Southwest Zone

Best bets for weekend fishing

• Applegate and Lost Creek reservoirs have been stocked with good numbers of legal and trophy sized trout, and larger holdover trout are available. Fishing should be very good.
• Hatchery spring chinook and hatchery winter steelhead area available on the upper Rogue.

Trout stocking

Stocked April 28-May 2:

Empire Lake- upper and lower, Saunders Lake, Sru Lake, Tenmile Lake- north and south, Eel Lake, Bluebill Lake, Bradley Lake, Floras Lake, Butterfield Lake, Cooper Creek Res, Laird Lake.

Scheduled to be stocked May 5-9:

Spalding Pond, Loon Lake, Reinhart Park Pond, Emigrants Res, Expo pond 1- Rogue.

Trout stocking maps

Check out the ODFW fishing and trout stocking maps to find nearby fishing locations, driving directions and descriptions of amenities.

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Updates by waterbody

AGATE LAKE: Bass, carp, black crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead

Fishing for bass and panfish should be good through the spring months, and some stocked rainbow trout are available. Illegally introduced common carp are a problem at Agate, and anglers are encouraged to harvest any carp caught at the reservoir. Last updated 5/6/25

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

Applegate is two feet below full pool as of May 5th, and the surface temperature is 57F. Both the Copper and Hart-Tish boat ramps are now available. Check up-to-date reservoir levels here, or call the Army Corps of Engineers at 800-472-2434 for flow and temperature information.

Trout anglers have plenty of opportunity at Applegate this week. Legal-sized rainbow scheduled to be stocked in mid-May are now scheduled for release this week due to needs at the fish hatchery. A variety of sizes of trout are available as well. Standard trout fishing techniques should all be successful. Because of the steep sides at Applegate, trollers can have success near shore in most places. Trolling flies or lures like a flatfish or panther martin on light line is worth a try, or fishing with heavier gear like dodgers and flashers ahead of a wedding ring spiked with a nightcrawler, Gulp worm or corn. Bank angling should be easier to do at Applegate when the reservoir is full, with Powerbait being a common bait of choice.

Warming surface temperatures are good news for bass anglers Applegate produces nice-sized smallmouth on a regular basis.

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 5/6/25.

APPLEGATE RIVER below Applegate Dam: Closed to all angling until May 22

The annual smolt protection and spawner closure. Last updated 4/10/25.

ARIZONA POND: Trout

Aquatic vegetation is making fishing a little tougher, but anglers are still finding a few trout. Evenings or early mornings tend to be better as the trout are out of the vegetation and in the more open water. A bobber and worms, fly fishing, spinner fishing all are good options to catch fish.

There is a lot of wildlife around the pond, so if fishing is slow, it is always a good place to take a lunch break and watch the wildlife. Last updated 4/23/25.

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

No recent reports from anglers. High levels of rainfall have made water conditions dirty. Fishing should be good with nicer weather and warmer water temperatures. The last stocking was the first week in April. Last update 4/23/25

BURMA POND: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill

Burma Pond is stocked with rainbow trout. Directions to this BLM pond are located on the 50 places to fish within 60 minutes of Medford publication. Last Updated 5/06/25

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

The reservoir was stocked with 2,500 larger-size rainbow trout in early February. It was last stocked the last week in April. With dirty water try using flashing lures and bait with scent. Last updated 5/7/25.

COOS RIVER BASIN: Bottomfish, trout, surfperch

Anglers have been catching rockfish around the jetties in the lower Coos Bay estuary, but you may need to move around to several spots to find actively biting fish. 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.

Striped surfperch can be caught around the jetties. Anglers have best success fishing with sand shrimp near the bottom.

Trout fishing opens in the Coos Basin rivers and streams on May 22. Last updated 5/7/25.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: trout, striped bass, smallmouth bass

Striped bass anglers should concentrate most of their effort on the Coquille River between Coquille and Myrtle Point. Fishing will be best after dark.

Smallmouth bass will be becoming active in the Coquille River as the water temperature continues to increase.

Trout fishing opens in the Coquille Basin rivers and streams on May 22. Last updated 5/7/25.

DIAMOND LAKE: Trout

Diamond Lake is still frozen over but melting fast. Boats should be able to launch at the main boat ramp by this weekend. When the ice is off the lake fishing should be good.

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 5/7/25.

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

Emigrant is basically full. Boat ramps are open and ready for use.

A harmful algae bloom at Emigrant has resulted in a recreational use advisory from the Oregon Health Authority. OHA encourages people to visit Emigrant Lake and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing, and kayaking; but also provides recommendations for safe recreation at the lake at the following link https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ERD/Pages/Recreational-use-advisory-issued-for-Emigrant-Lake.aspx

Emigrant is producing nice catches of smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Bass provide the primary fishery at Emigrant, and fishing is picking up both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Try fishing the flooded willows for largemouth and panfish, and rockier areas for smallmouth.

Trout have been stocked and should be evenly distributed for bank and boat anglers. Still fishing with bait, casting lures like rooster tails or panther martins, or trolling will all produce trout.

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 5/7/25.

EMPIRE LAKE: Trout

Trout fishing has been good for recently stocked trout in both Upper and Lower Empire Lake. Anglers will need to walk into Lower Empire Lake since the road is closed due to road damage near the outlet of Lower Empire Lake. Trout anglers are having success catching trout on Powerbait fished near the bottom or by casting spinners or spoons. Upper Empire Lake is scheduled to be stocked in early June for the last time this spring. Last update 5/7/25.

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

Expo Pond is producing rainbow trout, black crappie, and largemouth bass. Illegally introduced carp are also available.

Fish for trout with floating bait on the bottom or bait below a bobber, or cast flies or lures. Unfortunately some anglers are posting photos of trout being squeezed when held for a selfie. Anglers are reminded to minimize handling and keep trout in the water when releasing fish, or to humanely kill fish that will be kept for dinner.

. 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 5/6/25.

FISH LAKE: Rainbow trout, brook trout, spring Chinook

Fish Lake is 75 percent full. Both the resort ramp and the USFS ramp are open for use.

This is a great time of year to get out and troll on Fish Lake, or cast lures or flies.

Water clarity remained very good at the lake last week. Anglers trolling flies or lures on light line will benefit. Some good sized tiger trout and landlocked salmon have been caught recently, adding nice diversity to the catch of recently stocked rainbow trout.

Anglers are encouraged to report catches of tiger trout or send other fishing reports to Rogue Fish District Staff 541-826-8774. Last updated 5/6/25

Floras Lake: Hatchery trout, cutthroat

The lake is located near the community of Langlois (Curry County). ODFW recently stocked the lake with both legal and trophy trout. The lake is also the home of a very good population of cutthroat. The only access to the lake is at Boice Cope County Park. Bank angling is limited, so the best way to experience trout fishing is by boat. There is a developed single lane boat ramp at the county park, but small boats are recommended. The lake can be very windy, so always check the weather before heading out. Last updated 4/29/25

GALESVILLE RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, bass

Galesville anglers like other reservoir anglers in Douglas County will have more success fishing with flashy lures and with slower presentations. The reservoir was stocked twice in the month of April. The reservoir is at full pool now. Last updated 4/30/25.

GARRISON LAKE: Trout

Aquatic vegetation is starting to grow and may limit bank anglers somewhat. Trout are scattered throughout the lake, but anglers fishing early in the morning or evening may notice trout feeding on the surface which will help locate good areas to target. Once a group of fish is located trolling, some boat anglers are anchoring up and switching to casting flies, spinners, or jigs.

The lake is best fished from boats, 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 4/23/25.

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

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 4/30/25.

HOWARD PRAIRIE: Trout

Howard Prairie is 92 percent full and all boat ramps are now openHoward is producing good numbers of trout, and holdover trout caught early in the season at Howard are some of the best tasting trout around.

Trout will likely be distributed widely around the filling reservoir, so anglers will have a lot of areas to choose from for fishing. The upper reservoir near the horse camp has provided good early season fly fishing in the past, so this is something to try. Otherwise, trolling lures like wedding rings tipped with bait can be very effective, along with still fishing with bait.

With the higher water this year bank anglers can fish from the jetty again and can have success fishing floating bait or nightcrawlers off the bottom, casting lures, or fishing with bait below a bobber. A universal access fishing platform is available near the end of the jetty.

Remember to remove all vegetation from gear, boots and boats before leaving Howard Prairie. Last updated 5/6/25

HYATT LAKE: Trout, largemouth bass

Hyatt is basically full, with some water going over the spillway as of May 6th. Similar to Howard Prairie, large areas of the reservoir pool will be watered again for the first time in several years, which will provide a jump in reservoir productivity and food production. The Cascade BLM boat ramp is open, but the Mountain View ramp remains closed.

Hyatt is producing catches of legal-sized trout and holdovers to 20 inches. A wide variety of gear can be effective at Hyatt, and trolling flies and lures on light line can produce early season. Powerbait and Pautzke eggs work well for anglers still fishing with bait.

A treble hook with powerbait is an effective technique for catching trout but not for releasing trout. If you plan to only catch and release fish, please consider using single hooks.

A report of good fishing for largemouth bass was received recently. Largemouth fishing should improve as the water warms

Remember to remove all vegetation from gear, boots and boats before leaving Hyatt. Last updated 5/6/25

ILLINOIS RIVER: Closed to all angling until May 22

Annual smolt and spawner protection closure. Last updated 4/10/25.

JOHNSON MILL POND: Largemouth bass

Largemouth bass fishing can be good in Johnson Mill Pond for those anglers that like to fish around lily pads. Topwater frog lures can be very effective for fishing largemouth bass in the low light periods of the day. Last updated 5/7/25.

LAKE MARIE: Rainbow trout, yellow perch

Lake Marie is a good spot for a quiet fishing experience. The lake was stocked twice in April. This is a good lake to use scented bait. No recent reports from anglers. Last updated 4/30/25.

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

Both largemouth bass and bluegill are being caught at Lake Selmac, and stocked rainbow trout are available. Fishing should be very good. Anglers are reminded that bluegill can be found very close to shore, and it is easy to cast out too far and miss the fish.

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 5/6/25.

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: Brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee

Brown trout fishing should be good. US Forest Service campgrounds are closed for the season. Lemolo Lake Resort is open.

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 5/7/25

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

Lost Creek is 1.5 feet below full pool, and the surface temperature is 58F. Both boat ramps are open and available.

Lost Creek is producing rainbow trout throughout the reservoir, and larger holdover trout continue to be caught. Trollers are having very good luck. Lost Creek also offers good bank fishing access, and fishing on both sides of the dam can be very effective using PowerBait.

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. 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. One angler had good success recently on a green wedding ring trolled behind a weight and dodger and baited with either white corn kernels or worm.

Bass fishing is also picking up. An angler fishing crankbaits caught smallmouth bass at Lost Creek recently.

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 4/28/25

MEDCO POND: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie

Fishing should be good for stocked rainbow trout, as well as warmwater species. Bluegill from shore should be excellent and can be very fun with the young anglers.

Medco Pond is a private pond and access can be revoked at any time. Bank anglers should stay away from the east portion of the lake, again due to private property, and stay on the road side of the gate with any vehicles (even if gate is open). To help keep access open, anglers should make sure to pick up their trash, as well as other trash when they are there.

Last updated 5/7/25

PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: Bottomfish, surfperch, salmon, halibut

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.

The ocean from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain is open for salmon fishing except coho, two salmon per day from March 15 – June 6. Salmon fishing from Humbug Mountain to OR/CA border is closed until May 16. Mark selective coho season starts June 7.

Pacific halibut season for the Central Oregon Coast Subarea and Southern Oregon Subarea opened May 1 and is open 7 days per week.

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. Redtail surfperch will be transitioning towards the river mouths over the next couple of months.

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 5/7/25.

2025 sport bottomfish regulations

PLAT I RESERVOIR: Trout, bass

The reservoir is at full pool levels. With the watercolor on the dirty side, try scented baits and flashy lures. The reservoir was stocked the first week of April. Fish will be spread throughout. Fishing is slow. Last updated 4/23/25.

REINHART PARK POND: Trout, bass

Reinhart is freshly stocked with rainbow trout, and some nice-sized largemouth bass continue to be caught. This is a great place to take young anglers to catch their first fish. Last updated 5/6/25.

ROGUE RIVER

Rogue River, lower: hatchery steelhead, spring Chinook

Salmon fishing has been slow. Anglers may need to wait for a weather change to get fish on the move.

Anglers should start seeing a few summer steelhead in the coming weeks. The end of May to early June is usually a good time to start looking around. Steelhead anglers will want to check regulations prior to heading out. Starting April 1, only hatchery steelhead can be retained in the Rogue.

Rogue River, middle: Steelhead, spring chinook

Flow in Grants Pass is around 3,720 cfs on Tuesday. The water is clear at 3 NTU's and the temperature is averaging 55 F. Anglers continue to catch some winter steelhead. and spring chinook are migrating through the middle Rogue. The Rogue is closed to trout fishing until May 22^nd.

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 5/6/25

Rogue River, upper: Steelhead, spring chinook

The release from Lost Creek is 3,000 cfs as the Corps deals with snowmelt entering Lost Creek Reservoir. River temperature out of Lost Cr is 49F. The flow at Gold Ray is 3,650 cfs.

Spring chinook numbers continue to rise in the upper river, and hatchery chinook are broadly distributed. But don't forget that winter steelhead are still available and being caught. Pulling plugs at the heads and tails of pools can be very productive under these semi-high conditions. Side drifting, spoons, and swung flies will work in some places and be more effective as river levels drop and settle. The Rogue is closed to trout fishing until May 22.

Cole Rivers Hatchery returns as of 4/29/25:

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 5/6/25

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 gone from most of the area below Union Cr, but 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 4/10/24.

SMITH RIVER, Umpqua: Steelhead, stripers

Open for hatchery steelhead all year below Spencer Creek.

There have been reports of anglers catching good numbers of stripers in the lower sections.

The area above Spencer creek to Sisters creek is closed to all angling as of April 30. Trout fishing opens May 22. Last updated 5/7/25.

SPALDING POND:

Spalding was stocked in April, but the hatchery was not able to stock this week as scheduled. Fresh fish should be available the week of May 12^th. Last Updated 5/9/25

TENMILE LAKES/TENMILE CREEK: Trout, largemouth bass

The main lake temperature was in the upper 50's this past weekend with smaller shallow coves reaching into the lower 60 degree range. Largemouth bass will be in various stages of spawning right now with some fish finishing up spawning while others are still transitioning to the shallows to spawn. Look for fish along the shoreline next to cover like submerged logs.

Trout fishing in rivers and streams is not open until May 22. Trout fishing in the lakes is open year-round. Last updated 5/7/25.

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, shad, bass

Fishing has been fair to good with a good number of hatchery chinooks being harvested. The river is running below normal water levels; boat operators should be aware. With low forecasted returns, the main Umpqua will be closed to all harvest of wild spring Chinook. Only fin-clipped Chinook may be harvested. Anglers are catching good numbers of shad throughout the main Umpqua.

We have received a few good report of striper bass being caught in the lower sections.

Fishing for winter steelhead is about over. Only hatchery steelhead may be harvested. Last updated 5/7/25.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: Steelhead, chinook

Summer steelhead angling is slow. This is mostly a catch-and-release fishery with very few hatchery summer steelhead. Only hatchery steelhead may be harvested.

Fishing is slow in the lower sections but will improve as more Springers enter the North Fork and we receive more rain. The Swiftwater Park area has been fair and should improve as more fish move into the area. 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 5/7/25.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: Trout, bass

The South Umpqua River will be closed to all angling at the end of April. Reopens for trout from May 22- Sept. 15, catch and release only. Open for bass on May 22. Last updated 4/30/25.

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

Willow is stocked with trout and fishing should be good. Success on bass and panfish should be improving.

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 5/6/25.