Southeast Zone

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Best bets for weekend fishing

• With summer turning into fall and stream temperatures dropping this can be a great time to fish the Chewaucan River and Cottonwood Meadow Lake.
• Access to Deadhorse Lake has been restored. Since no one has been fishing there this year, fishing should be good for trout stocked last summer.
• Water temperatures have cooled on the Blitzen River and anglers should find redband trout more widely dispersed throughout the river.
• Late summer can be a great time to fish high elevation streams and lakes in the Elkhorn and Eagle Cap mountains. Here are some tips for fishing these hike-in lakes and a link to lakes that have been stocked.

Recently stocked

Scheduled to be stocked this week:

No stocking scheduled. Stocking is scheduled to resume later in September.

Recently stocked:

Anthony Lake.

Check out the 2022 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

Emergency regulations for Malheur and Willow Valley reservoirs

To learn more, click the “Regulation Updates” button at the top of this report.

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.

Send us your fishing reports

Keep your eye out for QR code signs posted at various fishing locations throughout Baker County! Anglers with smartphones can provide fishing reports and feedback on-site by scanning the QR code, which directs anglers to our ODFW Fishing Report survey. Directions on how to use the QR codes are provided right on the signs.

Updates by waterbody

AGENCY LAKE (including Straights): redband trout, yellow perch, brown trout

All boat ramps are open. There are three options to launch a boat- Henzel Park, Agency Lake Resort ($5) and Petric Park. Launching is more difficult due to low lake levels.  Robust aquatic vegetation in Petric Park makes for difficult navigation. The lake level is still low for this time of year.

Fishing from a boat is the best option. Most redband trout have moved to the area at the mouth of the Wood River. Aquatic vegetation is starting to establish and drift making trolling and casting difficult. Lake level has dropped which has made fishing more challenging. The cool nights recently have also spread the fish out.

Please do not remove your redband trout from the water. Please release redband trout as quickly as possible. Water temperatures at the surface can be 10 degrees warmer than where the fish are holding and biting. White pelicans are increasing in the area and are also waiting to eat redband that are severely stressed after release.

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 9/7/22.

ANA RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, hybrid bass

There have not been any recent fishing reports but trolling with lures and flies are great methods to catch rainbow trout. Of course, fishing with PowerBait and casting lures catch plenty of fish as well. The reservoir has been lowered 5 feet to decrease erosion throughout the winter. The boat ramp is still available.

Hybrid bass catches have slowed down as the fish tend to spread out as water temperatures warm. 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 9/28/22.

Read 12 tips for catching wipers in Ana Reservoir.

ANNIE CREEK: brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout

Bait is allowed. Fishing is almost always slow. Flows have decreased to 42 cfs. 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 redband/rainbow trout caught in the creek to ODFW at 541-883-5732.

The creek is open year-round, and bait is allowed.

Access is available year-round off Hwy. 62 at the USFS snow park. 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 8/31/22.

ANTHONY LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout

Fishing at Anthony Lake may be a bit slower than previous years due to a partially unsuccessful stocking effort in mid-July. Fish are still being caught, however, and appear to be in decent condition. ODFW is aware of the die-off that occurred in mid to late July and is investigating the cause. Last updated 8/17/22.

BALM CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Earlier this year, Balm Creek Reservoir was stocked with fingerling trout. As they grow, they will become available for anglers. Last updated 8/17/22.

BECK KIWANIS POND, Ontario: trout, bluegill, largemouth bass

No recent reports. Last updated 3/30/22.

BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, hatchery rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout

Beulah Reservoir has now been drained to minimum pool. No recent reports on fishing. Water temperatures have cooled to around 60 degrees in the reservoir so trout may be moving back in and fishing may improve. Last updated 9/28/22.

BLITZEN RIVER: redband trout, carp

Water temperatures are now averaging about 55 degrees with flows around 75 percent of average. Redband are likely dispersing away from coldwater refugia and may be more widely distributed throughout the river. 

No recent fishing reports but fishing should be good. Last updated 9/28/22.

BURNS POND: trout

No recent reports but trout fishing may be picking up with cooler weather and water temperatures. Last updated 9/28/22.

BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: bass, catfish, crappie, rainbow trout

Some nice largemouth bass were captured throughout the reservoir while sampling this June. 

The Reservoir is nearly dry, fish will be extremely concentrated and likely in distress, which might make fishing difficult. The boat ramp is now out of the water and boating is not advised. Last updated 9/28/22.

CAMPBELL LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout

The Fremont-Winema fire closure was lifted on Sept. 1, but Campbell Lake will still be closed until the Forest Service can repair the bathrooms and dock at the lake. Stay tuned for availability. Last updated 8/31/22.

CAMPBELL RESERVOIR: redband trout, largemouth bass, crappie

There are likely no fish in the reservoir. Water levels in the reservoir are likely to desiccate this late summer therefore it’s unlikely fish will be stocked this year. Last updated 7/6/22.

CHERRY CREEK: brook trout and redband trout

Fishing will be fair. Mosquitoes are thinning out slightly. Flows have declined to 7.6 cfs. Open all year. Water temperatures are increasing substantially. 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. Water is crystal clear, and habitat is exceptional. 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. Last updated 9/7/22.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead

With summer turning into fall and stream temperatures dropping this can be a great time to fish this river. Stripping weighted flies and hanging beadheads under a bobber typically catch the most fish. Hoppers can also be really exciting during this time of year.

Casting spinners across and downstream and slowly work them through deeper riffles and lower pools is also effective. Concentrate on pocket water and faster riffles as the temperature increases.

Check the Oregon Water Resources Near Real Time Streamflow website for current flow information. Last updated 8/24/22.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout

Chickahominy Reservoir is now dry and will be for the remainder of 2022. It will be restocked again in 2023 if conditions improve. Last updated 6/22/22.

CORRAL CREEK (SF Sprague): brook trout and brown trout

The road closure has been lifted by the USFS. However, fishing will continue to be slow in this area due to the effects of the Bootleg Fire and recent flashfloods in the area. Best fishing will be in the beaver ponds near where Corral Creek enter the SF Sprague River. Last updated 9/7/22.

COTTONWOOD MEADOW LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout

With temperatures dropping this lake is going to start fishing really well. Anglers will do better if they can get out in a boat and troll flies or lures in deep water or above the vegetation. Bank anglers need to use a very long leader and cast to open water far from vegetation. Last updated 9/28/22.

CROOKED CREEK (Klamath Co): redband trout, brook trout and brown trout

Fishing is slow. There is public access at Highway 62 and upstream. Last updated 8/10/22.

CRYSTAL CREEK redband trout and yellow perch

Fishing is slow for redband trout due to low flows, very clear water and abundant aquatic vegetation. Remember fishing regulations have changed to no bait in Crystal Creek. Anglers can launch boats at Malone Springs. There is a 10mph speed limit on the Creek.

Yellow perch can also be caught closer to the mouth of Crystal Creek into Pelican Bay. The perch fishery typically peaks in September. Yellow perch fishing should be excellent. Once you find the schools stay for a while. Using two jigs at once can be more effective as perch follow the hooked fish to the boat. Last updated 9/7/22.

DEADHORSE LAKE: rainbow trout

The Fremont-Winema fire closure was lifted on Sept. 1. Recent fishing reports have been good, but fish were skinny. This lake was stocked two days before the fire closure in 2021. Fish condition was likely affected when too many fish survived the winter.

As usual trolling is the best option to move around the lake looking for biting fish. Try using spoons, lures and flies. Bait fishing should also be good along the shoreline, but if fish are not biting move to locate biting fish. Last updated 9/14/22.

DEEP CREEK: redband trout

With summer turning into fall and stream temperatures dropping this can be a great time to fish streams and rivers in general. Try casting lures into deeper riffles and in slower pools.

Fly-fishing is the most effective way to catch fish either by stripping flies or hanging beadheads under indicators. Using hoppers on the surface can be a fun way to catch these redband trout.

Check the Oregon Water Resources Near Real Time Streamflow website for current flow information. Last updated 9/28/22.

DELINTMENT LAKE: rainbow trout

No recent reports, but Delintment has been stocked with catchable rainbow trout. Last updated 5/25/22.

DOG LAKE: largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, brown bullhead, redband trout

There have not been any recent fishing reports, but fishing for perch and bass should get better as the water temperature cools. Using worms along the bottom and mid water column can be effective. A small boat can really help when bait fishing for these species but is not necessary. Last updated 9/28/22.

DUNCANRESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown bullhead catfish

This reservoir is dry and will not be stocked in 2022. This is good news due to the fact someone illegally introduced brown bullhead and largemouth bass into the reservoir. If we can keep bullhead out of this lake in the future, it will once again become a fantastic trout fishery. Last updated 4/12/22.

Please report illegal fish introductions to 1-800-452-7888.

FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): rainbow trout, brook trout

Fishing for rainbow trout should be excellent. The lake was stocked last month with 500 trophy and 2,500 legal rainbow trout. Last updated 8/24/22.

FORT CREEK: brown trout, redband trout, brook trout

Fishing is always slow as the creek is cold, slow and crystal clear. There is only a small section of public property near the headwaters. Last updated 8/10/22.

FOURMILE CREEK (CANAL) (tributary to Agency Lake): brook, brown, and redband trout.

Open all year and bait is allowed. Access is difficult but is available year-round off Westside Road at Fourmile Springs. A small car topper boat or canoe/kayak can improve fishing access at this area. Anglers should be aware of private property around this area and can check Klamath County Land Ownership for information.

The creek is very slow moving with one beaver dam impounding the creek. Fishing should be slow in front of and behind the beaver dam. If you are adventurous enough, the hole where Fourmile Creek enters Fourmile Canal is great. Also, fish where the Cherry Creek channel hits Fourmile Creek.

The headwater springs at Fourmile and Jack Springs are very cold.

Fishing for yellow perch can be good if you can find them. Aquatic vegetation is abundant. Best access is launching from Henzel Park boat ramp on Agency Lake. Last updated 3/30/22.

FOURMILE LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout, lake trout, kokanee, brook trout

The road into Fourmile Lake is still closed by the USFS. Call the Fremont-Winema Forest Service office for more information. Fourmile Lake was not stocked in 2021 and is not likely to be stocked this year unless the planned timber work is completed ahead of schedule and access is opened back up. Last updated 7/6/22.

GERBER RESERVOIR: crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead and largemouth bass

Open all year.

Targeting yellow perch continues to be your best bet. Fish sampling by Bureau of Reclamation has showed incredible densities of yellow perch in the past few years and also some larger crappie. Fishing is slow for crappie and brown bullhead catfish. Use small hooks and bait for the perch as most are small with small mouths. The reservoir is very low at 1 percent full. Most anglers are now fishing near the dam.

Launching a boat on a trailer is likely impossible.

Gerber Reservoir is a large turbid reservoir. Bank access is good. Most of the reservoir is on BLM property. Last updated 9/7/22.

GRANDE RONDE LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout

Snow has persisted late this year in parts of Northeast Oregon making access to high elevation lakes difficult. With warmer weather, much of the snow that blocked access to Grande Ronde Lake earlier should melt and allow anglers to access the lake. Last updated 7/26/22.

HEART LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout, brown bullhead catfish

This lake is closed until Oct. 8, 2022. The lake was recently treated with rotenone to eradicate brown bullhead and fathead minnow. Estimates from the day after treatment yielded roughly 13,700 brown bullheads, 51,000 fathead minnow and 35 rainbow trout dead along the shoreline. There are multiple nets set in the lake to determine if the treatment was 100 percent success. Let’s cross our fingers so that Heart Lake can once again be an amazing rainbow trout fishery. It will be stocked in the spring of 2023. Last updated 9/28/22.

HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Due to drought conditions this reservoir is expected to go dry, therefore gamefish limits and gear restrictions have been lifted until Oct. 31, 2022. This reservoir is drawing down and the boat ramp is inaccessible right now. Fish have been seen jumping in a few of the remaining pockets of water near the dam. Last updated 9/28/22.

J.C. BOYLE RESERVOIR (Topsy Reservoir): Largemouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed, crappie, goldfish, Sacramento perch, tui chub and blue chub

Open and accessible all year. Fishing has slowed due to aquatic vegetation growth and declining water quality.

Past net sampling showed some large yellow perch in the reservoir above the bridge crossing. Highest catch of all fish was above Topsy Bridge. Some very nice brown bullhead came out of Topsy last year and some anglers even found decent largemouth bass. Fishing bait on the bottom can be good for bullhead.

Water levels generally remain very similar and drop as the day progresses as water is released for power generation. There are numerous points of access on the reservoir as most property surrounding the reservoir is BLM or PacifiCorp property. There are three boat ramps on the reservoir. Last updated 7/13/22.

UPPER KLAMATH LAKE: native redband trout, yellow perch, kokanee, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead, tui chub and blue chub

Open all year. Most redband trout have moved to refuge areas of Pelican Bay near Rocky Point and up the Williamson River. Best fishing is from a boat as bank access is limited where the fish are located. The algae bloom is thick in some areas and pH is very high.

Boats can launch at Howard Bay, Rocky Point and Moore Park 1 and 2. Odessa Creek boat ramp is now open, but day use only.

Hagelstein Park boat ramp, restroom and day use is open. 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. 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 4.4 feet below full pool and 35 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. These fish will be 6-20 inches long. Last updated 9/7/22.

KLAMATH RIVER: native redband trout, rainbow trout, brown trout

Keno Dam to J.C Boyle Reservoir

This stretch of the river closed June 16 and will reopen Oct. 1. Last updated 6/22/22.

J.C. Boyle Dam to J.C Boyle Powerhouse

Open all year. Flows are low and stable and typically range from 100 cfs at the dam and increase due to springs to around 350 cfs at the Powerhouse. Catch rates should be good for this time of year. Fishing is best below the spring inputs. The springs start to discharge into the river approximately one mile below J.C. Boyle Dam. This section of river requires a hike down steep grade to the river except for the area just above the powerhouse.

Use small flies or lures as redband trout are mostly small (8-10 inches) in this section.

There is good access at the powerhouse. Park and walk upstream. This area is fished hard, but you can hike to get away from the pressure. Hiking or wading upstream is difficult.

Small nymphs such as pheasant tails and prince nymphs work well in this section. Using smaller stimulator patterns in this reach due to the small fish size. Small elk hair caddis presented with a twitch can work well. Small black Panther Martins or Rooster Tails work well when cast upstream into the deeper pools. Last updated 8/10/22.

J.C. Boyle Powerhouse to State Line with California

Fishing is good in early morning before flows drastically increase. Make sure you have good tires and 4X4. Best fishing is when flows are less than 900 cfs. You can check flow estimates at PacifiCorp Weekly Flow Estimates. You can also call the flow line at 1-800-547-1501. Best fishing will be before 10 a.m. this week. Flows might be high all day on Sept. 9 and 10.

Large attractor flies such and wooly buggers, bead head prince, and rubber leg stoneflies under a strike indicator work best this time of year. Olive and black wooly buggers almost always work well. Black spinners and Panther Martins can also work.

Below the JC Boyle Powerhouse the redband/rainbow trout get slightly larger than the aforementioned reach and average 12 inches but rarely exceed 16 inches. Currently, most redband caught are in the 10- to 14-inch range. Last updated 9/7/22.

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout, bass

About 200 largemouth bass were stocked in June. No recent reports on fishing. Last updated 9/28/22.

LAKE OF THE WOODS: hatchery rainbow trout, kokanee, hatchery brown trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, tui chub

Lake of the Woods has been stocked heavily with trophy rainbow trout. High water temperatures send the rainbow trout to deeper water. They typically will hold around the thermocline at 15 feet of depth. A large load of rainbow trout were stocked prior to fourth of July. These are fish that were slated for lakes that are closed due to the 2021 Bootleg Fire and also fish slated for Fourmile Lake, which is currently closed for forest maintenance. Most fish are around 18 inches when stocked.

Water temperatures are really warm so fishing for largemouth bass and some smallmouth bass might be worth a shot.

Fishing for yellow perch will also be a good bet. The lake is dominated by stunted yellow perch. Very small bait and hooks will catch these fish. For recent updates on fishing, you can call the resort at 1-866-201-4194.

You can also visit their website to observe current conditions at the lake. Click on the left side video link for a live video of current conditions on the lake at the Lodge. Last updated 8/31/22.

LINK RIVER: redband/rainbow trout

Most redband trout have moved into refuge areas. Flows are 918 cfs. Redband trout numbers in the Link River are extremely low.

Fishing regulations for the Link River changed on Jan. 1, 2021. New regulations include catch-and-release for redband/rainbow trout and no bait allowed (artificial flies and lures only). 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 fish from the water and catch-and-release rubber nets. Last updated 8/7/22.

LOFTON RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Fishing will begin picking up as cooler weather persists into fall. Trolling lures and flies are usually the best methods for this reservoir well into the summer.

Bank anglers need to remember as vegetation continues to grow, they need to increase their leader from 2 to 8 or 10 feet long to avoid it. If bait fishing, try hiking around the northeastern portion of the reservoir to get away from pressured fish and vegetation. Last updated 9/14/22.

LONG CREEK: brook trout, redband trout, bull trout

Open all year. Long Creek is located above Sycan Marsh coming off Yamsi Mountain. There is ample water to fish on Green Diamond property. The meadow section should be good especially with grasshopper patterns.

Fishing should be good for brook trout in the beaver pond areas. Brook trout are very abundant in the creek, and some get very big. Recent fishing shows redband trout are dominating the catch lower down in the creek.

Brook trout can reach up to 20 inches in the creek. ODFW encourages unlimited harvest of brook trout in the creek. Make sure you know the difference between bull trout and brook trout. Bull trout are exceedingly rare. Last updated 8/31/22.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Emergency Regulations are in place for this reservoir as of June 22, 2022.  Please refer to the zone regulations updates (at top of the report) for more details.

Holdover trout are available in Malheur Reservoir. Get out and enjoy this fishery while it lasts. The reservoir is currently quite low, launching a boat is not advised Last updated 9/28/22.

MANN LAKE:

The lake is completely dry.

MILLER LAKE: brown, rainbow, brook trout, kokanee

Hatchery rainbow trout are still available. There is plenty of bank access to effectively fish from the bank. There is a nice boat ramp. Brown trout are holding in deep water and typically eat kokanee and hatchery rainbow trout.

Call the USFS in Chemult for more information, 541-365-7001.The road into the lake is horrible and can damage boat trailers and boats. Last updated 8/31/22.

OWYHEE RESERVOIR: largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, catfish

Crappie can be found suspending in deeper water and schooling in smaller groups. The persistent angler can locate them and catch enough for a meal.

No recent reports on bass fishing but there are some very nice largemouth out there.  Smallmouth bass will likely be slightly deeper.

Anglers targeting bass may catch some with yellow tags near the dorsal fin. ODFW is studying bass movement, condition and angler harvest of bass larger than 12 inches. The tags have a four-digit number and can be reported by phone or on MyODFW.com. Anglers releasing tagged bass should leave the tag in the fish. Bass fishing should be picking up as well. Last updated 8/24/22.

For reservoir elevations click here.

OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): brown trout and hatchery rainbow trout

Recent sampling indicated trout densities are around 2,600 fish per mile from the dam downstream to the power lines. Relatively high densities of trout persist downstream from the dam for about the next six or seven miles. Below that, densities are lower but there are portions of the lower canyon that hold high numbers of trout.  

Rainbow trout will typically be associated with riffle type habitats and are more common in the two miles of river below the dam. Brown trout use just about every type of habitat available and can be found in high densities in riffles, runs, pools and glides. 

Fly-anglers are having some success using hopper patterns, small midge nymphs and streamers. Last updated 8/24/22.

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, yellow perch

Phillips Reservoir was stocked with rainbow trout throughout the spring, and some anglers had success catching trout on flies. Earlier in the year, perch fishing was slow, but we have not received any recent reports on perch fishing at Phillips Reservoir.

The reservoir only filled to about ¼ full before beginning to drain again. It is now nearly empty. Follow this link to see the Bureau of Reclamation website listing current reservoir levels. At these levels it may not be possible to launch a boat.

Remember that tiger musky and bull trout must be released unharmed. Last updated 9/28/22.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout

Pilcher Reservoir still has a decent amount of water. It has been stocked with fingerling trout that will be available to anglers as they continue to grow. Last updated 8/17/22.

POISON CREEK RESERVOIR (Grant County): rainbow trout

The reservoir is quite low right now but no reports of a fish kill yet. Fishing is probably best early or late in the day. Last updated 8/24/22.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, black crappie

Pole Creek Reservoir was drained this past summer and is currently fishless. It will not be stocked this year because a complete drawdown is likely again this summer. Last updated 5/25/22.

SEVENMILE CREEK (CANAL): brook trout, brown trout, redband trout, yellow perch

Open all year. Flows have decreased and the river is fishable. Sevenmile is a very cold and clear creek. Fishing for brook trout is best in the beaver dam pools above Nicholson Road. Most brook trout captured 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 Road. Bait is allowed upstream of Nicholson Road. There are currently large beaver dam pools immediately upstream of the bridge. This might be worth a look. Prepare for mosquitoes Last updated 8/10/22.

SKY LAKES AND MOUNTAIN LAKE WILDERNESS: brook trout and rainbow trout

All of the lakes are now accessible. All lakes were stocked this past summer by helicopter with 3-inch rainbow trout from the Crane Prairie redband trout stock.

Fishing should be excellent and the mosquitoes have really thinned out. 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.

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).

Best lures are typically dark panther martin spinners or super dupers. Brook trout fishing is typically best early mornings and late evenings. Rainbow trout are more common in the catch during the day than brook trout and can often be observed cruising offshore looking for food.

The biggest trout come from the bigger and deeper lakes of Harriette, Isherwood and Margurette. Last updated 9/7/22.

SPENCER CREEK: redband trout and brook trout

Spencer Creek is excellent fishing for small redband trout up to 10 inches. Flows are very low at 2.2 cfs. Last updated 8/31/22.

SPRAGUE RIVER: redband trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead, yellow perch, and pumpkinseed

Fishing is slow throughout the river with redband trout moving to water quality refuge. Look for fast water habitat with boulders. Flows are low at 97 cfs.

Best fishing is near the town of Beatty. There is also plenty of public water along Sprague River highway. Remember, regulations have changed to a bag limit of one redband trout greater that 15 inches.

Fishing can be slow for warmwater fish (yellow perch, brown bullhead catfish and largemouth bass) in areas around the town of Sprague River and near Lone Pine. Bait is allowed from Saddle Mtn Pit Bridge to Godowa Springs Road bridge. Last updated 9/7/22.

NORTH FORK SPRAGUE RIVER AND ALL TRIBUTARIES: brook trout, redband trout, brown trout, bull trout

Water temperatures have increased. Catch rates are very low but redband trout are recolonizing the burned area. Fish density is increasing very slowly due to the Bootleg Fire but redband trout have been the first to recolonize the areas near the 3411 road bridge crossing. The river above the fire is a better bet for fishing. This includes Lee Thomas and Sandhill Crossing areas. These sections are dominated by small brook trout. Last updated 9/7/22.

SOUTH FORK SPRAGUE RIVER AND ALL TRIBUTARIES: brook trout, redband trout, brown trout, bull trout

Fishing for redband trout is best near Blaisdell. Fishing should be slow this summer/fall following prologued drought, fire and flash flooding in the region. Last updated 09/7/22.

Check stream level.

SUN CREEK: brook trout, bull trout, brown trout, redband trout

The Sun Pass State Road is open. Fishing not recommended at this time.

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 at this time as fish density remains low. Recent sampling found low number of brook trout, brown trout and redband trout. The largest fish was 11 inches. Fish size and density remain low.

Redband trout were reintroduced to Sun Creek in 2016 and 2017. These redband trout were small, most are less than 4 inches, and salvaged from the Wood River irrigation system. 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 7/6/22.

SYCAN RIVER: brook, redband and brown trout (below marsh)

Fishing not recommended due to extensive drought and fire in most of the river corridor. Fishing will be best closer to the headwaters upstream of Rock Creek Campground. This section is 100 percent brook trout.

Fishing below the Sycan Marsh is not recommended at this time as most of the river was dry this summer. Flows are low near the mouth at 9 cfs. Last updated 9/7/22.

Check stream levels.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

Throughout the spring, the reservoir was stocked with rainbow trout. The reservoir is now empty though. Fishing will likely be difficult at lower reservoir levels.

Follow this link to see the Bureau of Reclamation website listing current reservoir levels. Last updated 9/21/22.

UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, smallmouth bass, crappie

Unity Reservoir has been dropping throughout the summer and is about 1/4 full. Fishing may be difficult at these lower water levels.

Follow this link to see the Bureau of Reclamation website listing current reservoir levels. Last updated 9/21/22.

WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: smallmouth bass, crappie, bullhead, perch, rainbow trout

Warm Springs is now dry. Last updated 9/28/22.

UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband trout and brook trout

Flows and water conditions should currently be good for fishing. The grasshopper are thick in some areas. Dry fly fishing with hopper patterns should still be good. Meadow areas along the river are the best. Last updated 8/31/22.

LOWER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband trout and brown trout

Fishing is fair from a boat as many big fish moved in from the lake after a long exceptionally cool, wet spring. The river is exceedingly clear and flows are low which can make for challenging fishing. Redband from the lake are in exceptional condition. Insect hatches are sparse but a few large caddisflies are hatching. Currently redband trout are mostly eating small mayfly nymphs.

Grasshoppers are abundant along the shorelines and fly patterns mimicking hooper and yellow mayflies might work well especially on overcast or shady areas of the river.

Many fly-anglers fish with a clear intermediate fly line on long, light fluorocarbon leaders. Making long casts can increase success. In some areas nymphing with an indicator can be productive. 

Anglers can launch boats at the ODFW boat ramp near Dollar General, The Waterwheel Campground or the Sportsman Retreat.

Please practice the best catch-and-release methods. Do not remove the fish from the water. Net the fish and dropping or even gently laying the fish in the boat can remove slime and scales thus reducing survival. These fish are already stressed from leaving the lake. Last updated 8/31/22.

WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, Lahontan cutthroat

Conditions are unknown. The reservoir is low.

Willow Valley is a very turbid, desert reservoir. 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. Last updated 4/6/22.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout and crappie

Wolf Creek reservoir has been stocked with rainbow trout and continues to have a decent amount of water in it. Last updated 8/17/22.

WOOD RIVER (including Petric Canal): redband trout, brown trout, brook trout and bull trout

Fishing for brown trout and redband trout should be good this week. Grasshoppers are abundant. The best section is from Fort Klamath down to Weed Road. There are several low bridge and portages that are required on this drift. The float from Weed Road to Petric can also be productive dry fly fishing but often you’ll need to get flies subsurface. A typical drift boat can float this section.

Flows have dropped in Annie and Sun Creek. Go to the Oregon Water Resources Near Real Time Website to look at flows for Annie Creek. Best overall fishing for both redband and brown trout is below Weed Road.

Brown trout typically feed on organisms on the bottom of the river this time of year. These include sculpin, earthworms, crayfish and stoneflies. Patterns or lures that match these will be more successful.

Please handle redband trout carefully and be on the lookout for bull trout. Report any bull trout you capture to ODFW in Klamath Falls. 

The boundary of the Wood River is outside the narrow riverine channels surrounded by vegetation. This is almost a mile below the Wood River BLM Wetland Bridge. The Wood River includes the Petric Canal that is on the north side of the Wood River Wetlands so please follow the Wood River fishing regulations for this area. Last updated 9/7/22.

YELLOWJACKET RESERVOIR: trout

Fishing has been fair. The water quality is currently poor but fish are still being caught. Last updated 9/28/22.