Southwest Zone

SW Fishing

March 5, 2026

Best bets for weekend fishing:

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

Trout stocking 

Stocked the week of Mar. 2-6:

Reinhart Park Pond, Garrison Lake, Expo Pond 1 (Rogue).

Scheduled to be stocked the week of Mar. 9-13:

Garrison Lake

Check out the Trout stocking schedule.

Trout stocking maps

Check out the ODFW fishing and trout stocking maps to find nearby fishing locations, driving directions and descriptions of amenities.

Sign up for the latest information on boater access 

Marine Board's Opportunities and Access Report incorporates information from federal and state agencies, local facility operators and fellow boaters to provide up-to-date information so boaters can decide where to recreate and what to expect this season. Subscribe to receive email updates.

Rogue South Coast Winter Steelhead Validation is required to target steelhead starting December 1. A Wild Steelhead Harvest Tag is also required to harvest non-adipose clipped (wild) steelhead where open. See page 35-39 in the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations.

Updates by waterbody

AGATE LAKE: Bass, carp, black crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead

Agate Lake is still at 75 percent full. Anglers are encouraged to harvest any carp or catfish caught at the reservoir. Last updated 3/4/26

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

The lake level is 1,934 ft and the surface temperature at Applegate is 47F. Check up-to-date reservoir levels here, or call the Army Corps of Engineers at (800) 472-2434 for lake level and temperature information. The low-water ramp at French Gulch is the only available ramp at these levels.

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

There is a longstanding health advisory for consumption of resident species due to elevated levels of mercury. See Oregon Health Authority consumption guidelines or the sportfishing regulations for more information. Last updated 3/4/26

APPLEGATE RIVER below Applegate Dam: Trout, steelhead

The Applegate River is open for hatchery trout and winter steelhead. All wild (unclipped) fish must be released. Rain and snowmelt brought flows up significantly last weekend, but it looks like it's dropping into shape. Water clarity should improve the closer you get to Applegate Dam and the angling deadline. As the river drops and clears try dead-drifting a bead, or bead with a worm. Bobber and jig or spoons are also good to try. Last updated 3/4/26

ARIZONA POND: Rainbow trout

Located on Arizona Beach State Park property, this pond offers a unique angling opportunity to youth anglers under 17. The edges of the pond can be quite wet and muddy so anglers may want to wear waterproof boots.

BEN IRVING RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, yellow perch, crappie

Until spring conditions return, angling will be slow for warmwater fishes. On some of the warmer days, Try slower presentations. Angling is slow. Last update 2/25/26

CHETCO RIVER: Winter steelhead

Frequent rainy weather has kept conditions perfect for late season steelhead fishing. Anglers are catching a mix of fresh and spawned out steelhead.

COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, yellow perch, crappie

The water does have some color. Brighter presentations and bait may be a better choice. Cooler weather may also slow the bite of warmwater fish. The reservoir was stocked with 1,500 legals and 400 trophy Rainbow trout the last week of January. Last updated 3/4/26

COOS RIVER BASIN: Bottomfish, trout, surfperch, salmon

Rougher weather and sneaker wave warnings warrant caution when fishing along the jetties, however, some rockfish can still be caught around the jetties in the lower Coos Bay estuary, but you may need to move around to several spots to find actively biting fish. Best fishing is typically near slack tides with good fishing one day and fair fishing the next. A jig fished with a twister tail trailer is always a good option to catch bottom fish.

For the general marine fish regulations, please visit the sport bottomfish seasons page.

On occasion stray feeder Chinook from the ocean may be caught in the lower Coos Bay. The salmon bite is typically best a couple hours before and through the high slack tide. Regulations throughout the winter period default to standard regs of 2 fish per day.

Steelhead are still being caught in typical locations, (W.F. Millicoma River, S. Coos River). Flows are now high but will be receding over the next few days. There are still some bright fish to be had with some sorting. Water should be coming in color by weekend. 02/24/26

Choose a day when surf is not at a dangerous level, and it is possible to catch a few striped perch around the jetties. Redtailed surfperch are available along beaches like Horsefall Beach. Anglers have the best success fishing with sand shrimp near the bottom. Last updated 02/24/26

Trout season closed Oct. 31 and will not reopen until May 22, 2026. STARTING IMMEDIATELY THERE MAY BE A TEMPORARY DOCK MOORED TO THE CHANDLER BRIDGE TO ALLOW FOR BRIDGE MAINTENANCE. BOATERS IN THIS REACH OF RIVER NEED TO BE AWARE OF THIS BOATING RISK.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: striped bass, smallmouth bass

Striped bass fishing in the lower Coquille has slowed substantially and very few anglers pursue this species this time of year due to high and muddy flows. An occasional fish might be caught using nightcrawler or 1/3 of an anchovy/herring bait on the bottom. Use of a sliding line through a three-way swivel or swivel stopper with drop lead is popular.

Smallmouth bass are essentially dormant in the winter throughout the Coquille River and main tributaries due to cooler water temps and lower metabolism. Spearfishing closed on October 31. Bait fishing for smallmouth remains open in tidewater locations and the Coquille River S.F. and where steelhead fishing is open. Fishing will be very slow. Either bait on the bottom or artificial grubs/worms worked very slowly are the best bet. Hardcore anglers may entice a small mouth bass to bite in the tidewater reaches upstream of Coquille, with bait on the bottom. Due to cold temperatures the ability to catch smallmouth during higher water will be minimal. There is no limit for smallmouth bass, which are destructive to salmon fry production. Last updated 02/24/26

Steelhead are available in all reaches up to Powers on the S.F. Coquille and LaVerne Park on the N.F. Water flows are very high at the moment in the basin, however, are trending towards fishability by weekend of Feb 28. Fishing is expected to be slow the mainstem reaches of the S.F. and N.F. where water conditions are suitable using low-clear water tackle and tactics. There has been some confusion about use of bait in the Coquille basin during the steelhead season due to the language in the S.W. section Regulations Exceptions. Bait is allowed in all mainstem forks of the Coquille basin for steelhead and bass. The plan at this point is to adjust the language in the regulations for the 2027 manual. Last updated 2/24/26

Trout fishing closed in rivers and streams in the Coquille Basin on October 31 and will reopen May 22, 2026. Last updated 2/24/26.

DIAMOND LAKE: Trout

The lake is not frozen. If planning on fishing from a boat, the main boat ramp is the only one open. Angling effort is slow. Anglers seem to be staying off the lake. Please read about ice fishing safety before adventuring out on ice.

Diamond Lake has been stocked with tiger and brown trout. These fish were introduced to help control illegally introduced tui chub. These trout are catch-and-release only and need to be released immediately and unharmed if caught. Follow these catch-and-release tips for reducing fish mortality. Last updated 3/4/2026

ELK RIVER: Winter steelhead

Frequent rainy weather has kept conditions perfect for late season steelhead fishing. Boat angling is the best, as there is very little public bank access.

EMIGRANT LAKE: Largemouth and smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, catfish, rainbow trout

Emigrant Lake is 46 percent full and the boat ramp may be difficult to launch and retrieve larger boats at this level. With cooler weather trout should be throughout the reservoir. With somewhat unseasonably mild weather and the reservoir starting to fill, largemouth bass are likely to follow the water level up into the willows.

There is a longstanding health advisory for consumption of resident warmwater species in Emigrant for high levels of mercury. Consult the sportfishing regulations or the Oregon Health Authority for more information on consumption guidelines.

The most current elevations for Emigrant Reservoir and other Rogue Basin reservoirs can be found on the Bureau of Reclamation's website, here. Last updated 2/25/26

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

Expo pond was stocked with 1500 legal-size rainbow trout this week. Fishing for largemouth bass and panfish might start to pick up as days warm up, but anglers can catch nice Largemouth Bass year-round here. Expo Pond is the pond at the Jackson County Fairgrounds located directly adjacent to the access road at Gate 5, at Southern Oregon RV Park.

There are Chinese mystery snails in the most northern pond. They are highly invasive and were illegally dumped here. Please do not move these creatures and drain and dry any personal watercraft before using them in another waterbody. Last updated 3/4/26

FISH LAKE: Rainbow trout, brook trout, spring Chinook

Fish Lake is 64 percent full and ice-free. The USFS public boat ramp should be available to launch boats. Early season trolling could be very good.

Anglers are encouraged to report catches of tiger trout or send other fishing reports to Rogue Fish District Staff (541) 826-8774. Last updated 3/4/26

FLORAS LAKE: Rainbow trout, cutthroat

This is a good lake to target when area rivers are either low and clear or high and muddy. Anglers may want to fish in the afternoon when conditions are a little warmer and the fish become more active. The lake has very little bank angling. Boat anglers can launch at Boice Cope County Park. Anglers will want to check the weather conditions prior to heading out. The lake can be very windy. Last updated 3/4/26

GALESVILLE RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, bass

The boat ramps are still accessible. The reservoir is about 40 feet lower than summer full pool. They are starting to fill the lake. Trout fishing can still be good during cooler weather. A lower reservoir can mean the fish are concentrated and easier to target. Last updated 3/4/26

GARRISON LAKE: Trout

Fishing this lake may be an excellent alternative when local rivers are too low and clear or high and muddy. This is the time of year when anglers should check weather conditions before heading out. The lake can be very windy. Last updated 3/4/26

HEMLOCK LAKE & LAKE IN THE WOODS (Douglas County): Trout

Winter weather may make the lake inaccessible until spring. There should be lots of trout from summer stocking. Last updated 3/4/26

HOWARD PRAIRIE: Trout, bass

Howard Prairie is 78 percent full and should be ice-free, but we don't have any recent reports. The gravel boat ramp by the dam is the only ramp available until County Parks open (typically in May). Remember to remove all vegetation from gear, boots and boats before leaving Howard Prairie. Last updated 2/25/26

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

Hyatt is 76 percent full. The lake should be ice-free but we don't have any recent reports. Fishing power bait a couple feet off the bottom near the dam is typically a good early season strategy.

Remember to remove all vegetation from gear, boots, and boats before leaving Hyatt. Last updated 3/4/26

ILLINOIS RIVER: Trout, steelhead

The Illinois River is open for trout and steelhead fishing using flies and lures only. Water levels have started to drop into shape after last week's rain. The next few weeks would be a good time to hit the Illinois. Click here for river flow and river forecasts. Swinging spoons in 3-6ft deep choppy runs can be very effective this time of year. Bobber and jig are also a good setup that will let you cover longer pools or runs. Consult the fishing regulations for more information and locations open to fishing. Tributaries, including East Fork and West Fork Illinois, are closed to angling. Last updated 3/4/26

LAKE MARIE: Rainbow trout, yellow perch

Lake Marie receives only a little pressure this time of year and can be a good place to visit in the winter as it remains open year-round. This is a good lake to use scented bait. Fishing has been slow, but no recent reports. Last updated 3/4/26

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

There were 5,000 legal-size rainbow trout stocked at Selmac a few weeks ago. With warming spring-like days the largemouth bass and bluegill fishery should start to pick up, as well. Lake Selmac has its share of non-native aquatic hitchhikers. Boat anglers please do your part to remove as much vegetation as possible before leaving the ramp, as well as drain and dry their vessel before boating in another waterbody.

Please help stop the spread of Oregon's aquatic hitchhikers! Last updated 3/4/26

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: Brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee

Lemolo is drawn down for the winter which can make accessing the reservoir difficult, but it remains ice free and fish will be concentrated.

The US Forest Service campgrounds are closed for the season. For other information call the Lemolo Lake Resort at (541) 643-0750.

Kokanee in Lemolo are considered trout and therefore fall under the daily limit of trout of five per day with only one of those measuring over 20-inches. Last updated 3/4/26

LOON LAKE: Warmwater species

The BLM boat ramp is open Memorial weekend through September 30. The Loon Lake Lodge ramp is open April through October 31. This ramp is private and has limited parking. It may be closed if full. You may want to call the lodge at (541) 599-2244 before heading out. Last updated 3/4/26

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

The lake level is 1,831ft and the water surface temperature at Lost Creek is 49F. In addition to trolling, Lost Creek also offers good bank fishing access, and fishing on both sides of the lake near the dam can be very effective using PowerBait.

Anglers can click here to get the latest reservoir details or by calling the US Army Corps Lost Creek Lake and Applegate Reservoir projects information line at (800) 472-2434. Last updated 3/4/26

MEDCO POND: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie Medco Pond is a private pond, and access can be revoked at any time. Bank anglers should stay away from the east portion of the lake, again due to private property, and stay on the roadside of the gate with any vehicles (even if the gate is open). To help keep access open, anglers should make sure to pick up their trash, as well as other trash when they are there. Last updated 2/25/26

PLAT I RESERVOIR: Trout, bass

Angling is slow. Fish will be spread out now that the reservoir is at full pool. Last updated 3/4/26

Reinhart Park Pond

The second load of 300 rainbow trout was delivered to Reinhart Park Ponds this week. This is a great spot to introduce young anglers to fishing while staying in city limits of Grants Pass. Last updated 3/4/26

ROGUE RIVER

Rogue River, lower: Spring Chinook, Winter steelhead

The first spring Chinook of the year were caught this week. With frequent weather fronts, the river should remain in near perfect condition for both boat and banks anglers. Spring Chinook anglers that want to retain a steelhead they may catch will to purchase the Rogue South Coast Steelhead Validation.

Rogue River, middle: Steelhead, trout

The middle Rogue is dropping back into shape after las week's rain, but there is still a bit of color to the water. Try fishing plugs or lures near the heads and tails of pools in travel lanes. Migrating fish will be relatively close to the shore in these higher conditions. Anglers, please use proper catch-and-release techniques, such as keeping fish in the water as much as possible and releasing them quickly.

Current flow, temp and turbidity conditions for the Rogue can be found at the USGS stream gauges here, or checking the City of Grants Pass water page's river data here. Last updated 3/4/26.

Rogue River, upper: Steelhead, trout

The release from Lost Creek Reservoir is around 1,150cfs and 42F. Click here for current flow at the Ray Gold gage. The only relatively clear water will be upstream of Big Butte Creek until the river drops after the rain and snowmelt this week.

Cole Rivers Hatchery returns as of 3/3/26: New summer steelhead 7, season total 2,143. New winter steelhead 20, season total 24. Anglers, please use proper catch-and-release techniques, such as keeping fish in the water as much as possible and releasing them quickly.

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

Last updated 3/4/26

Rogue River, above Lost Creek Reservoir: Trout

Fishing is available all year above Lost Creek Lake but snow will likely limit some access. Take a look at ODOT TripCheck before heading up. Anglers are encouraged to harvest brook trout regardless of size. Last updated 2/25/26

Sixes River: Winter steelhead

Frequent storms have kept conditions near perfect for late season steelhead fishing. Anglers are reminded that they need the Rogue South Coast winter steelhead validation to fish this river.

SMITH RIVER, Umpqua: Winter steelhead

Winter steelhead fishing is slow. With the recent rains fishing should be picking up as the water conditions improve. There is good access for angling since the Smith River Road follows the mainstem for most of the time. Last updated 3/4/2026

TENMILE LAKES/TENMILE CREEK: Trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch, coho salmon

Largemouth bass have fully transitioned to their late winter patterns. Fishing will continue to be very slow through February. Few if any fish are likely to be taken by topwater fishing. Fishing below surface is recommended. During the middle of the day a bass or two may be caught on crankbaits, jigs, and finesse lures like drop shots. Look to find bass along submerged logs and deeper weed line edges.

Anglers may still catch a few yellow perch along the edge of the weed lines near the bottom and submerged structure. Yellow perch can be caught using a worm fishing near the bottom or using a small jig/jigging spoon tipped with a worm fishing near the bottom.

Winter steelhead are in Tenmile Creek and Eel Creek. Fishing is expected to be slow, but steady. Last updated 02/24/26

Trout fishing in the lakes is open year-round. Trout anglers are having success trolling in deeper water using wedding rings tipped with a nightcrawler. Last updated 3/4/26

UMPQUA HIKE-IN LAKES AND FOREBAYS: Trout

With recent winter weather it is likely some of the lakes will be difficult to access. Big Twin, Bullpup, and Fuller lakes may still be accessible for now. Check with USFS for current trail and road conditions. For a map of lakes stocked in the SW check out the ODFW's trout stocking map. Last updated 3/4/26

UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: Winter steelhead

Winter steelhead are being caught throughout the mainstem. Angling is improving with the recent rains. The river is high now, so plunking will be your best bet as the water recedes

Spring Chinook seasons were announced recently. The mainstem will be closed to all harvest of wild spring Chinook including jacks. Hatchery fish are still open and there should be a decent run again this year. Last updated 3/4/26

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: Winter steelhead

Winter steelhead fishing has been good over the last couple weeks. With some rain recently, Steelhead are moving again. Good numbers of steelhead are still crossing Winchester Dam. So, as water conditions improve, so will the angling success.

Spring Chinook seasons were announced recently. Anglers may retain one wild adult Chinook per day and 10 for the season through June 30. Last updated 3/4/26

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: Steelhead, bass

Reports of steelhead are being caught throughout the river. Several hatchery steelhead have been caught in the Canyonville area. Once river conditions start coming into shape, fishing should be good.

Stanton Park campground (near Canyonville) is under construction, and the old access is closed for the winter. A new access roadway through the main park entrance is available for anglers. It is steep and currently rocked, so 4-wheel drive is recommended. Please look at before driving down. Contact Douglas County Parks with questions. Last updated 3/4/26

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

Willow Lake is about 5,500acft which is about half full. Full pool is about 8,500acft. To check the current lake level click here.

Boat ramps are currently closed for the season, but bank angling is still available.

For more information on camping and day use please visit Jackson County Parks or call (541) 774-8183. Last updated 3/4/26