Southwest Zone

March 22, 2023

If there’s not a photo, it didn’t happen

Submit your fishing photo  to ODFW and we might use it here or elsewhere on MyODFW.com.

Garrison Lake

Check out the 2023 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. Remember that any hole cut in the ice for fishing can’t be larger than 12 inches in diameter.

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.

New Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation and Harvest Tag on sale now online or at license vendors

Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, all winter steelhead anglers in the Rogue Basin (includes Applegate and Illinois Rivers) and on the south coast will need a Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation from Dec. 1 to April 30. (In the initial year, the season is Jan. 1 to April 30.)  In addition, anglers will need a new harvest tag to keep wild winter steelhead in this area.

In this initial year, the validation and tag won’t be required until Jan. 1, 2023.

The new validations will provide more accurate harvest information and close annual harvest loopholes on certain daily licenses. Learn more about this new validation and harvest tag.

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.

Updates by waterbody

AGATE LAKE: bass, crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead

Agate has filled to 70 percent full. For up-to-date reservoir levels click here. The boat ramp should be usable for small boats unless closed by county parks. Regardless, plenty of bank fishing access is available.

Anglers may want to consider fishing for brown bullhead with chicken livers fished off the bottom in the early morning or late evening. Anglers are also encouraged to target and harvest carp. 

The Jackson County Park’s day-use area closes after sunset and day use fees are charged. There is a 10-mph speed limit on this reservoir and electric motors only. Last updated 3/22/23.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, landlocked spring chinook, largemouth bass, small mouth bass, black crappie, bluegill,

The elevation of the reservoir is close to the 1,931-foot mark and the surface temperature is 43^oF. Check up-to-date reservoir levels here, or call the Army Corps of Engineers at 800-472-2434 for flow and temperature information.

The low water ramp at French Gulch is available, but mud or ice may make the launch difficult to use. The Copper boat ramp is usable above 1,923 foot mark and Hart-tish Park boat ramp is usable above 1,928 feet so more launch points are becoming available in time for the start of spring break.

With cool temperatures trout fishing should be decent throughout the reservoir. Applegate was stocked with additional trout spring 2022, and plenty of holdovers should be available.

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 2022 sportfishing regulations for more information. Last updated 3/22/23.

APPLEGATE RIVER below Applegate Dam: trout, steelhead

The Applegate River is open to trout and steelhead fishing through March 31. Only adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout or steelhead may be harvested. All wild cutthroat and rainbow trout, and steelhead must be released unharmed.

River is back in shape with some color. That should make fishing conditions very good. 

New Rogue South Coast Steelhead Validation is required to fish for steelhead. Harvest of wild steelhead is not allowed in the Applegate River.

You can check the USGS stream gauge flows on the Applegate to get the most up to date flow and temperature information. Last updated 3/22/23.

ARIZONA POND: rainbow trout

No recent fishing reports, but there should still be a few trout in the pond for anglers. Oregon State Parks manages Arizona Pond for anglers ages 17 and under. This is a great place for youth anglers new to angling to learn fishing techniques.

While fishing, keep your eyes peeled for some excellent wildlife viewing. Elk and deer have been known to frequent the area as well as an abundance of waterfowl, osprey, beavers, river otters, and various newts, salamanders and frogs. Last updated 3/22/23.

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

Ben Irving was stocked with 3,000 rainbow trout last week, so fishing should be good for trout. Warmwater fishing should be picking up on warmer days, but it’s still a bit early to really take off. Last updated 3/22/23.

CHETCO RIVER: steelhead

Anglers still have a couple weeks before the river closes to fishing April 1. Anglers are still picking up a few steelhead. Very light fishing pressure, but the success for the few anglers out is pretty good. A few bright fish are showing up in the catch.   

ODFW is conducting several projects on the river. ODFW  has crews conducting angler creel and spawning ground surveys to monitor angling pressure on the river, steelhead catch and wild steelhead spawning.

There are new license requirements to fish for winter steelhead in 2023 on south coast rivers and anglers should check the new regulation book prior to fishing. In particular, anglers that used to buy their license as a guest will now need to establish an ODFW Angler ID Number. Last updated 3/22/23.

COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, coho and Chinook smolts

Around 4,500 trout were stocked into Cooper Creek last week with another 1,000 at the beginning of February, so fishing for trout should be decent this week.

Beginning in 2016, Cooper has been stocked with coho and Chinook salmon juveniles. These are often mistaken for kokanee. Anglers may retain up to 5 salmon juveniles in the reservoir as part of their daily trout bag limit. Last updated 3/22/23.

COOS RIVER BASIN: bottomfish, steelhead

Anglers can catch rockfish around the jetties in the lower Coos Bay estuary. Best fishing is typically near slack tides. A jig fished with a twister tail trailer is always a good option to catch bottomfish. The 2023 daily general marine fish bag limit is 5 fish plus 2 lingcod with no retention of quillback rockfish. There is also no retention of cabezon until July 1. 

There was a small run of steelhead that pushed upstream on the Coos Basin steelhead rivers with this last rain event. Most of the remaining steelhead are very close to spawning. 

Anglers can find bank fishing access on the West Fork Millicoma River at the Millicoma Interpretive Center and on the East Fork Millicoma River at Nesika Park.  Anglers wanting to fish on the South Fork Coos River above Dellwood will need a Weyerhaeuser fishing permit.  

Trout fishing in streams and rivers will reopen May 22. Last updated 3/22/23. 

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: steelhead, sea-run cutthroat

The last rain brought some new winter steelhead up the South Fork Coquille and North Fork Coquille rivers. Most of the fish are very close to spawning but a few of the fish were fairly bright. 

Trout fishing in streams and rivers will reopen May 22. Last updated 3/22/23.

DIAMOND LAKE: trout

There have been recent reports of folks fishing on the ice and catching fish. Follow ice fishing safety tips and proceed at your own risk. While ice fishing, anglers with a two-rod endorsement may use up to five rods. Anglers are encouraged to check ice conditions with Diamond Lake Resort on the Diamond Lake Resort Facebook page or call 541-793-3333 for updates. Diamond Lake is open to fishing year-round.

Anglers should check with the Umpqua National Forest (541-498-2531) for information on camps and ramps. Road conditions may be very poor during and after storm events. Please use extra caution with recent snowstorms and slippery roads.

Diamond Lake has been stocked with tiger and brown trout. These fish are intended to assist in controlling illegally introduced tui chub. These trout are catch-and-release only and need to be released immediately and unharmed if caught. Last updated 3/1/22.

ELK RIVER:  steelhead

River conditions have been really good for late season steelhead fishing.  Fishing pressure has been fairly light, but the few anglers out have been doing pretty good.     

There are new license requirements to fish for winter steelhead in 2023 on south coast rivers and anglers should check the new regulation book prior to fishing. Last updated 3/8/23.

EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: largemouth and smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, catfish, rainbow trout

Emigrant is 34 percent full. At least one boat ramp is currently usable and others should be soon. Just in time for the first trout stocking of the year, which is scheduled for this week. Cool water should have trout and bass distributed throughout the reservoir, so fishing should be productive throughout. 

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 3/22/23. 

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

Expo Pond is the pond at the Jackson County Fairgrounds located directly adjacent to the access road at Gate 5, at the Southern Oregon RV Park. Spring trout stocking started a few weeks ago, so fresh fish should be readily available.

A Jackson County day-use fee or season pass applies for parking here.

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 3/8/22.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout, spring Chinook

Fish Lake is at 43 percent full. The resort boat ramp is closed.

Anglers have been doing very well ice fishing at Fish Lake over the last few months. Rainbow trout and hatchery spring Chinook catch has been good.

Anglers are encouraged to check road conditions through ODOT Trip Check prior to traveling to Fish Lake and see the ice fishing safety tips at the top of the zone report.

Any tiger trout caught should be immediately released unharmed. Anglers are encouraged to report their catch or any other fish stories to Rogue Fish District Staff 541-826-8774. Last updated 3/22/23.

FLORAS LAKE: trout

No reports. The lake is a good option for anglers when the rivers are muddy and unfishable for steelhead or if the rivers are low and clear.  

Casting or trolling with spinners, bait and bobber, and fly-fishing are all popular fishing methods for chasing trout in Floras Lake. Bank access is very limited and most anglers fish from a boat. The boat ramp is located at Boice Cope County Park. Last updated 1/4/23.

GALESVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass

The level at Galesville is still rising quickly, and boats should be able to launch. Cloudy and cold water conditions may be evident near the tributaries, but fishing will be picking up in clearer areas. Galesville was stocked last week with 3,000 catchable sized trout and 20 very large trout (>24 inches).

In Galesville Reservoir, all landlocked salmon are considered trout and are part of the five-per-day trout limit, with only one trout over 20 inches long allowed for harvest. If you catch any salmon in Galesville or any fish with a hole punch in the operculum (plate over the gills), please e-mail a picture to Greg.f.Huchko@odfw.oregon.gov. Last updated 3/22/23.

GARRISON LAKE: trout

The lake has been stocked trout this month. The best way to fish the lake is with a boat, but there is some limited bank access.

Bank anglers can find access at the 12^th street or Pinehurst boat ramps and off Paradise Point Road. The lake can be very windy so anglers will want to check the weather before heading out. Fishing earlier in the day is usually better because the winds tend to pick up in the afternoon. Last updated 3/22/23.

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

It is unlikely Hemlock and Lake in the Woods are accessible due to snow. Anglers should check with the Umpqua National Forest (541-498-2531) for information on roads before attempting to reach these lakes by automobile.

Anglers fishing the high lakes in the Umpqua District are encouraged to email fishing reports to Greg.f.Huchko@odfw.oregon.gov. Remember to only keep trout at least 8 inches long, and only one trout over 20 inches per day. Last updated 2/1/23.

HOWARD PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass

Howard Prairie is at 19 percent full. We don’t have any recent fishing reports from Howard.

Deeper water is available at various points near the dam, and water from Grizzly Creek at the upper end of the reservoir or springs near Red Rocks may provide some opportunity if ice is solid enough to walk on. Anglers are encouraged to check road conditions through ODOT Trip Check prior to traveling to Howard Prairie, and to check the ice fishing guidelines at the top of the zone report. Last Updated 3/22/23.

HYATT LAKE: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Hyatt has started to fill and is 17 percent full. ODFW has no current information on fish populations at Hyatt but hopes to build back both the trout fishery and the largemouth bass fishery when water levels improve in the future. Last updated 3/22/23.

ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead

Beginning Jan. 1, all steelhead anglers will need to be in possession of the new Rogue South Coast Steelhead Validation to fish the Illinois River. Anglers choosing to harvest a wild winter steelhead will also need to have in possession a new Wild Steelhead Harvest Tag, as well. One wild fish per day, 3 per year can be harvested on the new wild harvest tag.

Wild winter steelhead over 24 inches may be retained between Klondike Creek and Pomeroy Dam Jan. 1 – Mar. 31. The river is closed to all fishing from Fall Creek (the creek just upstream of the swinging bridge off Illinois River Road) to 400 feet above Illinois Falls.

River conditions should be good through the weekend after last week’s bump in river levels. Much of the publicly accessible reaches of the Illinois River fall under the USFS Wild Rivers Ranger District. More information can be found on their website. For up-to-date flows check the USGS Kerby gauge. Last updated 3/22/23.

LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout, yellow perch

Lake Marie was stocked with trout last week and fishing should be good. Gardiner-Reedsport-Winchester-Bay STEP hatchery released fingerling winter steelhead into Lake Marie in the spring of 2022. Some may be approaching harvestable size by now. For regulation purposes, these fish are considered trout with a minimum length of 8 inches to keep and a daily bag limit of 5 fish. Last updated 3/22/23.

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

Scheduled for stocking again this week, Lake Selmac could be a nice spring break destination. Warmwater fish should start getting more active with longer and warmer days.

Lake Selmac has its share of non-native aquatic hitchhikers. Boat anglers are asked to do their 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 3/22/23.

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee

Trout fishing typically slows during the winter but can be good when conditions allow. Access can be difficult with recent snow. Kokanee in Lemolo are considered trout and therefore fall under the daily limit for trout of five per day with only one of those measuring over 20-inches. Contact Lemolo Lake Resort at 541-957-8354 for weather/road conditions and additional information. Last updated 3/1/23.

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

Lost Creek Reservoir is scheduled to be stocked with trout this week and there should be plenty of hold-over trophy trout stocked last fall. The elevation of the reservoir is near the 1,824-foot mark and the surface temperature was unavailable but likely in the low 40s F. The Takelma ramp is available, however early morning ice may make launching difficult.

Bank anglers have had good access on either side of the dam recently with PowerBait and spinners.

For warmwater anglers, ODFW continues work to restore the largemouth bass fishery.

Anglers can get the latest reservoir details by calling the US Army Corps Lost Creek Lake and Applegate Reservoir projects information line at 1-800-472-2434. Last updated 3/22/23.

PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: bottomfish, surfperch, salmon

Fishing for bottom fish is open to All-depths. The 2023 daily general marine fish bag limit is 5 fish with no retention of quillback rockfish.  In addition, there is no retention of cabezon until July 1. Anglers are reporting good catches of rockfish and lingcod near Charleston and Bandon when the ocean swells are small.  

Anglers may also choose to fish the offshore longleader fishery outside of the 40-fathom regulatory line, which is open year-round. The longleader fishery has a daily bag limit of 15 fish made of yellowtail, widow, canary, blue, deacon, redstripe, greenstripe, silvergray, chillipepper, and bocaccio rockfish starting on March 1. No other groundfish are allowed and offshore longleader fishing trips cannot be combined with traditional bottomfish, flatfish or halibut trips. Find information about a longleader setup here.

Ocean salmon fishing from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain is closed through May 15 due to severely low forecasts for Sacramento/Klamath River Chinook.  

Fishing for surfperch along the ocean beaches is starting to pick up for redtail surfperch on the sandy beaches like Horsfall Beach, Bullards Beach, and near Cape Blanco. Surfperch anglers are also catching striped surfperch along rocky shorelines. Anglers have been catching surfperch when the ocean swells are calmer, using sand shrimp, mole crabs or artificial sand worms. Surfperch anglers are also catching striped surfperch along rocky shorelines. Last updated 3/1/23.

2023 sport bottomfish seasons

Plat I has been lowered for the season and anglers would find it difficult to access fishable water until it gets refilled in spring. Last updated 12/21/22.

ROGUE RIVER

Rogue River, lower: steelhead, spring Chinook

The first spring Chinook of year were picked up last week. River conditions are near perfect for both anglers targeting Chinook or steelhead. Spring Chinook anglers are reminded they cannot retain a hatchery or wild steelhead with the proper authorizations and tags.

ODFW has a crew conducting an angler creel survey through April 30 to monitor angling pressure on the river and steelhead catch.

There are new license requirements to fish for winter steelhead in 2023 on south coast rivers and anglers should check the new regulation book prior to fishing. Last updated 3/22/23.

Rogue River, middle: steelhead, trout

Current flow is around 3,400 cfs and temperature in the low-40s F. The river has some color to it and we’ve had recent reports of some nice bright winter steelhead being caught around Grants Pass over the last few days.

Wild winter steelhead over 24 inches may be harvested upstream of Hog Creek boat ramp starting Feb. 1 to April 30(1 per day, 3 per season). Please check out MyODFW for info on new validation and harvest tag requirements in the Rogue and South Coast Rivers.

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 3/22/23.

Rogue River, upper: steelhead, trout

The release from Lost Creek Reservoir is in the 1,000 cfs vicinity, but tributaries are providing good input downstream. Dodge Bridge is around 2,200 cfs.  Water color is almost ideal right now.  

Trout fishing is still open in the Rogue with a daily bag limit of 5 adipose fin-clipped (hatchery) trout. Anglers are encouraged to harvest hatchery trout. Wild trout must be immediately released unharmed.

Last week 55 new winter steelhead showed up to the hatchery, and the season total is 97. Anglers continue catching winter steelhead near the hatchery recently, and more should be moving upriver after last week’s rise in river levels.

Wild winter steelhead over 24 inches may be harvested upstream of Hog Creek boat ramp Feb. 1-April 30 (1 per day, 3 per season). Please check out MyODFW for info on new validation and harvest tag requirements in the Rogue and South Coast Rivers.

Please avoid wading in and fishing near salmon redds. 

For up-to-date river levels, check all the USGS Rogue gauges here. Last updated 3/22/23.

Rogue River, above Lost Creek Reservoir: trout

Trout releases are done for the year, but trout are still available. With winter weather it’s a good idea to check the ODOT trip check before heading up to the Union Creek area.

The Rogue and tributaries above Lost Creek Reservoir remain open year-round, with a daily retention limit of 5 trout (no limit on brook trout). Winter conditions now limit access to most of this area. Last updated 12/21/22.

SIXES RIVER: steelhead

Fishing conditions have been near perfect. Fishing pressure has been light, but angler success has been pretty good. Anglers are reporting a mix of fresh and spawned out steelhead. 

There are new license requirements to fish for winter steelhead in 2023 on south coast rivers and anglers should check the new regulation book prior to fishing. Last updated 3/22/23.

SMITH RIVER, Umpqua: winter steelhead

The Smith River can be a great catch-and-release fishery for winter steelhead. The Smith has lowered quite a bit and has been good conditions through most of this week. However, rains towards the end of the week will probably cause it to rise and be muddy by the weekend.

Steelhead in the Smith have a higher proportion of repeat spawners which can result in some larger steelhead. The Smith is not open for any salmon fishing during this season. Last updated 3/22/23.

TENMILE LAKES/TENMILE CREEK:  trout, bass, coho salmon, winter steelhead

Steelhead fishing has been slow on Tenmile Creek although there was a push of fish into the creeks with the last rain event. The most steelhead fishing effort has been at Spinreel Park and at the mouth of Eel Creek. Eel Creek opened to hatchery steelhead fishing on Jan 1. 

Largemouth bass fishing has been slow on Tenmile Lakes. The cold mornings will keep bass pretty lethargic so anglers will need to fish slower presentations. 

Trout fishing in rivers and streams reopens May 22. Trout fishing in the lakes is open year-round. Trout fishing on Tenmile Lake is fairly slow until the water temperatures reach the mid to upper 50s. Last updated 3/22/23.

UMPQUA HIKE-IN LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

Anglers looking to access these lakes are encouraged to contact the Diamond Lake District Forest Service for access information as snow has settled on the mountains. Expect snow, ice and difficult terrain if you attempt to access these lakes throughout the winter.

Anglers fishing the hike-in lakes in the Umpqua District are encouraged to contact the Umpqua STEP biologist.  Last updated 3/1/23.

UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: Chinook, winter steelhead

We have confirmed reports of Chinook being caught on the Umpqua mainstem and up the North Umpqua. The river may rise and get cloudy over the weekend, but when the river begins to clear may be a great time to catch a Chinook on the mainstem.

Spring Chinook runs until June 30. Wild spring Chinook may be harvested this year with a bag limit of 1 per day and 5 total from the mainstem Umpqua. This is in aggregate with the North Umpqua limit of wild Chinook of ten total Chinook per season. Anglers may still retain two adults per day, but only one may be wild (unclipped).

Anglers are encouraged to submit steelhead snouts in barrels stationed at many boat ramps throughout the Umpqua drainage, or at the ODFW office in Roseburg. Last updated 3/22/23.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: winter steelhead, Chinook

Relatively fewer steelhead have been moving over the dam, but they are still moving. Steelhead fishing will probably slow down towards the weekend as storms come in and temperatures decrease. Chinook have been confirmed in the North Umpqua, but no reports of them crossing Winchester dam yet.

Anglers who catch a hatchery winter steelhead are encouraged to turn in the snouts at one of the collection barrels found at many boat ramps throughout the Umpqua watershed or the ODFW office. Last updated 3/22/23.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: winter steelhead

Steelhead fishing has been decent on the South Umpqua over the last week, considering fewer hatchery fish are available this year. However, a cold and wet storm is expected to come in towards the end of the week and fishing may slow down as the flow comes up.

Anglers are encouraged to submit steelhead snouts in barrels stationed at many boat ramps throughout the Umpqua drainage, or at the ODFW office in Roseburg. Last updated 3/22/23.

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

Willow Lake is scheduled to be stocked with trout this week. The reservoir is 75 percent full and the boat ramp is usable.

For more information on camping and day use please visit the Jackson County Parks website or call 541-774-8183.

Anglers catching illegally introduced yellow perch are always encouraged to take as many of these as they want. This illegal introduction has only resulted in stunted perch and negative impacts to the bass and trout fishery in this lake and numerous others around the Southwest District. Anglers are reminded that using live fish as bait is prohibited. If you see someone transporting live fish from or into a waterbody, please get a photo and/or call OSP with this information. Last updated 3/22/23. 

WINCHUCK RIVER: steelhead

River conditions have been near perfect for steelhead fishing. Very little fishing pressure, but the few anglers out are doing pretty good. 

There are new license requirements to fish for winter steelhead in 2023 on south coast rivers and anglers should check the new regulation book prior to fishing. Last updated 3/22/23.