Fishing Report - Southwest Zone (2024)

Aug. 21, 2024‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

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Don't spread the problem, clean your boats and gear‌

A summer continues, weeds are becoming a problem in many area waterbodies. After a day of fun on the water, be sure to clean your boat and gear of weeds and other debris. Some of these weeds may be unwelcome invasives, and harbor other destructive hitchhikers such as New Zealand mud snails and zebra mussels. ‌

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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 Lake is 40 percent full and anglers fishing around the dam and in the middle of the lake continue to catch bass and crappie. As the lake drops bank anglers will find opportunities for more fish 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 8/21/24.

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

Applegate's reservoir level is currently at 1,942 feet or 57 percent full. Check up-to-date reservoir levelshere, 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 trolling and still fishing picking up larger fish but there are plenty of options for bank anglers that will produce fish. Fishing near the dam in deep water and at the upper end of the lake where the tributaries enter are good bets. Fish may spread out into shallower areas with the rain and cooler temperatures forecasted for the weekend. PowerBait, night crawlers and spinners are all good techniques.

One angler recently did well at Applegate using a night crawler without weight on the lake bottom and PowerBait with a 12-inch leader.

Bass fishing has also been productive for anglers fishing around submerged trees and boulders. Applegate has been stocked with 10,000 legal-sized trout numerous times this year and larger holdover trout are always available.

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 8/21/24.

APPLEGATE RIVER below Applegate Dam:

The Applegate River is open for trout fishing. This is mainly a catch-and-release fishery for cutthroat. Anglers will find them hanging out in the deep pools spread throughout the river but they're more numerous upstream of the town of Applegate where the water is colder. 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 7/3/24.

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

This should be a good time to fish Ben Irving. Mornings and on cloudy days should be the best time to catch some fish. Also look for areas that may have some cover for the fish. Last update 7/31/24.

CHETCO RIVER: cutthroat trout, Chinook

The regulations for the salmon in the Chetco River and mainstem until Sept. 1 are zone regulations. Starting Sept.1, the wild Chinook bag limit is reduced to 1 adult per day and 5 for the period. Anglers should always check for updated regulations prior to fishing. Last updated 8/31/24.

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

The reservoir was last stocked the week of May 22 with legal-size rainbows. Bass fishing should also be good. Early morning fishing should be more successful. Boat anglers are having the most success. Last updated 8/21/24.

COOS RIVER BASIN: bottomfish, cutthroat trout, salmon, surfperch

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. Anglers are allowed to harvest 1 cabezon per day as part of the general marine fish bag limit.

Salmon anglers are restricted to 2 wild Chinook per day and 10 for the season (July 1 – Dec. 31) in the Coos Basin. A few salmon anglers have been trolling in between the jetties and up the bay around the Chip Pile with limited success.

Boat anglers are catching walleye surfperch and pile surfperch using sand shrimp along old pilings or along the edges of eel grass beds.

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. With the recent hot weather river temperatures in the larger rivers/streams will be warm and the best fishing will be in the mornings when temperatures are cooler. Last updated 8/7/24.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: striped bass, smallmouth bass, cutthroat trout

Striped bass anglers are fishing the lower mainstem Coquille River but there are a few striped bass still above the town of Coquille.

Smallmouth bass are active in the mainstem Coquille River, South Fork Coquille and Middle Fork Coquille. Smallmouth bass can be found throughout the mainstem Coquille but are in higher abundance above Johnson Mill Pond. Anglers targeting smallmouth bass in the upper mainstem Coquille have been successful trolling spinners along the edges of deeper water or by casting and retrieving worms or small twister tail grubs.

There are lots of smallmouth bass in the South Fork Coquille in the deep pools. Most of the fish are under 8 inches long so anglers should use smaller hooks.

The use of spears/spear fishing to harvest smallmouth bass was recently approved and is allowed from June 1 – Oct. 31.Anglers may also use bait in the mainstem Coquille and tributaries from June 1 – Oct. 31.

Trout fishing opened in the rivers and streams on May 22. Water temperatures will be fairly warm in the larger rivers and streams so trout anglers will want to fish smaller streams higher up in the watershed. Last updated 8/7/24.

DIAMOND LAKE: trout

Anglers are doing well for rainbow trout. The most recent report had anglers catching at least 1 trout per hour with fly-anglers doing the best. Lure and fly fishing for brown trout also has been good (catch-and-release only) with some anglers catching fish in the 24-inch range.

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 8/7/24

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

Emigrant is 21 percent full and water is being released for irrigation season so the water level is steadily decreasing. The main boat ramp is usable. Fishing for bass and panfish is very good at Emigrant right now with good catches of bluegill, black crappie, and both smallmouth and largemouth bass. The water level has dropped below the water level at this point last year, but anglers may want fish near any willow patches that remain watered for best results.

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 late in the spring and fishing for these fish and holdover trout has been good. Anglers reported catching a lot of trout recently trolling and still fishing. Expect the trout to move into deeper water around the dam and in the arms with the extreme heat in the forecast.

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 8/21/24.

EMPIRE LAKE: trout, bluegill, bass

Trout anglers in Upper Empire Lake will want to fish around the deepest part of the lake. Fishing will be best in the mornings when water temperatures are the coolest for the day.

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 7/10/24.

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.

Expo and nearby ponds are producing good catches of bass and panfish. Surprisingly, trout fishing continues to be good with fish being caught in the deeper water towards the middle. Anglers looking for a quick trip for some summer trout might want to try casting a spinner like a small rooster tail, or a fly behind a bobber. Still fishing with bait (Powerbait, Pautzke eggs, or worms) is another option.

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 8/7/24.

FISH LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout, spring Chinook

Fish Lake is 55 percent full and anglers continue to do well catching recently stocked trout and holdovers. Additionally, Fish Lake has been stocked with 5,000 legal-size trout numerous times during the spring/early summer so fishing should be good.

Tiger trout have been caught recently, so please remember that 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 8/21/24.

GALESVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, bass

No recent reports from anglers, but warmwater fishing should be good. The reservoir should be mostly full. Targeting fish towards the head of the reservoir may produce some good results. For trout, try fishing in the deeper water for suspended fish. Last updated 8/21/24.

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

Anglers should check with the US Forest Service for fire closures in the area as conditions can change daily. Fishing continues to be good for rainbow trout with lots of large trout stocked this year. Last updated 8/7/24

HOWARD PRAIRIE: trout

Howard Prairie is 44 percent full. The boat ramp at the marina and the marina are now open. Klum boat ramp is also open as well as the improvised gravel boat ramp at the dam. As of this week, anglers continue to report catching 14- to 18-inch trout but a little less consistently now that summer has set in. Bank anglers wading out from the marina were catching trout last weekend so there are options available for boat and bank anglers still available. Still fishing with PowerBait early in the morning worked well for one angler recently.

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. Last updated 8/21/24.

HYATT LAKE: trout, largemouth bass

Hyatt is currently 44 percent full. Fishing has been good so far this season at Hyatt and trout continue to bite even with the heat. Powerbait, night crawlers and spinners have all been productive for trout. Boat anglers have had success in the deeper water and bank anglers continue to do well fishing near the dam. Trolling with red or green wedding rings spiked with Power Worms was productive, but the use of a dodger helped.

Anglers are catching largemouth bass, so bass did survive the worst conditions of the current drought cycle a couple of years ago.Most of the bass are small. It will take time for older age classes to dominate the bass fishery again.

Please note that a line of weeds is present between the concrete ramp and the main channel of the lake. Weeds at the surface are generally creating problems for trollers.

Please handle fish carefully. ODFW has received reports of anglers at Hyatt wasting smaller trout due to poor handling at release. This is even more important during hot weather. Remember that smaller trout now are the big holdover trout next year.

Wildcat Campground boat ramp is open for sure, and BLM is allowing weekend access to one concrete boat ramp at the main campground. Last updated 8/21/24.

ILLINOIS RIVER:

The Illinois River reopened 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 can be a good option to escape the valley heat. The lake should still be fairly cool and anglers should still be able to catch some perch. Last updated 8/21/24.

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

Selmac was stocked a while ago with 5,000 legal-size rainbow trout but with the warmer weather trout fishing is likely difficult. Largemouth bass, bluegill and black crappie fishing are the best bet right now as these fish 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 7/17/24.

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee

Anglers should check with the US Forest Service for fire closures in the area before going out. Anglers can also contact Lemolo Lake Resort at 541-643-0750 for weather/road conditions and additional information. Trout fishing should still be decent, but air quality may be poor.

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.Last updated 8/7/24.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, landlocked spring chinook, bass

Lost Creek's current elevation is about 1,828 feet or 57 percent full and dropping. The Takelma and Stewart boat ramps are available for access by trailered boats.

Trollers have had good success at Lost Creek on holdover and stocked 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. Stocked spring Chinook are also available but they will be deep and mostly found around Peyton Bridge.

Anglers can get the latest reservoir details by calling the US Army Corps Lost Creek Lake and Applegate Reservoir projects information line at1-800-472-2434. Last updated 8/21/24.

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. As of July 1, anglers are allowed to harvest 1 cabezon per day as part of the general marine fish bag limit. 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 OR/CA Border for Chinook salmon. The mark-selective coho season is still open from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt through August 18 or attaining the quota. Ocean salmon anglers are catching a few hatchery coho near Charleston and Winchester Bay. There is still approximately 65 percent of the of the quota remaining for the mark-selective coho season as of Aug. 4.

The Central Coast Subarea (Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt) Summer All-Depth Halibut season is open seven days a week starting on Aug. 1. The Southern Oregon Subarea (Humbug Mt to OR/CA border) Halibut season is open seven days a week with 61 percent of the quota remaining as of July 28. Anglers may harvest 2 Pacific halibut a day in the Central Coast Subarea and Southern Oregon Subarea.

Surfperch anglers are still finding 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 8/7/24.

2024 sport bottomfish seasons

PLAT I RESERVOIR: trout, bass

No recent reports from anglers. It was stocked in April with over 600 trout. Most success will be for warmwater species now. This reservoir is managed for irrigation, so be aware of lowering water levels. Last updated 7/31/24.

REINHART PARK POND: trout, bass

No recent reports but trout fishing typically tapers off with the warmer weather.Last updated 6/26/24.

ROGUE RIVER

Rogue River, lower: steelhead, "half pounder" steelhead, Chinook

Rain last week raised the river and dropped water temperatures. A lot of Chinook left the Rogue Bay and headed upriver. This time of year, it is hard to catch Chinook in the river due to the algae stirred up by jet boats and the fish are moving fast. Most of the boat anglers targeting Chinook are still fishing the bay.

Half-pounder fishing has been good in the lower river. The best way to target half pounders is casting flies or tossing spinners.

ODFW annually monitors the run of Chinook, steelhead, and coho at Huntley Park (approximate 8 miles upstream from the mouth) on the Rogue River. To learn more about the project, people can visit the ODFW website to receive this years' two-week updates and to see the historical catch.

Anglers fishing the Rogue Bay should always check regulations before heading out. This year the ocean is open to salmon fishing through Aug. 31. The regulations on gear type and legal salmon that can be kept is different in the ocean than the river. The two big differences and reasons anglers will get a game violation while fishing in the ocean are 1) fishing with more than two single point hooks in the ocean, barbed hooks in the ocean, and 2) having Chinook salmon under 24 inches in the boat while fishing in the ocean.

Anglers fishing with a guide should also understand and know the regulations. The licensed angler will be issued the violation, not the guide. A couple of the most common violations are failure to tag your fish prior to putting your fishing gear out again and continuing to fish after keeping your adult salmon bag limit.

Anglers that see a game violation can report the violation to *OSP (*677) on a mobile device or call 1-800-452-7888. Anglers can also file complaints or potential violations concerning guides to the Oregon State Marine Board. Last updated 8/21/24.

Rogue River, middle: steelhead, trout, Chinook

Flow in Grants Pass is about 1,900 cfs with a water temperature of around 66F.

There are no reports again this week for this section of the Rogue but an increase in the fall Chinook catch at Huntley Park means these fish should be showing up in the middle Rogue soon. A few more summer steelhead have been reported so fly-fishing or a Blue Fox spinner might catch one of those.

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 gaugeshere, or checking the City of Grants Pass water page's river data here. Last updated 8/21/24.

Rogue River, upper: steelhead, trout

The upper Rogue above Dodge Bridge to the hatchery is now closed to Chinook angling. Anglers can still fish for Chinook downstream of Dodge Bridge which should have a few fish available.

Best bets for the upper river are summer steelhead and trout. Fly-fishing and spinners are the preferred methods this time of year. Fishing is a little slow right now for summer steelhead but should get better with forecasted bump in river levels and drop in temperatures.

The release from Lost Creek is 1,800 CFS and the river temperature is 54F.

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 8/21/24.

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 and will continue weekly. The road to Minnehaha has been cleared and a few loads of fish have been stocked there, as well.

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 8/21/24.

SIXES RIVER: cutthroat trout

August is a good time to look for sea-run cutthroat in the lower river. The estuary can become bar bound in late summer due to lower flows and strong north winds, which turns the estuary into a large lake. It can be very windy this time of year, so anglers should check the weather before heading out. Mornings are usually the best. 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 Last updated 8/21/24.

SMITH RIVER, Umpqua: trout, bass, Chinook

Anglers will start targeting Chinook in the lower portion of the river and it should pick up as we get closer to September. Wild coho will only be open in the mainstem Umpqua but not Smith River, starting Sept. 14.

Trout fishing in the upper portion should be good as well. The mainstem above Sisters Cr.is open for trout 2 per day, 8-inch minimum length. Last updated 8/21/24.

TENMILE LAKES/TENMILE CREEK: steelhead, trout, bass, yellow perch

The water temperature in Tenmile Lakes was in the mid-70s this past week. There are lots of small largemouth bass hanging around the shallow water with an occasional bigger fish. Many of the larger fish have moved to the deeper water along points, drop offs and weedlines.

Topwater lures are catching bass in the early mornings, late evening and in shaded areas during mid-day. Deep diving crankbaits, drop shots, jigs, and wacky rigged Senkos are also producing bass throughout the day.

Anglers are catching yellow perch along the weedlines in 9 to 12 feet of water using small jigs or hooks with a worm. Most of the yellow perch are under 6 inches long.

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.Anglers are catching trout while fishing for other species. With the warm water temperatures, trout fishing will be best in the mornings. Last updated 8/7/24.

UMPQUA HIKE-IN LAKES AND FOREBAYS: trout

No recent angler reports. Anglers are encouraged to report their fishing trips to help guide future stocking rates.

Please check with the US Forest Service for forest fire conditions in the area before adventuring to these lakes.

Working with volunteers, stocking has been completed for this year with rainbow fry. Prospective volunteers for stocking in 2025 should contact Levi.m.simmons@odfw.oregon.gov for more information. Last updated 8/7/24

UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: Chinook, surfperch, bass

Some anglers are reportedly getting some large smallmouth. Early warm days are a great chance to catch some nice 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.

The river remains open for hatchery Chinook and one adult wild chinook a day and five adult wild Chinook for the year from July 1 – Nov. 30. Catch rates this last week was slow but should pick up with the recent rains and drop in water temperatures.

Wild coho will open Sept. 14 – Oct. 15. Only one wild adult coho per day and 3 for the season. One wild jack per day during the period. Wild coho may not be retained above the Scottsburg Bridge. Last updated 8/21/24.

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: steelhead

Fishing for all Chinook on the North closed July 1. Summer steelhead numbers are around the 10-year average, but very few hatchery fish have returned this year. Recent rains have the steelhead moving a little and should improve fishing. Last updated8/21/24.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: bass, trout

Bass fishing has been great with lots of anglers finding fish throughout. Trout fishing is limited but should be good in areas where there are pockets of cooler water. Last updated 8/7/24.

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. Recent reports indicate anglers have been doing well still fishing with bait catching plenty of 10-inch trout along with the occasional 14-16 inch trout. Willow Lake has been stocked numerous times this spring and these fish are still 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 8/14/24.