Southwest Zone

Nov. 20, 2024‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

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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.

Updates by waterbody

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

Agate Lake is 17 percent full, and the boat ramp remains usable. Bass and panfish are available. Last updated 11/13/24.

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

Trout fishing should be good, and smallmouth bass have been caught recently on 5-inch Senkos. Applegate's surface elevation has risen a bit to 1,885feet, slightly below the normal flood control level in winter. Boat access is limited to the low water boat ramp at French Gulch. The water temperature at the surface is 50F.

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 11/20/24

APPLEGATE RIVER below Applegate Dam:

The Applegate River is open for trout fishing but NOT salmon fishing. The Applegate River is mainly a catch-and-release fishery for cutthroat trout this time of year.

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 11/13/24

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

No recent reports from anglers. With the recent weather change, fishing effort and success has slowed. For more success try a slower presentation. Last update 11/20/24.

CHETCO RIVER: Chinook

The river is high and muddy. Anglers may have to wait awhile until conditions improve enough to get back on the water. The wild Chinook bag limit is 1 adult per day and 5 for the period of Sept. 1 to Dec. 31. Anglers should always check for updated regulations prior to fishing.

Anglers are reminded there is a steelhead season that starts Dec. 1. Any steelhead caught prior to Dec. 1 can't be retained. 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 11/20/24.

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

With cooling weather trout fishing has slowed. For more success try angling mid-day, on warmer days, and with a slower presentation. This technique should work for bass anglers also. Last updated 11/20/24.

COOS RIVER BASIN: bottomfish, cutthroat trout, salmon, 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 2024 daily general marine fish bag limit is 5 fish plus 2 lingcod with no retention of yelloweye or quillback rockfish. Anglers are allowed to harvest 1 cabezon per day as part of the general marine fish bag limit.

Salmon anglers are restricted to 2 wild adult Chinook per day and 10 for the season (July 1 – Dec. 31) in the Coos Basin. The wild coho season is open in the Coos Basin through Oct. 10. Salmon anglers are allowed 1 wild adult coho per day and 3 for the season (no more than 5 wild adult coho may be harvested per year in the Northwest and Southwest Zones with open wild coho salmon fisheries).

Salmon anglers are catching coho from Charleston up to Marshfield Channel. Chinook fishing has been slow with most of the harvest occurring in the Coos River near SOMAR and the Chandler Bridge. A few Chinook are being caught lower in the estuary by anglers trolling for coho salmon.

Boat anglers are catching walleye surfperch and pile surfperch using sand shrimp along old pilings or along the edges of eel grass beds.

Trout fishing is open in rivers and streams through Oct. 31. River temperatures are starting to drop and trout fishing will start to pick back up again, especially for sea-run cutthroat trout moving upstream into the larger rivers. Last updated 10/2/24.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: striped bass, smallmouth bass, cutthroat trout

The wild coho season on the Coquille River from the mouth upstream to the Highway 42S Bridge begins on Sept. 14 and goes through Oct. 15. Anglers are allowed 1 wild adult coho per day and 3 for the season (no more than 5 wild adult coho may be harvested per year in the Northwest and Southwest Zones with open wild coho salmon fisheries). The harvest of Chinook salmon (hatchery or wild) on the Coquille is prohibited. Coho salmon anglers are reporting success from the Hwy 101 Bridge to above Rocky Point Boat Ramp.

Striped bass anglers are having limited success fishing the lower mainstem Coquille River. Best fishing has been after dark and low light periods of the day.

Smallmouth bass are still active in the mainstem Coquille River, South Fork Coquille and Middle Fork Coquille. Smallmouth bass can be found throughout the mainstem Coquille but are in higher abundance above Johnson Mill Pond.

There are lots of smallmouth bass in the South Fork Coquille in the deep pools. Most of the fish are under 8 inches long so anglers should use smaller hooks. As water temperatures continue to decrease more smallmouth bass will move into the deeper holes.

The use of spears/spear fishing to harvest smallmouth bass was recently approved and is allowed from June 1 – Oct. 31. Anglers may also use bait in the mainstem Coquille and tributaries from June 1 – Oct. 31.

Trout fishing remains open through Oct. 31 in the rivers and streams. There are a decent number of sea-run cutthroat moving through the mainstem Coquille into the major forks of the river. Last updated 10/2/24.

DIAMOND LAKE: trout

Diamond Lake continues to be a good spot for trout fishing even with cooler weather. With heavy recent snow, only the main boat ramp is open. There is very little effort now until the lake freezes over for ice fishing.

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 11/20/24.

ELK RIVER: hatchery Chinook

Chinook are spread throughout the river. Anglers will want to check the weather and river height prior to fishing. The river fishes better a day or two after a good rain. Anglers are reminded that all wild Chinook must be released. Last updated 11/6/24.

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

Emigrant remains at 6 percent full. The main boat ramp is no longer usable. Even without a usable ramp, anglers can enjoy fishing from inflatables or other small watercraft, or fishing from shore.

Warmwater fishing success is slowing down now. Still, largemouth and smallmouth bass have been caught at Emigrant in the last week on crankbaits, light colored jerkbait, Senkos, and 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 11/13/24.

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 56 percent full. Trout fishing should be good, but snow may affect access at times, and Sno-Park Permits are needed beginning Nov. 1. Fishing Powerbait or casting lures like a Rooster Tail or Panther Martin from shore may be the best bet.

Anglers are encouraged to report catches of tiger trout or any other fish stories to Rogue Fish District Staff 541-826-8774. Last updated 11/13/24.

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 has been lowered for winter storage, which can concentrate fish. Anglers should also find some larger trout. Galesville holds trout well and anglers have reported some large fish. Last updated 11/20/24.

GARRISON LAKE: trout

The lake is a good option when the local rivers are all high and muddy. 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 11/20/24.

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

Hemlock and Lake in the Woods can be great places to check out before winter weather sets in. Winter is here, so check on road conditions before heading out. There are a lot of trout leftover from the spring stockings. Last updated 11/20/24.

HOWARD PRAIRIE: trout

Howard Prairie is 40 percent full. Trout fishing should be fair to good when weather allows access to the reservoir. Try fishing near the dam with Powerbait above a sinker, a worm below a bobber or casting lures.

Anglers are reminded to remove all vegetation from gear, boots and boats before leaving Howard Prairie. Last updated 11/13/24.

HYATT LAKE: trout, largemouth bass

Hyatt is currently 37 percent full. Trout fishing should be fair to good when weather allows access to the reservoir. Try fishing near the dam with Powerbait above a sinker, a worm below a bobber or casting lures.

Anglers are reminded to remove all vegetation from gear, boots and boats before leaving Hyatt. Last updated 11/13/24.

ILLINOIS RIVER: trout

The Illinois River is closed to all angling from the signs at the former Pomeroy dam site to the 8 Dollar Bridge. The river is open for trout fishing downstream of the 8 Dollar Bridge. Only adipose fin clipped rainbow trout may be retained. All wild rainbow and cutthroat trout must be released unharmed.

Salmon fishing is NOT allowed on the Illinois River at any time of the year. Consult the fishing regulations for more information and locations open to fishing as the East Fork and West Fork Illinois are CLOSED to angling. Last updated 10/16/24.

LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout, yellow perch

Cooler weather should perk trout up. Anglers reported catching some trout a couple weeks ago and there should still be more leftover from the spring. Last updated 10/23/24

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

Bass and panfish are available.

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 10/30/24.

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee

Anglers should check with the US Forest Service for seasonal closure of campgrounds. Anglers can also contact Lemolo Lake Resort at 541-643-0750 for weather/road conditions and additional information. Trout fishing should still be good, but cooler weather may be slowing the bite. 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 10/23/24.

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

Lost Creek has risen a bit to 1,808 feet, slightly below the normal flood season pool level. The Takelma boat ramp is open but the Stewart/marina ramp is closed. The water temperature at the surface is 51F.

Lost Creek offers very good opportunity for winter trout fishing. Trollers can have very good success at Lost Creek using a variety of gear: Apex lures, Brad's cut plug lures with scent, red hoochies, and wedding rings. 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 power worms.

Copepods are often present. The fish are safe to eat when cooked, and the copepods can be scraped off. Bank fishing on both sides of the dam can be very effective using PowerBait.

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 11/20/24.

PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: bottomfish, surfperch, salmon

Fishing for bottom fish is open to all-depths year-round. The 2024 daily general marine fish bag limit is 5 fish with no retention of quillback or yelloweye rockfish. As of July 1, anglers are allowed to harvest 1 cabezon per day as part of the general marine fish bag limit. 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 12 fish made of only 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 are still finding 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 when the ocean swells are calmer, using sand shrimp, mole crabs or artificial sand worms. Ready to try surfperch fishing? Here are some tips to get you started. Last updated 11/13/24.

2024 sport bottomfish seasons

PLAT I RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Fall bass fishing can be decent at Plat I. This reservoir is usually drawn down in the fall for winter storage. The reservoir has been lowered. Last updated 11/20/24.

REINHART PARK POND: trout, bass

Bass and panfish are available. Last updated 10/30/24.

ROGUE RIVER

Rogue River, lower: winter steelhead

Winter steelhead anglers will 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 11/20/24.

Rogue River, middle: steelhead, trout, Chinook, coho

Flow in Grants Pass is 2,800 cfs and rising on Nov. 20, with a water temperature of around 44F. The river is already close to being out of shape for fishing Wednesday evening due to turbidity levels approaching 10 NTUs

Coho salmon are distributed throughout the middle Rogue. Please remember that all unmarked wild coho must be immediately released unharmed, while hatchery fish have an adipose finclip and may be harvested. Anglers can try casting spoons like Little Cleos or spinners like a Blue Fox. Another common technique is to fish bait or artificials like an egg imitation soft bead below a bobber. For fly anglers, coho will strike medium to large leech and streamer patterns in pink, orange, purple or black.

Some summer steelhead are being caught. Again, only hatchery summer steelhead may be kept and all wild steelhead must be released unharmed.

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 11/20/24.

Rogue River, upper: steelhead, trout, coho

River flows are finally rising. While the release from Lost Creek is 1150 cfs, the flow at Gold Ray was 2,800 cfs and still climbing on Wednesday evening, with a river temperature of 44-45F.

Coho salmon are present in good numbers. The return of hatchery coho to Cole Rivers had reached 828 fish last week with 366 new arrivals. When much of the upper Rogue is muddy, the reach upstream of Big Butte often remains clear during storms. Anglers can call the Army Corps of Engineers at 800-472-2434 for an update on hatchery counts as well as flow and temperature information.

For up-to-date river levels, check all the USGS Rogue gauges here. Last updated 11/20/24

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). Last updated 10/30/24.

SIXES RIVER: Chinook

High and muddy.

New this year, a portion of the upper river, which is already closed to Chinook, will be closed to ALL fishing until Jan. 1 to protect Chinook staging in the mainstem waiting to enter spawning tributaries. This area is normally open to steelhead fishing, but very few steelhead are in the system when the Chinook are around and this closure will keep anglers who are targeting steelhead from hooking fall chinook.

Anglers are always reminded to check for regulation updates. Last updated 11/20/24.

SMITH RIVER, Umpqua: Chinook, bass

Recent rains are like pushing Chinook upriver, but a few may be found near the head of tide. Wild coho is not open in Smith River.

The area above Spencer creek is closed to all fishing Sept. 16 to Nov. 30. Last updated 10/23/24

TENMILE LAKES/TENMILE CREEK: coho salmon, trout, bass, yellow perch

The wild coho season officially started on Oct. 1 in Tenmile Lakes and will continue until Dec. 31. There hasn't been enough rain to get coho from the ocean into the lakes yet.

Water temperatures continue to drop in Tenmile Lakes with more vegetation dying off for the season, which means largemouth bass will be transitioning off the weedlines and moving to submerged wood or other hard structures.

Topwater lures can still catch largemouth bass this time of the year in the early mornings, late evening and in shaded areas during mid-day. Spinner baits around submerged trees becomes a popular technique to use this time of the year. Drop shots, jigs, and wacky rigged Senkos will also produce bass throughout the day.

Yellow perch also transition away from the weedlines this time of the year but go to deeper mud flats in 15 feet of water or deeper. Use a small jigs or hooks with a worm fished near the bottom to catch yellow perch.

Trout fishing in rivers and streams is open through Oct. 31. Trout fishing in the lakes is open year-round. Last updated 10/2/24.

UMPQUA HIKE-IN LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

With cooler weather the fish should be biting. In the forecast the higher elevation lakes are getting snow and may not be accessible. 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 fry. Prospective volunteers for stocking in 2025 should contact Levi.m.simmons@odfw.oregon.gov for more information. Last updated 11/20/24.

UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: Chinook, Steelhead, Coho

The river remains open for hatchery Chinook and one adult wild chinook a day and five adult wild Chinook for the year from July 1 – Nov. 30. Under permanent rule you can retain up to 5 jacks (hatchery or wild Chinook jacks) Chinook should be pushing upriver and coho are being found throughout the river.

Wild coho closed Oct. 15. The river is still open for hatchery fish.

Anglers are starting to target early winter steelhead in the Elkton area. Only hatchery steelhead maybe harvested. Last updated 11/13/24.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead

Summer steelhead numbers are around the 10-year average, but very few hatchery fish have returned this year. Anglers are targeting summer steelhead as the fish are getting active. Coho are moving through as well, but there is no retention of wild fish. Last updated 11/20/24.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: Closed

The South is closed to all fishing Sept. 16 to Nov. 30. Last updated 9/18/24.

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

Willow is a bank fishing show for now, or fishable by personal watercraft or inflatables. Some anglers are launching boats from the shoreline near the shop but this is not recommended according to the county. Bass, panfish and rainbow trout are available.

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