Southwest Zone

April 24, 2024‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

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Announcements

No spring Chinook in Umpqua in 2024‌

Just a reminder that retention of wild adult or jack spring Chinook in the mainstem and North Umpqua is prohibited in 2024.‌

Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation and Harvest Tag required beginning Dec. 1‌

All steelhead anglers in the Rogue Basin and on the south coast will need a Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation from Dec. 1 to April 30. In addition, anglers will need a new harvest tag to keep wild winter steelhead in this area. Please check the regulations for wild winter steelhead harvest dates on the Rogue River as they can be different depending on where you are fishing.‌

The new validations will provide more accurate harvest information and close annual harvest loopholes on certain daily licenses. Learn more about this new validation and harvest tag.‌

E-tagging tips for anglers‌

It's important for anglers to tag their salmon and steelhead immediately, which means you'll need to know how to navigate the MyODFW app outside of cell phone range. Here are some tips for e-tagging in the field.‌

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 Reservoir is now 100 percent full. For up-to-date reservoir levels click here. The boat ramp is usable for small boats. There is also plenty of bank fishing access.‌

Boat anglers fishing near the dam have reportedly caught bass and crappie recently and fishing will only get better with the warming trend in the forecast. Anglers are encouraged to harvest any carp caught in the reservoir. ‌

The Jackson County Park's day-use area closes after sunset and day use fees are charged. There is a 10-mph speed limit on this reservoir and electric motors only. Last updated 4/17/24.‌

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

Applegate's reservoir level is currently at 1,979 feet, and the lake surface temperature is 49F. Check up-to-date reservoir levels here, or call the Army Corps of Engineers at 800-472-2434 for flow and temperature information.‌

The reservoir is high enough now that Copper Boat Ramp is usable along with French Gulch. Holdover rainbow trout provided some very good action before the recent rains, so Applegate is good bet for trout anglers. Applegate was stocked recently with 10,000 legal-sized trout but anglers please note that the trophies will not be stocked this year. These fish are needed to make up losses in hatchery trout production this year.‌

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 2022 sportfishing regulations for more information. Last updated 4/24/24.‌

APPLEGATE RIVER below Applegate Dam:‌

The Applegate River is currently closed to all fishing. Last updated 4/3/24.‌

ARIZONA POND: rainbow trout‌

ODFW placed aquatic weed mats in the pond so anglers will see buoys indicating their presence. Trout fishing will be good all month as the pond will be stocked regularly. ‌

The pond is also an excellent spot to see wildlife like otters, beavers, and even elk. This is pond is managed by Oregon State Parks as a youth-only fishing pond. Last updated 4/3/24.‌

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

This should be a good time to fish Ben Irving. The lake was stocked a couple of weeks ago with trout, and the bass should be getting active on warm days. No recent reports from anglers, but we have heard the lake is high right now. Last updated 4/3/24.‌

CHETCO RIVER: Closed until May 22.‌

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

No recent reports, but there should be some good trout fishing now. There should still be some of the big trophy-size trout in there, although quite a few have been caught. Bass fishing should also be good. Last updated 4/2/24.‌

COOS RIVER BASIN: bottomfish, steelhead, cutthroat trout‌

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. There is no harvest of cabezon until July 1. ‌

There is still an occasional steelhead in the Coos Basin rivers but most of these are wild steelhead. There is only a rare steelhead angler on the river this time of the year.‌

Trout fishing will reopen in rivers on May 22. Last updated 4/3/24.‌

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: steelhead, striped bass‌

There are still a few hatchery and wild steelhead in the North Fork Coquille and South Fork Coquille rivers. Water in the North Fork Coquille will be low and clear but conditions are good for fishing on the South Fork Coquille. Bank anglers fishing the South Fork Coquille River should find the best fishing water near the town of Powers. ‌

Striped bass anglers will be hitting the mainstem Coquille River. Fishing is typically good during the month of April in the upper portions of the mainstem Coquille River. ‌

Trout fishing reopens in the rivers on May 22. Last updated 4/3/24.‌

DIAMOND LAKE: trout ‌

No recent reports from Diamond Lake.‌

Ice is off Diamond Lake and when conditions allow, fishing should be good. The main boat ramp is the only ramp available right now for launching. ‌

Diamond Lake has been stocked with tiger and brown trout. Anglers targeting brown trout have been doing fantastic lately with high catch rates and some great brown trout being caught (and released). These fish are intended to assist in controlling illegally introduced tui chub. These trout are catch-and-release only and need to be released immediately and unharmed if caught. Last updated 4/17/24.‌

ELK RIVER: Closed until May 22‌

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

Emigrant is 69 percent full and continues to fill. The main boat ramp is usable. Anglers putting in the time have been catching a few nice smallmouth at Emigrant recently. One angler reporting a catch of 30 on a week ago. Lures have included a Rage Tail Craw, a Keitech Swing Impact soft bait, and a Ned Rig Craw Colored Senko. ‌

In addition to warmwater fish, Emigrant has been stocked with 1,000 legal-size trout a few times in the last month.‌

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 4/24/24. ‌

EMPIRE LAKE: trout‌

Trophy trout were stocked in mid-March into Lower and Middle Empire lakes. Excess hatchery steelhead from the Millicoma Interpretive Center were stocked into Middle Empire Lake in early March. These fish can be kept by anglers in Empire Lake under the daily trout bag limit, which allows for one fish over 20 inches per day. Last updated 4/3/24.‌

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

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. Expo Pond has been stocked numerous times recently with catchable rainbow trout and anglers report good catches. Anglers should try casting Rooster Tails or Panther Martin lures, or fishing with bait—nightcrawlers, PowerWorms, Pautzke eggs, or PowerBait fished off the bottom.‌

Please remember to park in the day-use parking area and walk into the RV park to access the pond. Do not park your vehicle within the RV park. A Jackson County parks day-use or season-long parking pass is required.‌

Fishing for warmwater fish should start picking up this weekend with the warmer temperatures.‌

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 4/17/24.‌

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout, spring Chinook ‌

Fish Lake is 62 percent full and there is open water for bank and boat fishing. Latest report is that all boat ramps are open and useable, and people are fishing and catching limits. Additionally, Fish Lake will be stocked with 5,000 legal-size trout this week.‌

Calling the resort at (541) 949-8500 for current conditions is a wise choice as the ice is forming and then melting so ice conditions are changing almost weekly. ‌

A snow park permit is typically required beginning through April. ‌

Any tiger trout caught should be immediately released unharmed. Anglers are encouraged to report their catch or any other fish stories to Rogue Fish District Staff 541-826-8774. Last updated 4/24/24.‌

GALESVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass‌

No direct reports from anglers, but stories that some of the trophy trout have been being caught. Around 60 trophy trout have been stocked into Galesville last month. Water levels are high. Bass fishing should be improving as temperature increases and trout fishing should continue to be good.‌

In Galesville Reservoir, all landlocked salmon and steelhead are considered trout and are part of the five-per-day trout limit, with only one trout over 20 inches long allowed for harves. tLast updated 4/24/24.‌

GARRISON LAKE: rainbow trout, cutthroat‌

Conditions are excellent for trout fishing. The lake was stocked with quite a few trophy trout. Slow trolling with a wedding ring spinner tipped with worms or other type of bait can be very effective. The best way to fish the lake is by boat, as there is limited shore access. ‌

The 12^th street boat ramp has an improved ramp and docks. With higher water in the spring, the walkway onto the boat dock can be covered by water so anglers will need rubber boots to access the dock. Anglers will want to check the weather before heading out, as the lake can be very windy. Last updated 3/13/24.‌

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

With recent snows, accessing the lakes will be difficult. Recent reports indicate the lakes are not accessible yet. Unless there is significant melting it may be some time before they are accessible outside of snowmobiles. Last updated 4/3/24.‌

HOWARD PRAIRIE: trout‌

Howard Prairie is 50 percent full. The boat ramp at the marina is now open but the marina and café are closed until sometime in May. The improvised gravel boat ramp at the dam is also available for small boats. A bank angler recently reported success catching trout 13-15 inches on Powerbait near the dam. ‌

Anglers may want to consider a trip to Howard soon for some early season trout fishing as holdover trout are available and Howard was stocked this week with 7,500 legal-sized trout. Last updated 4/24/24.‌

HYATT LAKE: trout, largemouth bass ‌

Hyatt is currently 59 percent full. Anglers may want to consider a trip to Hyatt soon for some early season trout fishing from shore as 7,500 legal-sized trout will be stocked this week. The BLM reported trout rising at Hyatt recently.‌

All BLM facilities are still closed, which effectively closes access for trailered boats. Last updated 4/24/24.‌

ILLINOIS RIVER: ‌

The Illinois River is currently closed to all fishing. Last updated 4/3/24.‌

LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout, yellow perch‌

Lake Marie was recently stocked with rainbow trout and the fishing should be good this week. No recent reports from anglers. Last updated 4/3/24.‌

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

Selmac was stocked again recently with 5,000 legal-size rainbow trout, and fishing should be good. Largemouth bass, bluegill and black crappie fishing are also 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 4/17/24.‌

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee‌

Conditions remain the same for Lemolo. No recent reports if Lemolo is accessible right now and the conditions of ice. The resort and campgrounds are closed for the season. ‌

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. Contact Lemolo Lake Resort at 541-643-0750 for weather/road conditions and additional information. Last updated 4/3/24.‌

LIBBY POND: trout‌

The pond will not be stocked until the end of May. Last updated 4/3/24.‌

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

Lost Creek's current elevation is about 1,867 feet so just about full. The surface temperature is 47F. The Takelma and Stewart boat ramps are available for access by trailered boats.‌

Lost Creek was stocked with legal-size trout in time for Spring Break. Lost Creek was also stocked again a couple of weeks ago, but anglers should note that the trophies will not be stocked this year. These fish are needed to make up losses in hatchery trout production this year.‌

Trollers have had good late winter success at Lost Creek on holdover trout using a variety of gear: Apex lures, Brad's cut plug lures with scent, red hoochies, and wedding rings. Trout have been caught at the surface and down to about 50 feet with a downrigger. The lures are often fish behind dodgers, and can be spiked with corn, worms or power worms. 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 4/24/24.‌

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. Retention of cabezon is closed until July 1. 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.‌

Ocean Chinook salmon fishing opened from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt on March 15. Salmon anglers will be allowed to harvest 2 Chinook salmon per day. Ocean salmon anglers have picked up a few Chinook salmon near Charleston and Winchester Bay. ‌

Surfperch anglers will find redtail surfperch along the ocean beaches like Horsfall Beach, Bullards Beach and near Cape Blanco. During the months of April and May, redtail surfperch will be moving closer to the river mouths. 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 4/3/24. ‌

2024 sport bottomfish seasons ‌

PLAT I RESERVOIR: trout, bass‌

No recent reports from anglers. It was recently stocked with over 600 trout. Last updated 4/24/24.‌

REINHART PARK POND: trout, bass‌

Reinhart Park Pond in Grants Pass will be stocked with trout again this week and fishing should be good. Last updated 4/24/24.‌

ROGUE RIVER‌

Rogue River, lower: steelhead, spring Chinook‌

Spring Chinook fishing continues to be pretty good. Boat anglers are mainly focusing on the lower river as every day more fish move into the river. Bank anglers fishing at many of the gravel bars in the lower river are also picking up Chinook. As flows drop in the river, bank anglers will have a tougher time catching Chinook as the salmon will move deeper as the river clears. ‌

Steelhead are still getting picked up on a daily basis, but winter steelhead fishing is about done for the season as most fish are upriver or in tributaries spawning. ‌

Anglers are reminded that the Rogue has a new winter steelhead season structure that starts Dec. 1. Anglers can now retain wild steelhead starting Dec. 1, but they must be tagged on the new wild steelhead tag. Only 3 wild steelhead can be retained from Dec. 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024. Anglers are reminded to check the regulations in the particular area they are fishing prior to heading out, as start and end dates vary by zone. Last updated 3/28/24.‌

Rogue River, middle: steelhead, trout, Chinook‌

Flow is currently clear and slowly dropping in the middle Rogue but winter steelhead are being caught along with confirmed spring Chinook catches. Flow in Grants Pass is 2,590 CFS with a water temperature of around 56F. ‌

Winter steelhead are spread throughout the middle Rogue. Targeting acclimation site areas at Skunk Creek (Baker Park), Greens Creek or Jumpoff Joe Creek is a good idea as numerous hatchery winter steelhead have been caught recently.‌

Also, covering as much water as possible is the key to finding fish right now. A variety of techniques can lead to success, including side drifting, float fishing, pulling plugs, and swinging flies. ‌

More spring Chinook have been caught and anglers should expect more to arrive in Grants Pass soon with the decent flow and warming river temperatures.‌

Anglers are reminded that trout fishing closed on April 1 to protect smolts migrating to sea. ‌

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 4/24/24.‌

Rogue River, upper: steelhead, trout, Chinook‌

Lots of winter steelhead are present in the upper Rogue and there is a good mix of hatchery and wild fish present. Recent, higher flows have fish spread out, occupying all types of holding water. Mainstem spawning activity has picked up so try to avoid redds and actively spawning fish. Expect more fish to arrive through May. ‌

A good early season total of 91 hatchery spring Chinook have made it into the hatchery as of last week, so a good time to try for a bright, early spring Chinook. Just over 600 winter steelhead have arrived at the hatchery so far this season. ‌

The release from Lost Creek is 1,800 CFS (slightly increasing late this week) and the river temperature is 49F .‌

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.‌

Make sure to check the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for each section of river before you head out. Anglers are reminded that trout fishing closes on April 1 to protect smolts migrating to sea.‌

For up-to-date river levels, check all the USGS Rogue gauges here. Last updated 4/24/24.‌

Rogue River, above Lost Creek Reservoir: trout‌

The snow around Prospect has likely melted and access to the river should be available but some of the Forest Service roads not used during the winter may be impassable. The best bet is probably PacifiCorp's North Fork Park. Check the driving conditions on ODOT Trip Check before heading up. ‌

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 4/10/24.‌

SIXES RIVER: Closed until May 22‌

SMITH RIVER, Umpqua: steelhead‌

No recent reports from the Smith. Water conditions are low, and steelhead runs should be winding down. This is primarily a catch-and-release fishery. Last updated 4/24/24.‌

TENMILE LAKES/TENMILE CREEK: steelhead, trout, bass‌

Steelhead fishing is still technically open on Tenmile Creek and Eel Creek but fishing is basically over for the season. Eel Creek is open to steelhead fishing until April 30. ‌

Excess hatchery steelhead captured at the Eel Lake fish trap were hauled to Saunders Lake recently. These fish can be kept by anglers in Saunders Lake under the daily trout bag limit which allows for one fish over 20 inches per day.‌

The water temperature in Tenmile Lakes has been slowly warming up, with some shallow water areas reaching the low 60 degrees during the recent sunny weather. Largemouth bass are transitioning to the spawning areas and anglers can start to find largemouth bass in shallower water. ‌

Trout fishing in rivers and streams will reopen May 22. Trout fishing in the lakes is open year-round. Last updated 4/3/24. ‌

UMPQUA HIKE-IN LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout‌

Hike-in lakes are still mostly inaccessible. Anglers are encouraged to report their fishing trips to help guide future stocking rates. ‌

Stocking these lakes will be a volunteer backpacking and horsepacking activity tentatively scheduled for mid-July. Prospective volunteers should contact Levi.m.simmons@odfw.oregon.gov for more information. Last updated 4/3/23.‌

UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: Steelhead, Chinook, surfperch, bass‌

The mainstem has decent water conditions this week but may get muddy by the weekend. Steelhead season has slowed greatly in the mainstem, but anglers are catching a few spring Chinook throughout the mainstem. ‌

Some anglers have started fishing for early season bass, and reportedly getting some large smallmouth. Early warm days are a great chance to catch some great bass. There is no bag limit on bass caught in the Umpqua. There are a few reports of some striped bass being caught in the lower sections.‌

There is NO HARVEST OF WILD ADULT OR JACK SPRING CHINOOK in the Umpqua this year. The river remains open for hatchery Chinook through June 1. Fall seasons have not yet been finalized. Last updated 4/24/24.‌

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: Steelhead, Chinook‌

Steelhead season is winding down quickly. There should still be some around, but very few hatchery steelhead can be found on the North Umpqua. Spring Chinook are crossing Winchester Dam daily, so angling should be improving. ‌

There is NO HARVEST OF WILD ADULT OR JACK SPRING CHINOOK in the Umpqua this year. Last updated 4/24/24.‌

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: steelhead‌

Steelhead runs have slowed quickly this past week. There are definitely still some around, and some still bright and healthy while others are getting darker.‌

Bass fishing should start picking up as soon as we get some warmer weather. Last updated 4/3/24.‌

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

Willow Lake offers fishing for trout and a variety of warmwater species in a beautiful setting. Willow is now 100 percent full offering plenty of open water to fish as the weather clears up a bit. Willow Lake was stocked again recently with 4,000 legal-size rainbow trout and fishing should be good.‌

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

Anglers catching illegally introduced yellow perch are always encouraged to take as many of these as they want. This illegal introduction has only resulted in stunted perch and negative impacts to the bass and trout fishery in this lake and numerous others around the Southwest District. Last updated 4/17/24. ‌