Southwest Zone

Jan. 15, 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.

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.

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 65 percent full, and the boat ramp remains usable. Bass and panfish are available. Last updated 1/15/25.

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 recently. Applegate's surface elevation is 1,897 feet, 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 43F.

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 1/15/25.

APPLEGATE RIVER below Applegate Dam:

The Applegate River is open for hatchery steelhead and trout fishing but NOT salmon fishing.

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 1/15/24

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

No recent reports from anglers. Fishing is likely slow and will continue to be slow with colder temperatures in the forecast. For more success try a slower presentation. Last update 1/8/25.

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

Dropping and clearing. Drift boat anglers are picking up steelhead on a regular basis, but river conditions are pretty clear so usually the first few boats on the water will do the best. Plunking has slowed down, so bank anglers able to move around a bit can find steelhead in the tailouts of pools or some of the faster runs before the drift boats show up.

ODFW started the angler creel surveys last week. Anglers contacted by ODFW should be prepared to show to their catch, fishing license, validation and tags.

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 1/15/25.

Southcoast winter steelhead rivers – check out this video.

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

No recent reports from anglers. Until warmer weather arrives, fishing will continue to be slow. Slower presentations can work well. Last updated 1/8/25.

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.

Anglers have been catching a winter steelhead in the Coos Basin the past week. River levels on the West Fork Millicoma River are extremely clear with low water making steelhead fishing a little difficult. River conditions will be better for fishing on the East Fork Millicoma River and South Fork Coos River. The Coos Basin rivers will continue to drop and become very clear with no rain in the 10-day forecast.

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 1/15/25.

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

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: winter steelhead

Anglers have been catching winter steelhead on the North Fork Coquille and South Fork Coquille rivers the past couple weeks. The river levels on the Nort Fork Coquille River will be low and very clear making steelhead fishing difficult. Water conditions are better on the South Fork Coquille River but the river levels will continue to drop over the next 10 days. Steelhead will be found in the deeper holes as the water levels continue to drop and clear. Last updated 1/15/25.

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. Please read the ice fishing safety tips at the top of the Southwest section 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 1/8/25.

ELK RIVER: steelhead

Low and clear. Only a handful of anglers are fishing the river. 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 1/15/25.

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 40 percent full. At least one boat ramp is now usable. 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. Still, some anglers have been successful targeting bass as of Dec. 7. 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 1/15/25.

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. Trout fishing should be good, but snow may affect access at times. 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 1/15/25.

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 has been lowered for winter storage, which can concentrate fish. Last updated 1/8/25.

GARRISON LAKE: trout

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 1/8/25.

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. It is likely that the lake may not be reachable without snowmobiles. There are a lot of trout left over from the spring stockings. Last updated 12/18/24.

HOWARD PRAIRIE: trout

Howard Prairie is 51 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 1/15/25.

HYATT LAKE: trout, largemouth bass

Hyatt is currently 49 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 1/8/25.

ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead

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.

Hatchery steelhead may be retained in certain sections. No wild steelhead retention allowed for the 2024/2025 season. See regulations and season updates. Artificial lures and flies only.

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.

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 1/15/25.

LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout, yellow perch

This lake is located west of Hwy 101 along the coast. With the more moderate temperature changes this can be a good spot to catch some perch. No recent reports from anglers. Last updated 1/8/25.

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

Bass and panfish are available. Anglers caught a few largemouth around Thankgiving on a Rage Tail crawfish and 5-inch Senkos.

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 12/4/24.

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 has dropped to 1,829 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 46F.

Lost Creek offers very good opportunity for winter trout fishing. Multiple groups caught nice rainbow trout trolling at Lost Creek over the last week. 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. Most fish are in the 13 -17-inch range.

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. 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 as of December 21, 2024.

Copepods are often present. The fish are safe to eat when cooked, and the copepods can be scraped off.

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 1/15/25.

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

Winter bass fishing can be decent at Plat I. If fishing Plat I be sure to wear some mud boots and present a slow presentation. The reservoir has been lowered. Last updated 1/8/25.

REINHART PARK POND: trout, bass

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

ROGUE RIVER

Rogue River, lower: winter steelhead

January is a very good month for steelhead fishing in the lower river. The river continues to have pretty good color and flow for both bank and boat anglers. Boat anglers that anchor up and run plugs have been consistently picking up fish.

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 1/15/25.

Plunking on the Rogue River – check out this video.

Rogue River, middle: steelhead, trout,

Flow in Grants Pass is 7,230 cfs and dropping on Jan. 14, with a water temperature of around 42F. The river is high with turbidity levels around 6 NTUs.

As flow drop, it's time to start thinking about winter steelhead in this section of the Rogue. Currently, plunking (boat or bank) will offer the best chance for success. By the weekend, other techniques will be effective. 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.

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 1/15/25.

Rogue River, upper: steelhead, trout

River flows are slowly dropping. The release from Lost Creek is 5,305 cfs and the flow at Gold Ray is 6,630 cfs, with a river temperature of 40-45F. The river is high.

There are currently trout available in this section of the rogue. As flows drop, we anticipate the first winter steelhead of the season to arrive. Please handle any lingering wild coho or 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. The return of summer steelhead has reached 1,099 fish, with 48 new arrivals.

It's still early for winter steelhead in this section of the Rogue. 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 1/15/25.

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).

An angler recently caught a nice rainbow on a Little Cleo upstream of Prospect. Last updated 12/11/24.

SIXES RIVER: steelhead

The river still has pretty good color, but flows are starting to get pretty low. Anglers will find steelhead scattered throughout the river. Most anglers fish the river from a boat, but there is some public access in the lower river.

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 1/15/25.

SMITH RIVER, Umpqua: steelhead

Winter steelhead are now spread throughout the system. But with colder temperatures in the forecast, it may be best to move from hole to hole looking for fish that are holding up. Open for hatchery steelhead all year.

The area above Spencer creek to Sisters creek is open to hatchery steelhead through April 30. Last updated 1/15/25.

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

Some lakes may be freezing over and may not be accessible by car. 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 1/8/25.

UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: steelhead, coho

All Chinook harvest is closed till Feb.1. With low forecasted returns, the main Umpqua will be closed to all harvest of wild Spring Chinook. Only fin clipped chinook maybe harvested.

Fishing has been fair with anglers reporting success throughout the main Umpqua. With no rain in the forecast, angling should improve as water levels recede. Only hatchery steelhead maybe harvested. Last updated 1/8/25.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead

Winter steelhead are starting to cross Winchester Dam. It is still a little early for winter steelhead, so angler effort is low. But the lower section should be good this week as water conditions improve. Only hatchery steelhead maybe harvested.

Early forecast for spring Chinook on 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 1/8/25.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: steelhead

The South is open for hatchery steelhead. Anglers are catching a few hatchery steelhead in the Canyonville area. The best fishing for steelhead will be in the lower sections. There has been very little effort so far. But with recent rains, angler effort should increase as the river starts to recede. Last updated 1/8/25.

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.