Southwest Zone

Feb. 19, 2025‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

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Announcements

Rogue-South Coast Steelhead validation required starting Dec. 1

The Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation is required for all winter steelhead anglers fishing in the Rogue Basin or on the south coast from Dec. 1 to April 30. In addition, a harvest tag is required to keep wild winter steelhead in this area.‌ Get the details.

Reminder: For the 2024/2025 season, there is no wild steelhead harvest on the Rogue River above the confluence with the Illinois River. This includes the Illinois River.

Ice fishing safety

While several water bodies have iced over, anglers still need to be cautious about 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.

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, carp, crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead

Agate Lake is now 100 percent full, and the boat ramp is usable. Bass and panfish are available. Last updated 2/19/25.

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

Trout fishing should be good, and anglers have been catching smallmouth bass on 5-inch Senkos. Applegate's surface elevation is 1,923 feet. Boat access is limited to the low water boat ramp at French Gulch. The water temperature at the surface is 42F.

Check up-to-date reservoir levels here, or call the Army Corps of Engineers at 800-472-2434 for flow and temperature information.

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 2/19/25.

APPLEGATE RIVER below Applegate Dam: steelhead

Steelhead fishing pressure is starting to pick up on the Applegate River. Rain and some melting snow will likely have the lower river a tad bit dirty. For better visibility move upstream towards the dam.. The river temp is around 40 degrees.

Hatchery steelhead may be retained between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2025. All wild steelhead must be released. Bait is allowed. No fishing from a floating device.

The Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation is required for all winter steelhead anglers fishing in the Rogue Basin or on the south coast from Dec. 1 to April 30.

Only adipose fin clipped rainbow trout may be retained. All wild rainbow and cutthroat trout must be released unharmed. Consult the fishing regulations for more information. Last updated 2/19/24.

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

No recent reports from anglers. Warm and wetter weather may spur some activity. The first trout stocking will be in a few weeks. Last update 2/19/25.

BUTTERFIELD LAKE: trout

Roughly 85 one-pound rainbow trout were stocked into Butterfield Lake this week. These trout are in addition to the normal trout stocking that will happen later this spring. Last update 1/15/25.

CHETCO RIVER: steelhead

The weather has been keeping steelhead anglers on their toes. The frequent storms are good for the fish and distributing steelhead into spawning tributaries and the throughout the mainstem, but make for tougher fishing conditions. Anglers will probably find plunking as the best method to catch moving fish until flows drop a bit.

Anglers need to have the Rogue South Coast Steelhead Validation to fish for steelhead from Dec. 1 through March 30. Anglers cannot use GUEST CHECKOUT to buy their license, validation and tag.

Anglers can learn more about the Rogue South Coast Area Steelhead regulations at MyODFW.com or in the fishing regulation book.

Anglers that see a game violation can report the violation to *OSP (*677) on a mobile device or call 1-800-452-7888. Anglers can also file complaints or potential violations concerning guides to the Oregon State Marine Board. Last updated 2/19/25.

Southcoast winter steelhead rivers – check out this video.

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

The reservoir was stocked with 2,500 larger-size rainbow trout recently. With warmer weather expected for the weekend fishing should improve. Last updated 2/19/25.

COOS RIVER BASIN: bottomfish, steelhead, surfperch

Anglers can catch rockfish around the jetties in the lower Coos Bay estuary. 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 bottomfish.

The 2025 daily general marine fish bag limit is 4 fish plus 2 lingcod with no retention of yelloweye or quillback rockfish. Anglers are not allowed to harvest cabezon until July.

With the lack of rain the Coos Basin steelhead rivers are low and clear. Fishing for steelhead has been difficult with most fish holding in deeper water. Fishing should pick up with the next significant rain, which looks to be over a week away.

Anglers wanting to fish the South Fork Coos River above Dellwood will need a permit from Weyerhaeuser. Steelhead anglers can find bank access on the East Fork Millicoma at Nesika Park and on the West Fork Millicoma at Millicoma Interpretive Center/Scout Camp. Last updated 1/22/25.

Bank fishing for steelhead on East Fork Millicoma River – check out this video

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: winter steelhead

With the lack of rain the steelhead rivers in the Coquille Basin are low and clear. Steelhead in the North Fork and South Fork Coquille rivers are holding up in the deep pools. Anglers are having some success plunking in the mainstem Coquille River. Last updated 1/22/25.

Winter steelhead fishing in the Coos, Coquille and Tenmile District – check out this video.

DIAMOND LAKE: trout

Diamond Lake is now frozen over and a few anglers are ice fishing. Fishing has been good, but the bites are very lite. Please read the ice fishing safety tips at the top of the Southwest Zone report.

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 2/12/25.

ELK RIVER: steelhead

Frequent storms are making for some tough fishing conditions. Anglers should check river conditions before heading out. This river is primarily a boat river with a lot of private land, but anglers can find some public access at the Elk River Hatchery or ODFW's Ironhead property. Last updated 2/19/25.

Anglers in the Rogue South Coast Area cannot fish for or retain a steelhead (wild or hatchery) without the proper validations.

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

Emigrant is currently 57 percent full. At least one boat ramp is now usable to power boats. Even without a usable ramp, anglers can enjoy fishing from inflatables or other small watercraft, or fishing from shore. Just be prepared for a muddy shoreline.

Warmwater fishing success is slowing down now.. Anglers can try fishing crankbaits, light colored jerkbait, Senkos, or a worm retrieved slowly along the bottom.

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 2/19/25.

EMPIRE LAKE: trout

An extra 200 one-pound rainbow trout were stocked into Upper Empire Lake this week. These trout are in addition to the normal trout stocking that will happen later this spring. Last update 1/15/25.

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

Bass and panfish are available 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.

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 11/13/24.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout, spring Chinook

Fish Lake is slowly filling and is now 65 percent full and frozen over. We've been getting reports from ice-fishermen that the bite has been pretty productive. Recently, a couple nice tiger trout and Chinook were caught by ice anglers. Sno-Park Permits are needed beginning Nov. 1.

Anglers are encouraged to report catches of tiger trout or any other fish stories to Rogue Fish District Staff 541-826-8774. Last updated 2/19/25.

GALESVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass

Galesville anglers like other reservoir anglers in Douglas County will have more success fishing on warmer days and with slower presentations. The reservoir Is a bit lower than last year but is currently filling. Last updated 2/19/25

GARRISON LAKE: trout

Slow fishing. Very few anglers are out trying their luck with the frequent storms and wind. The lake usually has a decent population of trout that carryover from the summer. The fish are scattered so the best method is usually fishing from a boat. Anglers will want to keep an eye on the weather, because the lake can be very windy. Last updated 2/19/25.

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

Winter is here, so check with the US Forest Service on road conditions before heading out. Current snowpack is much higher than average and reaching these lakes currently would be difficult as the roads are not maintained for winter travel. Last updated 2/19/25.

HOWARD PRAIRIE: trout

Howard Prairie is 52 percent full and mostly frozen.

Anglers are reminded to remove all vegetation from gear, boots and boats before leaving Howard Prairie. Last updated 2/19/25.

HYATT LAKE: trout, largemouth bass

Hyatt is currently 56 percent full but iced-over. Most folks will try fishing Hyatt again in the spring after ice-off.

Anglers are reminded to remove all vegetation from gear, boots and boats before leaving Hyatt. Last updated 2/19/25.

ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead

Flows from recent rain/snow melt have made the river fairly high. Plunking is likely the only method worth trying for the next few days-week. Please remember no wild steelhead retention allowed on the Illinois River for the 2024/2025 season. See regulations and season updates. Artificial lures and flies only.

Hatchery steelhead may be retained in certain sections.

The Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation is required for all winter steelhead anglers fishing in the Rogue Basin or on the south coast from Dec. 1 to April 30. Last updated 2/12/25.

LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout, yellow perch

Lake Marie is a good spot for a quiet fishing experience. The lake should have some holdover trout and will be stocked in a few weeks. No recent reports from anglers. Last updated 2/19/25.

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

Trout stocking started last week with 5,000 legal rainbow trout.

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 2/19/25.

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee

US Forest Service campgrounds are closed for the season. Lemolo Lake Resort is closed for the season, but they may be reached at 541-643-0750. Trout fishing can still be good in the winter, but Lemolo is being drawn down for winter storage.

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. Last updated 12/18/24

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

Lost Creek is at 1,832 ft, reaching the normal flood season pool level. The Takelma boat ramp is open. The Stewart/marina ramp is also open now according to the county, but it may take a few days for the docks to be reinstalled. The water temperature at the surface is 43F.

Lost Creek offers very good opportunity for winter trout fishing. Fish are currently spread out. Trollers can have very good success at Lost Creek using a variety of gear: Apex lures, Brad's cut plug lures with scent, Panther Martin spinners, red hoochies, and wedding rings. Black and gold can also be a solid color choice. Most fish are in the 13-17-inch range. Recently a 15-inch landlocked spring chinook was caught.

Trout can be caught at a variety of depths from the surface down to about 50 feet. Lures are often fished behind dodgers, and can be spiked with corn, worms or PowerWorms -- 3/4oz is a good choice for weight.

Lost Creek also offers good bank fishing access, and fishing on both sides of the dam can be very effective using PowerBait. Anglers were having solid bank action in December.

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 2/12/25.

PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: bottomfish, surfperch, salmon

Fishing for bottom fish is open to all-depths year-round. The 2025 daily general marine fish bag limit is 4 fish with a daily sub-bag limit of one canary rockfish and no retention of quillback or yelloweye rockfish. Harvest of cabezon is not allowed until July. Anglers are reporting good catches of rockfish and lingcod near Charleston and Bandon when the ocean swells are small.

Anglers may choose to fish the offshore longleader fishery outside of the 40-fathom regulatory line, which is open year-round. The longleader fishery daily bag limit is 10 fish with a daily sub-bag limit of one canary rockfish. Rockfish species open for harvest in the longleader fishery are yellowtail, widow, canary, blue, deacon, redstripe, greenstripe, silvergray, chillipepper, and bocaccio rockfishes. No other rockfish or lingcod are allowed on an offshore longleader fishing trip. Find information about longleader setup and rules here.

Surfperch anglers took advantage of smaller ocean swells recently to catch decent numbers of redtail surfperch. Anglers will find redtail surfperch along the ocean 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 using sand shrimp, mole crabs or artificial sand worms. Be cautious of ocean waves and drift logs. Ready to try surfperch fishing? Here are some tips to get you started. Last updated 1/15/25.

2025 sport bottomfish regulations

PLAT I RESERVOIR: trout, bass

The reservoir is starting to store water for the summer months. So, the fish will be spread throughout. Fishing is slow. Last updated 2/5/25.

REINHART PARK POND: trout, bass

The first round of rainbow trout stocking occurred last week. Bass and panfish are also available. Last updated 2/19/25.

ROGUE RIVER

Rogue River, lower: winter steelhead

Steelhead fishing has been slow, with very few anglers out fishing. Frequent storms have been keeping the river in good condition for plunking. With the frequent storms, anglers will want to hit the river after flows start to drop.

All steelhead anglers will need to buy a Rogue South Coast Steelhead Validation to fish for steelhead, but winter steelhead anglers will also want to check current wild steelhead bag limit reductions before purchasing the wild steelhead harvest tag. Anglers will only be able to retain 1 wild steelhead for the period of Dec. 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025 from the mouth of the Rogue upstream to the mouth of the Illinois. Last updated 2/19/25.

Plunking on the Rogue River – check out this video.

Rogue River, middle: steelhead, trout

Flow in Grants Pass is around 5,700 cfs and blown out. Turbidity levels are currently 10 NTUs. High water techniques like plunking or pulling plugs can be effective.

For the 2024/2025 season, there is no wild harvest allowed above the confluence with the Illinois River. The Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation is required for all winter steelhead anglers fishing in the Rogue Basin or on the south coast from Dec. 1 to April 30.

Anglers, please use proper catch-and-release techniques, such as keeping fish in the water as much as possible and releasing them quickly. If fish are getting injured with the technique you are using, please change techniques. Remember that smaller rainbow are usually the steelhead that will return in future years.

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 2/19/25.

Rogue River, upper: steelhead, trout

The release from Lost Creek is around 1,100 cfs and the flow at Dodge Bridge is around 3,200 cfs, with a river temperature averaging around 40 degrees. Most of the upper Rogue is high and muddy right now due to rain and melting snow runoff. Plunking or pulling plugs is likely your best bet until next week. The section just upstream of Casey Park will still have clear water from Lost Cr. Reservoir.

There are currently trout and steelhead available in this section of the Rogue. BWO hatches have started, and good size rainbows and cutthroat are keying in. Please handle any lingering summer steelhead with care. This is their spawning time. The return of hatchery coho to Cole Rivers had reached 2,589 fish last week with 0 new arrivals. As of last week, the return of summer steelhead has reached 1,119 fish, with 4 new arrivals. There may still be a few summer steelhead in the river but a lot of them have likely moved up into tributaries to spawn.

Recently, anglers have found a few winter steelhead in this section of river, but the bite could be slow with current conditions. The first winter steelhead showed up in the trap last week, season total is 5. For the 2024/2025 season, there is no wild harvest above the confluence with the Illinois River. The Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation is required for all winter steelhead anglers fishing in the Rogue Basin or on the south coast from Dec. 1 to April 30.

Anglers, please use proper catch-and-release techniques, such as keeping fish in the water as much as possible and releasing them quickly. If fish are getting injured with the technique you are using, please change techniques. Remember that smaller rainbow are usually the steelhead that will return in future years.

For up-to-date river levels, check all the USGS Rogue gauges here. Last updated 2/19/25.

Rogue River, above Lost Creek Reservoir: trout

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). Area snow is restricting access to a few portions of the river.

An angler recently caught a nice rainbow on a Little Cleo upstream of Prospect. Last updated 1/22/24.

SIXES RIVER: steelhead

Most likely the river will be unfishable with the frequent storms and muddy water.

The Sixes River is included in the Rogue South Coast Area for steelhead. Anglers need to have the Rogue South Coast Steelhead Validation to fish for steelhead from Dec. 1 through March 30. Anglers cannot use GUEST CHECKOUT to buy their license, validation and tag.

Anglers can learn more about the Rogue South Coast Area Steelhead regulations at MyODFW.com or in the fishing regulation book on page 35. Last updated 2/19/25.

SMITH RIVER, Umpqua: steelhead

Winter steelhead are now spread throughout the system. Warmer temperatures likely have the fish moving. The Smith clears much faster than other rivers. Open for hatchery steelhead all year below Spencer Creek.

The area above Spencer creek to Sisters creek is open to hatchery steelhead through April 30. Trout fishing opens May 22. Last updated 2/19/25.

TENMILE LAKES/TENMILE CREEK: trout, steelhead

Steelhead anglers have caught a few winter steelhead in Tenmile Creek. Hatchery steelhead returns will be very limited this year. Bank fishing locations on Tenmile Creek are at Spinreel Park and across from the mouth of Eel Creek. Eel Creek is now open to steelhead fishing through April 30.

Trout fishing in rivers and streams closed after Oct. 31. Trout fishing in the lakes is open year-round. Last updated 1/15/25.

UMPQUA HIKE-IN LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

Most lakes are frozen and inaccessible until spring thaw. For a map of lakes stocked in the SW check out the ODFW's trout stocking map.

Working with volunteers, stocking has been completed for this year with rainbow trout fry. Prospective volunteers for stocking in 2025 should contact Levi.m.simmons@odfw.oregon.gov for more information. Last updated 2/19/25.

UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: steelhead,Chinook

With low forecasted returns, the main Umpqua will be closed to all harvest of wild Spring Chinook. Only fin-clipped Chinook maybe harvested. The first of the Chinook should be making their way upriver.

Fishing has been fair for steelhead with anglers reporting success throughout the main Umpqua. With water temperatures in the mid-40s, catch rates should increase. Only hatchery steelhead maybe harvested. Last updated 2/19/25.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead

Winter steelhead should start crossing Winchester Dam in higher numbers this weekend with warmer water predicted. Anglers are starting to put in more effort on the warmer days. And are being rewarded with a few nice steelhead. The lower section should be good this week as water conditions improve. Only hatchery steelhead maybe harvested.

Early forecast for spring Chinook in the North is low, but high enough for there to be some harvest. There will be 1 a day, 10 for the season limit on wild spring Chinook this year. Last updated 2/12/25.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: steelhead

The South is open for hatchery steelhead. Anglers are catching a few hatchery steelhead in the Canyonville area. With higher flows and warmer temperatures anglers are doing well. Last updated 2/19/25.

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

The lake is iced over.

For more information on camping and day use please visit the Jackson County Parks website or call 541-774-8183. Last updated 1/22/25.

Frequent storms are keeping this river in shape for steelhead anglers. This is one of the few rivers that stays pretty clear or clears up quickly after a storm. Anglers will find steelhead scattered throughout the river. Most of the lower river is private, but there is good access on public land in the upper river. Last updated 2/19/25.