Recreation Report
Southeast Zone
Recreation Report
-Photo by Roger Smith-
Nov. 13, 2024
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Best bets for weekend fishing
- Fishing for native redband trout has been good on the Chewaucan, Blitzen and lower Owyhee rivers.
- Anglers have been consistently catching trout in Malheur Reservoir using a variety of methods.
- Pole Creek Reservoir is holding some nice trout up to 18 inches.
- Trout fishing has been excellent on Campbell and Cottonwood Meadow lakes.
Best bet in the Klamath Basin is the Klamath River or Klamath Lake
Trout stocking
Stocking is scheduled to resume in March 2025.
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 some returning to the main lake and many moving up the Wood River to spawn. Agency Lake is terrible to fish in the wind and even harder to launch/trailer your boat at Henzel Park. The docks will be taken out soon. 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 2020 through 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 11/13/24.
ANA RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, hybrid bass
The reservoir has been dropped 7 feet and will continue to drop this month. The boat launch is dry at this time and will not be useable again until March or April.
Fishermen have been catching some rainbow trout along the dam recently. Most people use bait along the bottom, but casting lures or trolling them from small pontoon boats and float tubes can be productive. If fishing from ODFW property on the south side of the reservoir you will need a wildlife area parking permit.
There have been a few bass caught recently. 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 very 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 11/6/24.
BECK KIWANIS POND, Ontario: trout, bluegill, largemouth bass
Beck Kiwanis was stocked October 7 with 1,300 rainbow trout. Fishing should be good. Last updated 11/13/24.
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 and fishing has been good this fall. Bull trout will be entering the reservoir as temperatures cool, if you catch a bull trout you must release it unharmed. Last updated 11/13/24.
BLITZEN RIVER: redband trout, carp
The Blitzen is flowing around 50 cfs with temperatures around 40 degrees in the afternoon. There were lots 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 11/13024.
BURNS POND: trout
Burns Pond was recently stocked with rainbow trout. Anglers were still catching trout stocked earlier this summer. With cooler water temperatures fishing will be great this fall. Last updated 11/32/24.
BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: bass, catfish, crappie, rainbow trout
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 Will continue to be good as long as the lake is not iced over. Trolling can be great at this time of year. 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 11/6/24.
CAMPBELL RESERVOIR: redband trout, largemouth bass, white and black crappie, bluegill
Water temperatures will be very cold for warmwater fish. 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 11/6/24.
CHERRY CREEK: brook trout and redband trout
Open all year. Water temperature is near freezing. These fish are spooky, and water is crystal clear. You will hit snow not very far from Westside Road.
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 11/6/24.
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. This reservoir was stocked last month with an additional 1,300 legal sized trout.
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 11/13/2024.
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 might make access challenging.
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 11/6/24.
COTTONWOOD MEADOW LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout
Fishing has been excellent recently. One angler reportedly caught 54 trout in 5 hours from 8-17 inches. 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 11/6/24.
CROOKED CREEK (Klamath Co): redband trout, brook trout and brown trout
Crooked Creek closed to fishing on Nov. 1 to protect spawning fish. Last updated 11/13/24.
CRYSTAL CREEK redband trout and yellow perch
Crystal Creek closed to fishing to protect spawning redband trout on Nov. 1. Last updated 11/6/24.
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 stretches are going to start freezing over in November. You might try open pockets of water later in the day.
As temperatures decrease fishing will be less productive. 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 11/6/24.
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 until ice up. Last updated 10/13/24.
DOG LAKE: largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, brown bullhead, redband trout
Fishing for perch and crappie was pretty good a week ago. Bass fishing was pretty slow. 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 11/6/24.
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 closed to fishing on Nov. 1 to protect spawning fish. Last updated 11/6/24.
FOURMILE CREEK (CANAL) (tributary to Agency Lake): brook, brown, redband trout, yellow perch
Fourmile Creek is open year-round, and bait is allowed.. A kayak can be launched at the headwaters at Fourmile Springs. There is also a beaver dam. Concentrate efforts around the dam.
Fishing in the area downstream of where Fourmile Creek hits Fourmile Canal can be excellent. Yellow perch fishing remains ok if you can find them in Fourmile Canal. Last updated 11/13/24.
Check Fourmile Canal Flow.
FOURMILE LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout, lake trout, kokanee, brook trout
Access might be difficult due to snow. 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.
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 11/13/24.
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 fair in November. Water temperatures are approaching freezing.
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 11/13/24.
HEART LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout
There have not been any fishing reports, but fishing should be good until the ice limits availability. 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 11/6/24.
HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
Fishing should be fair although there have not been any recent fishing reports. This is a good 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 11/6/24.
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 KRRC rules and ongoing habitat restoration. 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 11/6/24.
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 around the lake. Water quality has been especially good this year with lack of AFA and Microcystis algae. The lake is green, but visibility is better than usual. Redband trout are spread out.
Yellow perch fishing should be ok 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. ODFW encourages harvest of all yellow perch.
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 4.2 feet below full pool and 38 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 11/13/24.
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. Fishing remains slow. 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 11/6/24.
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 changed 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 5.3 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 11/6/24.
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 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 11/13/24.
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
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 11/6/24.
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 1,170 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 11/6/24.
LOFTON RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
There have not been any recent fishing reports and expect fishing to be slow at this time of year. Trolling spoons and other lures can be a good option for catching fish. Bank fishing is also fair, 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 11/6/24.
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. Water temperatures are very cold and snow will limit access to some areas. Last updated 11/13/24.
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 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.. Another place to try is near Horseshoe Dam. Last updated 11/13/24.
MALHEUR RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
There are some very nice trout in Malheur Reservoir right now. Anglers are consistently catching trout using a variety of methods. Recent sampling showed there are plenty of trout in the 17-20 inch range weighing around two pounds with good numbers of smaller trout as well.
Fly-fishing has been effective from the bank or from a boat either stripping streamers or suspending scud patterns below an indicator. Bait anglers are having success fishing from shore with power bait. Trolling would likely be effective as well. The boat ramp is still usable. Last updated 11/13/24.
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
Snow might limit access. 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 11/6/24.
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.
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 11/13/24.
OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): brown trout, hatchery rainbow trout
The Owyhee River is currently flowing at about 32 cfs below the dam. Brown trout are now spawning throughout the Lower Owyhee River. Anglers should avoid wading in gravely areas to protect buried eggs.
Some good fishing can still be found away from spawning brown trout. Try fishing some of the deeper, slower water with streamers for pre- or post-spawn browns or egg patterns for larger rainbows.
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. Last updated 11/13/24.
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
Recent sampling showed black and now white crappie are quite abundant but most of them are less than six inches long. There are some nice holdover rainbow trout available up to 18 inches and some Lahontan cutthroat that were stocked last year that are now around 10 inches. Last updated 11/13/24.
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. You can access this area by hiking two miles down the Wood River Wetland Trail. Last updated 11/13/24.
Check Sevenmile Creek Flows
SKY LAKES AND MOUNTAIN LAKE WILDERNESS: brook trout and rainbow trout (Cranebow triploids)
Snow is likely making access very challenging. 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.
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 11/6/24.
SPENCER CREEK: redband trout and brook trout
Spencer Creek closed to all fishing Nov. 1 to protect spawning fish. Last updated 11/6/24.
SPRAGUE RIVER: redband trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead, yellow perch, and pumpkinseed
Sprague River closed to fishing on Nov. 1 to protect spawning fish. Last updated 11/6/24.
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 slow for redband trout and brown trout. Water temperatures are very cold. Bait fishing near Lee Thomas Meadows for brook trout should be fair. Fishing the beaver pond areas upstream should be productive. Snow might limit access. Last updated 11/13/24.
SOUTH FORK SPRAGUE RIVER AND ALL TRIBUTARIES: brook trout, redband trout, brown trout, bull trout
Open year-round. Access might be challenging due to snow. Fishing will be fair for brook trout. Water temperatures are getting very cold.. 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 11/6/24.
Check SF Sprague River Flows.
SPRING CREEK: redband trout, brook trout and brown trout
Spring Creek closed to fishing on Nov. 1 to protect spawning fish. Last update 11/6/24.
SUN CREEK: brook trout, bull trout, brown trout, redband trout
Access to Sun Creek is closed until the end of June. Last updated 11/6/24.
SYCAN RIVER: brook, redband and brown trout (below marsh)
Open year-round. Access might be challenging due to snow. 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.
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 11/13/24.
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 closed to fishing on Nov. 1 to protect spawning fish. Last updated 11/6/24.
Check Upper Williamson River Flows.
LOWER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband trout, brown trout and yellow perch
Lower Williamson River closed to fishing on Nov. 1 to protect spawning fish. Last updated 11/6/24.
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 closed to fishing on Nov. 1 to protect spawning fish. Last updated 11/6/24.
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. Last updated 11/13/24.