Southeast Zone

December 7, 2022

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Best bets for weekend fishing

• Best fishing in November is in Upper Klamath Lake and Klamath River below Keno Dam. Most other streams and rivers are closed to protect spawning redband trout.
• Fishing below the Powerhouse on the Klamath River should remain good through at least Dec. 10.
• It’s winter trout conditions on the Blitzen River. For hardy anglers, there’s good access from Bridge Creek up to Page Spring Campground.
• Trout fishing on the lower Owyhee can be good with some intermittent hatches to spice things up.
• Trout densities are quite high in Yellowjacket Reservoir going into winter, anglers are catching four to five trout per hour right now.
• Winter has arrived in force, and snow and ice will be limiting access to many locations. Be sure to check road conditions and the weather forecast before heading out.

Recently stocked

Trout stocking is scheduled to resume in March 2023.

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

Ice fishing safety

With several water bodies beginning to ice over, anglers need to be cautious during first-ice conditions. Take the following precautions: use the “buddy system,” wear a PFD in case of thin ice, carry a throw-rope, and use a heavy metal staff to check for thin-ice. The Minnesota DNR has developed guidelines for ice thickness and other safety tips.

If your favorite fishing spot is no longer listed

It’s probably because that river, lake or reservoir is closed for the season, inaccessible due to snow and bad roads, or offers limited fishing opportunities during the winter months. These waterbodies will re-appear in the Recreation Report when they re-open next spring, or when access and/or opportunity improves.

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

The lake is mostly frozen with all boat ramps frozen as well. The lake level is still low for this time of year.

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 12/7/22.

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.

Recent fishing reports for hybrid bass have been slow, but catches should start improving with colder weather. 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 11/16/22.

Read 12 tips for catching wipers in Ana Reservoir.

ANA RIVER: rainbow trout

There have not been any recent fishing reports, but the river is spring fed and does not freeze in the winter. Ana River is a great match-the-hatch fly-fishing river with good hatches throughout the year. Hatches typically occur during the afternoon from 12-3 p.m. Small blue-winged olive mayfly hatches are typically best on overcast days with light rain. Beadheads under a bobber work as well as stripping minnow patterns in low light conditions.

Tui chub are abundant in the river therefore casting large flies or lures can be effective for catching larger fish. Bait fishing is allowed and anglers can keep 5 trout. Last updated 11/30/22.

ANNIE CREEK: brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout

Fishing not recommended. Bait is allowed. Fishing is almost always slow especially as water temperatures approach freezing. Flows are 45 cfs. Most of the creek is dominated by small brook trout up to 10 inches. Brook trout are spawning, which means they’ll be concentrated and easier to catch. 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 11/30/22.

ANTHONY LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout

No recent reports. As the winter progresses, the lake will freeze over, and access will become more difficult due to heavier snow at higher elevations. Last updated 11/16/22.

BALM CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Balm creek reservoir is dry and will be restocked in late spring of 2023. Last updated 10/19/22.

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

Beck Kiwanis was stocked with catchable rainbow trout in October. Trout fishing should be productive. Last updated 11/9/22.

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

Ice is likely forming on Beulah Reservoir but it’s likely to thin for safe ice fishing. No recent fishing reports but when ice is safe, ice fishing may be productive. Bull trout will be in the reservoir now and must be released unharmed. Last updated 11/16/22.

BLITZEN RIVER: redband trout, carp

Winter fishing conditions are here. With the Blitzen low and clear right now, redband trout will likely be found in slower deeper water this time of year.  The Steens Mountain loop road is closed for the winter but there is still easy fishing access to the Blitzen from Bridge Creek up to Page Springs Campground. There is now some ice on the edges and some of the slower glides and pools but open water can still be found. 

No recent fishing reports. Last updated 12/7/22.

BURNS POND: trout

Burns pond was stocked in October with catchable rainbow trout. Fishing should be good. Ice is now about four inches thick. Please use caution venturing on to the ice. Last updated 12/7/22.

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 RESERVOIR: redband trout, largemouth bass, crappie

There are likely no fish in the reservoir. ODFW will consider restocking when water levels are high enough to support fish survival. Last updated 11/9/22.

CHERRY CREEK: brook trout and redband trout

Fishing not recommended. Snow is likely blocking most access. Fishing will be very slow as water temperatures approach freezing. Flows have decreased to 9 cfs. Open all year. This creek is very small; well-suited to fly-fishing. Brook trout are more abundant higher in the system. Look for brook trout in concentrated groups for spawning. 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 Recent sampling showed high densities of brook trout and redband trout lower on the creek. Last updated 11/30/22.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead

As winter approaches and temperatures drop expect fishing to be slow. Due to cold temperatures much of this river is under ice. If you feel the need to fish the Chewaucan River, try slowly stripping or swinging weighted flies and hanging beadheads under a bobber.

You can also try casting spinners across and downstream and slowly work them through deeper riffles and lower pools to catch fish. Concentrate on open water and deeper runs and pools.

Check the Oregon Water Resources Near Real Time Streamflow website for current flow information. Last updated 11/30/22.

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

Fishing not recommended. Access likely blocked by snow. While access is open, fishing continues to be slow in this area because 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. Look for brook trout concentrated for spawning. Last updated 11/30/22.

COTTONWOOD MEADOW LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout

The lake is covered in ice and after this week’s snowstorm it will be accessible only with snowmobiles. It’s unknown if the ice is thick enough to fish from. Last updated 11/30/22.

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

Closed to protect spawning redband trout. Will reopen May 22, 2023. Last updated 11/2/22.

CRYSTAL CREEK redband trout and yellow perch

Closed to protect spawning redband trout. Will reopen May 22, 2023. Last updated 11/2/22.

DEADHORSE LAKE: rainbow trout

Access will be limited to snowmobiles from here on out. Last updated 11/30/22.

DEEP CREEK: redband trout

As winter approaches and temperatures drop expect fishing to be slow. If you’re compelled to fish Deep Creek, try slowly stripping or swinging weighted flies and hanging beadheads under a bobber

You can also try casting spinners across and downstream and slowly work them through deeper riffles and lower pools to catch fish. Concentrate on open water and deeper runs and pools.

Check the Oregon Water Resources Near Real Time Streamflow website for current flow information. Last updated 11/16/22.

DELINTMENT LAKE: rainbow trout

No recent reports. With more snow in the forecast, access to this lake will be more difficult and likely require a snowmobile. No reports on ice thickness but it should be over 4 inches thick. Last updated 12/7/22.

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

Access is available to 4-wheel drive vehicles but there are open pockets of water. With temperatures dropping over the next week the ice should get thicker. Last updated 11/30/22.

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

Steens Mountain Loop Road is now closed to vehicles but Burns District BLM allows limited access during the winter closure. You can get a gate key if you check in with the Burns BLM office. Please use caution venturing on to early season ice.

No recent fishing reports but early season ice fishing can be productive. Please use caution venturing on to early season ice.  Last updated 11/16/22.

FORT CREEK: brown trout, redband trout, brook trout

Closed to protect spawning redband trout. Will reopen May 22, 2023. Last updated 11/16/22.

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 is likely slow due to very cold water temperatures. 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. There are some nice brook trout in the creek.

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

Fishing for yellow perch can be slow if you can find them in Fourmile Canal. Aquatic vegetation is abundant. Best access is launching from Henzel Park boat ramp on Agency Lake. Last updated 11/16/22.

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

Snow is likely blocking access into Fourmile Lake. 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 11/30/22.

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

The reservoir is likely frozen. Thickness of ice is unknow. 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 remains very low at 1 percent full. Most anglers are now fishing near the dam.

Gerber Reservoir is a large turbid reservoir. Bank access is good. Most of the reservoir is on BLM property. Last updated 11/30/22.

GRANDE RONDE LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout

No recent reports. High elevation lakes will begin to freeze as the weather cools and be more difficult to access with more snow accumulation in the high country. Last updated 11/16/22.

HEART LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout, brown bullhead catfish

This lake was successfully treated with rotenone to eradicate brown bullhead and fathead minnow in September. 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 were 7 nets placed throughout the lake for one month after treatment. Zero fish were caught so we hope that it was successful. 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 11/2/22.

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

The reservoir is freezing and thawing depending on the weather. Open and accessible all year. Fishing is very slow due to cold water temperatures.

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 11/30/22.

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

Open all year. The lake was mostly frozen but strong winds opened some areas along the east side. Howard Bay and Shoalwater Bay are likely mostly frozen.

Most boat ramps are frozen except Rocky Point.

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 4.5 feet below full pool and 34 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 12/7/22.

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

Keno Dam to J.C Boyle Reservoir

The river opened on Saturday, Oct. 1. Fishing was very slow just below Keno Dam. A total of 15 anglers were interviewed and only one had caught a fish. Reports from lower in the river showed slightly higher catch rates.

Forage fish are abundant especially immediately below Keno Dam for the large redband/rainbow to eat. Best methods are mimicking minnows and sculpins with flies and lures.

Flows are optimal at 738 cfs with water temperatures peaking at 37 degrees. The water is always slightly off color in this reach. Turbidity is stable and is ranging from 15-18 FNU.

The redband/rainbow trout population is likely at record low numbers due to drought, very high water temperatures the past three years, and very low flows in their only spawning tributary, Spencer Creek. Catch-and-release is encouraged.  Last updated 11/30/22.

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 gate is now closed that accesses the river along the power canal. Access is available by foot traffic only.

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. Small black Panther Martins or Rooster Tails work well when cast upstream into the deeper pools. Last updated 11/30/22.

J.C. Boyle Powerhouse to State Line with California

Fishing remains good until about 3 p.m. this week. 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.

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 12/7/22.

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Fishing has been good this fall for rainbow trout. Anglers have been having success with PowerBait. Fly-fishing can also be productive from the bank, boat or float tube. 

Ice fishing is not allowed on Krumbo Reservoir. This reservoir typically has at least some open water throughout the winter. Last updated 11/9/22.

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

The lake is freezing fast. Ice fishing should be available by late December. Fishing for yellow perch is your best bet once the lake freezes. 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. Water temperatures will be very cold and likely freezing early mornings.

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 12/7/22.

LINK RIVER: redband/rainbow trout

Flows are 793 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 11/30/22.

LOFTON RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Access will be available only to snowmobiles after this week’s snowstorm and ice thickness is unknown. Last updated 11/30/22.

LONG CREEK: brook trout, redband trout, bull trout

Fishing is not recommended. Snow will block access soon. Open all year. Long Creek is located above Sycan Marsh coming off Yamsi Mountain. There is ample water to fish on Green Diamond property.

Fishing should be slow 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 11/30/22.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

The reservoir is extremely low but some trout may have survived the summer. Ice has formed on the reservoir but is only 1.5” thick. Last updated 11/16/22.

MANN LAKE:

The lake is completely dry.

MILLER LAKE: brown, rainbow, brook trout, kokanee

Snow is likely blocking access. Hatchery rainbow trout are still available. The lake was stocked in late September with 12- to 14-inch rainbow trout. There is plenty of bank access to effectively fish from the bank. There is a nice boat ramp.

Brown trout are cruising the shallows looking for spawning habitat. They also return to the boat ramp area where they were released. The mouth of Evening Creek is a great place for spawning browns as is the outlet at Miller Creek.

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 11/30/22.

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, bass can still be caught but fishing may be slow with colder water temperatures.

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 11/16/22.

For reservoir elevations click here.

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

Brown trout are now spawning, please avoid targeting actively spawning fish and wading in gravely areas to protect redds. These practices will help ensure a healthy productive fishery in the future.

The Owyhee will be flowing at about 20 cfs this winter, the water is clear and fish may be selective. Some ice has formed in the slower pools but there is still plenty of open water to fish.

Fishing has been good at times. Anglers have reported intermittent insect hatches that have contributed to some dry fly-fishing but for most part nymphing has been more productive. As we move into winter, small midge patterns or streamers will probably be most effective. Some folks are having success using small mop AKA “shammy” flies. 

You can still find plenty of brown trout away from spawning locations that are actively feeding. Rainbows have also been biting fairly well. The highest concentrations of rainbow trout will be in the three miles of river just below the dam. Last updated 12/7/22.

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, yellow perch

Phillips Reservoir was stocked with rainbow trout throughout the spring. 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. Locally, it has been cold in northeast Oregon. Ice fishing will become an option at Phillips Reservoir once it freezes thick enough. Anglers should use extreme caution early in the winter and thoroughly evaluate the ice conditions before travelling out onto frozen waterbodies.

Remember that tiger musky and bull trout must be released unharmed. Last updated 12/7/22.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout

Locally, it has been cold in northeast Oregon. Ice fishing will become an option at Pilcher Reservoir once it freezes thick enough. Anglers should use extreme caution early in the winter and thoroughly evaluate the ice conditions before travelling out onto frozen waterbodies. Last updated 12/7/22.

POISON CREEK RESERVOIR (Grant County): rainbow trout

Ice has formed on this reservoir by now. Please use caution on early season ice. There are some nice trout available, ice fishing is typically more productive here early in the season as soon as ice is safe. No reports on ice thickness. Last updated 11/16/22.

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, black crappie

Pole Creek Reservoir was drained this past summer and is currently fishless. It has not been stocked this year because a complete drawdown was likely again this past summer. Last updated 11/18/2022

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

Open all year. Sevenmile is a very cold and clear creek and fishing will be very slow. Fishing for brook trout is best in the beaver dam pools above Nicholson Road. Fishing has been very slow in this area. 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. Last updated 11/30/22.

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

Snow is blocking access and most lakes are frozen. All lakes were stocked this past summer by helicopter with 3-inch rainbow trout from the Crane Prairie redband trout stock.

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 11/30/22.

SPENCER CREEK: redband trout and brook trout

Closed to fishing. Will reopen May 22. 2023. Last updated 11/2/22.

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

Closed to fishing to protect spawning redband trout. Will reopen April 22, 2023. Last updated 11/2/22.

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

Access is difficult due to snow. Fishing not recommended at this time. Open year-round. Water temperatures have decreased. 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 Rd 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. Fishing will be excellent for brook trout as they concentrate to spawn. Bait is allowed above the lowermost 3372 road crossing. Brook trout harvest is encouraged. Last updated 11/30/22.

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

Fishing not recommended. Open year-round. Fishing for redband trout is best near Blaisdell. Fishing should be slow this fall following prologued drought, fire and flash flooding in the region. Last updated 11/30/22.

Check stream level.

SPRING CREEK: redband trout, brook trout and brown trout

Closed to fishing to protect spawning redband trout. Will reopen May 22, 2023. Last update 11/2/22.

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

Fishing not recommended at this time. Sun Pass State Forest Gate is now locked.

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 numbers of brook trout, brown trout and no catchable-size redband trout.

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 11/30/22.

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. Snow will limit access soon.

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 7 cfs. Last updated 11/30/22.

Check stream levels.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

Throughout the spring, the reservoir was stocked with rainbow trout. However, the reservoir emptied earlier this year. It is likely that few fish remain in the reservoir although the reservoir has begun to refill.

Locally, it has been cold in northeast Oregon. Anglers should use extreme caution early in the winter and thoroughly evaluate the ice conditions before travelling out onto frozen waterbodies.

Follow this link to see the Bureau of Reclamation website listing current reservoir levels. Last updated 12/7/22.

UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, smallmouth bass, crappie

Unity Reservoir is about one third of the way full. When ice conditions allow, ice fishing for trout can be good at Unity Reservoir especially near the boat ramp.

Locally, it has been cold in northeast Oregon. Ice fishing will become an option at Unity Reservoir once it freezes thick enough. Anglers should use extreme caution early in the winter and thoroughly evaluate the ice conditions before travelling out onto frozen waterbodies.

Follow this link to see the Bureau of Reclamation website listing current reservoir levels. Last updated 12/6/22.

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

Warm Springs Reservoir is now very low and refilling after it was completely drained this past summer. Fishing is likely quite slow. Last updated 11/9/22.

UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband trout and brook trout

Closed to fishing to protect spawning redband trout. Will reopen April 22, 2023. Last updated 11/2/22.

LOWER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband trout and brown trout

Closed to fishing to protect spawning redband trout. Will reopen May 22, 2023. Last updated 11/2/22.

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

Fishing not recommended. The Reservoir is likely frozen. 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 11/30/22.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout and crappie

Wolf Creek reservoir was stocked with rainbow trout earlier this year. Locally, it has been cold in northeast Oregon. Ice fishing will become an option at Wolf Creek Reservoir once it freezes thick enough. However, anglers should use extreme caution early in the winter and thoroughly evaluate the ice conditions before travelling out onto frozen waterbodies. Last updated 12/7/22.

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

Fishing is closed to protect spawning redband trout. Will reopen April 22, 2023. Last updated 11/2/22.

YELLOWJACKET RESERVOIR: trout

Trout densities are quite high in Yellowjacket going into winter, anglers are catching four to five trout per hour right now. Ice is about 4 to 6 inches thick close to shore, ice conditions should improve as long as freezing temperatures persist. Last updated 12/7/22.