Fishing Report - Southwest Zone (2024)

June 5, 2024‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

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Announcements

Proposed fall coastal salmon seasons‌

The 2024 coastal fall salmon seasons for wild Chinook and coho will be similar to last year under ODFW staff proposals. The Commission will consider these proposals at their June 14 meeting in Chiloquin. Find more information here. ‌

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

Boat and float tube anglers fishing near the dam have reportedly caught bass and crappie recently. As warmwater fish have started spawning in the shallows, bank anglers have been successful as well. 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 6/5/24.‌

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

Applegate's reservoir level is currently at 1,982 feet. Check up-to-date reservoir levels here, or call the Army Corps of Engineers at 800-472-2434 for flow and temperature information.‌

All boat ramps are open as well as Hart-Tish. Fishing has been good at Applegate throughout the lake with boat anglers picking up larger fish but there are plenty of options for bank anglers that will produce fish. Fishing near the dam and at the upper end of the lake where the tributaries enter are good bets. Powerbait, night crawlers and spinners are all good techniques. ‌

Bass fishing has also been productive for anglers fishing around submerged trees and boulders. 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 6/5/24.‌

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. Bass should be getting active on warm days. The lake was stocked with legal rainbows the week of May 22. Last update 6/5/24.‌

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. As water temperatures climb in the main river, anglers willing to do a little rugged exploring should try fishing higher in the watershed or some of the larger tributaries to find cutthroat. Last updated 6/5/24.‌

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

The reservoir was last stocked the week of May 22 with legal-size rainbows. Bass fishing should also be good. Last updated 6/5/24.‌

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. The river levels came up with the rain we received earlier this week, but trout anglers are still reporting good fishing for cutthroat trout using spinners in the larger Coos Basin rivers. Last updated 6/5/24.‌

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. Anglers did well this last weekend catching some nice rainbows in the 15-inch range.‌

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 6/5/24.‌

ELK RIVER: cutthroat trout‌

This is a good time of year to do a little exploring in the upper river. The upper river is mainly public property with ample access from the road that parallels the river. Fly-fishing and using spinners are both effective. Last updated 6/5/24.‌

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

Emigrant is 73 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 nice smallmouth at Emigrant recently. Lures have included a Rage Tail Craw, a Keitech Swing Impact soft bait, and a Ned Rig Craw Colored Senko. Expect warmwater fishing to continue to be good now that summer is here.‌

In addition to warmwater fish, Emigrant has been stocked with 1,000 legal-size trout a few times in the last month and fishing for these fish and holdover trout has been good. 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 6/5/24. ‌

EMPIRE LAKE: trout, bluegill, bass‌

Trout anglers are still catching an occasional trout in Empire Lakes. Fishing is best in the mornings before the wind starts to pick up. ‌

There are decent size largemouth bass cruising the edges of the weedlines in Lower Empire Lake. Fishing topwater lures early in the morning or a Senko anytime of the day is a good way to catch bass. Last updated 6/5/24.‌

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.‌

Fishing for warmwater species has picked up at Expo recently and there are large bass present so trying for bass, bluegill or crappie should bring some results.‌

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.‌

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 6/5/24.‌

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout, spring Chinook ‌

Fish Lake is 72 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 a few weeks ago. 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 6/5/24.‌

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. Anglers are reporting catching 14- to 18-inch trout consistently. ‌

Techniques include using a green wedding ring spiked with a nightcrawler piece behind a small egg sinker still fishing and trolling. Powerbait, night crawlers and spinners have also been productive. Numerous other anglers reported success over the weekend at Howard so fishing continues to be great for trout enthusiasts. Last updated 6/5/24.‌

HYATT LAKE: trout, largemouth bass ‌

Hyatt is currently 61 percent full. Anglers may want to consider a trip to Hyatt this weekend as numerous limits of 15-18 inch holdover trout were caught last weekend during the kids fishing derby. Powerbait, night crawlers and spinners have all been productive. Boat anglers had success in the deeper water and bank anglers did well fishing near the dam. ‌

The only boat ramp currently open at Hyatt is the un-improved ramp at Wildcat Campground. Last updated 6/5/24.‌

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. No recent reports from anglers. Last updated 6/5/24.‌

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 are more active with the warm weather.‌

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 6/3/24.‌

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. Water temperatures will be picking up through June, so anglers fishing in the morning or evening may do a little better. Access to the pond is mainly on private property, so anglers should respect the right to fish the pond. Last updated 6/5/24.‌

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 last 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 6/5/24.‌

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 is open from Humbug Mt to OR/CA Border. The mark-selective coho season from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA Border starts on June 15. Ocean salmon anglers are catching several coho (which must be released) but are having a little harder time finding Chinook salmon to keep 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 6/5/24. ‌

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

Rain and cooler weather improved river conditions early in the week. Hotter weather later in the week will likely increase river temperatures making early morning the best time to try and catch a spring Chinook. A few summer steelhead are moving through the lower river, but very few anglers target steelhead this time of year. Anglers should check the zone they are fishing as regulations vary by area. Last updated 6/5/24. ‌

Rogue River, middle: steelhead, trout, Chinook‌

Flow in Grants Pass is about 2,700 cfs with a water temperature of around 61F. ‌

Spring Chinook continue to move through in pods and reports indicate a lot more fish are on the way 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. Kwikfish and back bouncing roe have been successful techniques recently.‌

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 6/5/24.‌

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 two weeks ago and a lot more have shown up since then 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 couple of weeks. Also, late last week approximately 400 adult hatchery spring Chinook were recycled back into the fishery at the Gold Hill boat ramp to provide anglers another opportunity to catch a bright spring Chinook in the upper Rogue. ‌

The release from Lost Creek is 2,800 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 6/5/24.‌

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 to upper 60s this past weekend. Largemouth bass can be caught in shallow water along weedlines and near submerged wood. The majority of the largemouth bass are done spawning and are in post spawning patterns. ‌

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 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. As water temperatures warm the trout tend to move deeper in the water column. Last updated 6/5/24. ‌

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 getting low and warm, so fishing for Chinook has slowed. ‌

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 6/5/24.‌

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. 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 opened May 22 for trout and bass fishing. Trout fishing is catch-and-release only. Anglers can catch lots of smallmouth bass in sections with some cover for them to hide. Last updated 6/5/24.‌

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.