Southwest Zone

SW Fishing

April 2, 2026

Best bets for weekend fishing:

• Spring rains and trout stocking has opened opportunities for early success.

Trout stocking 

Stocked the week of March 30-April 3: Empire Lake upper and lower, Bradley Lake, Garrison Lake, Butterfield Lake

Scheduled to be stocked in the week of April 6-10: Floras Lake, Expo Pond 1 (Rogue), Cooper Creek Reservoir, Empire Lake upper and lower, Garrison Lake, Selmac Lake, Laird Lake, Willow Lake, Bradley Lake, Arizona Pond, Emigrant Reservoir, Galesville Reservoir

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, trout

Agate Lake is 100 percent full. Since this reservoir full 3,600 legal rainbow trout will be stocked this week. Anglers are encouraged to harvest any carp or catfish caught at the reservoir. Last updated 4/1/26

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

The lake level is 1,944 ft and the surface temperature at Applegate is 56F. 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.

Holdover trout should be evenly distributed throughout the reservoir. Bank fishing or trolling should be good.

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 4/1/26

APPLEGATE RIVER below Applegate Dam: Trout, steelhead

Seasonal closure to all angling is in effect until May 22. This is an annual closure to protect spawning fish and smolt out-migration. Last Updated 4/1/26

ARIZONA POND: Rainbow trout

The aquatic vegetation is making it a little tough to fish, but anglers using bobbers and worms or some other types of bait are catching a few fish. More trout will be stalked through April. Located on Arizona Beach State Park property, this pond offers a unique angling opportunity to youth anglers under 17. 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

The reservoir was stocked with rainbow trout in the middle of March. Fishing is picking up for warmwater species as the days are getting warmer. Despite the recent stocking, fishing has been slow. The rain could get the fish to be more interested in biting. Last update 4/1/26

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. Brighter presentations and bait may be a better choice. The warmwater bite should be getting better as warmer weather continues. The reservoir was stocked with 1,500 legals and 400 trophy Rainbow trout the last week of January and was stocked again in the middle of March with more legal rainbows. Anglers are reporting good catches. Last updated 4/1/26

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 season has pretty much ended in the Coos. There are still some darker fish to be had in some river reaches. Typical popular locations should be fishable color. 03/31/26

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. Redtailed surfperch are available along beaches like Horsefall Beach and Whiskey Run. Anglers have the best success fishing with sand shrimp near the bottom. Last updated 03/231/26

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 03/31/26 

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

The hatchery Fall Chinook and wild coho seasons closed on October 15, 2025.

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 are essentially dormant in the winter throughout the Coquille River and main tributaries due to cooler water temps and lower metabolism. 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 be very slow; however, recent warm weather will bring a few fish into feeding mode. Either bait on the bottom or artificial grubs/worms worked very slowly are the best bet. 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 03/31/26

A few steelhead are available in all reaches up to Powers on the S.F. Coquille and LaVerne Park on the N.F. Water flows are very low and clear, much below normal for this time of year. Fishing is expected to be slow for the few remaining fish in the mainstem reaches of the S.F. and N.F. 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 03/31/26

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

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 03/31/26.

DIAMOND LAKE: Trout

The lodge has some of their boat docks set up. If you are planning on fishing from a boat, the main boat ramp is the only one open. The cleaning station will not be open until Memorial Day. Angling should be good, but effort is slow.

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 4/1/2026

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 55 percent full. With unseasonably warm weather and the reservoir starting to fill, largemouth bass are likely to follow the water level up into the willows.

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 4/1/26

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

Expo pond was stocked with 1500 legal-size rainbow trout a few weeks ago. 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. 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 4/1/26

FISH LAKE: Rainbow trout, brook trout, spring Chinook

Fish Lake is 63 percent full. The USFS public boat ramp should be available to launch boats. Early season trolling for hold-over 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 4/1/26

FLORAS LAKE: Rainbow trout, cutthroat

The lake was stocked with trophy trout at the end of March. This is a good lake to target when area rivers are low and clear. 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 with about 5 feet of the main dock in the water. 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. A lower reservoir can mean the fish are concentrated and easier to target. Angling should be good. Last updated 4/1/26

GARRISON LAKE: Trout

The lake has been stocked recently and has been providing for some pretty good fishing when the wind is not blowing. Additional stockings are scheduled in April which should keep this spring fishery going. The lake also has a good population of cutthroat, and they are starting to show up in the catch. Fishing this lake may be an excellent alternative when local rivers are too low and clear. This is the time of year when 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 4/1/26

HOWARD PRAIRIE: Trout, bass

Howard Prairie is 79 percent full, but we don't have any recent reports. The Willow Point boat ramp is open early this year. Holdover trout should be good size this year. Remember to remove all vegetation from gear, boots and boats before leaving Howard Prairie. Last updated 4/1/26

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

Hyatt is 69 percent full. Fishing power bait a couple feet off the bottom near the dam is typically a good early season strategy. Holdover trout should be good size this year. Largemouth bass fishing could start getting good as temperatures start to warm up.

Remember to remove all vegetation from gear, boots, and boats before leaving Hyatt. Last updated 4/1/26

ILLINOIS RIVER: Trout, steelhead

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. Recent reports indicate that fishing has been good. Last updated 4/1/26

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

With warming spring-like days the largemouth bass and bluegill fishery should start to pick up, as well. Lake Selmac has its share of non-native aquatic hitchhikers. Boat anglers please do your part to remove as much vegetation as possible before leaving the ramp, as well as drain and dry their vessels before boating in another waterbody.

Please help stop the spread of Oregon's aquatic hitchhikers! Last updated 3/25/26

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 4/1/26

LOON LAKE: Warmwater species

The BLM boat ramp is open Memorial weekend through September 30. The Loon Lake Lodge ramp is open April through October 31. This ramp is private and has limited parking. It may be closed if full. You may want to call the lodge at (541) 599-2244 before heading out. Last updated 4/1/26

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

The lake level is 1,844ft 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.

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 4/1/26

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

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 4/1/26

PLAT I RESERVOIR: Trout, bass

Angling should be fair 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 4/1/26

Reinhart Park Pond

Water temperatures have become unseasonably warm in Reinhart Park Pond and are not conducive to trout stocking. Unfortunately, there will be no more trout stocking here this spring. Last updated 3/4/26

ROGUE RIVER

Rogue River, lower: Spring Chinook, Winter steelhead

Rain this week should improve fishing conditions. A few spring chinook and winter steelhead are being picked up daily, but fishing continues to be very slow due to water conditions. 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, trout

The middle Rogue is in good shape, and several reports of good winter steelhead catch rates have come in recently. Try fishing plugs or lures near the heads and tails of pools in travel lanes. Bobber and jig fishing with darker colors can be extremely productive in these water conditions. 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 4/1/26.

Rogue River, upper: Steelhead, trout

The release from Lost Creek Reservoir is around 1,099cfs and 45F. Click here for current flow at the Ray Gold gage.

Cole Rivers Hatchery returns as of 3/17/26: New winter steelhead 176, season total 270. Anglers, please use proper catch-and-release techniques, such as keeping fish in the water as much as possible and releasing them quickly.

Catch rates have been fairly good upstream of Dodge Bridge. Changing tackle types and re-fish a run if one presentation isn't working.

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

Last updated 4/1/26

Rogue River, above Lost Creek Reservoir: Trout

Fishing is available all year above Lost Creek Lake. Take a look at ODOT TripCheck before heading up as there may be some snow this weekend. Anglers are encouraged to harvest brook trout regardless of size. Last updated 4/1/26

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 is good access for angling since the Smith River Road follows the mainstem for most of the time. Last updated 4/1/2026

SPALDING POND: trout

Spalding pond is receiving 600 legal-sized rainbow trout early due to unseasonably warm temperatures. This is a nice quiet high elevation pond west of Grants Pass. Last updated 4/1/26

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.

Fishing for yellow perch along the edge of the weed lines near the bottom and submerged structure should be picking up. Yellow perch can be caught using a worm fishing near the bottom or using a small jig/jigging spoon tipped with a worm fishing near the bottom.

Steelhead fishing is essentially 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 03/31/26

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 03/31/26

UMPQUA HIKE-IN LAKES AND FOREBAYS: Trout

Most of the lakes are accessible, but this week's weather may change that. 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 4/1/26

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 early Spring chinook have been caught. Last updated 4/1/26

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: Winter steelhead

Winter steelhead fishing has been good over the last couple weeks but is slowing down. Good numbers of steelhead are still crossing 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. A few Spring Chinook have crossed Winchester Dam. Last updated 4/1/26

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: Steelhead, bass

Very few anglers are fishing for Steelhead now. Angling is slow.

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 4/1/26

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

Willow Lake is about 6,100acft 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 4/1/26