SW Oregon Fishing Report – The Guide's Forecast

ODF&W Offers Us The Best Insight This Week, As Our Quest For A SW Oregon Writer Continues…

Here is the best from ODF&W’s recreation report:

Free Fishing Weekend

This Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 13-14) is Free Fishing Weekend in Oregon. That means you can fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon – anywhere that’s open to fishing, crabbing and clamming – with no license, endorsements or validations needed. Check out nearby locations in Medford and Roseburg.

FISHING UPDATES

LAKES, PONDS, RESERVOIRS

With the onset of winter-like weather – rain and cooler temperatures – trout fishing will slow as fish start to lay low. Look for trout in shallower waters during the warmest parts of the day.

While bass and other warmwater fish don’t go fully dormant in the cold months, fishing slows significantly.

Lakes and ponds to fish this week:

For Free Fishing Weekend, Lake Selmac (Selma) and Reinhardt Volunteer Park pond in Grants Pass will be a great places to take the family fishing for rainbow trout this weekend as they will be stocked late this week. 2/10/21
Lost Creek and Willow lakes are good bets for trout fishing. Both have good boat access. 2/10/21
Cooper Creek Reservoir can be a great place to pick up some trout or bass. Cooler weather will keep the crowds away, but the fish are still willing to bite for the right angler. 1/20/21

RIVERS AND STREAMS

Trout fishing on most rivers and streams closed Oct. 31.

All tributaries to larger river systems such as the Rogue, Applegate and Illinois are closed to fishing, unless noted in the regulations exceptions section of the SW Zone.

Rivers in the Coos and Coquille basin are at very fishable levels.

Local fish biologist Mike Gray offers these video tips for winter steelhead fishing in the Coos, Coquille and Tenmile systems.

Rivers and streams to fish this week:

Water conditions in the Chetco, Elk and Winchuck rivers are prime for winter steelhead fishing. Local fish biologist Steve Mazur in Gold Beach offers these video tips for winter steelhead fishing in south coast rivers. 2/3/21
Middle Rogue around Galice would be a good place to target half-pounders. Summer fish are still around, and will be colored up and down migrating. Winter fish are still few and far between in the Middle Rogue but are showing. 2/3/2021
Rivers in the Umpqua should be a good bet until Sunday when a lot of rain is in the forecast. Anglers are tying into a few nice-size fish. 1/27/21

RECENTLY STOCKED

Where’s the stocking schedule?

Our plans to begin posting the trout stocking schedule have been scrambled by last summer’s wildfires in the state. Several state-owned hatcheries were damaged in the fires, and thousands of fish were lost or released early.

It will take us a while to re-figure the current schedule to reflect these changes.

In the meantime, check the waterbody updates for recent stocking activity.

TROUT STOCKING MAPS: Find your place to fish

Check out the ODFW fishing and trout stocking maps to find nearby fishing locations, driving directions and descriptions of amenities.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: closures, special events, etc.

Ice fishing safety

With several water bodies beginning to ice over, anglers need to be cautious during first-ice conditions. Take the following precautions: use the “buddy system,” wear a PFD in case of thin ice, carry a throw-rope, and use a heavy metal staff to check for thin-ice. The Minnesota DNR has developed guidelines for ice thickness and other safety tips.

Umpqua winter steelhead study

Anglers who catch a hatchery winter steelhead in the Umpqua Basin are being asked to turn in the snouts from those fish. Some of these snouts contain small tags. Anglers who turn in snouts that contain these tags will be entered into a raffle for a $50 gift card. Snouts may be turned in at barrels located around the basin, Sportsman’s Warehouse in Roseburg, or the Roseburg ODFW office. Tags obtained from the fish will inform ODFW on the best release strategy for juveniles to provide the most fish back to anglers in the future.

Tips to recreate responsibly

We continue to urge anglers and others recreating outside to stay close to home, keep your social distance, and travel safely. Here’s more information about how to recreate responsibly.

UPDATES BY WATERBODY

AGATE LAKE: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, bullheads, yellow perch

Agate Lake is on the rise and is at 39 percent capacity. Look for muddy water, but an accessible boat ramp. Boat ramp and day-use facilities here are open and managed by Jackson County Parks. There is a 10mph speed limit on this reservoir.

Agate Lake has a good population of black crappie and introduced yellow perch, as well as brown bullhead. Last updated 2/3/21.

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: trout

French Gulch boat ramp is usable but may be muddy.

The reservoir is 19.53 percent full with an elevation of 1,901.75 ft. Surface temperatures are in the low 40s. Anglers can get the latest surface temperatures by calling the US Army Corps Lost Creek Lake and Applegate Reservoir projects information line at 1-800-472-2434. Last updated 2/10/21.

APPLEGATE RIVER: winter steelhead, trout

The majority of the winter steelhead do not typically show in the Applegate River until March. However, with more rain forecast later this week and weekend, fish should be moving. Most of the fish still being caught are likely small summer-run steelhead, but there are reports of some winter fish being caught last weekend. Zero winter fish have shown at the trap near the dam so far.

The Applegate is open to the retention of hatchery winter steelhead and hatchery rainbow trout. Wild steelhead and trout must be released immediately and unharmed. It is illegal to fish from a floating device on the Applegate, but bait is allowed.

Anglers should do their part to harvest and remove non-local pikeminnow they encounter on the Applegate River. All tributaries are closed below Applegate Dam, except Glade Creek. Tributaries upstream of Applegate reservoir are open year-round for trout and bait is allowed.

Releases from the reservoir have been dropping this week from 600cfs last week to approximately 400 cfs this week. Water conditions are very good with the Wilderville gage was reading 1800 cfs on Wednesday morning and looking to crest shortly. It should be dropping the rest of the week and be around 700 cfs by the weekend. Most anglers tend to fish from the bank. If choosing to float, a small pontoon boat or inflatable kayak is the preferred method for navigating to public parcels along the Applegate. Remember, fishing from the boat itself is not allowed. Flows from 600-1000 are ideal conditions for floating and generally good water conditions for winter steelhead.

There is good bank access around the Hwy 199 bridge, Fish Hatchery Park, Cantrall Buckley Park, upstream of Murphy, and near McKee Bridge. There are also scatterings of BLM lands in the upper river around McKee Bridge. You can check the flows on the Applegate when planning a trip. Last updated 2/10/21.

ARIZONA POND: rainbow trout

The pond was stocked over the holidays, but anglers may still find a few trout milling around. The pond is still pretty weedy, but with the cooler weather some of the vegetation may start dying back.

Oregon State Parks manages Arizona Pond for anglers ages 17 and under. This is a great place for new anglers to learn fishing techniques. Last updated 1/27/21.

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

It’s looking cold and wet for the weekend at Ben Irving, which means anglers will enjoy a quite trip to the lake. Fishing can still be good for anglers who exercise some patience. Last updated 1/27/21.

CHETCO RIVER: winter steelhead

Slow. High flows last week kept anglers home, while steelhead have continued to move into tributaries and the upper watershed out of reach of anglers. Although it has been a slow start to the season, catch rates picked up quite a bit before the most recent rains events. Anglers can expect excellent fishing conditions by the weekend or early next week. Last updated 2/3/21.

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

Cooler dry weather will make the trip to Cooper a little nicer than the rain. There should be some trout and salmon juvies around for the willing angler.

Beginning in 2016, Cooper has been stocked with coho and Chinook salmon juveniles (20,000 coho in 2019). These are often mistaken for kokanee. Anglers may retain up to 5 salmon juveniles in the reservoir as part of their daily trout bag limit. Please remember to release salmon and trout less than 8 inches.Last updated 1/20/21.

COOS RIVER BASIN: marine perch species, steelhead

Fishing for rockfish and lingcod in lower Coos Bay estuary has been good for anglers fishing along the jetty and submerged rock structures. Smaller jigs with a twister tail or 1-ounce jigging spoons have been working to catch rockfish. The daily bag limit for marine fish is 6, which includes a one fish sub-bag limit for China, copper and quillback rockfish. Anglers can still harvest 2 lingcod per day.

The winter steelhead fishing has been slower than normal but anglers are still catching a few fish. The Coos Basin steelhead rivers are currently dropping and at very fishable levels. The West Fork Millicoma is currently low and very clear, which will make the steelhead extremely spooky. It looks like there are very few 2-salt steelhead returning this year, these fish typically make up the large portion of the run each winter.

There is good but typically crowded public access at the Millicoma Interpretive Center on the West Fork Millicoma River and at Nesika Park on the East Fork Millicoma River. There is lots of bank access on the South Fork Coos River but anglers fishing above Dellwood will need a fishing permit from Weyerhaeuser.

Trout fishing in streams and rivers is now closed until May 22. Last updated 2/10/21.

Local fish biologist Mike Gray in Charleston offers these video tips for bank fishing the East Fork Millicoma River.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: steelhead

The Coquille Basin steelhead rivers are currently at very fishable levels. Steelhead fishing in the Coquille Basin has been slow but anglers are catching a few fish each day. It looks like there are very few 2-salt steelhead returning this year, these fish typically make up the large portion of the run each winter. The North Fork Coquille is currently low and clear while the South Fork Coquille has a good green color to the upper river. Last updated 2/10/21.

DIAMOND LAKE: trout

It sounds like anglers are still tying into a few. The lake should be frozen over, but always follow ice fishing safety tips.

Anglers should check with the Umpqua National Forest (541-498-2531) for information on camps and ramps. Seasonal closures are occurring for campgrounds and boat launches. Anglers can check fishing and water conditions at Diamond Lake on the Diamond Lake Resort Facebook page, or call 541-793-3333 for updates. Diamond Lake is open year-round.

Diamond Lake has been stocked with tiger and brown trout. 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 1/27/21.

ELK RIVER: winter steelhead

Recent rains should make for excellent fishing conditions. Anglers were doing pretty good on steelhead late last week. Last updated 2/3/21.

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

The RV Park is open but tent camping is closed for the season. All boat ramps are currently unusable due to extremely low reservoir levels. There is very little fishing pressure here.

For more information on park facilities closures visit the Jackson County Parks website.

The reservoir continues to slowly rise and is at 5 percent – still barely a puddle. Clarity shouldn’t be bad unless the reservoir makes a dramatic bump with some of the low elevation snow melt. Last updated 2/3/21.

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

Day use permits are required. No trout are planned to be stocked here until March 2021.

Any fishing here would be better in the late afternoon as water temperatures warm up. If you have access to personal watercraft, trout fishing can be best along the steep, blackberry-laden bank.

Chinese mystery snails are present here in the most northern pond. Please do not move these creatures and drain and dry any personal water craft before using them in another waterbody. Last updated 2/3/21.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout, spring Chinook

Fish Lake Cabins are currently available. The lodge and café are still closed. It’s best to call ahead to confirm their most current status of the lodge and café: 541-949-8500 or check their Facebook page. It was snowing on Wednesday.

Ice fishing has been good. Folks should still be extremely careful if venturing out on the ice, particularly if weather warms up this weekend. Ice was last reported at around 12 inches thick. Anglers are reminded that a human-made ice hole can be no larger than 12 inches in diameter or length.

The Hwy 140 webcam at Lake of the woods will give you a good idea of the road conditions. Anglers are reminded that a Snow Park permit is necessary if parking around Fish Lake.

Fish Lake was stocked with trophy trout in early October, and fall fingerling tiger trout.

More information on National Forest Developed recreation sites and campground closures for the Rogue Siskiyou Forest please visit here.

Anglers have been catching some nice tiger trout as of late. Tiger Trout should be immediately released unharmed. Anglers are encouraged to report their catch to Rogue Fish District Staff 541-826-8774 ext. 72411 Last updated 2/3/21.

FLORAS LAKE: rainbow trout, cutthroat trout

No recent fishing reports. Last updated 12/23/20.

GALESVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass

The reservoir is on the rise, which might get the fish moving.

Call 541-837-3302 for information on camping and boat launching conditions. Check out the Lake Level Gage for more information.

In Galesville Reservoir, all landlocked salmon 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 2/10/21.

GARRISON LAKE: trout

The winter months can be a good time to fish the lake. A lot of times, this is the only place to fish when the rivers and creeks are too high and muddy to fish. Bank anglers can find access at the 12^th street or Pinehurst boat ramps and off Paradise Point Road. The lake can be very windy so anglers will want to check the weather before heading out. Last updated 12/9/20.

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

With this week’s weather, reaching the lakes might be a little more difficult due to snow. Fish will be more a challenge as well if the lake is partially frozen.

The USFS has closed the campgrounds at these sites due to COVID-19. Anglers should be able to access the lakes from other areas. Anglers should check with the Umpqua National Forest (541-496-3532) for information on camp and ramp closures.

Anglers fishing the high lakes in the Umpqua District are encouraged to e-mail fishing reports. Remember to only keep trout at least 8 inches long, and only one trout over 20 inches per day. Last updated 1/27/21.

HOWARD PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass

Expect a sunny cold weekend and ice on the water. No reports on ice thickness, but it is likely not safe enough to walk on.

There is a Hwy 66 and Hyatt Lake Rd webcam that may help if you’re planning an adventure up here to cross country ski or snowshoe. Fishing is probably off the table for now. We recommend using Dead Indian Memorial Rd. to access Howard Prairie as the road between Hyatt and Howard has much more snow on it. There is a Jackson County webcam at the Dead Indian Memorial Summit.

All campgrounds and facilities are currently closed until further notice. More information on facilities can be found on Jackson County Parks website.

The reservoir is hovering at 8 percent full. Last updated 1/27/21.

HUNTER CREEK: winter steelhead

Anglers are finding steelhead scattered through the watershed, but a slide in the upper watershed has made for tougher fishing conditions after it rains. Last updated 1/25/21.

HYATT LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass

The ice at Hyatt is likely not thick enough to safely ice fish. Rather this is more of a destination for a winter weekend adventure. Hyatt Lake Resort is open, serving food to go. Check out their Facebook page for more information or call the resort: 877-411-5545. There are a number of groomed cross-country trails in the area as well and the Table Mountain snow park. Visitors should have a USFS snow park pass.

The Mountain View boat ramp and all federal and state campgrounds are closed and inaccessible.

There is a Hwy 66 and Hyatt Lake Rd webcam that may help you if you are planning an adventure up here. Also, ODOT trip check is worth looking at. Last updated 1/27/21.

ILLINOIS RIVER: winter steelhead

Expect rising river over the weekend. There may be little windows between storms when the river is plateauing or dropping. Fishing has been quite slow out here this year on the various creels. Fish are being caught when conditions are right, but success is low. The scenery is about as good as it gets though.

Wild steelhead may be harvested if they are over 24 inches long and caught between Klondike Creek and Fall Creek, or from 400 feet above Illinois Falls to Pomeroy Dam. Only 1 may be kept per day and 3 per calendar year, zone-wide. Additionally, it’s illegal to fish 200 feet below the fishway at Pomeroy Dam. The river and tributaries above Pomeroy are always closed to fishing.

There is good public bank access along 8 Dollar Rd. just north of Kerby, and Illinois River Rd. outside of Selma, all the way downstream to Miami Bar. Most anglers fish along the road, or choose to hike in at various trailheads along the river.

Check the USGS Kerby guage which provides up to date river flow information. Flows about 2500-1000 are pretty ideal conditions especially with a dropping river. This weekend’s low and clear flows will call for small natural looking presentations if drifting yarn balls or jigs under an indicator. You can always go bold too and throw a big ‘ol intruder and just might have it work out. Last updated 2/10/21.

LAKE SELMAC (Selmac Lake): trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie

Selmac Lake will receive it’s first stocking of 5,000 legal rainbow trout later this week. Just in time for Free Fishing Weekend! PowerBait off the bottom, or threaded nightcrawlers under a bobber are tried and true methods. Spinners will work too but watch for snags and vegetation.

All the aquatic weeds at Selmac have died off and water conditions look clear.

Lake Selmac facilities operated by Josephine County Parks are currently open. More information about Josephine County Parks can be found on their website.

Lake Selmac also has a recent non-native introduction of a bryozoan. Bryozoans are mossy like creatures that usually help to clean water and that are not typically harmful to humans. However, this particular species has been known to harbor a disease that can be transmitted to salmon and steelhead. Please drain and dry your vessel if you are going to another water body and help stop Oregon’s aquatic hitchhikers!

Anglers are reminded that only 1 bass may be harvested from Selmac per day. Last updated 2/10/21.

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee

Anglers should check with the Umpqua National Forest (541-498-2531) for information on camp and ramp closures. Contact the resort at 541-643-0750 for weather/road conditions and additional information. The latest info is that both the resort and the campgrounds are closed

Snow may make accessing the lake difficult unless you have a snowmobile. Fishing will likely pickup in the spring. Kokanee in Lemolo are considered trout and fall under the daily limit for trout of 5 per day, with only one of those measuring over 20 inches. Last update 1/27/21.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass

The Takelma ramp is currently the only ramp open and usable. Expect some cloudy skies and maybe even the sun on Friday and Saturday. Sunday should see showers return.

Lost Creek Reservoir was last stocked with legal and trophy trout in late September and early October. Anglers have reported good success, still fishing off the bottom with a suspended nightcrawler. A small piece of marshmallow works well to float your nightcrawler just enough. Powerbait also will work. Trolling a wedding ring tipped with a nightcrawler and sliding egg sinker above your wedding ring leader is a very effective setup here as well.

Also, don’t be afraid to row if you have a small boat to change up the presentation. Try target still fishing near the dam or near the marina. Fishing up the Lost Creek arm back down toward the Peninsula toward Takelma ramp is also a good line if trolling. You can get to this reach if bank fishing by taking the trail near the Takelma boat ramp.

The lake is about 51 percent full with an elevation of 1,822.15 feet and 43-degree surface temperature.

Anglers can get the latest surface temperatures by calling the US Army Corps Lost Creek Lake and Applegate Reservoir projects information line at 1-800-472-2434. Last updated 2/10/21.

MEDCO POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill

Medco Pond is at 3,054 feet elevation and located between Butte Falls and Prospect. No recent reports here. Friday and Saturday should see partly cloudy conditions, with scattered showers into early next week. Bluegill fishing will be pretty tough with the cold weather, but they are found here close to shore. Try fishing a nightcrawler under a bobber later in the day.

Medco Pond is a private pond and access can be revoked at any time. Medco recently received 15,000 fall fingerling trout that should overwinter and be catchable size by the spring. To help keep access open, anglers should make sure to pick up their trash, as well as other trash when they are there. The owners of Medco have restricted vehicle access to along the roadway because of vandals and dumpers. If you see someone doing something that may risk access for everyone, please let ODFW know. Last updated 2/3/21.

PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: bottomfish, surfperch

Bottom fishing is open to all depths. Fishing has been good when anglers can get out on the ocean with anglers catching some big lingcod. The daily bag limit for marine fish is 6 fish, which includes a one fish sub-bag limit for China, copper, and quillback rockfish. Anglers can still harvest 2 lingcod per day. Anglers must release all cabezon through June.

Anglers may also choose to fish the offshore longleader fishery outside of the 40-fathom regulatory line, which is open year-round. The longleader fishery has a daily bag limit of 10 fish made of yellowtail, widow, canary, blue, deacon, redstripe, greenstripe, silvergray, chillipepper, and bocaccio rockfish. No other groundfish are allowed and offshore longleader fishing trips cannot be combined with traditional bottomfish, flatfish or halibut trips. Find information about a longleader setup here.

Fishing for surfperch is starting to pick up on many of the Oregon beaches. Anglers have been catching surfperch when the ocean swells are calmer using sand shrimp or Berkley Gulp sand worms. Last updated 2/10/21.

2021 Sport Bottomfish Seasons

PISTOL RIVER: winter steelhead

Steelhead are scattered throughout the watershed, but the river has been pretty colored up even after an extended dry period, which has kept fishing pressure pretty low. Last updated 1/27/21.

PLAT I RESERVOIR: bass, trout

Wet and cold weather may make fishing a little slow, but hunting might be better. Anglers could consider a “Cast and Blast” On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through Jan. 31, when the reservoir is open to waterfowl hunting. Anglers could cast a line while waiting for ducks to come in.

Plat I offers some of the best disabled access in the area. Last updated 1/27/21

Reinhardt Volunteer Park pond:trout, bass

This week Reinhardt is scheduled to receive its first stocking of legal rainbow trout for the season. It is also Free Fishing Weekend, so this would be a great time to get the family out. A simple setup of a nightcrawler under a bobber, or a dime size piece of PowerBait fished off the bottom is a good bet. Last updated 2/10/21

ROGUE RIVER

Rogue River, lower: winter steelhead

Boat and bank anglers are regularly picking up steelhead. Most boat anglers are anchoring and running plugs, but a few boats are side drifting. Rains last week blew the river out, but anglers can expect excellent fishing conditions as water drops into shape. Last updated 1/3/21.

When water levels are high, plunking can be a good technique on the lower Rogue. Here are some gear and technique video tips for plunking on the Rogue.

Rogue River, middle: Chinook salmon, hatchery coho, steelhead, rainbow trout

Wild steelhead can now be retained in the whole Rogue basin, as long as the fish is a minimum of 24 inches long. Only 1 wild fish per day, and 3 per year zone wide in aggregate may be kept.

Limited reports of winter fish showing in the fishery. There are still half pounders and summer steelhead in the area, but summer fish are colored up or down running. Please handle them nicely. If fishing for half-pounders, anglers are reminded that only hatchery trout may be retained.

Throwing soft beads, drifting night crawlers or a small yarn ball or bit of roe would be the baits of choice. If fishing flies, dark flies or an intruder with pink, blue or red would be good choices. Fishing globugs or small nymphs under an indicator is also a very effective for fly-anglers.

Last week there were good reports of fish in the Gold Beach and Agness area. Some should be trickling into the Galice area. Last week some nice winter fish were also caught in the Grants Pass area on plugs from drift boats. Early this week, that same float produced nothing out of five boats.

Locally-owned and operated tackle stores in Grants Pass have excellent gear and very fresh bait that is specific to the Rogue and to your particular technique. Go check them out and offer them support during this time.

It is illegal to snag and keep a snagged fish, whether it’s wild or hatchery! Report violations to Oregon State Police by calling *OSP.

Look for the Rogue to bump up with 2 storms forcast for Thursday and Saturday. Friday and Sunday should see level or dropping river flow. By Sunday the flow is forcast to be around 4700 cfs. As of Wednesday mid-day, the flow in Grants Pass was slowly dropping at approximately 1,950 cfs and rising, and temperature in the low 40s.

For those interested in checking conditions before getting on the river, the City of Grants Pass Water Division’s websiteoffers information on river conditions at Grants Pass as well as a link to a river camera. Anglers can check all the USGS gaging stations, which have the most current temperatures and river flows here. Last updated 2/10/21.

Rogue River, upper: steelhead, rainbow trout

Wild steelhead can now be retained in the entire Rogue basin, as long as the fish is a minimum of 24 inches long. Only 1 wild fish per day, and 3 per year SW Zone wide in aggregate may be kept. Wild trout must still be released.

Trout anglers are especially encouraged to harvest adipose-fin clipped trout in the upper reach of river. Some really nice early winter steelhead have been caught above Elk River area and up at the Hatchery Hole, but they are few and far between.

As of Feb. 9, six new summer steelhead entered the hatchery, bringing the total to 1,808 summer fish for the year. Zero winter steelhead entered the ladder.

This week’s collection was completed prior to the recreation report deadline. The collection pond is typically sorted on Wednesdays, and new numbers are typically available to the public later in the week. Call into the Lost Creek Reservoir hotline or check the MyODFW.com fish counts page.

For the most current releases of water out of Lost Creek Reservoir, call 1-800-472-2434. For real time streamflow from USGS gauges on the Rogue click here. Last updated 2/10/21.

Rogue River, above Lost Creek Reservoir: trout

No recent fishing reports. Expect significant snow for the weekend. As of Wednesday morning, the Hwy 62 webcam at Union Creek showed bare pavement. Check this before heading up. It may be worth a stop for a cast or two if folks are heading to Diamond Lake to ice fish, but certainly not a destination fishery at this time, except for the scenery.

More information on Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest lands can be found on their website or calling the RRSNF office.

This reach was stocked from Prospect to Minehaha creek with 3,000 rainbow trout every week from Memorial Day through Labor Day. All tributaries above Lost Creek Reservoir are open year round with a 5 trout limit.

With very cold water, presentation is usually the key, get your bait down and free drifting with as little drag as possible. Also plan on fishing later in the day when temperatures may be warmer. Last updated 2/10/21.

SIXES RIVER: winter steelhead

When river conditions have allowed, anglers are doing fairly well. Sixes is best fished from a boat as bank anglers have limited access. Last updated 1/25/21.

SMITH RIVER, Umpqua: steelhead

The Smith might be on the rise for the weekend if the weather is warm enough. There should be a good number of fish throughout the river right now

Trout season is closed until May 22.

The Smith sees only light pressure for most of the season and can provide a great experience for anglers looking to get away from the crowds. Last updated 2/10/21.

SPALDING POND: rainbow trout

Spalding pond recently received its fall fingerling releases. These fish should grow all winter and be ready to catch next spring. There should be trout around. This area is within the Forest Service Wild Rivers Ranger District. Last updated 10/7/20.

TENMILE LAKES/TENMILE CREEK: steelhead, largemouth bass

Steelhead fishing continues to be slow on Tenmile Creek. Eel Creek is now open to steelhead fishing.

Largemouth bass in Tenmile Lakes can be found in deeper water around submerged cover. Water temperatures have been in the upper 40s so anglers will want to slow down their presentation. Last updated 2/10/21.

UMPQUA HIKE-IN LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

Some areas of the Umpqua National Forest are closed currently due to wildfire impacts in the area. It appears most of the high lakes and forebays were not impacted by the fires directly. Anglers should check with the Umpqua National Forest (541-498-2531) for updates.

Most of the lakes are likely a little snowy this time of year and may not be accessible except by snowmobile. Lakes typically accessible from hiking trails and that were stocked in the last couple years are: Calamut, Connie, Bullpup, Fuller, Cliff, Buckeye, Maidu, Pitt, Wolfe and Skookum lakes.

Clearwater Forebay Two can be a great place to fish as well with brook trout and rainbow available.

Anglers fishing the high lakes in the Umpqua District are encouraged to e-mail fishing reports. Last updated 1/27/21.

UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: steelhead

In the later part of the weekend the river might come up, but it seems like the fishing is picking up. Don’t forget to turn in hatchery winter steelhead snouts for a chance to win a gift card (see note below.)

Bass fishing is likely going to slow with cold conditions.

Trout fishing is closed until the opener in May. Last updated 2/10/21.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead, trout

Access to the North Umpqua is limited with the closure of areas in the Umpqua National Forest and other lands near the forest.

Fishing seems to be picking up, but the river might be on the rise and that could slow things down for a bit. Remember to turn in snouts from hatchery fish for a chance to win a $50 gift card (see below).

Some of the North Umpqua and tributaries are open for trout (those above Slide Creek Dam). These areas may be tough to access during the winter months. Check the fishing regulations to see which areas are open.

Note that as of Oct 1, fishing in the fly water area is restricted to the use of a single, barbless, artificial fly. Last updated 2/10/21.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: winter Steelhead

Fishing seems to be picking up and some really big fish are being caught. Don’t forget to turn in snout from hatchery winter steelhead for a chance to win a gift card (see note below). Last updated 2/10/21.

NOTE: Umpqua winter steelhead study

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

No recent reports here. Expect rain for the weekend. If you’re not interested in heading to Lost Creek Lake, Willow may be a great alternative.

Campgrounds at Willow Lake are currently closed for the season, but boat ramps and day-use areas are open. Facilities at Willow Lake are managed by Jackson County. For more information please visit their website.

The lake is 74 percent full.

There are healthy numbers of illegally introduced yellow perch up here and anglers are always encouraged to take as many of these as they want. Last updated 2/10/21.

WINCHUCK RIVER: winter steelhead

Rain last week has greatly improved fishing conditions. Anglers will find steelhead scattered throughout the watershed. Last updated 2/3/21.