Recreation Report
Southeast Zone
Recreation Report
April 24, 2024
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Best bets for weekend fishing
- Big Rock Reservoir is the perfect place to take kids and catch a lot of 9 to 11-inch trout.
- The Wood River was very slow on opening weekend but remains your best bet for brown trout in the Klamath Basin.
- Willow Valley Reservoir is your best bet for largemouth bass in the Klamath Basin.
- Powder Valley reservoirs and ponds have holdover fish from last year and will be restocked throughout the spring.
- Fish for holdover trout on Krumbo, Malheur and Yellowjacket reservoirs has been great.
- There are some large redband trout moving up the Blitzen right now.
- Anglers report very good fishing at North Powder Pond.
- In Poison Creek Reservoir, fishing has been good for holdover trout in the 17-inch range.
Trout stocking
Scheduled to be stocked the week of April 22:
Delintment Lake, Becker Pond, Moon Reservoir
Recently stocked:
Bully Creek Reservoir
Check out the 2024 trout stocking schedule.
Trout stocking maps
Check out the ODFW fishing and trout stocking maps to find nearby fishing locations, driving directions and descriptions of amenities.
Announcements
Fish consumption advisories
The Oregon Health Authority has issued consumption guidelines for various waterbodies in Oregon including the Snake and Columbia Rivers due to high levels of mercury and/or PCBs. Fish with these chemicals look, act, smell and taste like any other fish, so caution is important.
- Statewide advisories
- Bonneville Dam fish advisory
- Safe fish choices for pregnancy and young children
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.
Got a good fish story?
If you have been out fishing and have a recent fishing report you would like to share, we would love to hear it! Please send your fishing updates to: odfw.info@odfw.oregon.gov.
Updates by waterbody
AGENCY LAKE (including Straits): redband trout, yellow perch, brown trout
Open year-round. Redband trout are moving around, and some are spawning. Most of the lake is turbid due to windy conditions and water temperatures are still cold but warming. Agency Lake is terrible to fish in the wind and even harder to launch/trailer your boat at Henzel Park. Best fishing is trolling minnow imitations from a boat. Overall fishing remains slow but is slowly improving.
Catch rates remain low due to record setting drought in the years 2020 thru 2022 resulting in poor survival of juvenile redband trout and subsequent recruitment into the adult population.
Agency Lake regulations are catch-and-release for redband/rainbow trout with no bait allowed (artificial flies and lures only). The boundary of Agency Lake is the south end of the Straits. This change is due to record low spawning escapement for trophy redband trout throughout the Klamath Basin in 2020. ODFW also encourages the use of single barbless hooks in this fishery, not removing the fish from the water, and using catch-and-release rubber nets.
Keep on the lookout for radio tagged redband trout. These fish must be released unharmed. The long antenna looks like fishing line coming from the abdomen. Please report any radio tagged fish. Last updated 4/24/24.
ANA RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, hybrid bass
There have not been any recent reports from trout anglers recently. Stocking has been postponed until May. Hybrid bass anglers have been catching a few with bait and lures but it's taking some time to do so. The reservoir is full and all boats can launch at the ramp.
Bait fishing is the proven method for catching hybrid bass, but fly-fishing and casting Rapalas are also effective when these fish are feeding. Rapalas that imitate tui chub and rainbow trout, favorite food sources for hybrid bass, are good bets for catching these fish. On sunny days you will need to fish deeper than cloudy days. Last updated 4/24/24.
ANA RIVER: rainbow trout
Flows are more constant right now and fishing should be picking up. There are some really nice fish in this river, but patience is key when targeting these fish.
This river is spring fed and does not freeze in the winter. Ana River is a great match-the-hatch fly-fishing river with good hatches throughout the year. Hatches typically occur during the afternoon from 12-3 p.m. Small blue-winged olive mayfly hatches are typically best on overcast days with light rain. Beadheads under a bobber work as well as stripping minnow patterns in low light conditions.
Tui chub are abundant in the river therefore casting large flies or lures can be effective for catching larger fish. Bait fishing is allowed, and anglers can keep 5 trout. Last updated 3/28/24.
ANNIE CREEK: brook trout, brown trout and redband trout
Open year round with bait allowed. Fishing is slow.. Fishing is almost always slow especially with very cold-water temperatures. Flows are low enough for some success but snowmelt should begin soon.
Most of the creek is dominated by small brook trout up to 10 inches. Brown trout are rare and redband trout are highly unlikely in the catch. Please report any redband/rainbow trout caught in the creek to ODFW at 541-883-5732.
Access is available year-round off Hwy. 62 at the USFS snow park. . There is plenty of public property on USFS, State Forest and Crater Lake National Park – fishing is regulated by the National Park (541-594-3000).
Several waterfalls occur on the creek inside Crater Lake National Park offering exceptional views. Last updated 3/28/24.
BECK KIWANIS POND, Ontario: trout, bluegill, largemouth bass
No recent reports but fishing for bluegill should improve as water warms up. Last updated 4/10/24.
BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, hatchery rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout
No recent reports but fishing for bluegill should improve as water warms up. Beck Kiwanis was stocked with 2,300 rainbow trout on 4/15/2024 so fishing for rainbow trout should also be good. Last updated 4/17/2024
BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, hatchery rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout
Beulah Reservoir is nearly full. There should be some large rainbow and redband trout available in Beulah right now. Bull trout are now in the reservoir as well. Bull trout must be released if captured. The reservoir is ice-free and boat ramp will be accessible. Last updated 4/17/24.
BIG ROCK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
The reservoir is accessible, and fishing was excellent this past weekend. Fish in the 9- to 11-inch range were biting anything that was thrown at them! Both bait, lures and flies are sure-fire ways to catch rainbow trout in this reservoir. Rainbow trout will continue growing this spring and summer. Perfect place to take kids and catch a lot of trout in this desert landscape. Last updated 4/24/23.
BLITZEN RIVER: redband trout, carp
The Blitzen is flowing at around 400 cubic feet per second at the gage at Page springs weir. Water temperatures are in the 40s and some mayflies and small stoneflies were hatching last week. Water clarity will be variable depending on flows and warmer weather as snow melts off of Steens Mountain. There are some large redband moving up the system right now. Last updated 4/17/24.
BURNS POND: trout
Burns Pond was stocked the week of April 9 with 2,700 legal sized trout. We have received reports of some nice holdover trout being caught as well. Last updated 4/10/24.
BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: bass, catfish, crappie, rainbow trout
Bully Creek Reservoir is full. No reports on fishing success but there should be a few nice crappie, channel catfish and bass around. This reservoir will be recovering from extremely low water in 2022 but fry that hatched last spring should grow fast and provide a great fishery in years to come. Last updated 4/17/24.
CAMPBELL LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout
Access is available to snowmobiles. The lake is probably open. Last update 4/16/24.
CAMPBELL RESERVOIR: redband trout, largemouth bass, white and black crappie, bluegill
BLM, ODFW, and BOR stocked a total of 431 crappie the past two weeks . Please let these crappie spawn.
Catch rates for largemouth bass and bluegill should be improving. The reservoir was dry in summer of 2022. All fish perished. ODFW and BLM have stocked largemouth bass and a few crappie in 2023.. Please release all fish as they need to spawn this year to repopulate the reservoir. There might also be a few redband trout around. The reservoir is about 80 percent full.
There is no boat ramp on the reservoir that occurs on public property. Most of the reservoir sits on private property. Water is slightly turbid but better water clarity than most desert reservoirs. Water temperature is warming fast. Last updated 4/24/24.
CHERRY CREEK: brook trout and redband trout
Open all year. Water temperatures are near freezing, but snow is melting.
This creek is very small; well-suited to fly-fishing. Brook trout are more abundant higher in the system. A very big fish in the creek is 10 inches. Water is crystal clear after it settles from the spring snow melt, and habitat is exceptional. There is a lot of snow in the watershed.
Snow will limit access. The Cherry Creek trail parallels the creek and leads to many productive wilderness lakes. One of the best waterfalls in the basin is just off the trail.
ODFW encourages unlimited harvest of brook trout Recent sampling showed high densities of brook trout and redband trout lower on the creek. The redband trout in this creek are some of the prettiest around. Last updated 4/17/24.
CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead
The river is very cold and swollen as spring flows are coursing through the system. Fishing will get better when the stream temperature increases and flows lessen. Heavier weighted flies and lures might get to trout during this time of year. Plan for fishing to be slow.
The river is accessible. Redband populations are lower right now due to drought and recent wildfires. Last updated 4/17/24.
CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout
Fishing has been good this past week for holdover rainbow trout with some anglers reporting catch rates of around five fish per hour. Fish are ranging in size from 12 to 17 inches. Last updated 4/17/24.
CORRAL CREEK (SF Sprague): brook trout and brown trout
Open year round. Bait is allowed. Access remains blocked by snow. Last updated 3/28/24.
COTTONWOOD MEADOW LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout
Access is available to snowmobiles. The lake is probably open. Last update 4/16/24.
CROOKED CREEK (Klamath Co): redband trout, brook trout and brown trout
Closed Nov. 1 to protect spawning redband trout. Opens May 22. Last updated 11/1/23.
CRYSTAL CREEK redband trout and yellow perch
Closed Nov. 1 to protect spawning redband trout. Opens May 22. Check Crystal Creek Flow. Last updated 2/27/24.
DEADHORSE LAKE: rainbow trout
Access is available to snowmobiles. The lake is probably open. Last updated 1/24/24.
DEEP CREEK: redband trout
Currently the headwaters are inaccessible due to lots of snow. There is access along Hwy 140.
Current river conditions are high and will probably remain that way for the next month. Fishing success will increase as water temperatures increase and flows lessen. Last updated 3/28/24.
DELINTMENT LAKE: rainbow trout
No recent reports on access to Delintment Lake but there is likely snow on the road which will impede access. This reservoir will be stocked as soon as access opens. Last updated 4/10/24.
DOG LAKE: largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, brown bullhead, redband trout
Access is available to all vehicles. The lake is open, but still cold due to snow melt. As temperatures warm this spring fishing success will increase. There are plenty of perch in the lake and anglers have been catching crappie recently and bass will start biting soon. Last updated 4/17/24.
DUNCAN RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow
The reservoir is open and is spilling at the moment. There have not been any recent fishing reports, but there should have been some holdover trout from last year.
This has been an excellent trout fishery in the past, but in recent years people have ruined it by illegally introducing brown bullhead and largemouth bass. Please report illegal fish introductions to 1-800-452-7888. Last updated 4/17/24.
FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): rainbow trout, brook trout
Fish Lake is frozen and will have plenty of ice for safe ice fishing.
The Steens Mtn. Loop Rd is closed. Check with Burns District BLM for updates on road closures or to inquire about access to this reservoir (541-573-4400). Last updated 1/10/24.
FORT CREEK: brown trout, redband trout, brook trout, bull trout
The creek closed Nov. 1 to protect redband trout spawning. Reopens to trout fishing May 22. Last updated 3/13/24.
FOURMILE CREEK (CANAL) (tributary to Agency Lake): brook, brown, redband trout, yellow perch
Open all year. Bait is allowed. Yellow perch fishing is very slow in Fourmile Canal, if you can find them. You can access the canal by boat from launching at Henzel Park. This area is not as turbid as the main lake.
Fourmile Creek will be slow if you can find the concentrations of brook trout. Try the confluence with Fourmile Canal or where the Cherry Creek channel hits Fourmile Creek. A kayak can be launched at the headwaters at Fourmile Springs. There is also a beaver dam. Concentrate efforts around the dam. Check Fourmile Canal Flow.
Last updated 3/13/24.
FOURMILE LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout, lake trout, kokanee, brook trout
The Lake is blocked by snow and is currently 37 percent full. There is a lot of snow this year so the lake might not be accessible until mid to late June.
Check Fourmile Lake Levels.
Please report any kokanee caught from the lake.
Launching boats becomes particularly challenging as the lake recedes. There is no official concrete boat ramp with dock. Launching takes place from a sandy shoreline. Only small boats are recommended. You can also call Lake of the Woods Resort for updates. Last updated 4/3/24.
GERBER RESERVOIR: crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead and largemouth bass
Fish sampling by Bureau of Reclamation this year showed incredible densities of yellow perch and some larger crappie. Use small hooks and bait for the perch as most are small with smallmouths.
Fishing should be improving for brown bullhead and yellow perch. Best place to fish for perch is at the north boat ramp. Near the Barnes Valley Boat ramp can also be worth a try if lake levels are high enough.
The reservoir is 44 percent full. Call the Klamath Falls BLM office for updated information.
Gerber Reservoir water levels
Gerber Reservoir is a large turbid reservoir with good bank access. Most of the reservoir is on BLM property. Open all year. Last updated 4/24/24.
HEART LAKE: hatchery rainbow trout
Access is available to snowmobiles. The lake is iced over and is probably open. Last updated 4/17/24.
HOLBROOK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
Access is available from Fishhole Creek Road. The lake is open and fishing should be good. A boat is ideal as you can actively search for fish trolling, but bank fishing is usually productive. There should be quite a few holdover trout from last year. The reservoir has been spilling for two weeks so the boat ramp is easily accessible. Last updated 4/17/24.
J.C. BOYLE RESERVOIR (Topsy Reservoir), now Klamath River
The reservoir is now a river. All boat ramps are closed. The river is not accessible due to deep sediment and KRRC rules. The old reservoir will now change to the Klamath River regulations, which are: no bait allowed and one redband/rainbow trout in the 12- to 15-inch size class. Fishing will be closed June 15-Oct. 1 from Keno Dam downstream to Highway 66 Bridge. Last updated 3/6/24.
UPPER KLAMATH LAKE: native redband trout, yellow perch, kokanee, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead, tui chub and blue chub
Fishing from shore at Howard Bay and Shoalwater Bay continues to improve. Fishing from a boat is also improving. Catch rates are still low for Redband Trout. The area near the outlet is also producing some fish. Most bank anglers use dead minnows with a crappie rig setup. Most boat anglers troll lures that mimic minnows or sculpins.
Hagelstein Park above Hwy 97 is now closed to protect endangered Lost River suckers (C'waam), shortnose suckers (Koptu) and redband trout.
The lake is open to fishing all year. Redband trout are moving throughout the lake making it challenging to find fish. Fishing is slow. Best location to fish is near the outlet. The lake is also turbid and cold but warming fast. The Rocky Point area might be your best bet as water clarity is good and water temperatures are currently warmer.
Please remember that nets or traps of any type cannot be used to catch any species of fish. This includes minnows to use for bait. See page 20 of the Sport Fishing Regulations for legal harvest methods for minnows and chubs.
ODFW encourages catch-and-release on this fishery due to record low spawning numbers in 2020 and very low numbers in 2019 and the record setting drought from 2020 thru 2022 which reduced survival. Please fight your fish quickly and then release your fish immediately without removing it from the water. Releasing fish is easier with barbless hooks.
The lake is 0.4 feet below full pool and 93 percent full.
Please remember that once you retain your one redband/rainbow trout limit you must stop fishing for redband/rainbow trout. Also, all radio tagged redband trout must be released unharmed. Redband trout will have what looks to be fishing line coming from the abdomen. Last updated 4/24/24.
KLAMATH RIVER: native redband trout, rainbow trout, brown trout
Keno Dam downstream to Hwy 66
The fishery below Keno Dam has been very slow due to extended drought in the past. We encourage catch and release in this fishery and handling fish carefully.
Fishing not recommended in the old JC Boyle Reservoir bed as getting to the river is nearly impossible in most areas due to very deep sediments. Access to the old Topsy Reservoir bed is also prohibited by KRRC currently.
Regulations changed Jan. 1, 2024, to a bag limit of one redband-rainbow trout per day in the 12 to 15-inch size class. This regulation is to protect large redband trout spawners, chinook and steelhead smolts and adults. The river will be closed from June 15 to Oct. 1 from Keno Dam to the Highway 66 Bridge downstream.
Hatches of mayflies and caddisflies are occurring. No bait allowed!
Access is very challenging. The road into Keno Dam is very bad. A high clearance vehicle is recommended. There are other points of access that require a long hike to the river.
The river is difficult wading. Anglers who wade should have studded wading boots, wading belt, wading staff, polarized glasses and maybe a helmet and shin guards. The bottom is very slick and bedrock ledges can drop off quickly. Visibility is also poor.
Water temperature increased substantially to 58 and flows remain similar at 875 cfs. Turbidity has decreased to around 15 FNU.
Check KlamatKeno Reach flows. Expect flows to increase considerably.
Once you retain your limit of redband-rainbow trout you must stop fishing for redband-rainbow trout. Last updated 4/24/24.
Hwy 66 Bridge downstream to Springs
This section of river is open year-round. Access is currently prohibited by KRRC from Hwy 66 to the dam. Removal of JC Boyle Dam has begun. Fishing not recommended in this section due to difficult access. The Powerhouse Road on the west side of the river will be closed all year. Access to the Klamath River will be available from the Topsy Grade Road or traveling through Dorris. The Topsy Grade Road can have large potholes where vehicles can get stuck. This section of the river will require a significant hike to the river on the east side.
Regulations will change Jan. 1, 2024 to a bag limit of one redband rainbow trout per day in the 12- to 15-inch size class. This is to protect large redband trout spawners, chinook, coho and steelhead smolts and Chinook salmon, coho salmon and steelhead adults. Last updated 4/24/24.
Springs to state line with California
The Frain Ranch section is fishable. Turbidity is well within fishable levels. Take the road through Dorris to access. Flows should increase considerably in the near future. This section of river is open year-round. Turbidity can be tracked by visiting the USGS Real Time Klamath River Gage.
After this point the river should be quite fishable unless large amounts of water are released at Link River dam. Fishing only recommended when Turbidity (FNU) is less than 40. The Powerhouse Road on the west side of the river will be closed all year. Access to the Klamath River will be available from the Topsy Grade Road or traveling through Dorris. The Topsy Grade Road can have large potholes where vehicles can get stuck.
On some days there should be good hatches of blue winged olive mayflies. Mothers Day Caddis and other caddis specie are hatching.
Click here for Klamath River flow and turbidity.
Regulations changed on Jan. 1, 2024 to a bag limit of one redband-rainbow trout per day in the 12- to 15-inch size class. This regulation is to protect large redband trout spawners, Chinook salmon smolts and adults, and steelhead smolts and adults. Last updated 4/24/24.
KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout, bass
Fishing for holdover trout has been great. The reservoir is full and water has flooded the boat dock but the boat launch is still looking good. Anglers are consistently catching trout in the 17-inch range using a variety of methods. Fly-fishing from the bank has been productive with streamers, PowerBait has been working well, and trolling from a boat will also turn up a few fish. The reservoir will be stocked with legal rainbow trout sometime in May. Last updated 4/17/24.
LAKE EWAUNA-KLAMATH RIVER (Above Keno Dam to Link River): redband trout, largemouth bass, Sacramento perch, yellow perch, crappie, brown bullhead, goldfish, tui and blue chub
This stretch of river and lake has typically been an area that lacked significant fish densities to warrant much of a fishery. Dissolved oxygen concentrations in the summer approach 0 mg/l in many areas thus reducing fish densities.
Recent sampling found good numbers of small, juvenile largemouth bass, Sacramento perch, yellow perch and even a few crappie. These findings are surprising. This is a very large area and anglers might be able to find largemouth bass and perch. Look for areas of water return from wetlands or pumps. These areas will have more oxygen and better water quality. The area near Lake Ewauna and below the Tule Smoke Hunt Club (Rat Club) are places to focus as water quality is typically better in those locations. The side channel area near the island below Hwy140 bridge might also be worth some effort. Last updated 4/17/24.
LAKE OF THE WOODS: hatchery rainbow trout, kokanee, hatchery brown trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, tui chub
The lake will be stocked with trophy rainbow trout the week of April 29. The lake is open water. For recent fishing updates, call the resort at 1-866-201-4194.
The lake is dominated by stunted yellow perch. Very small bait and hooks will catch these fish. Yellow perch fishing should be slow.
Fishing for warmwater fish might improve with warmer conditions. Fishing for brown trout and kokanee might be worth a try. A few holdover rainbow trout are being caught trolling spoons and spinners.
You can also visit Lake of the Wood's website to observe current conditions at the lake. Scroll down and click on the right-side video link for a live video of current conditions on the lake at the Lodge. Last updated 4/17/24.
LINK RIVER: redband/rainbow trout
Fishing regulations for the Link River changed on Jan. 1, 2021. New regulations include catch-and-release for redband/rainbow trout and no bait allowed (artificial flies and lures only). This change is due to record low spawning escapement for trophy redband trout throughout the Klamath Basin in 2020.
Flows have increased to 1060 cfs. Redband trout numbers in the Link River are very low. Redband trout should be in this stretch now.
Check Link River Flows.
ODFW also encourages the use of single barbless hooks in this fishery, not removing fish from the water and catch-and-release rubber nets. Last updated 4/17/24.
LOFTON RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
Access is available to snowmobiles. The lake is probably open. Last updated 1/24/24.
LONG CREEK: brook trout, redband trout, bull trout
Open to fishing all year. Access is blocked by snow. Last updated 2/27/24.
LOST RIVER: largemouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, tui and blue chub
Lost River is open year-round with bait allowed. Fishing is slow at the Crystal Springs Bridge crossing and also near the boat ramp off Crystal Springs Road. Fishing bait for brown bullhead is your best bet.
The river near Big Springs in Bonanza is slow. Another location to try is near Horseshoe Dam. Last updated 3/28/24.
LUCKY RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
More than likely access is available to 4-wheel drive vehicles. If bait on the bottom is not working, try raising your offering higher in the water column where it's warmer. Slowly stripping flies is also a good bet. Last updated 4/17/24.
MALHEUR RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Malheur Reservoir was sampled last fall and had some nice-size rainbows Most of the trout are in the eight-inch range but there are some much larger 15- to 17-inch fish available as well.
Fishing has been great for holdover trout. This reservoir will be stocked with fingerling rainbow again this spring. The boat ramp will be in the water now but use caution if you launch from an undeveloped location with muddy shoreline. Last updated 4/17/24.
MANN LAKE:
Mann Lake has filled up enough to support a fishery but has not been stocked. We are working to re-stock with Lahontan cutthroat but the lake is currently fishless. Last updated 4/10/24.
MILL FLAT POND: hatchery rainbow trout, largemouth bass
This pond is accessible to 4-wheel drive vehicles. Both largemouth bass and rainbow trout should bite more readily as spring progresses. Last updated 4/17/24.
MILLER LAKE: brown, rainbow, brook trout and kokanee
Access to the lake is blocked by snow. Snowmobile access is available. Call the USFS in Chiloquin for more information, 541-783-4001. Last updated 2/27/23.
MUD LAKE: rainbow trout
Access is available to 4-wheel drive vehicles. There have not been any fishing reports, but fish stocked from last year should be 8-12 inches. Bait is usually the preferred method for anglers at this lake, but stripping flies near the shoreline can produce trout. Last updated 4/17/24.
NORTH POWDER POND: hatchery rainbow trout
Fishing is reported to be very good at North Powder Pond. Many good-size rainbows are being caught. Last updated 4/10/24.
OWYHEE RESERVOIR: largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, catfish
The reservoir is full and it should be a great year on Owyhee Reservoir. No recent reports on bass fishing but crappie fishing was excellent last fall.
Trout fishing has been productive this spring in the lower reservoir. All boat ramps are currently usable.
Anglers targeting bass may catch some with tags near the dorsal fin. ODFW is studying bass movement, condition and angler harvest of bass. The tags have a four-digit number and can be reported by phone or on MyODFW.com. Last updated 4/10/24.
For reservoir elevations click here.
OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): brown trout, hatchery rainbow trout
The lower Owyhee is currently flowing at around 4,500 cfs. Fishing will be much different than normal for this time of year due to the high water. We anticipate flows will be much higher than normal for most of the spring. Last updated 4/17/24.
PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, yellow perch
Phillips held a good bit of water over winter and is now over half full. It should continue to fill throughout the spring. Holdover rainbow trout from last year will provide fishing opportunities throughout April, and the reservoir will be stocked with new fish starting in May. Last updated 4/3/24.
PILCHER AND WOLF CREEK RESERVOIRS: trout, crappie
Both reservoirs should fill throughout the spring. These sites are stocked annually with fingerlings, and last year's fingerlings should be getting to good sizes by now. Additionally, crappie are available at both locations. As the spring warms, anglers may find groups of crappies near shore by submerged willows and vegetation. Last updated 4/3/24.
POISON CREEK RESERVOIR (Grant County): rainbow trout
Fishing has been good for holdover trout in the 17-inch range. Last updated 4/10/24.
POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Pole Creek Reservoir filled up this spring and was stocked with 3,000 catchable rainbow trout and 15,000 fingerling rainbow.
Recent sampling showed black crappie are quite abundant but most of them are very small. There are a few nice trout available in the 14– to 16-inch range. Last updated 4/10/24.
PRIDAY RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout
Access is available, and the reservoir is open. There are some trophy trout still left in the reservoir and fingerling rainbow trout should be in the 8-10 inch range. Try bait fishing fairly close to shore and move around the reservoir until you find fish.
Typically windy days will stir up more food and the trout seem to bite better.
Priday Reservoir is on some BLM property between Plush and Adel, but the majority of the reservoir is on private property. Please respect the private property by staying on the main roads and cleaning up trash from others so everyone can enjoy this fishery.
SEVENMILE CREEK (CANAL): brook trout, brown trout, redband trout, yellow perch
Open all year. Sevenmile is a very cold and clear creek and fishing will be very slow. Snow is melting. Fishing for brook trout is best in the beaver dam pools above Nicholson Road. Most brook trout captured are less than 12 inches.
Catch-and-release for redband/rainbow trout with no bait allowed from Agency Lake to Nicholson Road.
Anglers can access Sevenmile Creek at Nicholson Road and fish upstream of Nicholson Rd. Bait is allowed upstream of Nicholson Road. There are currently large beaver dam pools immediately upstream of the bridge. Brook trout will concentrate, therefore keep moving until you find the schools.
The mouth of Sevenmile Creek at Agency Lake is slow for yellow perch and a few largemouth bass. You can access this area by hiking two miles down the Wood River Wetland Trail. Last updated 4/24/24.
Check Sevenmile Creek Flows
SKY LAKES AND MOUNTAIN LAKE WILDERNESS: brook trout and rainbow trout (Cranebow triploids)
Snow is blocking access and there's a lot of snow at all the lakes. The lakes were stocked with 3-inch rainbow trout last summer. Many of the larger trout will target these new fish. Rainbow trout Rapalas, Crocodiles, Super Dupers can work really well for these larger fish.
Best lakes to catch fish are Clover, Como, Harriette, Echo, Weston and South Pass in the Mountain Lakes Wilderness and Sonya, Margurette and Isherwood in the Sky Lakes Wilderness.
Best lakes for brook trout are Badger Lake (Sky Lakes Wilderness), which is a short hike from Fourmile Lake, and Clover Lake (Mountain Lakes Wilderness).
Best lures are typically dark Panther Martin spinners.
The biggest trout come from the bigger and deeper lakes of Harriette, Isherwood and Margurette.
Please report Brook Trout captured in Elizabeth, Little Heavenly, Big Heavenly or Isherwood Lakes. Last updated 4/17/24.
SPENCER CREEK: redband trout and brook trout
Closed Nov. 1 and will reopen May 22. Last updated 2/27/24.
SPRAGUE RIVER: redband trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead, yellow perch, and pumpkinseed
The river is very high and turbid. Fishing for all species is slow.
Best places to fish for brown trout and redband trout are the fast water areas near Chiloquin High School, the narrows and near all the springs in Beatty. Boats can be launched at two locations above Beatty.
There are a few warmwater fish in the Sprague. The dominate warmwater fish is yellow perch. A few largemouth bass are around but their population has declined. There are also small brown bullhead. The best place to fish for warmwater fish is above Saddle Mtn Pit Road Bridge to near Godowa Springs Road Bridge. Bait is allowed in this section.
Numerous flow data can be seen here: Near Real Time Hydrographics Data (state.or.us)
Last updated 4/24/24.
NF SPRAGUE RIVER AND ALL TRIBUTARIES: redband trout, brook trout, brown trout, bull trout
Open year-round. Catch rates are very low due to very high flows. Water temperatures are near freezing. Last updated 4/17/24.
SOUTH FORK SPRAGUE RIVER AND ALL TRIBUTARIES: brook trout, redband trout, brown trout, bull trout
Open year-round. Fishing will be slow, and access will be difficult due muddy roads. The river is quite turbid down low in the system with very high flows. Last updated 4/17/24.
Check SF Sprague River Flows.
SPRING CREEK: redband trout, brook trout and brown trout
Closed Nov. 1 to protect spawning redband trout. Reopens May 22. Last update 11/1/23.
SUN CREEK: brook trout, bull trout, brown trout, redband trout
The gate to the Sun Pass State Forest is closed. Fishing not recommended at this time as density of fish is low. Open to fishing all year but closed to fishing for bull trout. Only bull trout occur in upper Sun Creek just above the Sun Pass Forest bridge crossing. Fishing is not recommended now as fish density remains low. Recent sampling found low numbers of brook trout, brown trout and no catchable-size redband trout. Bull trout numbers are very high so anglers need to know their fish species. Signs onsite show the differences between brook trout and bull trout. This article on MyODFW.com has good tips for distinguishing bull and brook trout, and their hybrids.
ODFW encourages release of all redband trout. The Sun Creek channel has been rerouted into the historic channel and is connected to the Wood River below Kimball State Park.
If you fish here, make sure you know your fish species well. If you don't know then let it go. Check stream level. Last updated 1/31/24.
SYCAN RIVER: brook, redband and brown trout (below marsh)
Open year-round. Fishing has been very slow below the marsh. Flows are very high.
Fishing below the Sycan Marsh is not recommended at this time as most of the river has been dry most summers. Last updated 4/17/24.
Check Sycan River Flows.
THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout
Over winter and throughout the spring, fishing has been good at times. There are some nice size fish available this year. Recently, bank fishing has been slow, but anglers in boats were still encountering trout. Trout from prior stocking will be available over the next several weeks, and new fish will be stocked later in May.
Follow this link to see the Bureau of Reclamation website listing current reservoir levels. Last updated 4/3/24.
UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, smallmouth bass, crappie
Unity Reservoir can be one of the most consistent trout fisheries in eastern Oregon. This reservoir is stocked with fingerlings that grow quickly and catch of 14- to 1- inch trout is not uncommon. In the spring, anglers can use a variety of techniques to catch trout, and bank anglers can be successful fishing at the state park. In addition to trout, there also are some warmwater fishing opportunities available at Unity Reservoir.
Follow this link to see the Bureau of Reclamation website listing current reservoir levels. Last updated 4/3/24.
WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: smallmouth bass, crappie, bullhead, perch, rainbow trout
The reservoir is now spilling. Warm Springs Reservoir was stocked with 30,000 rainbow trout fingerlings last spring. These trout have likely grown quickly and should be at least 12 inches this spring.
One angler noted smallmouth bass fishing was surprisingly good earlier this fall. Last updated 4/17/24.
UPPER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband trout and brook trout
Fishing should be very slow for Redband Trout due to past drought and there are few redband trout on public lands. Targeting Brook Trout near Deep Creek is your best bet. Past drought from 2020- 2022 have affected adult redband trout numbers. Flows are good for fishing. Fishing on the private pay-to-fish ranches on the Sand Creek and Yamsi Ranches should be excellent for brook trout with redband trout mixed in. Last updated 4/24/24.
Check Upper Williamson River Flows.
LOWER WILLIAMSON RIVER: redband trout, brown trout and yellow perch
The river closed Nov. 1 to protect spawning redband trout. Reopens May 22. Check Williamson River Flows.
Last updated 11/1/23.
WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, Lahontan cutthroat, pumpkinseed sunfish, Sacramento perch.
ODFW and BLM have restocked the reservoir with small numbers of bass and crappie, and hundreds of pumpkinseed sunfish in 2023.
Fishing for warmwater fish should have improved with warmer weather. This reservoir warms quickly. This fishery seems to be slow due to turbid conditions. With warmer weather this week fishing should improve.
Willow Valley is a very turbid, desert reservoir. The boat ramp is in good condition but there's no dock. Bass and crappie can be found at the habitat structures placed by BLM and ODFW in the past. Yellow perch are prolific in the reservoir but stunted. The Antelope Creek channel can be a good place to start for bass. The flooded aquatic plants just west of the dam is also a good bet. Last updated 4/24/24.
WOOD RIVER (including Petric Canal): redband trout, brown trout, brook trout and bull trout
The Wood River was slow for brown trout on opening day. This was likely due to the cold water temperatures and clearer water. Currently, flows are low but expect them to increase with snowmelt in the Annie Creek and Sun Creek drainages.
Water temperature will be cold; therefore, it is imperative that lures and flies are fished deep and slow. Most brown trout feed near or on the bottom this time of year.
During high flows brown trout gorge on earthworms. Since bait is not allowed artificials that mimic worms like the San Juan Worm fly might work. Brown trout also feed on sculpin, stoneflies (golden and salmonflies), sucker eggs, mice, cased caddisflies and clam shrimp this time of year.
The best section to fish is above Crooked Creek. Fishing near Fort Creek might also be productive.
Most large redband trout caught this time of year are spawned out kelts. Please handle them carefully.
Bull Trout are becoming more common in the catch. Know the difference between Brook Trout and Bull Trout. Last updated 4/24/24.
Check Wood River Flows
YELLOWJACKET RESERVOIR: trout
Fishing for holdover trout on Yellowjacket has been great this spring with fish up to 17 inches being consistently caught. Last updated 4/17/24.