Southwest Zone

March 12, 2025‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

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Announcements

Rogue-South Coast Steelhead validation required

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. To check reservoir levels click here. Bass and panfish are available. Last updated 3/5/25.

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

Applegate's surface elevation is 1,943 feet. Boat access is limited to the low water boat ramp at French Gulch. The water temperature at the surface has warmed to 46F.Check up-to-date reservoir levels here, or call the Army Corps of Engineers at 800-472-2434 for flow and temperature information.

Trout should be widely distributed throughout the reservoir, so fishing should be good. Anglers have also been catching smallmouth bass on 5-inch Senkos.

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 3/5/25.

APPLEGATE RIVER below Applegate Dam: steelhead, trout

Steelhead fishing pressure is starting to pick up on the Applegate River. Outflow from the dam is around 1,400 cfs and 42 F. River levels are on the high side but color has been pretty good. Side drifting with a worm has been productive.

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 3/5/25.

ARIZONA POND: trout

The pond is located at Arizona Beach State Recreation Area. The pond was recently stocked with catchable trout and is managed by Oregon State Parks as a youth only opportunity. A bobber and worms, fly fishing, spinner fishing all are good options to catch fish. Last updated 3/12/25.

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 mid-March. Last update 3/5/25.

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 river has been low, but anglers were doing fairly well on steelhead. Rain this week should bring in some new fish and make for good fishing conditions once the river starts to drop. Anglers will want to check flows and try to fish as flows are dropping. Most of the steelhead will be spawned out, but anglers are still picking up a few fresh fish.

This is a great time of year to target steelhead as very few anglers are fishing and the fish are more aggressive with the warmer water. Flyfishing, running plugs or spinner fishing can be good this time of year. Last updated 3/12/25.

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 in early February. With warmer weather expected for the weekend fishing should improve. Last updated 3/5/25.

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 still 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 3/5/25.

ELK RIVER: steelhead

Rain this week should make for some excellent fishing conditions once the river starts to drop. Most of the steelhead will be spawned out, but there are a few fresh fish still coming into the river.

Anglers in the Rogue South Coast Area cannot fish for or retain a steelhead (wild or hatchery) without the proper validations. Last updated 3/12/25.

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

Emigrant is currently 72 percent full. At least one boat ramp is now useable to power boats. There will be construction on one of the boat ramp dock, so please be patient and look forward to improvements.

Trout should be evenly distributed so bank fishing in areas that drop off quickly should be good.

Warmwater fishing success should start to pick up as temperatures increase. Anglers can try fishing crankbaits, light colored jerk-bait, 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 3/5/25.

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

Trout stocking starts this week, and 1,500 legal rainbow trout should be available to anglers this weekend.

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 3/5/25.

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

The lake was recently stocked with trophy trout and will have additional stockings through March. This is a great fishing opportunity while the steelhead rivers are blown out from the rains. The lake is best fish from a boat, but there is some bank access at a few spots along the lake. Anglers will want to keep an eye on the weather, because the lake can be very windy. Last updated 3/12/25.

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 58 percent full and rising. Warming weather and rising water levels may have affected the ice thickness and coverage. Early season trout fishing can be quite productive if open water is available.

Anglers are reminded to remove all vegetation from gear, boots and boats before leaving Howard Prairie. Last updated 3/5/25.

HYATT LAKE: trout, largemouth bass

Hyatt is currently 60 percent full and rising. Warming weather and rising reservoir levels may have affected ice stability and coverage. 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 3/5/25.

ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead

Flows on the Illinois should be prime this week. Check current and predicted levels here. Spoons, spinners, and flies should all be effective tackle as water clears. There may be some coloration downstream of Deer Cr. 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 3/5/25.

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 mid-March. No recent reports from anglers. Last updated 3/5/25.

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

The first 5,000 legal rainbow trout were stocked in mid-February and there should be plenty around for anglers to enjoy.

As temperature warms, the largemouth bass and bluegill should start to become more active, as well.

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 3/5/25.

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 1,852 ft and rising. 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 has warmed to 47F.

Lost Creek offers very good opportunity for spring 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 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 3/5/25.

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

Most anglers are turning their attention to spring Chinook, but some are still picking up quite a few steelhead. Rain this week should improve fishing conditions, particularly for bank anglers plunking from one of the many gravel bars on the lower Rogue. Because there are Chinook around, anglers will want to make sure their terminal tackle and line is in good condition. Many of Chinook have been lost to bad line or small hooks.

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 3/12/25.

Plunking on the Rogue River – check out this video.

Rogue River, middle: steelhead, trout

Flow in Grants Pass is around 6,500cfs and 45 F. Turbidity levels are currently 6 NTUs. High water techniques like plunking or pulling plugs can be effective in these conditions.

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 3/5/25.

Rogue River, upper: steelhead, trout

The release from Lost Creek is around 2,900 cfs and the flow at Dodge Bridge is around 4,200 cfs, with a river temperature averaging around 44 F degrees. Visibility should improve the further upriver you go. 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. A few post-spawn summer steelhead might be encountered, but winter steelhead are also starting to show up.

Cole Rivers Hatchery swim-in numbers as of 3/4/25:

Species / Run New Season Total

Recently, anglers have found a few winter steelhead in this section of river and more should be moving in. 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 3/5/25.

Rogue River, above Lost Creek Reservoir: trout

The Rogue and tributaries above Lost Creek Reservoir are open to fishing year-round, with a daily retention limit of 5 trout (no limit on brook trout). Area snow is restricting access to some portions of the river, and the Rogue is a tad high due to melting snow.

An angler recently caught a nice rainbow on a Little Cleo upstream of Prospect. Last updated 3/5/24.

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, stripers

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

There have been reports of anglers catching good numbers of stripers above the head of tide.

The area above Spencer creek to Sisters creek is open to hatchery steelhead through April 30. Trout fishing opens May 22. Last updated 3/5/25.

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 are crossing Winchester Dam in good numbers now. The sections below the dam are getting heavy pressure from anglers. To have good success and to get away from the crowds, try angling the sections above the dam. This is mostly a catch-and-release fishery with very few hatchery winter steelhead. 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 3/5/25.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: steelhead

The South is open for hatchery steelhead. Anglers are catching steelhead throughout the river. The best bet for hooking a steelhead would be in the Canyonville area. Last updated 3/5/25.

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

Warming weather and inflow have filled the reservoir 100 percent full. The lace is ice-free and ready for folks to catch some holdover trout. Both the day use area and boat ramp are open.

For more information on camping and day use please visit the Jackson County Parks website or call 541-774-8183. Last updated 3/5/25.