Southeast Zone
Table of Contents
Recreation Report
Oct. 30, 2024
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Best bets for weekend fishing
- Brook trout have schooled up for spawning in several locations.
- Many waterbodies close to fishing on Nov. 1. Best bets include the Klamath River area or Upper Klamath Lake.
- Fishing for native redband trout has been good on the Chewaucan and Blitzen rivers.
- Trout fishing has been excellent on Campbell and Cottonwood Meadow lakes.
- Fishing for catfish has been excellent on Owyhee Reservoir.
Trout stocking
Scheduled to be stocked the week of Oct. 28:
Ana River
Check out the 2024 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.
Announcements
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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.
Got a good fish story?
If you have been out fishing and have a recent fishing report you would like to share, we would love to hear it! Please send your fishing updates to: odfw.info@odfw.oregon.gov.
Updates by waterbody
AGENCY LAKE (including Straits): redband trout, yellow perch, brown trout
Open year-round. Redband trout are moving around with most returning to the main lake and some moving up the Wood River to stage for spawning. Agency Lake is terrible to fish in the wind and even harder to launch/trailer your boat at Henzel Park. Launching at Petric Park is another option.
Overall fishing is slow. The best approach is to cover lots of water on the lake.
Catch rates remain low due to record setting drought in the years 2020 thru 2022 resulting in poor survival of juvenile redband trout and subsequent recruitment into the adult population.
Agency Lake regulations are catch-and-release for redband/rainbow trout with no bait allowed (artificial flies and lures only). The boundary of Agency Lake is the south end of the Straits. This change is due to record low spawning escapement for trophy redband trout throughout the Klamath Basin in 2020. ODFW also encourages the use of single barbless hooks in this fishery, not removing the fish from the water, and using catch-and-release rubber nets.
Keep on the lookout for radio tagged redband trout. These fish must be released unharmed. The long antenna looks like fishing line coming from the abdomen. Please report any radio tagged fish. Last updated 10/30/24.
ANA RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, hybrid bass
The reservoir is currently being dropped 7 feet for the winter. Small boats can still be launched. No recent fishing reports.
There should be mayfly hatches that can benefit fly-fishers and fishing along the bottom with bait near the dam usually produces. If fishing from ODFW property on the south side of the reservoir you will need a wildlife area parking permit.
Some fishermen have been catching hybrid bass in September from last year's stocking. These fish are around 10 inches and put up a good fight for their size. Casting lures and trolling have been effective. Just remember you can only keep 1 hybrid bass per day and it needs to be 15 inches long.
Bait fishing is the proven method for catching hybrid bass, but fly-fishing and casting Rapalas are also effective when these fish are feeding. Rapalas that imitate tui chub and rainbow trout, favorite food sources for hybrid bass, are good bets for catching these fish. On sunny days you will need to fish deeper than cloudy days. Last updated 10/9/24.
ANNIE CREEK: brook trout, brown trout, bull trout and redband trout
Open year round with bait allowed. Fishing is slow. Brook trout are spawning and can be found in schools.
Most of the creek is dominated by small brook trout up to 10 inches. Brown trout are rare and redband trout are highly unlikely in the catch. Please report any bull trout or redband/rainbow trout caught in the creek to ODFW at 541-883-5732.
Access is available year-round off Hwy. 62 at the USFS snow park. Access also available south of the Snow Park off Sun Pass State Forest. There is plenty of public property on USFS, State Forest and Crater Lake National Park – fishing is regulated by the National Park (541-594-3000).
Several waterfalls occur on the creek inside Crater Lake National Park offering exceptional views. Last updated 10/30/24.
BECK KIWANIS POND, Ontario: trout, bluegill, largemouth bass
Fishing for bluegill should be great. Bluegill can be caught using bait such as night crawlers, worms, or grasshoppers fished under a small bobber. Artificial lures such as spinners, jigs, and flies will also be effective. Bluegill have small mouths so using a smaller hook size and downsizing bait will improve success. The pond is experiencing an algae bloom that happens annually throughout the warmer months of the year. Last updated 7/24/24.
BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, hatchery rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout
Beulah Reservoir is around 19 percent full with the boat ramp is high and dry -- use caution launching boats. Trout fishing should be great this fall as water temperatures cool. There were some very nice rainbow trout in the reservoir this summer. Bull trout will be entering the reservoir as temperatures cool, if you catch a bull trout you must release it unharmed. Last updated 10/9/24.
BLITZEN RIVER: redband trout, carp
The Blitzen is flowing around 31 cfs with temperatures reaching the high 50s in the afternoon. Fishing has been good lately, terrestrial dry fly patterns like hoppers have been effective as well as a variety of nymphs. There were high densities of trout from Bridge Creek upstream to Page Springs diversion dam this summer. Large redband can be found throughout the more remote sections of the Blitzen as well. With cooler water fishing should be good throughout the day. Last updated 10/9/24.
BLUE LAKE: rainbow trout
Fishing was fantastic mid-July. Trolling flies behind a float tube and casting towards rising fish were productive for fish in the 10- to 15-inch range. Using bait or casting lures can also be quite effective. The water is still pretty warm so wet wading is also an option. This lake will fish well until the snow flies.
This is a great 2.5 mile hike into the Gearhart Wilderness. Don't forget your mosquito spray! Access is available via the North Fork Sprague Trailhead and the trail Has been cleared. Last updated 8/28/24.
BURNS POND: trout
Burns Pond will be stocked with trout this week with rainbow trout. Anglers are still catching trout stocked earlier this summer. With cooler water temperatures fishing will be great this fall. Last updated 10/9/24.
BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: bass, catfish, crappie, rainbow trout
There has recently been a large carp die off at Bully Creek Reservoir. At this time, the fish kill appears to be carp specific. If you notice other species of fish dead, dying, or in poor health please contact ODFW Hines office at 541-573-6582.
The reservoir is around 23 percent full and the boat ramp is close to being high and dry but still in the water. No recent reports but fishing should be good for crappie if you can find them. Bass fishing may also be productive this fall. Last updated 10/9/24.
CAMPBELL LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout
Fishing was excellent this past weekend! Trolling flies and lures behind the boat was very effective. Bait fishermen along the bank were also catching plenty of fish. There is a small boat launch at this site. Casting lures and flies along the trees on the West and North side can also be very productive. Keep moving if not successful. Last update 10/9/24.
CAMPBELL RESERVOIR: redband trout, largemouth bass, white and black crappie, bluegill
BLM, ODFW, and BOR stocked a total of 431 crappie in April 2024 ranging in size from 8 to 14 inches.
The reservoir was dry in summer of 2022. All fish perished. ODFW and BLM have stocked many size classes of largemouth bass and a few crappie in 2023. Catch-and-release is encouraged to allow for establishment of fish populations. There might also be a few redband trout around. The reservoir is about 30 percent full.
There is no boat ramp on the reservoir that occurs on public property. Most of the reservoir sits on private property. You can park close to the water and haul a small boat to water's edge on BLM property. Water is slightly turbid but better water clarity than most desert reservoirs. Best fishing near the deeper water near the willows at the dam. This can only be accessed by boat. No observations of fishing or fisherman on the lake suggesting very slow fishing. Last updated 10/9/24.
CHERRY CREEK: brook trout and redband trout
Open all year. Water temperature is near freezing. These fish are spooky and water is crystal clear.
This creek is very small; well-suited to fly-fishing. Brook trout are more abundant higher in the system. A very big fish in the creek is 10 inches. Brook trout are spawning and can be found in spawning schools.
The Cherry Creek trail parallels the creek and leads to many productive wilderness lakes. One of the best waterfalls in the basin is just off the trail.
ODFW encourages unlimited harvest of brook trout Recent sampling showed high densities of brook trout and redband trout lower on the creek. The redband trout in this creek are some of the prettiest around. Last updated 10/30/24.
CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead
Fishing was good this past week for redband trout in the 8- to 16-inch range. Fishing with hoppers at this time of year is a lot of fun. Casting dry flies in the morning and evening while fishing throughout the water column mid-day are productive tactics. Lures will also catch fish if retrieved correctly. Plan for fishing to be a tad slow as redband populations are lower right now due to drought and recent wildfires.
Tributaries to the Chewaucan River are also great opportunities to catch both redband and brook trout. Target larger streams that are easier to cast in. Last updated 10/9/24.
CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout
Chickahominy is less than half full right now, and boat ramp and dock are in great shape. There is a prolific algae bloom in the reservoir, which can be toxic at times. Avoid swimming and keep your pets out of the water if you observe blue green algae stains on the shoreline.
There are some nice holdover trout in Chickahominy up to 20 inches and fishing has been great so far this fall.
Fly-anglers have been having success with leach patterns, various nymphs, and streamers fished under an indicator or stripped in.
Fishing from shore using putty bait also has been effective. Artificial lures including spinners and crankbaits have also been effective. Last updated 10/9/24.
CORRAL CREEK (SF Sprague): brook trout and brown trout
Open year-round. Bait is allowed. Fishing should be good at the large beaver ponds near confluence with SF Sprague River. A 10-inch brook trout would be huge for this area. There is a campground on the creek as well as very cool hiking trails in the Gearhart Mtns. No limit on brook and brown trout. Water temperature will be very cold and snow will be hitting this area hard this week.
Catch is typically dominated by brook trout with brown trout making up about 5 percent of catch. Please release adipose clipped brook trout. Brook trout are concentrated in pools for spawning. Last updated 10/30/24.
COTTONWOOD MEADOW LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout
Fishing is only going to get better as temperatures drop this fall. Slowly trolling with flies or lures above the vegetation is a surefire bet to catch fish from now until it's iced over. Most fish are in the 8- to 12-inch range, but there are plenty of fish 16-20 inches. This is by far one of the best fisheries in Lake County in the fall.
The boat ramp near the dam is the best way to launch here. If bank fishing, try areas with less vegetation and keep your offering off the bottom. Casting flies and lures can be productive as long as you are near weed beds. Last update 9/18/24.
CROOKED CREEK (Klamath Co): redband trout, brook trout and brown trout
Crooked Creek will close to fishing on Nov. 1 to protect spawning fish. This section is typically slow for all fish. A few hatchery rainbow trout are in the creek, a few browns and small brook trout occur in the spring areas. All redband trout must be released. The Klamath Hatchery on the creek remains closed for construction. Last updated 10/30/24.
CRYSTAL CREEK redband trout and yellow perch
Crystal Creek will close to fishing to protect spawning fish on November 1. There are many small redband trout this year from 8-16 inches. No bait is allowed. Best flies are those that mimic leeches or dragonflies.
There is a boat ramp at Malone Springs. Best fishing is downstream of Malone Springs. The channel above Malone Springs can fill with aquatic vegetation later in the summer. The creek is best fished from a boat.
Fishing remains good for yellow perch. Yellow perch are most abundant near Pelican Bay. Fishing is best during this month when perch are densely schooled. The creek remains full of aquatic vegetation making fishing challenging in most areas. Look for the vegetation edges for yellow perch. Last updated 10/30/24.
Check Crystal Creek Flow.
DEADHORSE LAKE: rainbow trout
Trolling this past week was pretty slow. Most fish are in the west end of the lake away from the campground and boat ramp. Trolling and casting lures is usually a good method. The further you get away from fishing pressure the more fish you will catch. Last updated 10/9/24.
DEEP CREEK: redband trout
The headwater stretch should be fishing well right now for smaller redband and brook trout. Make sure to bring mosquito spray! The creeks associated with the upper sections of Deep Creek will also produce pan sized fish.
Current river conditions are pretty low, but fishing is good for fish in the 8- to 16-inch range. With lower water, stealth is key to fool these wary trout. A recent fishing trip at the end of June proved there are multiple age classes in this area with fish up to 16 inches. Fly-fishing with nymphs is the best method to target these redband trout although a well-retrieved spinner can also catch fish. Fly-fishing with hoppers can also be a heart pounding experience right now. Last updated 7/31/24.
DELINTMENT LAKE: rainbow trout
Delintment Lake was stocked with 5,000 legal trout this spring. There are also some holdover trout available from last year. Fishing should be great. Last updated 10/9/24.
DOG LAKE: largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, brown bullhead, redband trout
There haven't been any recent reports, but fishing for crappie and perch should be good. Bass should also be eating before they slow down for winter. There is a good boat launch at this lake, but vegetation might restrict some motors. Fishing from the bank is difficult in most areas. Try fishing crappie jigs under bobbers and soft plastics for bass in the shadows. Last updated 10/9/24.
ELKHORN MOUNTAINS HIGH LAKES: brook trout, rainbow trout
Fall can be a great time to fish the high lakes. Fish are feeding aggressively before the lean winter months. They also can make a tasty camp dinner for backpackers. Last updated 10/9/24.
FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): rainbow trout, brook trout
The Steens Loop Road is now open. Fish Lake was recently stocked with 400 trophy rainbow trout and 2,000 legal rainbows. There are still plenty of trout available and fishing continues to be fair. Casting a fly to rising trout may be the most effective way to catch fish. Last updated 10/9/24.
FORT CREEK: brown trout, redband trout, brook trout, bull trout
Fort Creek will close to fishing on Nov. 1 to protect spawning fish. Fishing for brown trout can be very challenging in Fort Creek due to crystal clear water year-round. Most of the creek on private property. If you can get access, fishing is good near the confluence with the Wood River. Last updated 10/30/24.
FOURMILE CREEK (CANAL) (tributary to Agency Lake): brook, brown, redband trout, yellow perch
Fourmile Creek is open year-round and bait is allowed. Fishing at Fourmile Creek will be improving if you can find the concentrations of brook trout spawning. Try the headwater area of Fourmile Springs and Jack Springs. A kayak can be launched at the headwaters at Fourmile Springs. There is also a beaver dam. Concentrate efforts around the dam. Brook trout will concentrate near Fourmile Springs and Jack Springs for spawning.
Fishing in the area downstream of where Fourmile Creek hits Fourmile Canal can be excellent.
Yellow perch fishing remains excellent if you can find them in Fourmile Canal. Last updated 10/30/24.
Check Fourmile Canal Flow.
FOURMILE LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout, lake trout, kokanee, brook trout
The lake is currently 10 percent full. The lake has been stocked multiple times with rainbow trout. Fishing should be slow for stocked rainbow trout. Fishing should be slow for brook trout and lake trout. Best fishing is from a boat. Look for areas of flooded timber, tributary inputs and the large points. Brook trout and lake trout are spawning. If you can find those areas, fishing will be better
Check Fourmile Lake Levels.
Please report any kokanee caught from the lake.
Launching boats becomes particularly challenging as the lake recedes. There is no official concrete boat ramp with dock. Launching takes place from a sandy shoreline. Only small boats are recommended. You can also call Lake of the Woods Resort for updates. Last updated 10/9/24.
GERBER RESERVOIR: white and black crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead and largemouth bass
Fish sampling by Bureau of Reclamation this year showed incredible densities of yellow perch and some larger crappie. Use small hooks and bait for the perch as most are small with small mouths. Fishing for perch can be excellent in October.
Best place to fish for perch is at the north boat ramp. Crappie are suspended in the main part of the reservoir or near deeper water.
The reservoir is 6 percent full. Call the Klamath Falls BLM office for updated information. A higher lake level improves the crappie fishery.
Gerber Reservoir is a large turbid reservoir with good bank access. Most of the reservoir is on BLM property. Open all year. Last updated 10/30/24.
HEART LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout
There have not been any fishing reports, but fishing should pick up as temperatures start to drop. Trolling is a good option and bait fishing near the dam can be great. If fishing from the bank, try different areas around the lake. This lake is over 30 feet deep so casting closer to the bank can produce more fish. The boat ramp is horrendous, but small boats can still be launched to the left of the ramp. Last updated 9/11/24.
HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
People were catching fish with bait along the dam this past weekend. Most trout caught were 9-13 inches, but there were some 18-inch trout coming out of the water. This is a great time to catch larger trout trolling along the west side of the lake or fishing near the dam. Try and move around the reservoir if fishing is slow. Last updated 9/18/24.
J.C. BOYLE RESERVOIR (Topsy Reservoir), now Klamath River
The reservoir is now a river. All boat ramps are closed. The river is not accessible due to deep sediment and KRRC rules. The old reservoir will now change to the Klamath River regulations, which are: no bait allowed and one redband/rainbow trout in the 12- to 15-inch size class. Fishing will be closed June 15-Oct. 1 from Keno Dam downstream to Highway 66 Bridge. Last updated 3/6/24.
UPPER KLAMATH LAKE: native redband trout, yellow perch, kokanee, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead, tui chub and blue chub
The lake is open to fishing all year. Redband trout are moving out into the lake. Water quality has been especially good this year with lack of AFA and Microcystis algae. The lake is green, but visibility should be very good this year for fall fishing. Redband trout are spread out.
Yellow perch fishing should be excellent in Pelican Bay, mouth of Williamson River and the mouth of Crystal Creek. A few yellow perch are also being caught in the main lake to Putnams Point, which is unusual.
Please remember that nets or traps of any type cannot be used to catch any species of fish. This includes minnows to use for bait. See page 20 of the Sport Fishing Regulations for legal harvest methods for minnows and chubs.
ODFW encourages catch-and-release on this fishery due to record low spawning numbers in 2020 and very low numbers in 2019 and the record setting drought from 2020 thru 2022 which reduced survival. Please fight your fish quickly and then release your fish immediately without removing it from the water. Releasing fish is easier with barbless hooks.
The lake is 4.3 feet below full pool and 37 percent full.
Please remember that once you retain your one redband/rainbow trout limit you must stop fishing for redband/rainbow trout. Also, all radio tagged redband trout must be released unharmed. Redband trout will have what looks to be fishing line coming from the abdomen. Last updated 10/30/24.
KLAMATH RIVER: native redband trout, rainbow trout, brown trout
Keno Dam downstream to Hwy 66
Closed to fishing for salmon. The river from Keno Dam downstream to Hwy 66 is open. Fishing on opening day was the slowest on record. Please remember that the bag limit has changed to one redband rainbow trout per day in the 12- to 15-inch size class. No bait is allowed.. Also, the area on the river near the Klamath Sportsman Park downstream to Hwy 66 is closed to public access. Last updated 10/30/24.
Hwy 66 Bridge downstream to Springs
Closed to salmon fishing. This section of river is open year-round. Access is currently prohibited by KRRC from Hwy 66 to the dam. JC Boyle Dam has been removed. Fishing not recommended in this section due to difficult access. The Powerhouse Road on the west side of the river will be closed all year. Access to the Klamath River will be available from the Topsy Grade Road or traveling through Dorris. The Topsy Grade Road can have large potholes. This section of the river will require a significant hike to the river on the east side.
Regulations will change Jan. 1, 2024 to a bag limit of one redband rainbow trout per day in the 12- to 15-inch size class. This is to protect large redband trout spawners, chinook, coho and steelhead smolts and Chinook salmon, coho salmon and steelhead adults.. Last updated 10/30/24.
Springs to state line with California
Closed to fishing for salmon. The Frain Ranch section is fishable. Turbidity has declined significantly. Take the road through Dorris to access. This section of river is open year-round. Turbidity can be tracked by visiting the USGS Real Time Klamath River Gage.
Currently, turbidity has decreased to 7 FNU. Fishing recommended only when turbidity (FNU) is less than 40. The Powerhouse Road on the west side of the river will be closed all year. Access to the Klamath River will be available from the Topsy Grade Road or traveling through Dorris. The Topsy Grade Road can have large potholes.
Patterns and lures that mimic crayfish, golden stoneflies, salmonfly nymphs, October caddisflies and leeches should work well. Panther Martin spinners can work well down there. Dry flies that mimic caddisflies or mayflies hatching can also work well.
Click here for Klamath River flow and turbidity.
Regulations changed on Jan. 1, 2024 to a bag limit of one redband-rainbow trout per day in the 12- to 15-inch size class. This regulation is to protect large redband trout spawners, Chinook salmon smolts and adults, and steelhead smolts and adults. Last updated 10/30/24.
KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout, bass
Fishing for holdover trout should be great. Anglers were consistently catching trout in the 17-inch range using a variety of methods this spring and early summer. Fly-fishing with streamers from the bank can be productive, PowerBait has been working well, and trolling from a boat will also turn up a few fish.
Krumbo was stocked with 5,000 legal-size rainbow trout in June. We saw some nice bass during recent sampling, the most productive bass fishing will be near the reservoir inlet among the rushes. Last updated 10/9/24.
LAKE EWAUNA-KLAMATH RIVER (Above Keno Dam to Link River): redband trout, largemouth bass, Sacramento perch, yellow perch, crappie, brown bullhead, goldfish, tui and blue chub
Closed to fishing for salmon. Water quality has been surprisingly good this year. Worst water quality is near and below Hwy 97. This stretch of river and lake has typically been an area that lacked significant fish densities to warrant much of a fishery.
Recent sampling found good numbers of small, juvenile largemouth bass, Sacramento perch, yellow perch and even a few crappie. These findings are surprising. This is a very large area and anglers might be able to find largemouth bass and perch. Look for areas of water return from wetlands or pumps. The area near Lake Ewauna and below the Tule Smoke Hunt Club (Rat Club) are places to focus. The side channel area near the island below Hwy140 bridge might also be worth some effort. Last updated 10/30/24.
LAKE OF THE WOODS: hatchery rainbow trout, kokanee, hatchery brown trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, tui chub
Kokanee are spawning near the Lake of the Woods store and boat ramp.
Fishing for rainbow trout is slow. For recent fishing updates, call the resort at 1-866-201-4194.
The lake is dominated by stunted yellow perch. Very small bait and hooks will catch these fish. Yellow perch fishing should be fair. Fishing bait near the submerged vegetation beds can be good for brown bullhead.
You can also visit Lake of the Wood's website to observe current conditions at the lake. Scroll down and click on the right-side video link for a live video of current conditions on the lake at the Lodge. Last updated 10/30/24.
LINK RIVER: redband/rainbow trout
Closed to salmon fishing. Catch-and-release for redband/rainbow trout and no bait allowed (artificial flies and lures only). Flows are at 879 cfs. Redband trout numbers in the Link River are very low.
Check Link River Flows.
ODFW also encourages the use of single barbless hooks in this fishery, not removing fish from the water and catch-and-release rubber nets. Last updated 10/30/24.
LOFTON RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
There have not been any recent reports, but fishing should get better as temperatures start to drop. Trolling spoons and other lures can be a good option for catching fish. Bank fishing is also good, but don't be afraid to move around the lake where there is reduced pressure. If you don't catch any fish at Lofton, I would go down to Heart Lake and try your luck there. The gravel launch is getting tough to launch small boats due to the low water. Last updated 9/11/24.
LONG CREEK: brook trout, redband trout, bull trout
Open to fishing all year. Flows will be good for fishing. Best section to fish is the lowermost Green Diamond section just above the Nature Conservancy. The meadow sections of the creek should also be good for brook trout. Brook trout are spawning in large schools throughout. Water temperatures are very cold. Last updated 10/30/24.
LOST RIVER: largemouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, tui and blue chub, gold fish
Lost River is open year-round with bait allowed. Fishing is slow at the Crystal Springs Bridge crossing and also near the boat ramp off Crystal Springs Road. Fishing bait for brown bullhead is your best bet. Cover lots of water until you find fish.
The river near Big Springs in Bonanza is slow. Fishing for largemouth bass at this location is your best bet. Another place to try is near Horseshoe Dam. Last updated 10/30/24.
MALHEUR RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Anglers reported catching some nice holdover trout this spring and summer. Trout stocked last season have grown quickly and there are fish available up to 20 inches right now. Fishing will be great this fall as water temperatures drop. Last updated 10/9/24.
MANN LAKE:
Mann Lake has filled up enough to support a fishery but still has not been stocked. We are still working to re-stock with Lahontan cutthroat but the lake continues to be fishless. Last updated 10/9/24.
MILLER LAKE: brown, rainbow, brook trout and kokanee
Fishing from shore or boat should be slow for rainbow trout. Best fishing is from a boat for brown trout. Brown trout are eating kokanee. Kokanee rarely exceed eight inches in the lake. Brown trout are cruising the shallows looking for places to spawn. Also, many large brown trout return to the boat ramp area thinking that is their natal spawning area due to being released there as small fish.
The area at the outlet of the lake near Miller Creek has decent dry fly-fishing for smaller brown trout.
There is a nice boat ramp, sandy swim beach and campground at the lake.
Call the USFS in Chiloquin for more information, 541-783-4001. Last updated 10/30/24.
MOON RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass
Moon Reservoir was stocked this spring with 5,000 rainbow trout and 580 largemouth bass. No recent reports on fishing. Fishing for trout should improve with cooler water temperatures this fall. Bass fishing may also be productive right now. Last updated 10/9/24.
OWYHEE RESERVOIR: largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, catfish
Owyhee Reservoir is 59 percent full, with Gordon Gulch, Indian Creek and Leslie Gulch boat ramps all open and usable. There are some older, larger crappie in the 12-inch range but they are elusive.
Fishing for catfish is excellent right now. Channel catfish will be most concentrated in wide flats with relatively shallow water between 5 and 30 feet deep.
Trout fishing will improve as water temperatures cool this fall. Trolling or fishing streamer flies from the bank can be effective in the lower reservoir near the forebay.
Anglers targeting bass may catch some with tags near the dorsal fin. ODFW is studying bass movement, condition and angler harvest of bass. The tags have a four-digit number and can be reported by phone or on MyODFW.com. Last updated 10/9/24.
OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): brown trout, hatchery rainbow trout
Fishing on the lower Owyhee River should still be good. There may be some larger October caddis around this year, but anglers have reported fewer hatches then normal this summer. Terrestrial flies and streamers should be productive right now as well as small nymphs.The reservoir spilled for an extended period this spring and flows are currently around 240 cfs.
The best fishing will be in the upper six miles of the Lower Owyhee below the dam. Crankbaits, spoons and spinners can also be productive.
Brown trout have started to spawn so avoid wading in disturbed gravel to protect buried eggs. Last updated 10/9/24.
PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, yellow perch
Phillips Reservoir has drained substantially this summer and is only about 1/4 full. Rainbow trout were stocked earlier in the year, and perch are available. ODFW sampled Phillips Reservoir the week of the July 29. Perch and pikeminnow were numerous. Samplers found larger perch in deeper water. Few trout and smallmouth bass were sampled.
Lots of fish were caught over Labor Day weekend including many nice trout and even a tiger muskie that was stocked this year. As the reservoir has drained, a fair number have perch have passed through the dam, many of which don't survive through the outlet. Last updated 10/16/24.
PILCHER AND WOLF CREEK RESERVOIRS: trout, crappie
Both reservoirs are stocked annually with fingerling rainbow trout that grow to catchable sizes. Some nice trout, about 16 inches, are being caught in Pilcher Reservoir. Additionally, there are crappie in both reservoirs with some fair-size fish in Wolf Creek Reservoir. It does sound like people are harvesting crappie near the dam at Pilcher. Both reservoirs are low, but they will not completely dry up as the bottom of the reservoirs is below the outlet. Last updated 9/11/24.
POISON CREEK RESERVOIR (Grant County): rainbow trout
Fishing has been good at Poison Creek throughout the summer. This reservoir is weedy so you will need to keep your fly, bait or lure suspended above the weed beds. There are plenty of fish between 12 and 23 inches being caught right now. Fishing should really be great this fall with cooling water temperatures. Last updated 10/9/24.
POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Pole Creek Reservoir filled up this spring and was stocked with 3,000 catchable rainbow trout and 15,000 fingerling rainbows.
Recent sampling showed black crappie are quite abundant but most of them are very small. There are a few nice trout available in the 14– to 16-inch range. Last updated 10/9/24.
POWDER RIVER: rainbow trout, bass, catfish
Rainbow trout can be caught below Phillips Reservoir where they are stocked, and anglers may also encounter trout or perch that washed through the dam from the reservoir above. Recently some nice trout have been caught in the public land section below the reservoir.
There are few access points throughout the Baker Valley, but while water temperatures remain warm, bass and catfish can be caught in the lower Powder River near Richland. Most of the Powder River flows through private lands, so be sure to gain permission to fish on private lands before angling. Last updated 10/16/24.
SEVENMILE CREEK (CANAL): brook trout, brown trout, redband trout, yellow perch
Open all year. Sevenmile is a very cold and clear creek and fishing for brook trout should be good if you can find them. Fishing for brook trout is best in the beaver dam pools above Nicholson Road. Most brook trout caught are less than 12 inches.
Catch-and-release for redband/rainbow trout with no bait allowed from Agency Lake to Nicholson Road.
Anglers can access Sevenmile Creek at Nicholson Road and fish upstream of Nicholson Rd. Bait is allowed upstream of Nicholson Road. There are currently large beaver dam pools immediately upstream of the bridge. Brook trout will concentrate, therefore keep moving until you find the schools. Flows are at a good level for fishing.
The mouth of Sevenmile Creek at Agency Lake is fair for yellow perch and a few largemouth bass. You can access this area by hiking two miles down the Wood River Wetland Trail. Last updated 10/30/24.
Check Sevenmile Creek Flows
SKY LAKES AND MOUNTAIN LAKE WILDERNESS: brook trout and rainbow trout (Cranebow triploids)
Access is available to all lakes but snow this week could make access challenging and very cold. Rainbow trout Rapalas, Crocodiles, Super Dupers can work really well for the larger fish. Accessing the middle of the lake with a flotation device can improve fishing success.
Best lakes to catch fish are Clover, Como, Harriette, Echo, Weston and South Pass in the Mountain Lakes Wilderness and Sonya, Margurette and Isherwood in the Sky Lakes Wilderness. Most mosquitoes are gone in the Mt. Lakes Wilderness.
Best lakes for brook trout are Badger Lake (Sky Lakes Wilderness), which is a short hike from Fourmile Lake, and Clover Lake (Mountain Lakes Wilderness). Please report any Brook Trout caught in other lakes. Badger and Woodpecker Lakes are accessible from Fourmile Lake. Brook trout will be more accessible along the shorelines as they are spawning.
Best lures are typically dark Panther Martin spinners.
The biggest trout come from the bigger and deeper lakes of Harriette, Isherwood, Margurette, Sonya and Wizard Lakes.
Please report Brook Trout captured in Elizabeth, Little Heavenly, Big Heavenly or Isherwood Lakes. Last updated 10/30/24.
SPENCER CREEK: redband trout and brook trout
Spencer Creek closes to all fishing Nov. 1. Spencer Creek is excellent for small redband trout up to 10 inches. This is a great area to learn to fly fish or fish Tenkara-style rods. The USFS forest service campground off Clover Creek Road is worth a try. The area below the Spencer Creek hookup road culvert is also good. Small dry flies such as elk hair caddis and stimulators work well. Last updated 10/30/24.
SPRAGUE RIVER: redband trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead, yellow perch, and pumpkinseed
Sprague River closes to fishing Nov. 1 to protect spawning fish. Redband trout are beginning to move around with higher flows and colder water temperatures. Small black wooly buggers or jigs work best.
Best places to fish for brown trout and redband trout are the fast water areas near Chiloquin High School, the narrows and near all the springs in Beatty. Boats can be launched at two locations above Beatty.
There are a few warmwater fish in the Sprague. The dominate warmwater fish is yellow perch. A few largemouth bass are around but their population has declined. There are also small brown bullhead. The best place to fish for warmwater fish is above Saddle Mtn Pit Road Bridge to near Godowa Springs Road Bridge. Bait is allowed in this section.
Anglers can find several kinds of flow date here: Near Real Time Hydrographics Data. Last updated 10/30/24.
NORTH FORK SPRAGUE RIVER AND ALL TRIBUTARIES: redband trout, brook trout, brown trout, bull trout
Open year-round. The area upstream of the Elbow should be fair for redband trout and brown trout. Water temperatures are very cold. Large stoneflies will be hatching in this pocket water area. Bait fishing near Lee Thomas Meadows for brook trout should be excellent. Fishing the beaver pond areas upstream should be productive. Look for concentrations of brook trout in spawning areas upstream of Lee Thomas area. Last updated 10/30/24.
SOUTH FORK SPRAGUE RIVER AND ALL TRIBUTARIES: brook trout, redband trout, brown trout, bull trout
Open year-round. Fishing will be fair for brook trout. Water temperatures are getting very cold. Brook trout are very concentrated for spawning. Brook trout fishing can be good along FS road 34 at the beaver dams just below Corral Creek. Please release adipose fin clipped brook trout. The area near Blaisdell has fair fishing for redband trout especially near the beaver pond areas Last updated 10/30/24.
Check SF Sprague River Flows.
SPRING CREEK: redband trout, brook trout and brown trout
Spring Creek closes to fishing Nov. 1 to protect spawning fish. Fishing is typically very slow for most of the season. Best fishing is in October for brown trout entering to spawn. The very cold, unproductive water does not support a robust fishery. Brook and brown trout are present but hide out during the day. Brown trout should be entering Spring Creek in good numbers any day. Last update 10/30/24.
SUN CREEK: brook trout, bull trout, brown trout, redband trout
Access to Sun Creek will be open until November 4. Fishing not recommended because of low fish density. Open to fishing all year but closed to fishing for bull trout. Only bull trout occur in upper Sun Creek just above the Sun Pass Forest bridge crossing. Fishing is not recommended now as fish density remains low. Recent sampling found low numbers of brook trout, brown trout and no catchable sized redband trout.
Bull trout numbers are very high, so anglers need to know their fish species. Signs onsite show the differences between brook trout and bull trout. This article on MyODFW.com has good tips for distinguishing bull and brook trout, and their hybrids.
ODFW encourages release of all redband trout. The Sun Creek channel has been rerouted into the historic channel and is connected to the Wood River below Kimball State Park.
If you fish here, make sure you know your fish species well. If you don't know then let it go. Check stream level. Last updated 10/30/24.
SYCAN RIVER: brook, redband and brown trout (below marsh)
Open year-round. Fishing above the marsh is best for redband trout near the Rock Creek campground. Areas upstream are best for brook trout. Look for beaver dam areas for the largest and highest concentration of brook trout. Large beaver dams occur near the Hanan Trailhead. Look at Google earth for the large numbers of large pools created by beavers. Numbers of fish in some areas are low due to the Bootleg Fire affects. Brook trout are concentrated for spawning.
Fishing has been very slow below the marsh.
Fishing below the Sycan Marsh is not recommended as most of the river has been dry most summers. Last updated 10/9/24.
Check Sycan River Flows.
THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout
Thief Valley has drained completely (0 percent full). Essentially all fish in the reservoir have died. We do not expect fishing to be good until next year. Thief Valley will be stocked with fingerlings in the late fall in hopes that these fish will grow fast and provide a good fishery in 2025.
Follow this link to see the Bureau of Reclamation website listing current reservoir levels. Last updated 8/28/24.
UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, smallmouth bass, crappie
This reservoir is stocked with fingerlings that grow quickly and catching 14- to 16- inch trout is not uncommon.
Anglers can use a variety of techniques to catch trout, and bank anglers can be successful fishing at the state park. In addition to trout, there also are some warmwater fishing opportunities available at Unity Reservoir.
ODFW sampled Unity Reservoir the week of July 29. Multiple large trout were sampled along with hundreds of 6-inch black crappie and some smaller smallmouth and largemouth bass. Additionally, there is a large population of crayfish in the reservoir with many in the rocks on the dam.
Unity Reservoir is only about 15 percent full but is slowly beginning to refill.
Follow this link to see the Bureau of Reclamation website listing current reservoir levels. Last updated 10/16/24.
WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: smallmouth bass, crappie, bullhead, perch, rainbow trout
Warm springs is around 46 percent full right now, both boat launches are in good shape and usable. Warm Springs Reservoir was stocked with 30,000 rainbow trout fingerlings last spring and another 60,000 this spring.
Recent sampling showed trout stocked last year are now in the 14-inch range. During sampling, our highest catch per unit effort for trout was north of the lower boat ramp. The reservoir is still recovering from extreme draw down in 2022 but sampling indicates there is a strong year class of age 1 bass that will provide a good fishery in a couple more years. Last updated 10/9/24.
UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband trout and brook trout
Upper Williamson River closes to fishing Nov. 1 to protect spawning fish. Fishing should be only fair for redband trout due to past drought and there are few redband trout on public lands. Targeting brook trout near Deep Creek is another option. This area has some of the largest brook trout in the Klamath Basin. Brook Trout are very concentrated on the spawning grounds.
Look for hatches of mahogany dun mayflies. Blue winged olives and October caddis. There are incredible populations of scuds in the Williamson River. Flies that look like scuds can be productive.
Past drought from 2020- 2022 have affected adult redband trout numbers. Flows are good for fishing. Fishing on the private pay-to-fish ranches on the Sand Creek and Yamsi Ranches should be excellent for brook trout with redband trout mixed in. Last updated 10/30/24.
Check Upper Williamson River Flows.
LOWER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband trout, brown trout and yellow perch
Lower Williamson River closes to fishing Nov. 1 to protect spawning fish Yellow perch fishing is excellent below and above Modoc Point Rd. bridge. Look for deep pools and the aquatic vegetation edges.
Please remember no bait, no treble hooks and catch-and-release for redband trout.
Small pheasant tail, copper johns or prince nymphs fished on clear intermediate fly lines with fluorocarbon leaders can be effective. October caddis and mahogany dun mayflies are hatching. Matching these hatches will improve your catch rates.
Redband trout have moved into the area above Chiloquin. This section has more brown trout as well. Brown trout can be targeted above and below Spring Creek.
Large streamers and leech patterns are more effective lower in the river towards the mouth. Check Williamson River Flows. Last updated 10/30/24.
WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, Sacramento perch.
ODFW and BLM have restocked the reservoir with small numbers of bass and crappie, and hundreds of pumpkinseed sunfish in 2023.
Fishing for warmwater fish should be slow. This reservoir is very cold. This fishery seems to be slow due to turbid conditions.
Willow Valley is a very turbid, desert reservoir. The boat ramp is in good condition but there's no dock and launching might be difficult due to low reservoir levels. Bass and crappie can be found at the habitat structures placed by BLM and ODFW in the past. Yellow perch are prolific in the reservoir but stunted. The Antelope Creek channel can be a good place to start for bass. The flooded aquatic plants just west of the dam is also a good bet. Last updated 10/30/24.
WOOD RIVER (including Petric Canal): redband, brown, brook and bull trout
Wood River closes to fishing Nov. 1 to protect spawning fish Brown trout are staging for spawning therefore the areas near Fort Creek, Annie Creek and at the USFS Day use area are best.
Bank access is available below Weed Rd and at the USFS Day Use Area. The day use area should be fair for casting mayfly and caddis patterns. The best bet from shore is below Weed Rd. There is parking and access at Weed Rd.
Large redband trout are moving into the river. All redband trout must be released.
Bull trout are becoming more common in the catch. Know the difference between brook trout and bull trout. This article on MyODFW.com can help. Last updated 10/9/24.
Check Wood River Flows
YELLOWJACKET RESERVOIR: trout
Access to Yellowjacket Reservoir is now closed due to the Falls Fire which recently burned through the area. Please check with Malheur National Forest for updates on the closure.
Fishing for holdover trout on Yellowjacket has been great this spring with fish up to 17 inches being consistently caught. Look forward to some productive fishing next spring when access to the reservoir opens back up. Last updated 10/9/24.
Regulation Updates
Please see the regulation update page.