Southwest Zone

Best bets for weekend fishing

Trout stocking

Trout stocking maps

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

Announcements

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, black crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead

Agate Lake is 76 percent full. Fishing for bass and panfish should be good. Illegally introduced common carp are a problem at Agate, and anglers are encouraged to harvest any carp caught at the reservoir. Last updated 6/18/25

APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: Trout, landlocked spring chinook, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill,

The surface temperature at Applegate moderated to 75 F with cooler weather this week. Check up-to-date reservoir levels here, or call the Army Corps of Engineers at 800-472-2434 for flow and temperature information.

Trout fishing should be good, although anglers may want to fish deeper now. Trolling flies or lures like a flatfish or panther martin on light line is worth a try, or fishing with heavier gear like dodgers and flashers ahead of a wedding ring spiked with a nightcrawler, Gulp worm or corn. Powerbait is the bait of choice for bank anglers.

Bass fishing should be good at Applegate through summer. Smallmouth bass were caught on a Pro Shad swimbait recently.

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 sportfishing regulations for more information. Last updated 7/8/25.

APPLEGATE RIVER below Applegate Dam: Trout

The Applegate River is open for trout fishing. This is mainly a catch and release fishery for cutthroat. Cutthroat trout can be found hanging out in the deep pools spread throughout the river but are 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. Anglers are encouraged to harvest any pikeminnow caught in the Applegate, while releasing native suckers unharmed. Last updated 6/18/25.

ARIZONA POND: Trout

Aquatic vegetation has pretty much ended fishing for the summer.

Last updated 6/11/25.

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

Bank anglers are catching a few warmwater species. No resent reports from anglers on trout fishing. Water conditions are still dirty. Fishing is slow. The reservoir has been stocked twice this year. Last update 7/9/25.

BURMA POND: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill

Rainbow trout should still be available. Directions to this BLM pond are located on the 50 places to fish within 60 minutes of Medford publication. Last Updated 7/8/25

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

The reservoir was stocked with 2,500 larger-size rainbow trout in early February, and three more times since then. With dirty water try using flashing lures and bait with scent. As the water gets warmer, try fishing for trout around the aerators. Fishing for bass and bluegill has been good. Last updated 7/92/25.

COOS RIVER BASIN: Bottomfish, trout, surfperch

Anglers have been catching rockfish around the jetties in the lower Coos Bay estuary, but you may need to move around to several spots to find actively biting fish. 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 2025 daily general marine fish bag limit is 5 fish plus 2 lingcod with no retention of yelloweye or quillback rockfish. There is a 1 fish daily sub-bag limit for canary rockfish as part of the general marine bag limit. As of July 1, anglers are allowed to harvest cabezon with a 1 fish daily sub-bag limit as part of the general marine bag limit.

Striped surfperch can be caught around the jetties and red-tail surfperch are being caught along the ocean beaches like Horsefall Beach. Anglers have best success fishing with sand shrimp near the bottom.

Trout fishing opened in the Coos Basin rivers and streams on May 22. Anglers are restricted to fishing artificial flies and lures in streams and rivers above tidewater. The daily bag limit for trout fishing in streams is 2 trout over 8 inches per day. Water temperatures in the large rivers are warming up where fishing will be best in teh mornings. Last updated 7/9/25.

COQUILLE RIVER BASIN: trout, striped bass, smallmouth bass

Striped bass anglers are catching fish in the lower Coquille River. Striped bass can be caught during the day but fishing will be best in the low light periods of the day and after dark.

Smallmouth bass are active throughout the Coquille River and main tributaries. Spearfishing and bait fishing for smallmouth bass in the Coquille River opened on June 1 and continue through Oct 31. There is no limit for smallmouth bass, which are destructive to salmon habitat.

Trout fishing opened in the Coquille Basin rivers and streams on May 22. Water levels in the local rivers and streams are low for this time of the year and water temperatures are increasing. Trout fishing will be best in the mornings when water temperatures are the coldest. Last updated 7/9/25.

DIAMOND LAKE: Trout

Fishing is good, with several limits being harvested. All boat ramps are open. Check with the lodge and the forest service for available camping.

Diamond Lake has been stocked with tiger and brown trout. These fish were introduced to help control illegally introduced tui chub. These trout are catch-and-release only and need to be released immediately and unharmed if caught. Follow these catch-and-release tips for reducing fish mortality. Last updated 7/9/25.

EMIGRANT LAKE: Largemouth and smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, catfish, rainbow trout

Emigrant Lake is 76 percent full. Fishing should be good for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, black crappie and yellow perch. Bass provide the primary fishery at Emigrant. Try fishing the flooded willows for largemouth and panfish, and rockier areas for smallmouth. A Dd14 crankbait produced smallmouth recently. Good sized black crappie continue to be caught at Emigrant.

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 7/8/25.

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

Trout fishing is winding down, but some may still be caught. Fishing for bass and panfish should be good. Illegally introduced carp are also available, and anglers are encouraged to harvest and remove these fish. 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.

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 7/8/25.

FISH LAKE: Rainbow trout, brook trout, spring Chinook

Fish Lake is 75 percent full and scheduled to be stocked again this week. Aquatic weeds are forcing anglers to fish strategically at Fish Lake. Limits on rainbow trout were reported by anglers still fishing from a boat with Powerbait. Openings in the vegetation are a good place for this technique. Another angler was able to troll a flicker minnow in the band of weed free water in the center of the lake. The lake is showing more color as annual blooms develop, which may prompt additional changes in fishing techniques.

The USFS reports problems with the water system. Porta-potties have been installed, but the fish cleaning station will not be available this year.

Anglers are encouraged to report catches of tiger trout or send other fishing reports to Rogue Fish District Staff 541-826-8774. Last updated 7/8/25

Floras Lake: Hatchery trout, cutthroat

High winds are common and can make for some tough fishing conditions. Anglers may want to focus on early mornings when there is typically less or no wind. The lake is located near the community of Langlois (Curry County). The only access to the lake is at Boice Cope County Park. Bank angling is limited, so the best way to experience trout fishing is by boat. There is a developed single lane boat ramp at the county park, but small boats are recommended. The lake can be very windy, so always check the weather before heading out. Last updated 6/11/25

GALESVILLE RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, bass

Galesville anglers like other reservoir anglers in Douglas County will have more success fishing with flashy lures and with slower presentations. Try finding the depth the schools of trout are suspended at, for most success. The reservoir was stocked twice in the month of April and once in May. The reservoir is at full pool now.

Bass anglers are having success. Last updated 7/9/25.

GARRISON LAKE: Trout, bass

Trout fishing has slowed down for the summer. Anglers may want to turn their attention to bass. Although the population of bass in the lake is small, anglers can usually find a few around the docks and down logs.

The lake is best fished from boats, but there is some bank access at a few spots along the lake. Anglers will want to keep an eye on the weather, because the lake can be very windy. Last updated 6/11/25.

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

The road to Lake in the Woods and Hemlock Lake is clear of snow. Hemlock Lake was stocked in late May with legal size rainbow trout. Fishing should be good. No recent reports. Last updated 7/9/25.

HOWARD PRAIRIE: Trout

Howard Prairie is 90 percent full and all ramps should be available. Bait fishing, casting from shore, and trolling produced fish. Larger trout were caught on Powerbait fished on the bottom, a red wedding ring with nightcrawler slowly trolled behind a small diver, and on a trolled Kastmaster. Trolling a small black and yellow panther martin spinner caught some trout, as did casting a green tiger spinner from shore.

With the higher water this year bank anglers can fish from the jetty again and can have success fishing floating bait or nightcrawlers off the bottom, casting lures, or fishing with bait below a bobber. A universal access fishing platform is available near the end of the jetty.

Remember to remove all vegetation from gear, boots and boats before leaving Howard Prairie. Last updated 7/8/25

HYATT LAKE: Trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead, black crappie

Hyatt is 88 percent full and the BLM boat ramps should be available. Unfortunately, some trollers reported problems with aquatic vegetation at Hyatt already.

Fishing for largemouth bass has been surprisingly good, and the bass are in good condition. One angler had success using a Hack Attack jig for largemouth. Some black crappie and brown bullhead have also reportedly been caught.

Remember to remove all vegetation from gear, boots and boats before leaving Hyatt. Last updated 7/8/25

ILLINOIS RIVER: Trout

The Illinois River is open for trout fishing using flies and lures only. 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 5/27/25.

LAKE MARIE: Rainbow trout, yellow perch

Lake Marie is a good spot for a quiet fishing experience. The lake has been stocked three times this year. This is a good lake to use scented bait. Fishing should be fair for trout. No recent reports. Last updated 7/92/25.

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

Anglers have caught some very nice largemouth at Selmac recently, with one angler having success on a plastic stickbait. Bluegill continue to be caught despite fish losses reported in some areas of the lake. Anglers are reminded that bluegill can be found very close to shore, and it is easy to cast out too far and miss the fish. A Kayoba jig produced fish recently. In addition to bass and panfish, rainbow trout are available.

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 6/18/25.

LAIRD LAKE: trout

The lake is located up Elk River about 15 miles. The lake is small and full of down wood. Anglers heading up to the lake can stop by Elk River Hatchery for a quick tour or more information about how to get to the lake.

LEMOLO RESERVOIR: Brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee

Brown trout fishing should be good. Lemolo Lake Resort is open. Lemolo was stocked in mid-May with rainbow trout. Angling should be good for all trout.

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 7/9/25.

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

The surface temperature at Lost Creek moderated to 77F with cooler weather this week. Anglers are having good success on legal-sized and larger trout. Fishing for smallmouth bass is also very good.

Trollers fishing for trout can have very good success at Lost Creek using a variety of gear: Apex lures, Brad's cut plug lures with scent, Panther Martin spinners, red hoochies, and wedding rings. Black and gold can also be a solid color choice. Trout can be caught at a variety of depths from the surface down to about 50 feet. Lures are often fished behind dodgers, and can be spiked with corn, worms or PowerWorms -- 3/4oz is a good choice for weight.

Lost Creek also offers good bank fishing access, and 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 7/8/25

MEDCO POND: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie

Fishing should be good for rainbow trout and warmwater species. Bluegill fishing from shore should be excellent and can be very fun with the young anglers.

Medco Pond is a private pond and access can be revoked at any time. Bank anglers should stay away from the east portion of the lake, again due to private property, and stay on the road side of the gate with any vehicles (even if gate is open). To help keep access open, anglers should make sure to pick up their trash, as well as other trash when they are there.

Last updated 7/8/25

PACIFIC OCEAN AND BEACHES: Bottomfish, surfperch, salmon, halibut

Fishing for bottom fish is open to all-depths year-round. The 2025 daily general marine fish bag limit is 5 fish with a daily sub-bag limit of one canary rockfish and no retention of quillback or yelloweye rockfish. Harvest of cabezon is now allowed with a 1 fish daily sub bag limit as part of the general marine 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 10 fish with a daily sub-bag limit of one canary rockfish. Rockfish species open for harvest in the longleader fishery are 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.

The Mark-Selective Coho (fin-slipped) Season is open in the ocean from Cape Falcon to OR/CA Border and will remain open until the earlier of August 24 or 44,000 fin-clipped coho quota. As of June 29, 5.3 percent of the quota has been caught. Chinook retention is allowed (no more than one daily) from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain through July 15. The harvest of Chinook is allowed from Humbug Mountain to OR/CA Border from June 30 – July 15 (no more than one daily).

Pacific halibut season for the Central Oregon Coast Subarea and Southern Oregon Subarea opened May 1 and is open 7 days per week. As of June 29 there was 55 percent of the quota remaining for the Central Oregon Coast Subarea and 88 percent of the quota remaining in the Southern Oregon Subarea.

Surfperch anglers are having success catching redtail surfperch along the ocean beaches like Horsfall Beach, Bullard's Beach and near Cape Blanco. Redtail surfperch will continue their transition towards the river mouths this month.

Surfperch anglers are also catching striped surfperch along rocky shorelines. Anglers have been catching surfperch using sand shrimp, mole crabs or artificial sand worms. Be cautious of ocean waves and drift logs. Ready to try surfperch fishing? Here are some tips to get you started. Last updated 7/9/25.

2025 sport bottomfish regulations

PLAT I RESERVOIR: Trout, bass

The reservoir is at full pool levels. With the watercolor on the dirty side, try scented baits and flashy lures. The reservoir was stocked the first week of April. Fish will be spread throughout. Fishing is slow.

Last updated 7/92/25.

REINHART PARK POND: Trout, bass

Stocked rainbow trout are available, along largemouth bass, panfish and brown bullhead. This is a great place to take young anglers to catch their first fish. Last updated 6/11/25

ROGUE RIVER

Rogue River, lower: Steelhead, Chinook

The number of boat anglers trolling the bay has increased but is still a lot less than during the peak of the fall Chinook fishery. Most boat anglers are trolling upstream of Highway 101, but as more Chinook move into the bay, effort will shift to near the mouth of the river. Although there are some summer steelhead around, no anglers are out fishing the lower river.

Rogue River, middle: Steelhead, spring chinook

Flow in Grants Pass is about 2,100 cfs on Tuesday morning. The water temperature is averaging 66.5 F. Summer steelhead and spring chinook are migrating through the middle Rogue. Beginning July 1, anglers fishing downstream of Dodge Bridge may harvest up to 2 spring chinook per day, hatchery (adipose finclip) or wild (no adipose finclip).

As always, anglers are encouraged to harvest any introduced pikeminnow caught in the middle Rogue, while we encourage the release of native suckers.

Anglers, please use proper catch-and-release techniques, such as keeping fish in the water as much as possible and releasing them quickly. If fish are getting injured with the technique you are using, please change techniques. Remember that smaller rainbow are usually the steelhead that will return in future years.

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 7/8/25

Rogue River, upper: Steelhead, spring chinook, trout

The release from Lost Creek is 2,000 cfs, and the flow at Gold Ray is 2,100 cfs. River temperature out of the reservoir is 53.4F. Hatchery spring chinook are still available above Dodge Bridge, and summer steelhead continue to migrate into the upper Rogue. Fishing continues to be very good for rainbow and cutthroat trout, but only adipose fin clipped rainbow trout over 8 inches may be harvested—other trout must be released immediately unharmed.

Cole Rivers Hatchery returns as of 7/2/25:

Anglers, please use proper catch-and-release techniques, such as keeping fish in the water as much as possible and releasing them quickly. If fish are getting injured with the technique you are using, please change techniques. Remember that smaller rainbow are usually the steelhead that will return in future years.

For up-to-date river levels, check all the USGS Rogue gauges here. Last updated 7/8/25

Rogue River, above Lost Creek Reservoir: Trout

This is the premier summer trout fishery in the Rogue watershed. Anglers can escape the heat of the Rogue Valley, enjoy beautiful scenery, and catch fish. Campgrounds and other public access sites along Highway 62 and Highway 230 are stocked with rainbow trout on a weekly basis between Memorial Day and Labor Day.Try casting flies (use a bubble if fishing with spinning gear) or smaller lures like a Panther Martin or rooster tail. Often tipping the lure with bait helps to produce. In slower holes, fishing bait such as a nightcrawler or Pautzke eggs, or even PowerBait will produce.

Some US Forest Service campgrounds along the river will be closed this year, and some will have a late opening. Contact the USFS office at (541) 618-2200 for updates on campgrounds. ODFW plans to stock the normal release sites even if the campgrounds are closed, because anglers can walk in behind the gates to fish. All standard release sites were stocked with trout last week, including Minnehaha Creek.

The Rogue and tributaries above Lost Creek Reservoir are open to fishing year-round, with a daily retention limit of 5 trout (no limit on brook trout). Anglers are encouraged to harvest brook trout regardless of size.

The south and middle forks of the Rogue are not stocked, are generally more difficult to access, and provide fishing opportunity away from crowds. Naturally produced rainbow and cutthroat trout are available, but anglers may choose to practice catch and release on the rainbow and cutthroat of these forks. Last updated 7/8/25.

SMITH RIVER, Umpqua: Steelhead, striped bass

Open for hatchery steelhead all year below Spencer Creek.

There have been reports of anglers catching good numbers of stripers (striped bass) in the lower sections.

Smith River and North Fork Smith River opened to Chinook fishing July 1 but is only open on Tuesdays, Thursday, and Saturdays in the areas covered under permanent regulations. Fishing is closed to salmon all other days. Anglers are only allowed one adult Chinook (hatchery or wild) for the season in aggregate with the mainstem Umpqua. The season will close to Chinook once the 500 wild fish quota is reached.

Thus far less than 10% of the quota has been caught and the fishery should remain open for the next week at least.

The area above Spencer creek to Sisters creek is open to trout angling. Catch and release only, and artificial flies and lures only. Above Sisters Creek and all tributaries are open to two trout per day with 8 inch minimum length. Last updated 7/9/25

South Coast Rivers: Trout

This is a good time of year to fish in the creeks for cutthroat. As water levels drop anglers will want to focus on areas higher in the watersheds where conditions are perfect for finding cutthroat hanging behind boulders and at the head of pools. On days when the wind is light, anglers can find good numbers of cutthroat in any of the coastal estuaries. Anglers should check regulations before heading out to their favorite stream or creek. Anglers cannot use bait upstream of the tidewater and only 2 trout over 8" can be retained. While fishing for trout, anglers will also catch smaller juvenile Chinook and steelhead. Handle these fish gently while returning to the water.

Last updated 5/22/25

SPALDING POND:

Spalding Pond is stocked with trout. Last Updated 6/18/25

TENMILE LAKES/TENMILE CREEK: Trout, largemouth bass

The main lake water temperature is in the low 70s. Largemouth bass in the summer patterns with fish spread out between shallow water weed lines and deeper water points. Largemouth bass are hitting topwater lures in the mornings and late evenings. During the middle of the day bass can be caught on crankbaits, jigs, and Senkos. Look to find bass along submerged logs and deeper weed line edges.

Trout fishing in rivers and streams opened on May 22. Trout angling is restricted to artificial lures and flies in streams and river above tidewater. Trout fishing in the lakes is open year-round. Trout anglers are having success trolling for trout in Tenmile Lake using wedding rings tipped with a nightcrawler but will want to start trolling deeper water as the water temperatures continue to increase. Last updated 7/9/25

UMPQUA HIKE-IN LAKES AND FOREBAYS: Trout

Most lakes are open now, but roads and trail conditions remain unknown for many of these lakes. Last report was Calamut lake trail was still snowed in. There are plans to clear some of these trails in the next couple of weeks, but not all of them. For a map of lakes stocked in the SW check out the ODFW's trout stocking map.

Volunteers help stock these lakes annually via backpack and horse packing. Stocking this year is scheduled to occur July 12^th. There are openings available for more volunteers to help with the backpacking portion on July 5^th. Prospective volunteers for should contact Levi.m.simmons@odfw.oregon.gov for more information. Last updated 7/9/25.

UMPQUA RIVER, MAINSTEM: Steelhead, Chinook, shad, bass

We have received a few good report of striper bass being caught in the lower sections. Smallmouth fishing is great right now.

Summer steelhead are in the river, but fishing is likely slow this time of year.

The Umpqua opened to fall Chinook fishing July 1 but is only open on Tuesdays, Thursday, and Saturdays in the areas covered under permanent regulations. Fishing remains open to hatchery coho fishing under permanent regulations. Anglers are only allowed one adult Chinook (hatchery or wild) for the season in aggregate with the Smith and North Fork Smith rivers. The season will close to Chinook once the 500 wild fish quota is reached.

Thus far less than 10% of the quota has been caught and the fishery should remain open for the next week at least.

ODFW will adopt wild coho seasons in August, but low returns of coho will likely require a closure to all coho in the Umpqua.

Last updated 7/9/2025

UMPQUA RIVER, NORTH: Steelhead

Summer steelhead angling is slow. This is mostly a catch-and-release fishery with very few hatchery summer steelhead. Only hatchery steelhead may be harvested.

Chinook angling closed under permanent regulations July 1.

Last updated 7/9/25.

UMPQUA RIVER, SOUTH: Trout, bass

The South Umpqua River is open for trout from May 22-Sept. 15, catch and release only. Open for bass angling during trout season. Smallmouth bass angling should be good. Last updated 7/9/25.

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

Willow is stocked with trout and fishing should be good. The combination of legal and pounder-sized fish provides an excellent trout fishery at Willow this time of year. Fishing for bass and panfish should also be very good. Largemouth were caught on a 5-inch Senko recently. Unfortunately, it appears that someone has illegally introduced smallmouth into Willow—not good for the largemouth fishery. Anglers are encouraged to harvest undersized yellow perch (also illegally introduced) for a fish fry.

For more information on camping and day use please visit the Jackson County Parks website or call 541-774-8183. Last updated 6/18/25.