Southwest Zone

May 29, 2024‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

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Announcements

No spring Chinook in Umpqua in 2024‌

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

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 52F. 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. Hart-Tish Campground and boat ramp is now open as well. This weekend (free fishing) 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 5/22/24.‌

APPLEGATE RIVER below Applegate Dam:‌

The Applegate River opens May 22 for trout fishing. Only adipose fin clipped rainbow trout may be retained. All wild rainbow and cutthroat trout must be released unharmed. Consult the fishing regulations for more information. Last updated 5/22/24.‌

ARIZONA POND: rainbow trout‌

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. No additional trout will be stocked this season.‌

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 5/29/24.‌

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 was stocked with legal rainbows the week of May 22. Last update 5/29/24.‌

CHETCO RIVER: cutthroat trout‌

Cutthroat trout are scattered throughout the river. The best time to catch cutthroat is in the evening or early morning as they move to the head of pools to feed. Last updated 5/29/24.‌

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 the week of May 22 with legal-size rainbows. Bass fishing should also be good. Last updated 5/29/24.‌

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 opened in rivers and streams on May 22. Fishing is restricted to artificial flies and lures in streams above tidewater from May 22 – Aug. 31. Trout anglers are reporting good fishing for cutthroat trout using spinners in the larger Coos Basin rivers using. Last updated 5/29/24.‌

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: striped bass, shad, cutthroat trout‌

Striped bass anglers are fishing the upper mainstem Coquille River. Fishing for striped bass is typically poor when the striped bass spawn, which is typically in late May or June.‌

Anglers are reporting catching good size shad near the town of Coquille. ‌

Trout fishing opened in the rivers and streams on May 22. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures in streams above tidewater from May 22-August 31. Trout anglers will find good fishing in upper North Fork Coquille and upper East Fork Coquille rivers. Last updated 5/29/24.‌

DIAMOND LAKE: trout ‌

Anglers willing to confront the changing weather are catching fish. The south end ramp is open, but when last checked the dock was not in. ‌

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 5/22/24.‌

ELK RIVER: cutthroat trout‌

Trout fishing can be good this time of year as water temperatures are cool and the trout are actively feeding. Anglers that can move around and fish larger stretches of river will locate the water fish are holding in. Fly-fishing and using spinners are both effective. There is a lot of private property in the lower river. Last updated 5/29/24.‌

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

Emigrant is 77 percent full and water is now being released for irrigation season so the reservoir will now be decreasing. 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 5/29/24. ‌

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 0 percent full and anglers are fishing and catching limits. Additionally, Fish Lake has been stocked with 5,000 legal-size trout recently and was stocked again last week. Large trout and legals have been caught recently at Fish Lake so this weekend would be a good time to fish this lake. ‌

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 5/29/24.‌

FLORAS LAKE: trout‌

With warmer temperatures anglers fishing early morning or late evening are doing the best on both hatchery trout and cutthroat. This lake is best fished by boat as there is very limited bank access. There is an improved boat ramp at Boice Cope County Park near the outlet of Floras Lake. Before heading out, anglers will want to check the weather as this can be a very windy lake. Last updated 5/29/24.‌

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 the week of May 22 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 5/29/24.‌

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 12^th street boat ramp has an improved ramp and docks. Anglers will want to check the weather before heading out, as the lake can be very windy. Last updated 5/29/24.‌

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

Both Lake in the Woods and Hemlock Lake are accessible now. Hemlock Lake was stocked the week of May 22. No fishing report. Last updated 5/22/24. 5/29/24‌

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 this weekend for Free Fishing Weekend as 7,500 legal-sized trout have been stocked recently. Trout fishing was good at Hyatt over last weekend. Numerous boats reported catching fish and bank anglers have had success as well.‌

The only boat ramp currently open at Hyatt is the un-improved ramp at Wildcat Campground. Last updated 5/29/24.‌

The BLM boat ramp and the improvised ramp near the dam are now open so trailered boats can launch. Last updated 5/29/24.‌

ILLINOIS RIVER: ‌

The Illinois River opens May 22 for trout fishing. Only adipose fin clipped rainbow trout may be retained. All wild rainbow and cutthroat trout must be released unharmed. Consult the fishing regulations for more information and locations open to fishing as the East Fork and West Fork Illinois are CLOSED to angling. Last updated 5/22/24.‌

LAKE MARIE: rainbow trout, yellow perch‌

Lake Marie was stocked with rainbow trout the week of May 14. So the fishing should be good this week. No recent reports from anglers. Last updated 5/29/24.‌

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

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 will be stocked this week with legal rainbow trout. Contact Lemolo Lake Resort at 541-643-0750 for weather/road conditions and additional information. Last updated 5/29/24.‌

LIBBY POND: trout‌

Trout fishing has been pretty good for anglers. Most of the trout are being caught by fishing bait near the bottom. The pond is scheduled to be stocked again early June. Last updated 4/29/24.‌

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 again with legal-size trout in time for Free Fishing Weekend this coming weekend. 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 5/29/24.‌

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 slowed with boats picking up only a handful of fish each day. Starting June 1 anglers will be able to retain wild Chinook as part of their daily bag limit. Anglers should check the zone they are fishing as regulations vary by area. Last updated 5/29/24. ‌

Rogue River, middle: steelhead, trout, Chinook‌

Flow in Grants Pass is about 2,400 cfs with a water temperature of around 59F. ‌

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 opened back up May 22. Only adipose fin clipped rainbow trout may be retained. All wild rainbow and cutthroat trout must be released unharmed. Consult the fishing regulations for more information. ‌

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 5/29/24.‌

Rogue River, upper: steelhead, trout, Chinook‌

A very strong early season total of almost 2,000 hatchery spring Chinook have made it into the hatchery as of last week so now is a good time to try for a bright, early spring Chinook. Spring Chinook fishing has been good for both boat and bank fishing over the last weekend. ‌

The release from Lost Creek is 2,200 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. ‌

For up-to-date river levels, check all the USGS Rogue gauges here. Last updated 5/29/24.‌

Rogue River, above Lost Creek Reservoir: trout‌

The Rogue above Lost Creek is open for fishing and with flows dropping fishing has been good. Stocking has taken place but access to Minnehaha was blocked by downed trees so that site hasn't been stocked yet this year. Check with the Forest Service regarding open campgrounds.‌

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 5/22/24.‌

SIXES RIVER: cutthroat trout‌

Cutthroat are scattered throughout the river, but access is limited by public land. Spinners or fly-fishing are good ways to target these fish. Bait is not allowed upstream of tidewater. Good public access can be had at Cape Blanco State Park, but anglers will want to keep an eye on the weather as this can be a very windy spot and this area is also tidally influenced. Last updated 5/29/24.‌

SMITH RIVER, Umpqua: steelhead, trout, bass‌

Striped bass fishing should be good in the tidewater areas.‌

No recent reports from the Smith. The river upstream of Spencer Creek is open for catch-and-release trout angling with artificial flies and lures only. Closed for Steelhead above Spencer Cr. The mainstem above Sisters Cr.is open for trout 2 per day, 8-inch minimum length. Last updated 5/22/24.‌

TENMILE LAKES/TENMILE CREEK: steelhead, trout, bass‌

The water temperature in Tenmile Lakes is in the mid-60s this past weekend. Largemouth bass can be caught in shallow water along weedlines and near submerged wood. A few largemouth bass are still spawning while other fish are in the post-spawn. Topwater lures are starting to work for catching bass in the early mornings, late evening and in shaded areas during mid-day. Other lures that are working right now to catch bass are squarebill crankbaits, Senkos, and jigs. ‌

Trout fishing in rivers and streams will opened on May 22. Fishing is restricted to artificial flies and lures in streams above tidewater from May 22 – Aug. 31. 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 5/29/24. ‌

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 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.‌

Open for catch-and-release only for trout.‌

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 5/22/24.‌

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead, Chinook‌

A few summer Steelhead are crossing Winchester Dam but very few hatchery steelhead can be found on the North Umpqua. Spring Chinook are crossing Winchester Dam daily, so fishing should be improving. Anglers are having success in the Swiftwater area. ‌

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 5/29/24.‌

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: steelhead‌

The South reopened May 22 for trout and bass fishing. Trout fishing is catch-and-release only. Last updated 5/22/24.‌

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 and fishing for trout and warmwater fish has been good for boat and bank anglers recently. Willow Lake has been stocked numerous times this spring and these fish are providing a good opportunity for anglers.‌

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.