grubs/worms worked very slowly until the river is warmer in May, when topwater gear and lures will become viable. Hardcore anglers may entice a small mouth bass to bite in the tidewater reaches upstream of Coquille, with bait on the bottom. There is no limit for smallmouth bass, which are destructive to salmon fry production. Last updated 04/07/26

Steelhead have finished their spawning run for 2026 and fishing is over for the season. 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 in all mainstem forks of the Coquille basin for steelhead. The plan at this point is to adjust the language in the regulations for the 2027 manual. Last updated 04/07/26

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

ODFW is steadily stocking coastal lakes in the district (Saunders, Bradley, Butterfield, Empire Lakes, Powers Pond) on a two to three week rotation. Trout fishing has been fair in those locations. Trout fishing is closed in rivers and streams in the Coquille Basin until May 22. Last updated 04/07/26.

DIAMOND LAKE: Trout

The lodge has boat docks set up. If you are planning on fishing from a boat, the main boat ramp and the South ramp are the only two open. The South ramp does not have the docks in yet. The cleaning station will not be open until Memorial Day. There haven't been many anglers hitting Diamond Lake yet, but angling for holdover trout should be good. A few reports have anglers willing to venture up there reporting success.

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 4/22/2026

ELK RIVER: Winter steelhead

Closed to all angling April 1.

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

Emigrant Lake is 67 percent full and was stocked with 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout a few weeks ago. The most current elevations for Emigrant Reservoir and other Rogue Basin reservoirs can be found on the Bureau of Reclamation's website, here. Largemouth bass fishing is starting to get good around the drop-offs in the still portions of the reservoir. Try targeting smallmouth bass near the head of the reservoir where there is some current from inflow.

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. Last updated 4/22/26

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

Expo pond will be stocked with legal-size rainbow trout this week. Fishing for largemouth bass and panfish should start to pick up as days warm up, but anglers can catch nice Largemouth Bass year-round here. Try fishing senkos or brush hogs on a light jig and let them sink naturally with a little bit of slack in the line.

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 4/22/26

FISH LAKE: Rainbow trout, brook trout, spring Chinook

Fish Lake is 64 percent full and is scheduled for another load of legal-size rainbow trout this week. The USFS public boat ramp is available to launch boats. Early season trolling for trout is usually very good this time of 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 4/22/26

FLORAS LAKE: Rainbow trout, cutthroat

The lake is not scheduled to be stocked again until the end of April, but the lake has a very good population of cutthroat and with the warmer days they can provide some good fishing opportunity. 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 3/4/26

GALESVILLE RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, bass

The boat ramps are still accessible. The reservoir is about 40 feet lower than summer full pool. They are slowly filling the lake. The reservoir was stocked with rainbow trout in the middle of March and again in the middle of April. A lower reservoir can mean the fish are concentrated and easier to target. Angling should be good in general, but bass angling is reportedly going very good. Last updated 4/22/26

GARRISON LAKE: Trout

Fishing has been good. The lake also has a good population of cutthroat, and they are starting to show up in the catch. Anglers should check weather conditions before heading out. The lake can be very windy. Last updated 3/4/26

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

Both lakes are accessible and some people are catching trout. Stocking was planned for later this spring, but there should be lots of trout from last summer's stocking. Last updated 4/22/26

HOWARD PRAIRIE: Trout, bass

Howard Prairie is 78 percent full. 7,500 legal sized rainbow trout were released last week and another 7,500 will be going in this week. The full reservoir last year should have promoted very good growth for hold-over trout. The Willow Point boat ramp is open early this year, so for those with boats it can be worth running up to or through the narrows to fish the shallow meadow section while the water is still up. Largemouth bass fishing will likely start to pick up in the next few weeks. Try fishing senkos, brush hogs, or other rubber baits on a jig head and letting them sink naturally along docks or structure. Remember to remove all vegetation from gear, boots and boats before leaving Howard Prairie. Last updated 4/15/26

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

Hyatt is 58 percent full. 7,500 legal-sized rainbow trout were released last week and another 7,500 will be stocked this week. Fishing power bait a couple feet off the bottom near the dam is typically a good early season strategy for trout if you are bank fishing. Holdover trout should be good size this year and the BLM boat ramps are open. If you have a boat it can be worth casting lures in the shallow section on the north end of the reservoir while the water is still somewhat up and the water is still relatively cool. Largemouth bass fishing could start getting good as temperatures start to warm up. Rubber baits on a jig head are quite effective near the submerged trees.

Remember to remove all vegetation from gear, boots, and boats before leaving Hyatt. Last updated 4/22/26

ILLINOIS RIVER: Closed to all angling

Closed to all angling until May 22. Last updated 4/1/26

LAKE MARIE: Rainbow trout, yellow perch

Spring can be a good time to visit Lake Marie before the summer crowds come through. This is a good lake to use scented bait. The lake was stocked in the middle of March with rainbow trout and was stocked again in the middle of April. Recent reports indicate that fishing has been good. Last updated 4/22/26

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

Lake Selmac has been stocked a couple of times with legal-sized rainbow trout this year. Lake Selmac is an outstanding largemouth bass fishery, and the bluegill and crappie fishing can be pretty fun, as well. Boat anglers, please do your part to remove as much vegetation as possible before leaving the ramp, as well as drain and dry vessels before boating in another waterbody. Please help stop the spread of Oregon's aquatic hitchhikers! Last updated 4/22/26

Last updated 4/15/26

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: Brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee

Pacific Corp has begun filling Lemolo, but it is still well below full pool. 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 4/22/26

LITTLE HYATT LAKE: trout, largemouth bass

Little Hyatt Res was stocked with 1,200 legal-sized rainbow trout a few weeks ago and reports of good catches have come in. Small rooster tails and blue-fox spinners seem to be producing. Last updated 4/22/26

LOON LAKE: Warmwater species

The BLM boat ramp is open Memorial weekend through September 30. The lake was stocked last week with legal rainbow trout. The Loon Lake Lodge ramp is open April through October 31. This ramp is private and has limited parking. It may be closed if it is full. You may want to call the lodge at (541) 599-2244 before heading out. Fishing should be good for trout and bass. Last updated 4/22/26

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

The lake level is 1,852ft and the water surface temperature at Lost Creek is 56F. In addition to 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. 15,000 legal-size and 800 trophy rainbow trout were released this last, so fishing should be quite good. Trolling wedding rings with a worm has been a proven method.

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 4/22/26

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

Medco Pond is a private pond, and access can be revoked at any time. Another load of legal-size rainbows trout is headed to Medco this week, so trout fishing should be good this weekend. Largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie fishing is almost always a good bet here and a great way for young anglers to catch fish. 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, please to pick up any trash you may see. Last updated 4/22/26

PLAT I RESERVOIR: Trout, bass

Angling is slow for rainbow trout. Fish will be spread out now that the reservoir is at full pool. The reservoir was stocked in the middle of March with Rainbow trout. Last updated 4/22/26

ROGUE RIVER

Rogue River, lower: Spring Chinook, Winter steelhead

River conditions have improved with the recent rains. Spring chinook fishing continues to be slow for bank anglers, but boat anglers are having some success. Spring Chinook anglers that want to retain a steelhead they may catch will need to purchase the Rogue South Coast Steelhead Validation.

Rogue River, middle: Steelhead, Chinook

The middle Rogue is in good shape, but relatively low. Winter steelhead catch rates have slowed in the last few weeks, but there are still a few in the system. Bobber and jig fishing with darker colors can be extremely productive in these water conditions, and swinging hammered spoons can also be productive. Spring Chinook are also moving through the Middle Rogue. Try plugs or plunking along current seams on the inside bends of the river to intercept them. Please use proper catch-and-release techniques on fish that will not be harvested, 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 4/22/26.

Rogue River, upper: Steelhead, Chinook

The release from Lost Creek Reservoir is around 1,000cfs and 48F. Click here for current flow at the Ray Gold gage. For up-to-date river levels, check all the USGS Rogue gauges here. Fishing for trout has closed and will reopen on May 22.

Cole Rivers Hatchery returns as of 4/14/26: New winter steelhead 128, season total 773. New spring Chinook 127, season total 136. Folks are still catching hatchery and wild winter steelhead and side-drifting larger beads seems to be the most productive. There are a few spring Chinook being caught, but not a lot of angler starting to target them yet. If you don't intend to harvest a fish, please use proper catch-and-release techniques, such as keeping fish in the water as much as possible and releasing wild fish immediately. Last updated 4/15/26

Rogue River, above Lost Creek Reservoir: Trout

Fishing is available all year above Lost Creek Lake. Brown trout can be caught in and around the North Fork Reservoir in Prospect. Bass crank baits or leech patterns fished near logs or structure can coax them to bite. Rainbow and cutthroat are also available throughout the system, but focusing below Union Creek is your best bet this time of year. Anglers are encouraged to harvest brook trout regardless of size. Last updated 4/22/26

Sixes River: Winter steelhead

Closed to all angling April 1.

SMITH RIVER, Umpqua: Winter steelhead, striped bass

Winter steelhead fishing is slow. Some anglers are catching a few striped bass outside of tidewater. Smallmouth bass are also being caught in the tidewater sections. There are no harvest limits on any bass in the Smith River. There is good access for angling since the Smith River Road follows the mainstem for most of the time. The section above Spencer Creek will close to all Angling May 1.

Please be aware that Smith and North Fork Smith rivers close to all fishing above tidewater May 1 and reopen May 22 to protect out migrating salmon and steelhead.

Last updated 4/22/2026

SPALDING POND: trout

Spalding pond had 600 legal-sized rainbow trout stocked a few weeks ago and is scheduled to get another load this week. This is a nice quiet high elevation pond west of Grants Pass. Last updated 4/22/26

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

During the middle of the day bass will start to be slightly more active and caught on crankbaits, jigs, and finesse lures like drop shots. Look to find bass along submerged logs and deeper weed line edges.

Fish for yellow perch along the edge of the weed lines near the bottom and submerged structures. Fish the bottom with either a worm or a jig/jigging spoon tipped with a worm.

Steelhead fishing is over in the Tenmile Basin for the year as fish have matured and migrated to spawning areas and the adult hatchery trapping locations. Last updated 04/07/26

ODFW is steadily stocking coastal lakes in the district (Saunders, Bradley, Butterfield, Empire Lakes, Powers Pond) on a two to three week rotation. Trout fishing has been fair in those locations. Trout fishing in the lakes is open year-round. Trout anglers can have success trolling in deeper water using wedding rings tipped with a nightcrawler. Last updated 04/07/26

UMPQUA HIKE-IN LAKES AND FOREBAYS: Trout

Most of the lakes are accessible. No reports of angling conditions. 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 4/22/26

UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: Spring Chinook

The mainstem will be closed to all harvest of wild spring Chinook including jacks. Hatchery fish are still able to be retained and there should be a decent run again this year. A few Spring chinooks have been caught. Angling has been fair. Last updated 4/22/26

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: Winter steelhead

Winter steelhead fishing is slowing down. A few early hatchery summer steelhead have crossed Winchester Dam.

Spring Chinook seasons are determined annually a few months before season. In 2026, anglers may retain one wild adult Chinook per day and 10 for the season as well as 5 jacks per day through June 30. Early counts over the dam are good and recently confirmed reports of anglers catching Chinook on the North Umpqua. Last updated 4/22/26

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: Steelhead, bass

Very few anglers are fishing for Steelhead now and angling is slow as winter steelhead wrap up their spawning run. All anglings on the South will close May 1.

Please be aware the South closes to all fishing beginning May 1 and reopens May 22, 2026. This includes Cow Creek. This closure is to help protect out migrating salmon and steelhead.

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 currently rocked, so 4-wheel drive is recommended. Please look at before driving down. Contact Douglas County Parks with questions. Last updated 4/22/26

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

4,000 legal-sized rainbow trout were stocked a few weeks ago and they should be distributed throughout the lake. Largemouth bass fishing should start to get good as the weather is forecasted to warm up a bit over the next week. Dead-dropping rubber baits on a jig near stumps or willows along the margins can be very effective for bass. Willow Lake is about 6,600acft which is about ¾ full. Full pool is about 8,500acft. To check the current lake level click here. The boat ramp is open and there is plenty of bank angling available, as well.

For more information on camping and day use please visit Jackson County Parks or call (541) 774-8183. Last updated 4/22/26