Southwest Zone
Table of Contents
Recreation Report
May 15, 2024
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Best bets for weekend fishing
- With the recent warmer weather, trout fishing – for holdover and newly stocked fish – should pick up at several ponds, lakes and reservoirs.
- Spring Chinook fishing continues to be good throughout the Rogue. With the warm weather in the forecast, expect lots of company on the river this weekend.
- Early season bass anglers have been catching some big fish in the mainstem Umpqua. There also are reports of some striped bass being caught.
- Anglers are starting to target shad on the Coquille and mainstem Umpqua.
- For the next few weeks, bass fishing in Tenmile Lakes should be good as fish move into the shallows to spawn.
Trout stocking
Scheduled to be stocked the week of May 20:
Ben Irving Reservoir, Lake Marie, Medco Pond, Fish Lake, Loon Lake, Hemlock Lake, Lake in the Woods, Powers Pond, Lemolo Reservoir, Burma Pond, Lost Creek Reservoir, Selmac Lake, Red Top Lake
Recently stocked:
Clearwater Bay-2, Burma Pond, Fish Lake, Medco Pond, Lake Selmac, Lost 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
No spring Chinook in Umpqua in 2024
Just a reminder that retention of wild adult or jack spring Chinook in the mainstem and North Umpqua is prohibited in 2024.
Sign up for the latest information on boater access
Marine Board's Opportunities and Access Report incorporates information from federal and state agencies, local facility operators and fellow boaters to provide up-to-date information so boaters can decide where to recreate and what to expect this season. Subscribe to receive email updates.
Updates by waterbody
AGATE LAKE: bass, carp, crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead
Agate Reservoir is 100 percent full. For up-to-date reservoir levels click here. The boat ramp is usable for small boats. There is also plenty of bank fishing access.
Boat anglers fishing near the dam have reportedly caught bass and crappie recently and fishing will only get better with the warming trend in the forecast. Warmwater fishing has picked up throughout the lake recently and will continue to be good through the weekend. Anglers are encouraged to harvest any carp caught in the reservoir.
The Jackson County Park's day-use area closes after sunset and day use fees are charged. There is a 10-mph speed limit on this reservoir and electric motors only. Last updated 5/15/24.
APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout, landlocked spring chinook, largemouth bass, small mouth bass, black crappie, bluegill,
Applegate's reservoir level is currently at 1,985 feet, and the lake surface temperature is 49F. Check up-to-date reservoir levels here, or call the Army Corps of Engineers at 800-472-2434 for flow and temperature information.
The reservoir is high enough now that Copper Boat Ramp is usable along with French Gulch. This weekend will be a great time to get out and enjoy the spring weather while catching fish at Applegate. Holdover rainbow trout have been providing some very good action lately. Applegate was stocked recently with 10,000 legal-sized trout but anglers please note that the trophies will not be stocked this year. These fish are needed to make up losses in hatchery trout production this year.
There is a longstanding health advisory for consumption of resident species due to elevated levels of mercury. See Oregon Health Authority consumption guidelines or the 2022 sportfishing regulations for more information. Last updated 5/8/24.
APPLEGATE RIVER below Applegate Dam:
The Applegate River is currently closed to all fishing. Last updated 4/3/24.
ARIZONA POND: rainbow trout
Trout were stocked this week. This is the final stocking for the season. Aquatic vegetation is starting to grow, so anglers may have to pick and choose the spots to fish. The trout have been in the pond for a while, so anglers that have several different types of bait tend to do better. If anglers can fish a spinner, sometimes that will get the fish to bite, if a bobber and bait won't work.
The pond is also an excellent spot to see wildlife like otters, beavers, and even elk. This is pond is managed by Oregon State Parks as a youth-only fishing pond. Last updated 5/15/24.
BEN IRVING RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, yellow perch, crappie
This should be a good time to fish Ben Irving. The lake was stocked in late March with rainbows, and the bass should be getting active on warm days. The lake is scheduled to be stocked this week. Last update 5/15/24.
CHETCO RIVER: Closed until May 22.
COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, coho and Chinook smolts
No recent reports, but there should be some good trout fishing now. There should still be some of the big trophy-size trout in there, although quite a few have been caught. The reservoir was last stocked a couple weeks ago with legal-size rainbows. Bass fishing should also be good. Last updated 5/1/24.
COOS RIVER BASIN: bottomfish, cutthroat trout
Anglers can catch rockfish around the jetties in the lower Coos Bay estuary. Best fishing is typically near slack tides with good fishing one day and fair fishing the next. A jig fished with a twister tail trailer is always a good option to catch bottomfish.
The 2024 daily general marine fish bag limit is 5 fish plus 2 lingcod with no retention of yelloweye or quillback rockfish. There is no harvest of cabezon until July 1.
Trout fishing will open in rivers and streams on May 22. There is plenty of water in basin's streams so cutthroat trout will be spread out. Last updated 5/15/24.
COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: striped bass, shad
Striped bass anglers are fishing the upper mainstem Coquille River. Fishing for striped bass is typically poor when the striped bass begin to spawn. Spawning should occur in the next month.
Shad should be entering the Coquille River. Anglers typically do well catching shad near the town of Coquille early in the shad run.
Trout fishing opens in the rivers and streams on May 22. There is plenty of water in the area streams that cutthroat trout will be spread out. Last updated 5/15/24.
DIAMOND LAKE: trout
Anglers willing to confront the changing weather are catching fish.
Diamond Lake has been stocked with tiger and brown trout. Anglers targeting brown trout have been doing fantastic lately with high catch rates and some great brown trout being caught (and released). These fish are intended to assist in controlling illegally introduced tui chub. These trout are catch-and-release only and need to be released immediately and unharmed if caught. Last updated 5/15/24.
ELK RIVER: Closed until May 22
EMIGRANT RESERVOIR: largemouth and smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, catfish, rainbow trout
Emigrant is 80 percent full and continues to fill. The main boat ramp is usable. Anglers putting in the time have been catching a few nice smallmouth at Emigrant recently. One angler reporting a catch of 30 a few weeks ago. Lures have included a Rage Tail Craw, a Keitech Swing Impact soft bait, and a Ned Rig Craw Colored Senko. Expect warmwater fishing to pick up significantly with the warm temperatures coming this weekend.
In addition to warmwater fish, Emigrant has been stocked with 1,000 legal-size trout a few times in the last month and will be stocked again soon. Anglers reported catching a lot of trout last weekend trolling and still fishing.
There is a longstanding health advisory for consumption of resident warmwater species in Emigrant for high levels of mercury. Consult the sportfishing regulations or the Oregon Health Authority for more information on consumption guidelines.
The most current elevations for Emigrant Reservoir and other Rogue Basin reservoirs can be found on the Bureau of Reclamation's website, here. Last updated 5/15/24.
EMPIRE LAKE: trout, bluegill, bass
Lots of trout were stocked into Middle Empire Lake at the end of April. There are still some trout in the lake for anglers to catch.
Fishing for warmwater fish like bluegill and largemouth bass will be picking up on Lower Empire Lake with the warmer sunny conditions. Both bluegill and bass will be found wood cover and the edges of the weedlines. Last updated 5/15/24.
EXPO POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie
Expo Pond is the pond at the Jackson County Fairgrounds located directly adjacent to the access road at Gate 5, at the Southern Oregon RV Park. Expo Pond has been stocked numerous times recently with catchable rainbow trout and anglers report good catches. Anglers should try casting Rooster Tails or Panther Martin lures, or fishing with bait—nightcrawlers, PowerWorms, Pautzke eggs, or PowerBait fished off the bottom.
Please remember to park in the day-use parking area and walk into the RV park to access the pond. Do not park your vehicle within the RV park. A Jackson County parks day-use or season-long parking pass is required.
Fishing for warmwater fish should start picking up this weekend with the warmer temperatures.
There are Chinese mystery snails in the most northern pond. They are highly invasive and were illegally dumped here. Please do not move these creatures and drain and dry any personal watercraft before using them in another waterbody. Last updated 4/17/24.
FISH LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout, spring Chinook
Fish Lake is 66 percent full and there is open water for bank and boat fishing. Latest report is that all boat ramps are open and useable, and people are fishing and catching limits. Additionally, Fish Lake has been stocked with 5,000 legal-size trout recently and was stocked again this week.
Any tiger trout caught should be immediately released unharmed. Anglers are encouraged to report their catch or any other fish stories to Rogue Fish District Staff 541-826-8774. Last updated 5/15/24.
FLORAS LAKE: trout
Trout fishing should be good this week with warmer temperatures. This lake is best fished by boat as there is very limited bank access. Before heading out, anglers will want to check the weather as this can be a very windy lake. Last updated 5/8/24.
GALESVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass
No direct reports from anglers, but stories that some of the trophy trout have been caught. Around 60 trophy trout have been stocked into Galesville last month. The reservoir was last stocked a couple weeks ago with legal-size rainbows. Water levels are high. Bass fishing should be improving as temperature increases and trout fishing should continue to be good.
In Galesville Reservoir, all landlocked salmon and steelhead are considered trout and are part of the five-per-day trout limit, with only one trout over 20 inches long allowed for harvest. Last updated 5/1/24.
GARRISON LAKE: rainbow trout, cutthroat
The aquatic vegetation is starting to grow so boat anglers will want to target the areas of the lake where the water is a little deeper. Slow trolling with a wedding ring spinner tipped with worms or other type of bait can be very effective. The best way to fish the lake is by boat, as there is limited shore access. Trout are scattered throughout the lake so the best way to be successful is to keep moving around until you find where the fish are feeding.
The 12th street boat ramp has an improved ramp and docks. With higher water in the spring, the walkway onto the boat dock can be covered by water so anglers will need rubber boots to access the dock. Anglers will want to check the weather before heading out, as the lake can be very windy. Last updated 5/8/24.
HEMLOCK LAKE & LAKE IN THE WOODS (Douglas County): trout
Recent reports indicate that Lake in the Woods is accessible, and that Hemlock Lake is still blocked by snow. If the liberation truck can get to Hemlock Lake, both lakes will be stocked this week. No fishing report. Last updated 5/15/24.
HOWARD PRAIRIE: trout
Howard Prairie is 55 percent full. The boat ramp at the marina and the marina is now open. Klum boat ramp is also open as well as the improvised gravel boat ramp at the dam. One angler reported catching 14- to 15-inch trout using a green wedding ring spiked with a nightcrawler piece behind a small egg sinker still fishing and trolling. Numerous other anglers reported success over the weekend at Howard so fishing is off to a great start for trout enthusiasts.
Anglers may want to consider a trip to Howard soon for some early season trout fishing as holdover trout are available and Howard was recently stocked with 7,500 legal-sized trout. Last updated 5/15/24.
HYATT LAKE: trout, largemouth bass
Hyatt is currently 61 percent full. Anglers may want to consider a trip to Hyatt soon for some early season trout fishing from shore as 7,500 legal-sized trout have been stocked recently. Trout fishing was good at Hyatt over the weekend. Numerous boats reported catching fish and bank anglers have had success as well.
The BLM boat ramp and the improvised ramp near the dam are now open so trailered boats can launch. Last updated 5/15/24.
ILLINOIS RIVER:
The Illinois River is currently closed to all fishing. Last updated 4/3/24.
LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout, yellow perch
Lake Marie was recently stocked with rainbow trout a couple weeks ago and is scheduled to be stocked sometime this week. So the fishing should be good this week. No recent reports from anglers. Last updated 5/15/24.
LAKE SELMAC (Selmac Lake): trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie
Selmac was stocked again recently with 5,000 legal-size rainbow trout and fishing should be good. Largemouth bass, bluegill and black crappie fishing are also available and will become more active with the warm weather this weekend.
Lake Selmac has its share of non-native aquatic hitchhikers. Boat anglers are asked to do their part to remove as much vegetation as possible before leaving the ramp, as well as drain and dry their vessel before boating in another waterbody.
Please help stop the spread of Oregon's aquatic hitchhikers! Last updated 5/15/24.
LEMOLO RESERVOIR: brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee
The resort KOA opens May 1
Kokanee in Lemolo are considered trout and therefore fall under the daily limit for trout of five per day with only one of those measuring over 20-inches. The reservoir is schedule to be stocked this week. Contact Lemolo Lake Resort at 541-643-0750 for weather/road conditions and additional information. Last updated 5/15/24.
LIBBY POND: trout
The pond will not be stocked until the end of May. Last updated 4/3/24.
LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, landlocked spring chinook, bass
Lost Creek's current elevation is about 1,870 feet so just about full. The Takelma and Stewart boat ramps are available for access by trailered boats.
Lost Creek was stocked with legal-size trout in time for Spring Break. Lost Creek was also stocked again a couple of weeks ago, but anglers should note that the trophies will not be stocked this year. These fish are needed to make up losses in hatchery trout production this year.
Trollers have had good early spring success at Lost Creek on holdover trout using a variety of gear: Apex lures, Brad's cut plug lures with scent, red hoochies, and wedding rings. Trout have been caught at the surface and down to about 50 feet with a downrigger. The lures are often fish behind dodgers, and can be spiked with corn, worms or power worms. Bank fishing on both sides of the dam can be very effective using PowerBait.
Anglers can get the latest reservoir details by calling the US Army Corps Lost Creek Lake and Applegate Reservoir projects information line at 1-800-472-2434. Last updated 5/15/24.
PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: bottomfish, surfperch, salmon
Fishing for bottom fish is open to all-depths year-round. The 2024 daily general marine fish bag limit is 5 fish with no retention of quillback or yelloweye rockfish. Retention of cabezon is closed until July 1. Anglers are reporting good catches of rockfish and lingcod near Charleston and Bandon when the ocean swells are small.
Anglers may choose to fish the offshore longleader fishery outside of the 40-fathom regulatory line, which is open year-round. The longleader fishery daily bag limit is 12 fish made of only yellowtail, widow, canary, blue, deacon, redstripe, greenstripe, silvergray, chillipepper, and bocaccio rockfishes. No other rockfish or lingcod are allowed on an offshore longleader fishing trip. Find information about longleader setup and rules here.
Ocean salmon fishing is open from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt for all salmon except coho. Chinook salmon fishing from Humbug Mt to OR/CA Border opens on May 16. The Mark-selective coho season from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA Border starts on June 15. Ocean salmon anglers have picked up a few Chinook salmon near Charleston and Winchester Bay.
The ocean has been experiencing lots of wind lately making fishing in the surf difficult. Surfperch anglers will find redtail surfperch along the ocean beaches like Horsfall Beach, Bullards Beach and near Cape Blanco. Surfperch anglers are also catching striped surfperch along rocky shorelines. Anglers have been catching surfperch when the ocean swells are calmer, using sand shrimp, mole crabs or artificial sand worms. Ready to try surfperch fishing? Here are some tips to get you started. Last updated 5/15/24.
2024 sport bottomfish seasons
PLAT I RESERVOIR: trout, bass
No recent reports from anglers. It was stocked in April with over 600 trout. Last updated 5/1/24.
REINHART PARK POND: trout, bass
Reinhart Park Pond in Grants Pass was stocked with trout recently and fishing should be good. Last updated 5/1/24.
ROGUE RIVER
Rogue River, lower: steelhead, spring Chinook
Spring chinook fishing has been good, but water temperatures picked up this week as flows have been dropping, which has slowed the bite. Anglers should pay attention to water temperatures and flows to figure when the best fishing should be. No reports of summer steelhead, but late May is a good time to start fishing for some early summer fish. Last updated 5/15/24.
Rogue River, middle: steelhead, trout, Chinook
Flow in Grants Pass is about 3,800 cfs with a water temperature of around 56F.
Winter steelhead are still around in the middle Rogue, but this fishery is slowing down. Targeting acclimation site areas at Skunk Creek (Baker Park), Greens Creek or Jumpoff Joe Creek is a good idea as numerous hatchery winter steelhead have been caught recently.
Spring Chinook continue to move through in pods so while fishing may be slow one day the bite might be on the next day. Expect more fish to continue coming out of the canyon as we are approaching peak migration time for spring Chinook.
Anglers are reminded that trout fishing closed on April 1 to protect smolts migrating to sea and the retention of wild winter steelhead ended on April 30, 2024. Consult the sport fishing regulations for more information as only adipose fin clipped steelhead can be kept.
Current flow, temp and turbidity conditions for the Rogue can be found at the USGS stream gauges here, or checking the City of Grants Pass water page's river data here. Last updated 5/15/24.
Rogue River, upper: steelhead, trout, Chinook
Winter steelhead are present in the upper Rogue and there is a good mix of hatchery and wild fish present but this fishery is winding down and the focus is shifting to spring Chinook. Recent, higher flows have fish spread out, occupying all types of holding water. Mainstem spawning activity has picked up so try to avoid redds and actively spawning fish.
A very strong early season total of just over 1,000 hatchery spring Chinook have made it into the hatchery as of this week, so a good time to try for a bright, early spring Chinook. Just over 1,000 winter steelhead have arrived at the hatchery so far this season. No weekly update from the hatchery was received in time for this report, but spring Chinook fishing has been good for both boat and bank fishing over the last weekend.
The release from Lost Creek is 3,150 CFS and the river temperature is 50F.
Anglers can call the Army Corps of Engineers at 800-472-2434 for an update on hatchery counts as well as flow and temperature information.
Make sure to check the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for each section of river before you head out. Anglers are reminded that trout fishing closes on April 1 to protect smolts migrating to sea and the retention of wild winter steelhead ended on April 30, 2024.
For up-to-date river levels, check all the USGS Rogue gauges here. Last updated 5/15/24.
Rogue River, above Lost Creek Reservoir: trout
The Rogue above Lost Creek is open for fishing but flows are a high right now due to snow melt. Fishing should improve as flows drop and water temperature increases but fish are available and targeting slow water areas will likely bring success. This section of the river will be stocked next week in time for Memorial Day weekend.
The Rogue and tributaries above Lost Creek Reservoir remain open year-round, with a daily retention limit of 5 trout (no limit on brook trout). Last updated 5/15/24.
SIXES RIVER: Closed until May 22
SMITH RIVER, Umpqua: steelhead
No recent reports from the Smith. The river upstream of Spencer Creek is closed to all fishing until May 22. This is primarily a catch-and-release fishery. Last updated 5/1/24.
TENMILE LAKES/TENMILE CREEK: steelhead, trout, bass
The water temperature in Tenmile Lakes is in the low to mid 60s. Some largemouth bass are starting to spawn while others are transitioning to the spawning areas. Multiple types of lures will work for catching bass in shallow water like squarebill crankbaits, Senkos, and jigs.
Trout fishing in rivers and streams will reopen May 22. Trout fishing in the lakes is open year-round. A few anglers have been trolling for trout in Tenmile Lake. This time of the year, trout tend to be closer to the water surface feeding on emerging insects. Last updated 5/15/24.
UMPQUA HIKE-IN LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout
Hike-in lakes are still mostly inaccessible. Anglers are encouraged to report their fishing trips to help guide future stocking rates.
Stocking these lakes will be a volunteer backpacking and horsepacking activity tentatively scheduled for mid-July. Prospective volunteers should contact Levi.m.simmons@odfw.oregon.gov for more information. Last updated 4/3/23.
UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: Steelhead, Chinook, surfperch, bass, shad
The mainstem water conditions are looking good for anglers this weekend that are pursuing spring Chinook. Anglers have been catching a few spring Chinook throughout the mainstem.
A few anglers have started to fish for shad. As the water drops angler success should improve.
Some anglers have started fishing for early season bass, and reportedly getting some large smallmouth. Early warm days are a great chance to catch some great bass. There is no bag limit on bass caught in the Umpqua. There are a few reports of some striped bass being caught in the lower sections.
There is NO HARVEST OF WILD ADULT OR JACK SPRING CHINOOK in the Umpqua this year. The river remains open for hatchery Chinook through June 1. Fall seasons have not yet been finalized. Last updated 5/15/24.
UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead, Chinook
Steelhead season is winding down quickly. There should still be some around, but very few hatchery steelhead can be found on the North Umpqua. Spring Chinook are crossing Winchester Dam daily, so angling should be improving. There are a few reports of some springers being caught in the Swiftwater area recently.
There is NO HARVEST OF WILD ADULT OR JACK SPRING CHINOOK in the Umpqua this year. There is a telemetry project on spring Chinook this year and any Chinook caught with a radio tag in it must be released. This will include a few hatchery fish. Last updated 5/8/24.
UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: steelhead
The South closes to all angling May 1 and will reopen May 22 for trout and bass fishing. Last updated 5/1/24.
WILLOW LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, black crappie, brown bullhead, yellow perch
Willow Lake offers fishing for trout and a variety of warmwater species in a beautiful setting. Willow is now 100 percent full offering plenty of open water to fish as the weather clears up a bit. Willow Lake was stocked again recently with 4,000 legal-size rainbow trout and fishing should be good.
For more information on camping and day use please visit the Jackson County Parks website or call 541-774-8183.
Anglers catching illegally introduced yellow perch are always encouraged to take as many of these as they want. This illegal introduction has only resulted in stunted perch and negative impacts to the bass and trout fishery in this lake and numerous others around the Southwest District. Last updated 4/17/24.
Regulation Updates
Regulation updates as of January 17, 2024.
The following regulations reflect changes or additions to the permanent regulations listed in the 2023 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. All other permanent regulations remain in effect. Please see e-regulations.
As part of the wild coho salmon aggregate bag limit, no more than 5 wild coho salmon may be harvested per year in the Northwest and Southwest Zones with open wild coho salmon fisheries. Wild coho jacks may only be retained on days open to adult wild coho retention.
Hatchery steelhead, hatchery coho salmon, pink salmon, and sockeye salmon, may be retained as part of the adult and jack salmon daily bag limit in all Southwest Zone waters that are currently open to angling for Chinook salmon or steelhead, except as specified in Exceptions.
Aggregate: The total number of fish or shellfish in a bag limit. Generally used where several species make up a combined bag limit, or where a single species bag limit is set for the combined harvest from a specified group of water bodies.
North Umpqua River
Feb 1 - Jun 30: Retention of wild Chinook salmon (adult and jack) is prohibited.
Umpqua River (Mainstem)
Feb 1 - Jun 30: Retention of wild Chinook salmon (adult and jack) is prohibited.
For more information, contact you local ODFW office:
- Central Point, Rogue Watershed District (541) 826-8774
- Charleston Field Office (541) 888-5515
- Roseburg Umpqua Watershed District Office (541) 440-3353
- Gold Beach Field Office (541) 247-7605