Oregon fishing reports by zone

[Fishing Report]

NORTHWEST

NORTH COAST LAKES

Coffenbury Lake. Lost lake, Vernonia Pond, and Town Lake have been stocked with surplus hatchery steelhead at various times over the last month or so. Trout stocking is scheduled to resume in March.

MID COAST LAKES

The 2011 trout stocking schedule is available online. The first stocking of rainbow trout will occur the week of Feb. 7, 2011 in several Mid-Coast lakes.

Some coast lakes offer good fishing for warm water species, such as largemouth bass, bluegill, perch and bullhead. Fishing for these species typically slows during the winter months. Good areas to consider are, Siltcoos Lake, Tahkenitch Lake, Mercer Lake, Woahink Lake and Munsel Lake which are all located in the Florence area.

ALSEA RIVER: Steelhead

Winter steelhead fishing should be good by late in the week. Recent high flows will likely move fish upstream through the week. Look to fish the upper river when river flows are high. As conditions improve, fish should be spread throughout the basin with good returns expected for the month. The river offers multiple drifting and bank fishing locations.

KILCHIS RIVER: steelhead

Winter steelhead angling was fair to good early last week, but high waters slowed the fishery. This river drops and clears quickly, and will be fishable several days sooner than larger streams nearby. Look for fish to be holding in softer seams out of the high flows. Use bright colored lures or baits fished slowly along the bottom for best results.

LOWER COLUMBIA TRIBUTARIES: steelhead

Hatchery winter steelhead are available in Big Creek, Gnat Creek and the North Fork Klaskanine River. Fishing should be good as high flows recede. Good numbers of hatchery steelhead should still be available.

NECANICUM RIVER: steelhead

Winter steelhead are available throughout the river. The water is high and off color at this time, but should drop and clear fairly quickly. Find softer water and fish bright colored baits slowly for best results while the water is up. There are still some bright hatchery fish available in the system.

NEHALEM RIVER AND NORTH FORK NEHALEM: steelhead

Winter steelhead angling in the North Fork had been fair to good prior to the last storms. The river is high at this time, but should drop rapidly. Fish will move quickly with the high flows, so best fishing should be in the vicinity of the hatchery. Fishing is slow in the main Nehalem River for winter steelhead as the river is high and dirty. Plunking is about the only option. More fish are entering the system, and fishing should be improving when conditions allow.

Anglers who catch a steelhead or salmon with numbered tag(s) are encouraged to report catch information, 503-842-2741 (ask for Derek Wiley). All live tagged fish that are not legal to retain or are voluntarily not kept should be released quickly and unharmed with tags intact.

Winter steelhead
-Photo by Derek Wilson-

NESTUCCA RIVER AND THREE RIVERS: steelhead

The river is high and muddy at this time, and tends to drop more slowly than other streams. Three Rivers will be the best bet for the next several days. Plunking on the main river can be productive if you find the travel lanes. Good numbers of fish are in the system, so look for fishing to be good when flows recede.

SALMON RIVER: steelhead

While there are no hatchery steelhead released into the Salmon River, anglers can have fair to good catch and release fishing for wild winter steelhead with an occasional stray hatchery steelhead. January through March can provide fair to good success during appropriate river conditions.

SILETZ RIVER: steelhead

Winter steelhead fishing should pick up by this weekend as river conditions improve following the recent flood event. Fish the upper river during higher murky flows or try plunking mid to lower river when flows are at 8 feet and lower. Bobber and jig or side drifting can be effective steelhead angling tactics. The steelhead run is expected to steadily improve through January.

SIUSLAW RIVER: steelhead

Winter steelhead angling is expected to improve through the weekend. The recent high flow event should stimulate fish movement over the next week. During higher flows focus on the upper river near release locations or try plunking slower side waters in the lower river. Side drifting or pulling plugs should be effective as the river level drops this week.

TILLAMOOK BAY: sturgeon

Sturgeon fishing is fair. Recent high flows muddied the bay, and should attract more fish into the bay. Effort remains light. Fish sand shrimp on the bottom near the channel edges during the outgoing tide. Move often to find fish if you are not getting bites.

TRASK RIVER: steelhead

Fishing for steelhead had been fair to good, but the river blew out last week. Fishing should be good when the river drops. Best angling will be higher in the system, which will clear more quickly. Try the north or south fork over the next several days, then move downstream as the main river condition improves. The catch has been a mix of hatchery and wild fish.

Anglers who catch a steelhead or salmon with numbered tag(s) are encouraged to report catch information, 503-842-2741 (ask for Derek Wiley) All live tagged fish that are not legal to retain or are voluntarily not kept should be released quickly and unharmed with tags intact.

WILSON RIVER: steelhead

Angling for winter steelhead is slow and the river is off color. Good numbers of fish are in the system. Best fishing over the next several days will be in the upper river, from Lee’s Camp to the south fork. The south fork is open for 1 mile upstream, and some hatchery steelhead will be present. Fishing conditions should improve fairly quickly in the south fork compared the mainstem. Anglers should be aware that an active slide is affecting a tributary to the Wilson River around milepost 20. Another slide is active in the Ben Smith Creek drainage. Water clarity may be impacted by runoff after rain events. Check river conditions before you fish.

YAQUINA RIVER: steelhead

Steelhead fishing in Big Elk Creek should be fair by late in the week as river conditions improve. Recent high water should move fish up river. Bobber and jig, casting spinners or fly fishing can be effective. Much of the Big Elk is private property so be sure of your location.

[Fishing Report]

Weekend fishing opportunities:


Serf Perch
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
High water levels have slowed (or stopped) steelhead fishing on many rivers, but look for fishing to improve as water levels drop.

* There have been some reports of succesful surfperch fishing in the Coos Bay area.



AGATE LAKE: largemouth bass, black crappie

The lake is stocked with rainbow trout. The reservoir is at 75 percent of capacity. Fishing should be fair to good for rainbow trout stocked last fall.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, spring chinook, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Applegate Reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout, and anglers are catching some good sized trout. Trollers can have success with a variety terminal tackle such as flies, flatfish or other lures, or flasher and worm combinations. Bank anglers will have to deal with steep banks in many locations because of the low pool of the reservoir.

The reservoir was 22 percent full as of Jan. 18 with a water level elevation of 1911 feet. Boaters must use the French Gulch ramp. Anglers are warned that the bottom of the paved ramp at French Gulch is at an elevation of 1,890 feet. If the reservoir level drops below that point, it will be difficult to launch boats that require an incline. However, anglers with small boats that can be lifted off the trailer or out of the back of a pickup should have no trouble launching. Water elevation in Applegate Reservoir can be obtained by calling 1-800-472-2434.

APPLEGATE RIVER: rainbow and cutthroat trout

Weekend storms have brought flow up and the water is turbid. The weather forecast for the week looks good with a clearing trend. The Applegate should be fishable by the middle or end of the week. Once the river drops and clears, there should be opportunities to catch bright winter steelhead in the Hwy 199 Bridge area. Little Cleos are the lure of choice. The Applegate is often a viable alternative for fishing when the Rogue River is too high and muddy. Since it is a smaller stream than the Rogue, flows drop and the stream clears quicker than the Rogue.

The Applegate River is also open for trout fishing. Only adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout may be kept. The flow released from Applegate Dam was 625 cfs on Jan. 18, and the river temperature below the dam was 38oF. The flow near Wilderville was 1610 cfs and the water temperature was 42oF on Jan 18.

Applegate River flows at Wilderville

ARIZONA POND: rainbow trout

Water levels have been reduced to control aquatic vegetation.

Black Crappie
-U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service-

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

Ben Irving Reservoir, west of Winston, was stocked with 5,000 trout in 2010, including an additional stocking of 1,000 lunker trout over Labor Day Weekend. In addition to trout, anglers should also try fishing for some of the large crappie that are available. Stocking for 2011 will begin in March.

CHETCO RIVER: winter steelhead

Steelhead fishing has been good if you can get out when the flows have been dropping. Steelhead are spread throughout the system, with the lower 8 miles of the river producing good numbers of hatchery and wild fish.

Chetco River flows near Brookings

COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Cooper Creek was stocked with over 12,000 trout stocked in 2010.

COOS RIVER BASIN: steelhead, Dungeness crab, bay clams

All the steelhead rivers in the Coos Basin are blown out after the three inches of rain we received over the weekend. With a break in the rain the rivers should start to drop and become fishable. The West Fork Millicoma River will clear first followed by the East Fork Millicoma and than the South Fork Coos. When the rivers are at fishable levels the fishing has been good. Bright fish are moving into the river systems with each rain and good fishing should continue for the next month. Great places to fish for steelhead in the Coos Basin are: the Millicoma Interpretive Center on the West Fork Millicom, Nesika Park on the East Fork Millicoma, and above Dellwood near the 5 mile marker on Weyerhaeuser property on the South Coos River. Access to the South Coos River above Dellwood is by permit from Weyerhaeuser Company, and is subject to their rules. Anglers can call the Weyerhaeuser hotline number at 1-888-741-5403 for recorded information on access and permit purchases.

There is a lot of freshwater in lower Coos Bay because of all the recent rain. Crabbing in Coos Bay will be slow due to the amount of freshwater in the lower bay from the last big rain storms. Crabbing should pick up once the freshwater has had a chance to flush out of the bay.

There are good low tides for digging bay clams during the late afternoons/early evenings this week. Good places to dig for clams in Coos Bay are near Charleston, off Cape Arago Highway, and Clam Island. For more information on shellfish in Coos Bay click on the following link: Shellfish Assessment of Coastal Oregon. Before any shellfish harvest trip, make sure to check the Oregon Department of Agriculture website for any updates.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: steelhead

All the steelhead rivers in the Coos Basin are blown out after the three inches of rain we received over the weekend. With a break in the rain the rivers should start to drop and become fishable. The North Fork should clear up first followed by the East Fork and South Fork. With the higher water “plunking” can be a very good tactic for catching steelhead.

DIAMOND LAKE: Closed Nov. 1 to all fishing and will re-open April 23, 2011.

Other winter recreation will still be available. Contact the resort for other reports at 1-800-733-7593 ext. 238.

ELK/SIXES RIVER: winter steelhead

Steelhead fishing has been good for anglers able to get out and fish when river conditions permit. Anglers can check Elk River heights and water color by calling Elk River Hatchery at 541-332-0405. The best angling is when Elk River gauge is reading 5 feet and dropping. Sixes River is usually fishable two days after Elk River.

Rainbow Trout
-Washington Fish & Wildlife -

EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie

Holdover trout from spring releases are available for winter anglers at Emigrant. The reservoir was 57 percent full as of Jan. 18.

Anglers should be aware that a health advisory has been issued recommending limits on consumption of all fish from Emigrant except rainbow trout. Information on the Emigrant Reservoir advisory, along with general information on mercury and fish can be found on the DHS Web site.

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

Expo Pond is stocked with rainbow trout. Fishing should be good for trout. The pond is located immediately adjacent to the access road at Gate 5 at the fairgrounds.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout, spring chinook

Fish Lake is a high elevation lake open for trout fishing the entire year. Anglers will want to be prepared for winter conditions, including snow and varying degrees of ice coverage on the lake. Anglers should be cautious about venturing out on the ice. The resort reports that it will be open only Friday through Sunday for the winter.

The reservoir level was 48 percent of full on Jan 18.

GALESVILLE RESERVIOR: rainbow trout, bass

Galesville Reservoir is open to angling year-round. In addition to trout, the reservoir has also been stocked with coho smolts the last couple years. Coho stocked are about 9 to 14 inches long now and have been biting recently. Trolling with flashers followed by a worm, or using spinners has been successful. Many people mistakenly think these fish are kokanee. All of the coho smolts have been adipose fin-clipped. In Galesville Reservoir, all landlocked salmon are considered trout. Thus, there is a five per day trout limit, with only one trout over 20 inches in length allowed for harvest. Galesville was also stocked with about 1,000 adipose clipped steelhead that are 8-inches long. To date Galesville has been stocked with about 8,000 legal sized trout. Anglers are reminded all bass between 12 and 15 inches must be released, and only one bass over 15 inches may be taken per day. Galesville now has a campground. Call 541-837-3302 for information on camping and boat launching conditions.

GARRISON LAKE: rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, bass

Rainbow trout fishing is good, but anglers need to keep an eye on the weather and fish the lake when there is no wind. Garrison Lake is located in the middle of Port Orford. Boat anglers are reminded to clean all aquatic vegetation off their boats and trailers before heading home to help control the spread non-native plants and animals.

HEMLOCK LAKE & LAKE OF THE WOODS: trout

Both Hemlock and Lake of the Wood are likely snowed in for the winter. Check with the U.S. Forest Service for road conditions.

HOWARD PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: trout, bass

Howard Prairie is closed to fishing and will re-open in April 2011.

HYATT LAKE: trout, largemouth bass

Hyatt Lake is closed to fishing and will re-open in April 2011.

ILLINOIS RIVER: trout, steelhead

Due to storms over the weekend, the Illinois is high and muddy. Hopefully it will drop and become fishable towards the middle or end of the week. The storm will probably bring more steelhead into the river and fishing should improve significantly.

As of Jan 18, the flow near Kirby was 3530 cfs.

Anglers are reminded that fishing is restricted to artificial flies and lures.

Illinois River flows at Kerby

Trout Stocking
-Oregon Fish & Wildlife-

LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout

Lake Marie received 4,505 trout for 2010, including some Labor Day lunkers.

LAKE SELMAC: trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie

Lake Selmac is stocked with rainbow trout, and fishing should be fair to good. The resort is closed for the season.

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout.

Closed to fishing Nov. 1 and will re-open April 23, 2011. Other winter recreation activities are still available.

LOON LAKE: rainbow trout, bass

Loon Lake received over 9,297 legal-sized trout in 2010. The lake was also stocked with some fingerlings last year that should be legal-sized now. Both the resort and the BLM ramps are closed until spring.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, spring chinook, bass

Lost Creek is stocked with rainbow trout and provides some of the best opportunity for winter trout fishing in the Rogue Valley. Trout fishing is likely slow at this time due to the high inflows, high outflows, and varying water levels in the reservoir. As conditions moderate anglers should enjoy good fishing, with trout available in the 15-17 inch range. Trollers at Lost Creek often fish red and green wedding ring and worm combinations behind flashers. PowerBait and nightcrawlers can also be successful. The reservoir is 61 percent full and the surface temperature is 43oF.

Anglers need to be aware that the reservoir will be lower than normal this winter due to an equipment problem at the dam. The Takelma boat ramp will likely be the primary boat access point.

PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: bottomfish, surfperch

Fishing for rockfish and lingcod has been good when the ocean has been “calm.”

Concentrate your fishing near rocky outcroppings and drop-offs. Fishing for rockfish and lingcod is now open outside of the 40 fathom curve.

There have been a few reports of surfperch being caught. To fish for surfperch look for places that have riptides or areas that have steeper beaches. Best fishing is usually on an incoming tide. Sand shrimp or sand worms are great baits to use for surf perch.

PLAT I RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, warmwater game fish

Bass can be harvested from March 1 to Oct. 31 and are catch and release only from Nov. 1-Feb. Plat I is mostly drained for winter flood control. However, the area near the boat ramp still offers some catfishing oppurtunities.

REINHART POND: rainbow trout, warm water fish

Reinhart Pond is stocked with rainbow trout, and should provide some good winter fishing opportunity for Grants Pass anglers. Nightcrawlers, small spinners and spoons should catch fish.

ROGUE RIVER

To find out more about conservation, management and outreach efforts on the Rogue River, check out the new Rogue River page on the ODFW Web site.

Rogue River, lower: winter steelhead

Steelhead fishing has been good for both bank and boat anglers. Anglers have been picking up fish on Spin N Glos and plugs. Anglers fishing the inside bends of the river and in 2 to 4 feet of water have been doing the best.

Rogue River flows

Rogue River, middle: steelhead, coho salmon

Winter steelhead caught on the Siletz
-Photo by Derek Wilson-

Weekend rains have made the river high and turbid. The weather forecast calls for some clearing through the weekend. When waters return to fishable levels anglers should try a variety of lures such as Little Cleos, or nightcrawlers, and roe. Before the storm boat anglers reported catching some winter steelhead backtrolling plugs like the Kwikfish K11-X and side drifting yarn balls dipped in Pautzkes nectar and shrimp scent.

Bank access for steelhead can be found at Chinook Park, the mouth of the Applegate, Matson Park, Griffin Park, Robertson Bridge, and additional access is available below Hellgate Canyon. Boat action is best between Shroeder Park and Griffin Park. Gold Hill to Rogue River and Robertson Bridge to Hog Creek are also popular drifts for boat anglers. Only adipose fin-clipped steelhead may be kept at this time in the middle Rogue. The flow at Grants Pass on Jan 18 was 10,600 cfs. The water temperature was 44F.

Rogue River, upper: steelhead, trout

Anglers should try the upper Rogue above Casey Park, until flows drop and the river becomes clear enough to fish in downstream areas. Note that releases from Lost Creek Reservoir will increase to 5,000 cfs by Jan. 19. Summer steelhead are being caught in the upper Rogue, although angling pressure is very low. A total of 41 summer steelhead entered Cole Rivers Hatchery the week of Jan. 12.

Rogue River, above Lost Creek Reservoir: trout

The Rogue River above Lost Creek Dam is closed to fishing and will re-open in April 2011.

SMITH RIVER: striped bass, trout, fall chinook, steelhead

The Smith is open for adipose fin-clipped steelhead and chinook from mouth to Spencer Creek and North Fork from mouth upstream to Johnson Creek. This area is open to striped bass year-round, two fish per 24 hours, 24-inch minimum size. Fishing on the mainstem Smith from Spencer Creek upstream to Sisters Creek and the North Fork from Johnson Creek to bridge 10 opened for adipose fin-clipped steelhead on Dec. 1.

SODA SPRINGS RESERVOIR: brown and rainbow trout

The North Umpqua mainstem and the tributaries upstream of Soda Springs Reservoir closed Oct. 31. The gate to Soda Springs Reservoir has been closed for construction so access is off the Medicine Creek Road. The reservoir is partially closed. A line of buoy markers indicates the where the upstream end of the reservoir is still open for recreational activities. For additional information. Call the U.S. Forest Service at 541-672-6601.

TENMILE BASIN: steelhead

While other rivers are blown out from the recent rains, Tenmile Creek will stay clear. Steelhead fishing has been good in Tenmile Creek. Bright steelhead will continue to move into Tenmile Creek for the next month or two. Plunking bait or drifting eggs/corky are effective ways to fish Tenmile Creek. Other ways to fish for steelhead are run a jig under a bobber or backtrolling crankbaits. Eel Creek is now open for steelhead fishing. Eel Creek is very brushy making it difficult to fish or land a fish after it’s been hooked.

TOKETEE LAKE: brown trout

Fishing is open in Toketee year-round. The lake has both good bank and boat access throughout. Fishing is slow.

UMPQUA ESTUARY: sturgeon, striped bass, chinook

The South Jetty and Triangle Area has continued to provide good rockfish angling and surfperch opportunity. Crabbing has been generally slow with spotty success during periods when the turbidity and flow return to normal winter levels. Check with the Coast Guard for new deadlines in the lower Umpqua when the bar is closed (541-271-4847).

UMPQUA HIGH LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

Brook Trout
-U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service-

Winter has already hit many areas of the Cascades. Check with the Forest Service for road conditions and be prepared for winter driving. Roads to many high lakes in the area are not plowed during the winter. In 2010 Clearwater Forebay #2 was stocked with over 4,500 trout and received some Labor Day lunkers. Red Top Lake above Myrtle Creek was also stocked with a total of 1,500 fish in 2010 and received some extra lunkers in early September.

Other high lakes including Maidu, Bull Pup, Connie, Skookum (N. Umpqua), Calamut, Fuller, Wolf, Cliff, Buckeye, Linda, and Big Twin Lakes are annually stocked with fingerling brook trout. Over 15,000 fish were stocked in 2010 and will be catchable next season. Linda and Calamut were stocked with rainbow trout fingerlings in 2009 and 2010 instead of the normal brook trout. Anglers have reported catching some of these rainbows at Calamut. Both Linda and Calamut received some additional rainbows during mid-July 2010, with about 60 to 70 legal sized fish going into each of these two lakes.

UMPQUA RIVER
Umpqua Basin Note:

Closed for all trout fishing in streams until spring of 2011. Trout fishing in lakes such as Cooper Creek, Galesvile, Ben Irving and Toketee remains open all winter and are accessible all winter. Winter steelhead season is here! We are expecting a good return of hatchery fish that will be available to anglers for harvest. Steelhead will be arriving throughout the basin in December and will reach peak numbers in February and March. The weather may cooperate for good fishing this weekend. The rivers are dropping from the MLK Day highs. The rains were warm and once the flows and turbidy are reduced the steelhead should be moving and biting. Plunkers will be successful as the river drops.

UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: steelhead, chinook, bass

The mainstem Umpqua is closed to wild steelhead harvest, but remains open year-round for adipose fin-clipped steelhead. We are expecting a good run of winter steelhead this year. A warm rain will improve steelhead movement and biting. Steelhead have already been reported at River Forks. Please report anybody harvesting wild steelhead to OSP.

Umpqua River flows near Elkton

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead

Only fin-clipped steelhead can be harvested. The river is dropping so fishing should improve this weekend.

Fishing in the fly water is fair depending on water conditions. From Oct. 1 through June 30, 2011, single weighted barbless flies may be used.

North Umpqua River water levels at Winchester Dam

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: winter steelhead

Only adipose fin-clipped steelhead can be retained. Steelhead fishing will continually improve with peak numbers present in the basin in February and March. We are expecting a good return of hatchery steelhead this year. Steelhead have already been caught in the Canyonville area. The South is dropping and should continue to drop and become less muddy through the weekend. Warmer weather will improve the fishing.

South Umpqua River water levels near Riddle

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

Willow is stocked with rainbow trout, and fishing should be good for anglers fishing the bank near the dam. With the onset of winter, anglers are cautioned to prepare for icy, snowy roads and cooler temperatures.

WINCHESTER BAY: sturgeon, coho, rockfish

The South Jetty has been good for bottomfishing. Crabbing has also been off and on good lately. Check with the Coast Guard for new deadlines in the lower Umpqua when the bar is closed (541-271-4847).

[Fishing Report]

EVENTS

Feb. 4 – Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting, 8 a.m., ODFW headquarters, 3406 Cherry Ave. N.E., Salem, OR 97303. Agenda items will include a briefing on Willamette River sturgeon.

Feb. 8 – Joint State Hearing of the Oregon and Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife to set spring chinook salmon and sturgeon seasons. Meeting will take place at 10 a.m. at the Museum of the Oregon Territory, located at 211 Tumwater Drive, Oregon City, OR 97045.

Remember to pick up your 2011 licenses and tags.
rainbow trout
Rainbow Trout
-Photo by Kathy Munsel-

Weekend fishing opportunities:

* Three Willamette Valley lakes and ponds are scheduled to receive trophy-sized rainbow trout this week from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s brood program at Roaring River fish hatchery. The big rainbows will be released Friday, Jan. 21 at St. Louis Pond #6, Sheridan Pond and Walter Wirth Lake. These fish will average about three pounds apiece.

* The recent heavy rainfall could prove to be the catalyst that gets steelhead to move upstream in larger numbers. Anglers could potentially find some pretty good winter steelheading in the offing as soon as rivers return to normal flows.

STOCKING SCHEDULE

The schedules are posted at our website. Note the scheduled stocking dates for each pond are set for the Monday of that respective week and may not coincide with the actual stocking date that could occur on any given week day.

North Willamette stocking schedule
South Willamette stocking schedule

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: trout

Rainbow trout releases are scheduled to begin in February. This water body is located in downtown Eugene behind Autzen Stadium. A 4-acre pond at the midpoint of the canal is a good spot but it can be fished all along its 2-mile length from Day Island Road in Eugene to Aspen Street in Springfield. Summer steelhead are occasionally caught in this system and anglers are reminded they will need a combined angling tag to legally harvest a steelhead. It is legal to fish with two rods in the Alton Baker Canoe Canal, provided the appropriate licenses have been purchased.

CANBY POND - trout

This 1-acre pond is located on the south end of Canby in Canby City Park. Park is on the east side of Hwy 99E. Angling restricted to youth age 17 and under or holders of one of the Disabled Anglers permits.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: winter steelhead

After the tremendous rainfall over the weekend the Clackamas was still very high and muddy on Tuesday. A weather event like we just experienced could leave the river out of shape for several days, but a drying period in the forecast could allow the Clackamas to be fishable by the weekend.

One thing anglers should keep in mind is that considerable material has moved downstream, likely changing the river bottom and current patterns. As well there will be plenty of logs and debris in the water for the next few days, so boaters should take the necessary precautions and keep safety at the forefront.

Prior to the heavy rain the catches of winter steelhead were good, with fish spread throughout the system. As the water conditions improve and flows drop, anglers should expect some great opportunities to get back on the steelhead.

Tuesday hydrological data shows the river at 13,600 cfs, a gauge reading of 17.34 ft. and the water temperature up to 43°. At its peak this past weekend the river reached 42,700 cfs with a gauge reading of 23.84 ft. This is well above flood stage and a little more than a foot below major flood. The prediction is that flows will be back down to about 5,000 cfs and 13.5 ft by the weekend.

Brook Trout
-U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service-

CLEAR LAKE: trout

Clear Lake is accessed from Highway 126 approximately 70 miles east of Springfield. Fishing is open all year although snow limits access during the winter months. Brook trout are the most abundant fish during the winter and there is no limit on the size or number of brook trout taken. Clear Lake Resort is open all winter and does have a couple of row boats for rent for those hardy souls that want a unique winter fishing experience.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout, kokanee

Located 50 miles east of Salem, this large lake (approx. 3,000 acres at full pool) received over 100,000 trout throughout the spring and summer stocking season. It received another 7,000 legal sized rainbow trout in mid-October. The water level is at its lowest point of the year for storage, but the Mongold boat ramp is usable. Angling is fair at the moment, with slow trolling of bait the most productive method. Check with local outfitters in the town of Detroit to find out more.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout

Rainbow trout releases will resume in March. Dexter Reservoir is adjacent to Highway 58 near Lowell. Anglers will continue to catch fish through the winter by fishing off of the causeway near the Lowell Covered Bridge.

EAGLE CREEK: steelhead

Like most of the rivers and streams in the area, Eagle Creek was high, muddy and unfishable on Tuesday. But those who are familiar with the creek know that it clears quickly; it had already dropped substantially from its weekend flows. Although it will still have some strong current, expect the color to improve late Wednesday or Thursday morning and be the first available water for winter steelheading.

Prior to the rain event catches were improving with a few fish landed from the lower ladder on up to below the hatchery. Corkies and yarn or bobber and jig are popular set-ups for creek anglers and anglers should adjust their gear colors to the water clarity.

FARADAY LAKE: trout

Stocked in early September with 1,200 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 25-acre lake 2 miles SE of Estacada by way of Hwy 224 on the Clackamas River.

FERN RIDGE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead

This 9,000 acre lake just 12 miles west of Eugene is the Willamette Basins largest waterbody. It has four boat ramps and there is good bank angling along the dam and at the shoreline parks. This lake is mostly shallow with a band of deep water from the original channel of the Long Tom River. The reservoir produces crappie over 12 inches and bass angling has been very good this year. Best time of year for crappie is in late spring, but bigger fish can still be found in deeper water. July and August are peak months for largemouth bass. Fish the shoreline along the southern part of the reservoir, especially the sloughs and inlets where there is underwater structure.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish

This scenic 1,200 acre reservoir on the South Santiam River is located just 30 minutes from Interstate 5. It was stocked with 10,000 legal-sized rainbow trout in late September. There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three boat ramps. From I-5 take US 20 east from Albany to the town of Sweet Home. The reservoir is 3 miles past the town on the left. The road across the top of the dam is currently open.

HUDDLESTON POND – trout

The pond received 350 legal-sized trout the week of Jan. 10. From Hwy 18, take Willamina City Center Exit. Turn left on Main St. Follow Main St. to NE E St. and turn right. Proceed to NE Yamhill St. and turn left. Follow Yamhill St. to pond.

Rainbow Trout
- Photo by Roger Smith-

JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, bluegill

This pond is scheduled to receive 350 rainbow trout averaging 14 inches this week. There should still be a few of the seventy trophy class trout which were released two weeks ago. These fish are from brood stock at Roaring River Hatchery and weigh an average of 7 pounds apiece. Casting spinners and plunking with Powerbait can be effective strategies for these fish. Junction City pond is located about 2 miles south of Junction City on 99W on the west side of the highway. There is excellent access around the entire 8-acre pond.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

Rainbow trout releases will resume by Opening Day. Leaburg Lake on the McKenzie River is located approximately 18 miles east of Springfield on Highway 126. The lake will be closed to all fishing from Jan. 1, 2011 through April 22, 2011.

MCKENZIE RIVER below Leaburg Lake: trout, steelhead

Steelhead should be available through December below Leaburg Dam. Anglers should take extra precautions not to disturb or walk on spring chinook spawn beds (redds).

MCKENZIE RIVER above Leaburg Lake: trout

This section of the river will be closed to all fishing from Jan. 1, 2011 through April 22, 2011.

MOLALLA RIVER: steelhead

Flows in the Molalla are presently very good, providing excellent water conditions to get out and try to catch the first winter steelhead that begin to enter this system in early winter. Keep in mind the Molalla is primarily a catch-and-release steelhead fishery, although occasionally fin-clipped hatchery fish enter the river and can be retained if caught. Generally, it’s still a little early for steelhead in the tributaries of the Willamette above Willamette Falls, but decent early returns below the falls, in the Clackamas and in the Columbia, suggest good returns may be in the offing upriver as well.

Keep an eye on Willamette Falls fish counts to determine when fishing may be turning on above the falls. We currently have over 1,300 winter steelhead over the falls to date, meaning a few fish are available in tributaries at this time. Fish are expected to start moving in decent numbers after the high turbid flows settle down.

MT. HOOD POND: trout, panfish

Stocked Oct. 22 with 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. The pond is located on the Mt. Hood Community College Campus, 2600 SE Stark Street MAP

NORTH AND SOUTH SANTIAM: steelhead, trout

There are still a good number of summer steelhead in both the North and South Santiam. Based on video monitoring at upper Bennett dam, about 2,800+ summer steelhead are estimated to have made it into the upper stretches of the river. This year’s winter steelhead run looks promising as well with more than 1,361 fish passing above Willamette Falls as of Jan. 14. Bobber and jigs are the preferred method for catching these fish. The river level varies depending on precipitation and upstream storage needs. With the recent high rains and snow melt, the river is expected to remain very high for the next week, making fishing from the bank or by boat difficult.

River levels best for fishing are below 3,000 cfs at the Mehama gauge. Check for current conditions

The section between Shelburn and Green’s Bridge remains hazardous for boaters because of downed trees and multiple side channels. Better bets are the floats below Green’s Bridge and above Stayton.

PUDDING RIVER SYSTEM: trout

For those who enjoy trout fishing in a small stream setting, there are several opportunities available in the Pudding River area. Creeks such as Abiqua, Butte, Drift, and Silver all have resident trout present, mainly cutthroat. The season runs from April 24 –October 31, 2 trout per day, 8 inch minimum length, artificial flies and lures only, as per Zone Regulations.

SANDY RIVER: winter steelhead

Winter steelhead
-Photo by Derek Wilson-

The Sandy was greatly impacted by the weekend rain storm, with large quantities of logs and debris being moved downstream in the high flows. For awhile the river had the appearance of a giant mudflow due to the considerable snow melt bringing material down from Mt. Hood. It will likely take several days for the Sandy to get back into fishable shape, but lowering snow levels and a period of little rainfall will certainly help.

Once the river is back in angling condition, those going out will need to keep in mind that things may have changed in their favorite slot. Plenty of mud, silt, and logs were pushed down, likely changing currents and the river bottom. Boaters should expect holes to possibly be filled in, or dangerous logs to be deposited in places they weren’t before.

Catch rates of winter steelhead were improving before the flooding took place, and once the water is fishable expect some good angling opportunities to be available. The steelhead were dispersed throughout the river from Marmot down to Lewis and Clark Park and a greater number of hatchery broodstock fish were showing in the catch, with a few wild fish also mixed in. Sandy winter steelhead are typically a later returning fish as a result of the recently implemented broodstock release program, although the catch information indicates a few fish coming back earlier.

Tuesday hydrological data shows flows at 7,710 cfs, a gauge height of 12.27 ft and the water temperature up at 42°. At maximum flows over the weekend the Sandy reached 61,600 cfs and a gauge height of 21.84 ft. This is just slightly below the record set in 1996 of 22.6 ft. It is expected to drop back down to about 5,000 cfs and 10 ft by the weekend.

SHERIDAN POND: trout

On Friday, the pond is scheduled to receive 50+ rainbow trout weighing an average of three pounds apiece. This is in addition to 50 larger brood released in early December. These fish were produced by ODFW’s Roaring River Hatchery near Scio and will be a real prize for anyone lucky enough to land one. Try fishing Powerbait off the bottom or casting/retrieving spoons and spinners. To get to Sheridan Pond from Hwy 18, take exit 33 to Balston Rd turn right and then a left to the pond.

ST. LOUIS PONDS: trout, panfish, catfish

Pond #6 will be stocked this week with 50+ brood trout weighing an average of three pounds apiece. This pond was also stocked with larger trout on Jan. 7, and some of those fish may still be available. Anglers have reported success on these big fish using Powerbait off the bottom and by throwing spoons and spinners. This is the last brood trout release of the winter. Ponds #3 and #6 were stocked in mid-November with 700 two-pound rainbow trout. The gate to the entrance of the fishing park is now closed, although those who want can walk in to fish. In addition to the trout, the ponds contain resident bass, crappie, perch and catfish.

St. Louis Ponds is a 240-acre fishing park comprised of seven ponds. The property is owned and managed by ODFW, and in addition to stocked trout contains several species of warmwater fish. The site is located west of the town of Gervais. Take St. Louis Road west to Tesch Lane, turn left and follow the road to the ponds.

Grant McOmie talks winter fishing, including trout at St. Louis Ponds, in this installment of Grant’s Getaways.

TIMBER LINN LAKE: trout

Seventy trophy class trout were released a few weeks ago. These fish are from brood stock at Roaring River Hatchery near Scio and weigh an average of 7 pounds apiece. Casting spinners and plunking with Powerbait can be effective strategies for these fish. This 11-acre pond within Timber-Linn Memorial Park is located next to the Linn County Fairgrounds in Albany, and is a great place to take kids fishing. It was recently stocked with 550 legal-sized rainbow trout as well. To get there, take either Albany exit on I-5 heading east and follow the signs to the park.

WALLING POND: trout, bass

The pond is located within the Salem city limits west of I-5. Take Turner Road off Mission Street. It was stocked several times this fall and winter with legal and larger size trout. It received another 400 legal and 50 larger size rainbow trout last week.

WALTER WIRTH LAKE: trout, crappie, bass

This water body has already received several thousand legal and larger sized trout this fall and winter. It received another 1,700 legal an 150 larger size rainbow trout last week. This week it is scheduled to receive another 50 trophy rainbow trout averaging three pounds apiece. This wheelchair accessible lake is located just east of Salem within Cascade Gateway Park, west of I-5 at Hwy. 22. Take Airport Rd. or Turner Rd. to reach the lake.

WAVERLY LAKE: trout, panfish, catfish

This 8-acre pond in downtown Albany was stocked several weeks ago with 500 legal and 25 larger size rainbow trout, as well as approximately one hundred 8-12 pound trophy rainbow trout. From I-5 take exit 234 west towards Albany. Pond is a quarter mile on the right.

WEST SALISH POND – panfish, trout

Will be stocked this week with 40 three-year-old brood trout weighing 6-8 pounds each. West Salish is a 70-acre pond located in Salish Ponds Wetlands Park, on NE Glisan between 201st and 207th. From I-84 take 207th Ave. Exit and head south to Glisan and turn right.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: winter steelhead

Coho passage over Willamette Falls continued at a zero pace over the past week, but that’s not uncommon for January; a couple did sneak by in late December. As of Jan. 3 total crossings showed 20,103 coho adults and 1,988 coho jacks.

The winter steelhead passage at Willamette Falls reached a total of 1,361 on Jan. 13, but the extremely high flow conditions will certainly slow down passage over the next few days. Most of the typical bank fishing areas are currently under water along Meldrum Bar and Dahl Park near the mouth of the Clackamas River.

Hydro readings at Willamette Falls on Jan. 18 showed flows extremely high at 101,000 cfs, visibility non-existent at <1.0 ft. and the water temperature up to 47°.

YAMHILL RIVER (South Fork): trout

Closed to fishing Oct. 31.

[Fishing Report]

f 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.

Rainbow Trout
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-

ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR:

No recent reports.

BIG LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout

Closed to fishing Oct. 31.

CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brook trout, kokanee, largemouth bass

Reservoir closed to fishing on Oct. 31, and will reopen in the spring.

CRESCENT LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee

No recent reports. If you’ve fished Crescent Lake recently, please send a report to ODFW Fishing Reports.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout and mountain whitefish

Rain and snow events have resulted in high flows recently; please exercise caution when wading. Anglers are reminded that angling methods are restricted to artificial flies and lures from Oct. 31, 2010 to May 28, 2011. According to recent angler reports to ODFW Fishing Reports the trout seem to be larger this year than in recent past years.

A sample of redband trout and mountain whitefish are tagged with a numbered floy tag protruding from the back. Anglers who catch a trout or whitefish with a floy tag are encouraged to release the fish after recording the tag number, fish length and location caught. Anglers can send the information to ODFW at (541) 447-5111 ext. 24 or michael.r.harrington@state.or.us.

CULTUS LAKE: rainbow trout, lake trout

No recent reports.

DAVIS LAKE: redband trout, largemouth bass

Please note this is a fly-fishing only lake. Please check your synopsis for the regulations for this water body.

DESCHUTES RIVER: trout, summer steelhead

Mouth to the Northern Boundary of the Warm Springs Reservation: steelhead, trout

The river reached flood stage during recent rains making fishing an adventure. Fishing will improve as flows recede.

The Deschutes River is open to angling for steelhead and trout from the mouth upstream to the Northern Boundary of the Warm Springs Reservation (located at approximately at the Two Springs ranch). Summer steelhead can still be found in good numbers from the Columbia upstream to the reservation boundary for the persistent angler. Winter trout fishing can also be good in the Deschutes though fish are generally less responsive in very cool temperatures. Whitefish, however, seem to be more responsive in cool water temperatures.

To learn more about how the water releases from the Pelton Round Butte hydroelectric project may be affecting river temperatures visit http://www.deschutespassage.com/

Anglers who catch a tagged hatchery steelhead with an orange anchor tag, are encouraged to report catch information to ODFW at 541-296-4628 or via the internet at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/The_...ag_returns.asp. Anglers catching a tagged wild fish should release it immediately without recording any information.

Anglers can check the trap the seasons catch at Sherars Falls as an indicator of fish movement in the Deschutes at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/fish...alls/index.asp. The trap was removed on Nov. 1 for the season and will start operating again in July 2011.

Brown Trout
-Photo by Roger Smith-

Lake Billy Chinook to Bend: rainbow trout, brown trout

Flows have increased significantly and anglers are reminded to exercise caution when wading. No recent reports but there should be good fishing for rainbow and brown trout. Rainbow trout average 10 to 16-inches, while brown trout up to 26-inches are available. Anglers will find better access downstream of Lower Bridge.

EAST LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout, Atlantic salmon, kokanee

Fishing season ended Oct. 31, and will reopen in the spring.

FALL RIVER: rainbow trout

Anglers are encouraged to note the special regulations in the 2010 Sport Fishing Regulations; the angling season downstream from the Fall River falls ended on Sept. 30.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee

No recent reports. If you’ve fished Haystack Reservoir recently, please send a report to ODFW Fishing Reports.

A health advisory issued for Haystack Reservoir on Aug. 4 has been lifted.

HOOD RIVER: winter steelhead

The river reached flood stage during recent rains making fishing an adventure. Fishing will improve as flows recede.

Anglers are reporting decent early success on bright winter Steelhead in the lower river. Steelhead anglers should expect fish numbers to increase throughout the month and February with a peak in March and April.

With the removal of Powerdale Dam, ODFW has adopted temporary regulations expanding salmon and steelhead fishing on the mainstem river from the mouth to the confluence with the East Fork, and the West Fork from the confluence with the mainstem to the angling deadline 200 feet downstream of Punchbowl Falls. There has been some confusion about the upstream angling deadline in the mainstem river; for clarification, the entire Hood River mainstem is open from the confluence with the West Fork downstream.

HOSMER LAKE: Atlantic salmon, brook trout

No recent reports.

LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: bull trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass

Anglers are encouraged to note the special regulations for the Metolius Arm of Billy Chinook Reservoir; angling is closed in the Metolius arm from Oct. 31-Mar. 1.

Rainbow Trout
-Photo by Kathy Munsel-

LITTLE LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout

Fishing season ended Oct. 31, and will reopen in the spring.

METOLIUS RIVER: redband trout, bull trout

Trout fishing has been good. Insect hatches should offer opportunities for good dry fly fishing. The river upstream of Allingham Bridge is closed to fishing on Nov. 1.

NORTH TWIN: rainbow trout

No recent reports. North Twin is a great lake to take young kids to as there is a good beach shoreline and it is protected from the wind. Look to catch rainbow trout in the 8 inch to 13 inch size range.

OCHOCO CREEK UPSTREAM TO OCHOCO DAM: rainbow trout

Anglers should be aware that beginning in 2010 new fishing regulations went into effect that permanently restricts fishing to artificial flies and lures only; two trout per day and 8-inch minimum length.

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Although there are no recent reports, anglers are reporting improved fishing over past years. Opportunities for 12 to 20-inch rainbow trout should improve with the warmer weather.

ODELL LAKE: kokanee, lake trout, rainbow trout

Closed to fishing Oct. 31.

PAULINA LAKE: brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee

The fishing season ended Oct. 31, and will reopen in the spring.

PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent reports.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, black crappie, bass

Anglers continue to report good fishing and have reported catching larger trout than in recent years. Anglers should consult the 2011 Sport Fishing Regulations for maximum length requirements and bag limits for both largemouth and smallmouth bass.

PRINEVILLE YOUTH FISHING POND: rainbow trout and largemouth bass

Young anglers are catching rainbow trout and an occasional largemouth bass.

ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent reports.

Rainbow Trout
- Photo by Roger Smith-

SHEVLIN YOUTH FISHING POND: rainbow trout

The pond is open to children 17 years old and younger with a bag limit of two fish.

SOUTH TWIN LAKE: Rainbow trout

The fishing season ended Oct. 31, and will reopen in the spring.

SUTTLE LAKE: brown trout, kokanee

No recent reports.

TAYLOR LAKE: rainbow trout

Taylor Lake should offer anglers a good opportunity to catch trout this winter. The lake has been stocked with legal and trophy trout. Access is currently good with no ice or snow.

WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout

Access to Walton Lake will reopen to the public in the spring of 2011, when the U.S. Forest Service campground renovation is complete; the lake will not be stocked this year. Please contact Ochoco National Forest at 541-416-6500 for more information.

WICKIUP RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee, largemouth bass.

The fishing season ended Oct. 31, and will reopen in the spring.

Back to the top

[Fishing Report]

Weekend Fishing Opportunities

* Recent warm weather has melted some ice on many lakes and reservoirs, and there is rotten ice in many locations. Anglers should exercise extreme caution when venturing out ice fishing.


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.

Rainbow Trout
-Photo by Kathy Munsel-

ANA RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout, hybrid bass

Ana Reservoir is open year-round for rainbow trout and hybrid bass angling. Water temperatures in the reservoir stay fairly consistent throughout the year. The reservoir has been lowered for maintenance on the head gates. The reservoirs should begin to fill slowly over the next few months.

ANA RIVER: hatchery rainbow trout

The Ana River stays ice free all winter and trout angling is usually fair for the skilled angler. Water temperatures remain stable due to the large amount of springs in Ana Reservoir and in the river. Angling has been good for rainbow trout.

BEULAH RESERVOIR: redband trout, hatchery rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout

Water storage shot up this week due to the rain and warming, storage was at 33 percent of full on Jan. 17. The warming conditions and high inflows have thinned the ice near the North Fork, anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice. No boat launching until spring. No recent report on fishing but it is expected to be slow. Fish salvage was conducted on the pool at the base of the dam. Angling below the dam is unlikely to produce any trout.

BLITZEN RIVER: trout

Currently, the river is flooding at over 1000 cfs (Jan. 18). The river levels continue to fluctuate significantly from day to day. As of Oct. 31, the basin from Bridge Creek upstream, except Little Blitzen, is open to catch-and-release fishing only.

BULLY CREEK RESERVOIR: bass, white crappie, yellow perch, catfish, and trout.

Water storage is 70 percent of full on Jan. 17. Ice around the edge of the reservoir melted due to quit rise in water level. No reports on ice thickness. Anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice. No boat launching until spring. Fishing for warmwater fish is slow.

BURNS POND: trout, bass

The pond is closed until spring. Construction continues on the canal to connect the east and west ponds to improve public fishing opportunities.

CHEWAUCAN RIVER: redband trout, largemouth bass

Closed to fishing downstream of the Highway 31 bridge Oct. 31. No recent reports of fishing upstream of the highway as of Jan. 3. The lower river was ice covered on Saturday, Jan. 1.

CHICKAHOMINY RESERVOIR: trout

The reservoir is very low, fishing is poor. The reservoir will likely winter kill any remaining trout. Some anglers have been ice fishing, but the warmer weather has likely decreased the ice thickness and created rotten ice in some spots.

COTTONWOOD MEADOWS: rainbow trout, kokanee

This reservoir likely has ice, but I have received no recent reports as of Jan. 3. closest access to the reservoir is at highway 140 (6 miles). Call the Lakeview Field Office (541-947-2950; 541-219-1395) for current access conditions.

Large-mouth Bass
-U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service-

COW LAKES: largemouth bass, white crappie, brown bullheads, rainbow trout

No reports on ice thickness. Anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice. No recent fishing report.

DELINTMENT LAKE: trout

Anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice. Access into the lake is limited to high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles, dog sled, or snowmobile.

DOG LAKE: largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, brown bullhead

The reservoir is closed to the retention of trout to protect native redband trout. No recent reports as of Jan. 3. Ice is covering the reservoir, but is not very thick. Ice conditions may change over the weekend making access on to the reservoir possible, but use extreme caution and common sense when venturing on to the ice!

DUNCAN RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent reports as of Jan. 3.

FISH LAKE (Steens Mountain): rainbow trout

The Steens Loops Road is closed on both ends. Contact the Burns BLM District office for access information if you would like a key to take in snowmobiles (541-573-4400). Fishing was good throughout the summer. Carry-over trout should make ice fishing good this winter. Ice thickness may have changed recently with the warmer weather.

FOURMILE LAKE: rainbow trout, lake trout, kokanee, brook trout

Winter conditions exist. Access is blocked at hwy 140 due to snow depth.

GERBER RESERVOIR: crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead and largemouth bass

The reservoir is very low. Anglers will encounter deep snow at the reservoir.

HEART LAKE (aka Little Heart Lake): rainbow trout, kokanee

This reservoir likely has ice, but I have received no recent reports as of Jan. 3. The closest access to the lake is at highway 140 (10 miles). Call the Lakeview Field Office (541-947-2950; 541-219-1395) for current access conditions.

Holbrook Reservoir: rainbow trout

This reservoir likely has ice, but I have received no recent reports as of Jan. 3. The closest access to the lake is at highway 140 (5 miles). Call the Lakeview Field Office (541-947-2950; 541-219-1395) for current access conditions.

HWY 203 POND: trout

Pond is frozen over. Use caution on the ice, as thickness can change with a few days of warm weather.

Cutthroat Trout
-Photo by Charlotte Ganskopp-

JUNIPER LAKE: cutthroat trout

Was not stocked with fish this year.

KLAMATH AND AGENCY LAKES: redband trout and yellow perch

Lake is frozen. Open water exists at spring areas where fishing for wild redband trout has been fair.

KLAMATH RIVER: native rainbow-redband trout

Fishing below Keno Dam is fair.

Fishing below JC Boyle Dam to the Powerhouse is slow.

KRUMBO RESERVOIR: trout and largemouth bass

Closed to fishing as of Oct. 31. It will reopen April 23, 2011.

LAKE OF THE WOODS: hatchery rainbow trout, kokanee, hatchery brown trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, crappie

Lake is frozen. Ice thickness is unknown but it’s assumed to be very thin.

LOWER COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

The reservoir was completely covered with ice on Dec. 27. The ice was soft and slushy right at the edge, but became harder and thicker away from shore. The ice was 5 inches thick 15 feet from shore with 4 inches of solid, clear ice. Cold weather is expected through the weekend that should increase the ice thickness. The water was turbid under the ice.

LOFTON RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

This reservoir likely has ice, but I have received no recent reports as of Jan. 3. The closest access to the lake is at highway 140 (10 miles). Call the Lakeview Field Office (541-947-2950; 541-219-1395) for current access conditions.

MALHEUR RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

Water level is low and continues to be near the bottom of the concrete boat ramp. No reports on ice thickness. Anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice. There are a few carryover trout. No recent angling reports.

MALHEUR RIVER (Warm Springs Reservoir downstream to South Fork Malheur River): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout

Water releases below Warm Springs Dam were shut off, flows are 3 cfs. Fishing is slow on the river.

MALHEUR RIVER (from the South Fork Malheur River near Riverside, downstream to Gold Creek): redband trout and hatchery rainbow trout.

Flows from the South Fork downstream are high and muddy. Lots of rain on top of snow and warm weather have combined to cause flood conditions from Juntura downstream to Ontario. Fishing is poor and unsafe.

Redband Trout
-Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife -

MALHEUR RIVER, NORTH FORK: redband trout, whitefish, and bull trout

Access to the North Fork streams is blocked by snow.

MALHEUR RIVER, MIDDLE FORK: redband trout, brook trout, and bull trout

Access to Logan Valley streams is blocked by snow.

MANN LAKE: trout

The lake was re-treated to remove the remaining invasive goldfish in early November. If no goldfish are found in the spring, the lake will be restocked with 6 to 8-inch cutthroat trout in the spring.

MILLER LAKE: brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout

Access to Miller Lake is available by snowmobile or dog sled. Access road currently passable to sled dog staging area (approximately ½ mile from Hwy 97). No recent reports on ice thickness at Lake.

MOON RESERVOIR: bass, trout

Anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice, especially now that warmer weather has decreased ice thickness.

MURRAY RESERVOIR: trout

Ice is on the reservoir. Anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice.

NORTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout

Access to most of these ponds is blocked by snow. All ponds are ice covered.

OWYHEE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, catfish

Much of the ice at the upper end of the reservoir washed out due high inflows. High inflows have also washed in a lot of debris. Boaters should use caution when running up the reservoir. Boat ramps open for use are at the powerhouse and the resort. All other ramps are out of the water. Angling is slow.

Brown Trout and Leach
-Photo by Roger Smith-

OWYHEE RIVER (Lower): brown trout and hatchery rainbow trout

Winter water releases below Owyhee Dam continue to averaging about 30 cfs. With all of the rain and the melting of snow portions of the river may be turbid. Average water temperature at the USGS gauge below the dam was 38°C on Jan. 17. Brown trout spawning is complete. Anglers need to avoid walking on redds to protect eggs in the gravel. Most of the river is ice-covered and unfishable. Fishing for rainbow and brown trout is slow.

OWYHEE RIVER (Upper): smallmouth bass and channel catfish

Discharge at the Rome gauge averaged 6,042 cfs on Jan. 17. Average water temperature at the USGS gauge near Rome was 35°C on Jan. 17. Flows are expected to increase over the next few days flooding adjacent low lands. Fishing for smallmouth and channel catfish is poor.

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch

No recent report. Anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout

Closed to fishing until spring

POLE CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

No reports on ice thickness. There should be a few carryover trout. Fishing has been slow.

POISON CREEK RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout

The reservoir is ice-covered; no reports on ice thickness. Anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice. Recent fishing reports have shown poor catch rates.

POWDER RIVER: trout, spring chinook

Catch and release for trout is allowed using flies and lures only from Mason dam to the Hughes Lane Bridge in Baker City. The remaining portions of the Powder River are closed.

SHERLOCK GULCH RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

No recent reports as of Jan. 3.

SOUTH MALHEUR BLM STOCK PONDS: rainbow trout

Access to most of these ponds is blocked by snow.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

Reservoir has ice and reports of good size trout being caught. Always use caution as ice thickness can change.


Rainbow Trout
- Photo by Roger Smith-

THOMPSON VALLEY RESERVOIR: hatchery rainbow trout, largemouth bass

Access is by foot or snowmobile (14 miles) as snow blocks the access road. No recent reports as of Jan. 3.

Topsy Reservoir (JC Boyle Reservoir): redband trout, largemouth bass, crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, Sacramento perch, brown bullhead

No recent report. Ice is not thick enough to support angler.

UNITY RESERVOIR: trout, bass, crappie

Anglers are catching nice trout through the ice. Always use caution when on the ice.

WARM SPRINGS RESERVOIR: smallmouth bass, white crappie, catfish, perch, and hatchery rainbow trout

The water level is 24 percent of full and average inflow was 1,794 cfs on Jan. 17. Average water temperature at the USBR gauge near Highway 20 was 34°C on Jan. 179. No reports on ice thickness. Anglers should use caution when walking on the ice. Fishing in the reservoir is poor.

WILLOW VALLEY RESERVOIR

The reservoir is very low and covered by ice. Boat ramp is inaccessible. Ice is very thin.

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, trout

Ice has covered the reservoir and some trout are being caught. Always use caution as ice conditions can change.

YELLOWJACKET LAKE: trout

Anglers should use caution when fishing on the ice. Access to the lake is 4-wheel drive, dog sled, or snowmobile. Recent warm weather will have reduced ice thickness and created spots of rotten ice.

[Fishing Report]

Weekend fishing opportunities

* Most rivers were very high and some were unfishable early in the week due to recent rains. Steelhead fishing should improve as waters recede.


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.

Winter steelhead
-Photo by Derek Wilson-

GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA, IMNAHA RIVERS: steelhead

Flows in northeast Oregon rivers are very high as a result of recent warm weather and rain. Steelhead fishing is poor. The high water should move more steelhead up into local rivers and angling should be good when the high flows recede.

Check river flows

HOLLIDAY PARK POND AND BULL PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: trout

Winter weather has limited access to Bull Prairie Reservoir. The reservoir is likely totally iced over. Ice thickness is unknown but fishing should still be good. Holliday Park pond has been iced over for the last couple weeks and is likely too thin for ice fishing access. Fishing will be good when warmer weather returns creating open water.

JOHN DAY RIVER: steelhead

Fishing for steelhead is currently poor due to very high water conditions of the John Day River. Use extreme caution if you will be near the river and avoid boating ‘til flows recede.

Check John Day River flows.

LONG CREEK POND, CAVENDER POND: trout

Both ponds are frozen over. Check for thin ice before accessing. Fishing should be fair.

MAGONE LAKE: rainbow and brook trout

Vehicle access will be limited by snow. The lake is frozen over and fishing is good for rainbow and brook trout.

MORGAN LAKE: trout, bullheads, bass

Closed to fishing until spring.

Rainbow Trout
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-

OLIVE LAKE: rainbow and brook trout, kokanee

The lake is frozen over and access is blocked by snow. Fishing should be fair.

PEACH POND (Ladd Marsh): rainbow trout

Pond is ice covered but may not be safe. Use caution.

ROULET POND: rainbow trout

Use caution when on the ice.

ROWE CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout

Fishing is poor for rainbow trout.

STRAWBERRY AND SLIDE LAKES: rainbow and brook trout

The lakes are frozen over and access is blocked by snow.

TROUT FARM POND: rainbow and brook trout

Access is limited by 2 feet of snow but this pond normally provides open water angling all winter.

UMATILLA RIVER: steelhead

The river is currently high and unfishable.

Good numbers of steelhead are in the river and are distributed through out the system. For the week of Jan.3-9, steelhead anglers averaged 35 hours/steelhead caught. Anglers are targeting steelhead with bobbers and jigs/bait, and traditional drift fishing gear. Updated Threemile Dam fish counts can be accessed at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/fish_counts/

WALLOWA LAKE: rainbow trout, kokanee

Wallowa Lake is providing fair trout fishing for those willing to brave the weather. Some kokanee are being caught in deep water.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: trout
Trout angling is fair.

[Fishing Report]

BROWNLEE RESERVOIR: crappie, bass, perch, catfish, bluegill, trout

The Powder River arm is currently frozen over but not thick enough to fish on. Fishing is generally slow. Call Idaho Power Company’s recording at 1-800-422-3143 to get information on access at recreational sites or visit their website http://www.idahopower.com/OurEnviron...ion/Reservoir/

Reservoir level information

HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

Approximately 1,100 steelhead have been put in the reservoir. These surplus steelhead are considered trout in the reservoir. No tag is needed but only one can be kept per day if over 20 inches. Fishing for other species is slow but trout can generally be picked up near creek mouths.
steelhead
Winter steelhead
-Photo by Derek Wilson-

SNAKE RIVER below HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, steelhead

Steelhead fishing below Hells Canyon Dam has been poor as a result of high muddy water. No data were available from Idaho Fish and Game surveys last week. Updates of Idaho Fish and Game surveys of steelhead fishing.

Trout fishing is fair.

Get updated information on flow levels.

SNAKE RIVER (Above Brownlee Reservoir): channel catfish, flathead catfish, smallmouth bass
Flows at the Nyssa gauge are around 11,357 cfs (Jan. 9). Flows at the Weiser gauge were 12,351 on Jan. 9. Average water temperature of the Snake River near the Weiser gauge was 33°F on Jan. 9. Angling for catfish and smallmouth bass is slow.

[Fishing Report]

Notice of Columbia River Compact Hearing: ODFW & WDFW have scheduled a Compact Hearing for 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at the Museum of the Oregon Territory in Oregon City to discuss commercial and recreational seasons for spring chinook and sturgeon.

White Sturgeon
- Photo by Kathy Munsel, ODFW-

Weekend Fishing Opportunities:

* Sturgeon angling is good for boat anglers in the Bonneville Pool. Anglers should be mindful of large woody debris after the recent flooding when anchored for sturgeon.
* Steelhead angling is fair to good in the Bonneville, The Dalles and John Day pools. Some winter steelhead should be available from beaches on the lower Columbia for anglers willing to brave the elements.

Columbia River Fish Counts:
Regulations:

Salmon, Steelhead and Shad:

Recreational salmon fisheries will resume for the early portion of 2011 under permanent regulations.

Modifications to the 2011 spring chinook fishery will be considered at the February 8 Compact/Joint State Hearing.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Buoy 10 Line upstream to I-5 Bridge: Under permanent regulations, this section of the Columbia River is open to the retention of adipose fin-clipped spring chinook, adipose fin-clipped steelhead and adipose fin-clipped coho with a daily bag limit of two adult salmon or steelhead (chinook > 24” and coho > 20” or steelhead > 20”) and five jacks effective January 1 – March 31, 2011.

COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, I-5 Bridge upstream to the Oregon/Washington Border above McNary Dam: Under permanent regulations, this section of the Columbia River will be open to the retention of adipose fin-clipped steelhead with a daily bag limit of two fish effective January 1 – March 31, 2011. The retention of spring chinook is prohibited as per permanent regulations.

The salmonid creel program on the lower Columbia has ended for the year and will resume February of 2011.

Bonneville Pool:
No report.

The Dalles Pool:
Weekly checking showed six unclipped steelhead released for four boats (nine anglers).

John Day Pool:
Weekly checking showed no catch for five bank anglers; and three adipose fin-clipped steelhead kept, plus six unclipped steelhead released for three boats (six anglers).
sturgeon
Sturgeon
- Photo by Rick Hargrave-

STURGEON:

Recreational sturgeon fisheries will resume for the early portion of 2011 under the same regulations as 2010.

Modifications to the 2011 sturgeon fishery will be considered at the February 8 Compact/Joint State Hearing.

BUOY 10 UPSTREAM TO WAUNA POWERLINES:
Regulations for 2011 sturgeon sport fishery from Wauna powerlines (River Mile 40) downstream to Buoy 10, including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries are currently as follows:

* Allow the retention of white sturgeon seven days per week effective Saturday January 1, 2011 until further notice with a daily bag limit of one white sturgeon between 38 and 54-inches fork length and an annual limit of five fish.
* The retention of green sturgeon is prohibited.
* Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during retention closures.

WAUNA POWERLINES UPSTREAM TO BONNEVILLE DAM: Regulations for 2011 sturgeon sport fishery from Wauna powerlines (River Mile 40) upstream to Bonneville Dam, including all adjacent Washington tributaries are currently as follows:

* Allow the retention of white sturgeon three days per week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday effective January 1, 2011 until further notice with a daily bag limit of one sturgeon between 38 and 54 inches fork length and an annual limit of five fish.
* Prohibit the retention of sturgeon four days per week on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday effective January 1, 2011 until further notice.
* Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited as per permanent regulations.
* Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during sturgeon retention closures.

In addition the compact adopted the following rule at the December 17 Joint State Hearing:

* Effective January 1 through April 30, 2011 angling is prohibited for all species in the area from a line between the upstream end of Sand Island and a marker on the Oregon shoreline, downstream to a line between the lower end of Sand Island and a marker on the Oregon shoreline.

BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO THE DALLES DAM:
Effective January 1, 2011 this section of the Columbia River is open to the retention of sturgeon seven days per week until the catch guideline of 1,400 legal white sturgeon is reached. The daily bag limit is one sturgeon between 38-54 inches fork length and an annual limit of five fish. The use of more than one single point barbless hook is prohibited.

THE DALLES DAM UPSTREAM TO MCNARY DAM:
Effective January 1, 2011 this section of the Columbia River is open to the retention of sturgeon seven days per week until the respective catch guidelines of 400 and 165 fish are reached. The daily bag limit is one sturgeon between 43 – 54 inches fork length and an annual limit of five fish. The use of more than one single point barbless hook is prohibited.

MCNARY DAM UPSTREAM TO THE OREGON/WASHINGTON BORDER:
The retention of sturgeon in this section of the Columbia River is currently closed through January 31, 2011. Effective February 1 through July 31, 2011 this section of the Columbia River will be open to the retention of sturgeon seven days per week with a daily bag limit of one sturgeon between 43 – 54 inches fork length and an annual limit of five fish. The use of more than one single point barbless hook is prohibited.

Sturgeon angling was slow and effort was light this past week on the lower Columbia River.

Gorge Bank:
No report.

Gorge Boats:
Weekly checking showed no catch for two boats (eight anglers).
sturgeon
46 inch Sturgeon
- Photo by Darin Seebeck-

Troutdale Boats:
No report.

Portland to Longview Bank:
Weekly checking showed no catch for one bank angler.

Portland to Longview Boats:
Weekly checking showed two legal white sturgeon kept, plus 31 sublegal sturgeon released for 10 boats (22 anglers).

Bonneville Pool:
Weekly checking showed five sublegal sturgeon released for 18 bank anglers; and six legal white sturgeon kept, plus 69 sublegal sturgeon released for 10 boats (26 anglers).

The Dalles Pool:
Weekly checking showed four sublegal sturgeon released for 36 bank anglers; and two legal white sturgeon kept, plus one oversize and 42 sublegal sturgeon released for 18 boats (52 anglers).

John Day Pool:
Weekly checking showed one sublegal sturgeon released for 61 bank anglers; and four legal white sturgeon kept, plus nine sublegal sturgeon released for 44 boats (92 anglers).

[Fishing Report]

BOTTOM FISHING
Big waves and strong winds are the rule this time of year, but anglers who keep an eye on the ocean can find days when wind and wave abate enough to allow a little bottom fishing, which can be productive this time of year.

Divers and shore anglers may find success fishing for lingcod since lings have started their wintertime migration into shallow waters to spawn.

After Jan. 1, bottom fishing will be open at all depths.

Also on Jan. 1, cabezon re-opens to boat anglers. New this year will be a change in cabezon retention from April 1-Sept. 30 that will allow only one cabezon per day as part of the seven-fish marine bag limit.

The marine fish daily bag limit remains seven fish in 2011. There are separate daily limits for lingcod (two) and flatfish other than Pacific halibut (25).

Remember: yelloweye rockfish and canary rockfish may not be retained. The Stonewall Bank Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area approximately 15 miles west of Newport is closed to the harvest of rockfish, lingcod, flatfish and others.

SALMON
All ocean salmon fishing is currently closed.

HALIBUT FISHING
All Pacific halibut fishing is closed.



Razor Clamming
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-

SHELLFISH

Recreational shellfish harvesting status as of Jan 18:

* All shellfish is open along the entire Oregon coast from the Columbia River to the California border.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture's shellfish safety hotline is toll free and provides the most current information regarding shellfish safety closures. The ODA Web pages may not be updated as quickly as the shellfish safety hotline. Please call the shellfish safety hotline before harvesting: 1-800-448-2474.

Check out the recreational clam pages on the ODFW Web site: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/ then click on the shellfish icon. The pages contain everything you need to know for identifying and harvesting Oregon’s clams.

CRABS
Recreational crabbing in the ocean opened Dec. 1. Crabbing is open year round in estuaries, on beaches, and off jetties.

The best months for bay crabbing in Oregon are August through November. Bay crabbing success usually declines after significant rainfall as salinity levels drop. For the latest bay and estuary crabbing reports go to: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shell...ab/reports.asp

Crabbing success in bays and estuaries is often best during the slack tide at high tide or low tide when crabs are looking for food.

Some sport crabbers have difficulty correctly measuring the minimum size for Dungeness crab, which is 5 3⁄4 inches measured in a straight line across the back immediately in front of, but not including, the points. An illustration showing the correct measurement is on page 98 of the 2011 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations book.

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VIEWING

Winter Whale Viewing

The winter whale migration is short and quick – usually only about four weeks – from mid-December to mid-January. The whales are not slowed by having calves in the pod and single-mindedly drive southwards in straight lines a few miles offshore. You can see their spouts, but they are distant. About 18,000 gray whales will pass by the Oregon coast.

A gray whale's blow is up to 15 feet high, and each blow is visible for about five seconds. When warm, moist air exhaled from the animals' lungs, meets the cool air at the ocean surface, it creates the bushy column called a blow, or spout. Anticipate that the whale will dive for three to six minutes, then surface for three to five blows in row, 30 to 50 seconds apart, before diving deep for three to six minutes again.


Couple Whale Watching
- Photo by Kathy Munsel -

To watch the winter migration it is best to pick a calm day and find a view point that is high enough to spot the spouts that will be a few miles offshore. Learning good binocular technique will help spot the whales. Gaze out onto the ocean, focusing on medium distances until you see a puff of white. Then raise your binoculars while continuing to look at the place you saw the puff. This technique takes some practice, but generally works better than swinging the binoculars around looking for something. Just keep your eyes focused on the whale and raise the binoculars to your eyes, looking through them, not into them.

Gray whales are the most coastal of the baleen whales and are often found within a few miles of shore as they migrate from Alaska to Baja. Gray whales have baleen instead of teeth. To feed, they fill their vast mouths with mud from the sea bottom and strain it through their baleen to capture amphipods and other small animals. This is the only type of whale to feed in this manner. The only other place on earth gray whales live is off the coast of Korea.