IFish Fishing Forum banner

ODFW release (Long, but some good info)

2K views 0 replies 1 participant last post by  Jennie@ifish 
#1 ·
I think some of this is formatted incorrectly, but it' the way I received it, and I'm to lazy to redo it in HTML.--J

For Immediate Release April 10, 2002

2002 Zone by Zone Oregon Spring Fishing Forecast

PORTLAND - Springtime in Oregon means the return of the trout fishing season, and this year is a mixed bag of opportunities. Plenty of water in western Oregon means most lakes and reservoirs will be stocked and ready to go for the early trout opener on April 27.
Angling opportunity in eastern Oregon will vary by basin according to this past winter's precipitation. And successful summer angling statewide in some lakes and ponds will depend on spring rainfall.
Trout fishing in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs if often a great way for novice anglers to try the sport. More experienced anglers looking to instill a love of the sport and its ethics to kids may be interested in the Angler and Aquatic Education Program. Anglers volunteer their time teaching kids in a classroom setting or after-school club. Contact Lindsey Berman at 503-872-5264 ext 5407 or log on to the ODFW website at www.dfw.state.or.us under Main Fish Page for more information.
All anglers are reminded to review the 2002 angling regulations and remember that using live fish for bait is illegal in Oregon. The forecast is available on the ODFW website at www.dfw.state.or.us under News and Bulletins.
###

Anne Pressentin Young

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Contact: Contacts: Anne Pressentin, Portland, 503/872-5264 ext 5356
Meghan Collins 541/440-3353
Kathy Shinn, Clackamas, 503/657-2000 ext 285

Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us Fax: (503) 872-5700

For Immediate Release April 10, 2002

2002 Zone by Zone Oregon Spring Fishing Forecast

PORTLAND - Springtime in Oregon means the return of the trout fishing season, and this year is a mixed bag of opportunities. Plenty of water in western Oregon means most lakes and reservoirs will be stocked and ready to go for the early trout opener on April 27.
Angling opportunity in eastern Oregon will vary by basin according to this past winter's precipitation. And successful summer angling statewide in some lakes and ponds will depend on spring rainfall.
Trout fishing in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs if often a great way for novice anglers to try the sport. More experienced anglers looking to instill a love of the sport and its ethics to kids may be interested in the Angler and Aquatic Education Program. Anglers volunteer their time teaching kids in a classroom setting or after-school club. Contact Lindsey Berman at 503-872-5264 ext 5407 or log on to the ODFW website at www.dfw.state.or.us under Main Fish Page for more information.
All anglers are reminded to review the 2002 angling regulations and remember that using live fish for bait is illegal in Oregon. The forecast is available on the ODFW website at www.dfw.state.or.us under News and Bulletins.
###

2002 ZONE BY ZONE OREGON SPRING FISHING FORECAST

Northwest Zone..................................................................................2
Willamette Zone.................................................................................3
Southwest Zone..................................................................................7
Central Zone.....................................................................................11
Southeast Zone..................................................................................16
Northeast Zone.................................................................................23
Snake River Zone..............................................................................25

Northwest Zone__________________________________________________________
Most lakes in the Northwest Zone are open all year for trout angling and many will be stocked just prior to the traditional trout opener.

Trout fishing in western Oregon coastal streams and lower Columbia River tributaries opens May 25. Streams north of the Salmon River (near Otis) and up to the Columbia River, including Columbia River tributaries, remain catch and release only to protect low sea-run cutthroat populations. Streams south of the Salmon River to California where wild cuttroat populations are healthy have been re-opened to a consumptive trout fishery in many areas, but a few areas remain closed. Consult the 2002 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations to check the status of specific streams in your area. Trout are no longer stocked in coastal streams, but trout stocking has been increased in coastal lakes.

Trout stocking schedules are posted on the ODFW website at dfw.state.or.us . Click on "Main Fish Page" and scroll down to "Trout Stocking Schedule" or contact an ODFW office. Please note that stocking schedules may change due to water temperature or other unforseen conditions.

Many north coast lakes and sloughs also provide bass and panfish angling opportunities.

North Coast

Spring stocking will occur as scheduled. Fall "trophy" trout stocking may occur a few months earlier if water temperatures are high and hatchery water supplies are low.

Coffenbury, Lost, Sunset and Cullaby lakes: will be stocked throughout the spring. The lakes are open all year, but were stocked heavily before spring break to meet the anticipated angling pressure. Additionally, larger "trophy" trout will be stocked later in the year.

Tillamook area lakes - Hebo, Cape Meares, Smith, Spring, Lytle, Town, Tahoe, Battle, North and South lakes: will be stocked throughout the spring. The lakes are open all year, but are stocked heavily before spring break to provide good angling opportunity for youth and adults. Several of the lakes provide some carryover, and trout up to 18 inches may be taken. Cape Meares, Town Lake, and Spring Lake also receive surplus adult steelhead.

Tillamook and Nestucca Bays and Rivers: Spring chinook season has been extended this year. The season is open April 1-July 31 in the bays and the Wilson, Trask, and Nestucca rivers. The Little Nestucca, Tillamook, Kilchis, and Miami rivers are open May 25-July 31. The daily bag limit is 2 fin-clipped adult chinook and 5 fin-clipped jack chinook. The weekly and seasonal bag limits have been dropped for the 2002 spring season. The spring chinook run is expected to be similar to the past few years.

Nehalem Bay and Rivers: Spring chinook season remains the same, however the weekly and seasonal bag limit has been dropped for the 2002 season.

Mid Coast:

Devils Lake, Big Creek Reservoir, Olalla Reservoir, Buck, Dune, Alder, Mercer Cleawox and Carter lakes: have been stocked with catchable trout. Good fishing is anticipated.

Wild Cutthroat fishing is closed in mid-coast streams until May 25.

Siletz River: winter steelhead angling is expected to slow as the run winds down. Summer steelhead angling is expected to pick up in the Siletz River by late May.

Mercer, Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes: Fishing for warmwater gamefish, including largemouth bass, perch and bluegill, will pick up as the weather warms. Siltcoos and Tahkenitch also provide good fishing for cuttroat trout.

Willamette Zone_________________________________________________________

The Willamette River system and the Sandy River are closed to the taking of nonadipose fin-clipped salmon and steelhead. Good numbers of spring chinook and summer steelhead are anticipated. There is no annual limit on adipose fin-clipped salmon and steelhead as long as the appropriate number of Hatchery Harvest Tags have been purchased to record the catch. The salmon-steelhead daily limit of two has been increased to include one additional adipose fin-clipped steelhead through July 11, 2002 in those areas open to steelhead angling. Anglers are reminded to use care when handling and releasing unclipped fish. The regulations pertaining to trout and other species remain unchanged from those printed in the 2002 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations.

Important changes in regulations for streams in the WILLAMETTE ZONE: unless noted in Special Regulations for the zone, trout angling in all streams is for catch and release and only flies and lures may be used. These regulations are intended to protect wild trout and steelhead populations. Trout anglers are reminded that most streams draining the Cascades on the east side of the north Willamette Valley are now closed to trout angling until May 25, except for adipose fin-clipped trout in Estacada Lake behind River Mill Dam on the Clackamas River (opens April 27). North Fork Reservoir on the Clackamas River opens May 25 for adipose fin-clipped trout. Anglers should check the 2002 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for these special regulations.

Trout stocking schedules are posted on the ODFW website at www.dfw.state.or.us . Click on "Main Fish Page" and scroll down to "Trout Stocking Schedule" or contact an ODFW office. Please note that stocking schedules may change due to water temperature or other unforseen conditions.

North (Lower) Willamette System:

The mainstem Clackamas River and all tributaries below River Mill Dam allow catch and release only and open May 25. The mainstem Clackamas and tributaries above North Fork Reservoir are catch and release only with artificial flies and lures only. One exception is that all tributaries above the U.S. Forest Service bridge located on Road 57 to Timothy Lake are open to two trout per day.

Estacada Lake: The trout season is April 27 through October 31. Anglers are reminded that the bag limit is five adipose fin-clipped trout. Should be good prospects for these stocked trout.

North Fork Reservoir: Trout season is now May 25 through Oct. 31 for adipose fin-clipped trout.

Harriet and Timber lakes: Will be stocked in mid-May.

Portland Area Lakes - Roslyn, Faraday, Benson, Wahkeena, Blue, Commonwealth and Bethany lakes and Trojan and Mt. Hood Community College ponds: Lakes are stocked and will receive additional trout before April 27. These lakes and reservoirs should provide some of the best catches on opening weekend. However, water levels could be reduced at Roslyn. No trout will be stocked in the upper Clackamas in 2002.

Sandy River and tributaries: open May 25 for catch and release only with the exception of nonnative brook trout which has no limit on size or number.

Timothy and Trillium lakes: will receive trout in late April depending on accessibility due to snow. Check with the U.S. Forest Service Information Center at 503-622-7674 to ask when roads are open.

Tualatin River: lower elevation streams in the drainage are expected to be good for native cutthroat trout (catch and release only).

Henry Hagg Lake: trout season is closed Jan. 1-Mar. 1 and Nov. 25-Dec. 31.

Dorman Pond: near Balm Grove was stocked in March and is scheduled to be stocked again after April 27.

Gales Creek: anglers are reminded this creek will not open for trout angling until May 25. This stream now has a late opening date to reduce the catch of steelhead smolts, which are abundant in the creek during April and May.

Haldeman Pond: on Oak Island at Sauvie Island will be stocked again with rainbow trout before April 27. Anglers are reminded the bag limit is five trout and that a permit is necessary to park on the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area.

Salmonberry Lake: a small reservoir in the Milton Creek drainage west of St. Helens, is also scheduled to be stocked with rainbow.

Molalla and Yamhill rivers: open May 25 to catch and release of trout.

South (Upper) Willamette System:

ODFW anticipates that good runs of both spring chinook salmon and summer steelhead will provide good angling opportunity and high catch rates. Summer steelhead are already in the Santiam system in significant numbers, particularly in the lower reaches of the North and South forks. Chinook usually show up in catchable numbers around the first of May.

Streams that support winter steelhead will remain closed to trout fishing until late May to protect out-migrating juvenile steelhead. On May 25, many of these waters will open to catch-and-release for trout with angling restricted to artificial flies and lures. Check the 2002 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for more information.

Junction City Pond, EE Wilson Pond, Freeway lakes, Timber Linn Lake, Roaring River Pond, Waverly Lake, Walter Wirth Lake, Walling Pond, St. Louis Pond #3 and Canby Pond: trout stocking will continue through mid-May or early June, depending on the water body and water conditions.
Detroit, Foster, and Green Peter Reservoirs: were all recently stocked for the first time this season and will provide good opportunities for the trout angler. Detroit and Green Peter also support healthy populations of kokanee that are specifically targeted by many anglers. The gate at Silverton Reservoir will be opened for the April 27 weekend and the lake stocked with rainbow trout.

North Santiam (above Big Cliff Dam), Breitenbush Rivers and Quartzville Creek: streams above Detroit and Green Peter reservoirs: will open for trout fishing on April 27 and several, including Breitenbush River and Quartzville Creek, will be stocked with rainbow trout beginning in mid-May. These streams will provide anglers an opportunity to retain a standard bag limit of five trout per day and the use of bait is allowed.

Freeway Lakes, Waverly Lake, Walter Wirth Lake, St. Louis Ponds, Wilsonville Pond, and Woodburn Pond: warmwater fish angling will start to pick up as water temperatures become warmer. Bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish are available in many of the valley ponds. Sloughs and backwaters of the Willamette River also offer good opportunities for warm water angling.

McKenzie River: good angling is expected. The river will be stocked with 9,500 rainbow trout from Leaburg Lake up to Blue River with an additional 3,000 in Leaburg Lake. Rainbow trout will not be released into the McKenzie River below Leaburg Dam until early May. All hatchery rainbow trout released into the McKenzie River are marked with an adipose fin clip and anglers must release all non fin-clipped (wild) trout in the mainstem McKenzie. The lower 11 miles of the McKenzie River below the Hayden Bridge and the McKenzie River upstream from Forest Glen Boat Ramp at Blue River are restricted to angling with lures and flies only, and all trout must be released. A few summer steelhead are available below Leaburg Dam.

The McKenzie River will open to salmon angling for only the second time in five years. The open area includes the McKenzie River from the mouth to the ODFW markers, approximately 200 yards above the Greenwood Drive boat ramp (approximately two miles downstream from Leaburg Dam just above the area known as the Curry Hole). Only adipose fin-clipped chinook salmon may be harvested during the season that will extend to August 15. Every effort should be made to release wild (non fin-clipped) chinook without taking them out of the water. Bait will not be allowed for salmon downstream from Hayden Bridge or before April 27th. A brochure is available at sporting goods stores in the Eugene/Springfield area and along the McKenzie River that explains the regulations in the area and provides a tentative trout stocking schedule.

Salmon Creek above Oakridge (3,500), Blue River (1,500), Fall Creek (2,000) near Lowell, Coast Fork Willamette River (1,500) in Cottage Grove, and the Canoe Canal in Alton Baker Park (2,900): will be stocked for Opening Day.

Middle Fork Willamette below Dexter Dam - ODFW anticipates spring chinook and summer steelhead will arrive in good numbers during May and early June, although a few will be caught before then. Only adipose fin-marked salmon and steelhead may be harvested in the Willamette and Middle Fork Willamette from the mouth of the McKenzie to Dexter Dam.

Middle Fork Willamette from Lookout Point Reservoir to Hills Creek Reservoir: open to angling all year with lures and flies. This is a wild trout area and all trout must be released. The Middle Fork Willamette above Hills Creek Reservoir (1,500) will be stocked, but anglers must use lures or flies and can only keep trout with an adipose fin-clip. A brochure is available at sporting goods stores in the Eugene/Springfield and Oakridge areas that explains the regulations in the Middle Fork Willamette basin and provides a tentative trout stocking schedule.

Blue River Reservoir, Cottage Grove Reservoir, Dexter Reservoir, Hills Creek Reservoir, Dorena Reservoir, Clear Lake and Carmen Reservoir: open to year-round trout angling and will be stocked with rainbow prior to April 27.

McKenzie River, Cougar Reservoir, Trail Bridge Reservoir, Hills Creek Reservoir and the Middle Fork Willamette, mainly above Hills Creek Reservoir: all bull trout must be released unharmed. A picture of a bull trout is in the angling regulations on page 14. Please call ODFW in Springfield at (541) 726-3515 ext. 26 to report any bull trout you catch.

Southwest Zone _________________________________________________________

Umpqua Basin Rivers and Streams: trout angling in many local streams, primarily for resident cutthroat trout, will be open this year on May 25. Check regulations carefully for stream closures, gear restrictions, catch and release areas, and season dates. Rainbow trout will still be stocked in reservoirs and lakes only.

Cascade Lakes: small high lakes offer excellent fishing opportunities for brook trout and some rainbow and brown trout. These lakes are on to angling all year, but check on access into higher elevation areas before venturing into these isolated areas.

Cooper Creek, Plat I, Ben Irving, and Galesville reservoirs, Loon Lake and Lake Marie: have been stocked with legal sized trout. Several thousand rainbow trout have been stocked for family fishing opportunities.

Toketee and Lemolo reservoirs: have brown trout in the 11 to 14-inch size range. Rainbow trout will also be stocked in Lemolo after opening day. Check reservoir level conditions and boat access points at Lemolo prior to Memorial Day. Toketee reservoir is open all year and provides some excellent brown trout fishing in late spring and fall.

Diamond Lake: opens April 27. More than 70,000 fish will be stocked this year, and for the first time in the history of the lake's stocking program, 24,000 spring chinook will be released for anglers to catch. An additional 26,000 catchable-sized rainbow and 20,000 trophy-sized trout will be stocked this summer. Check for snow and ice conditions.

Rogue Valley Area:

Jackson and Josephine county lakes: are open all year for angling except Howard Prairie and Hyatt lakes, which open April 27. Howard Prairie and Hyatt lakes should provide good fishing for rainbow trout opening weekend. The resorts, boat ramps, and campgrounds are expected to be open at both lakes.

Emigrant Lake and Medco Pond: are stocked with legal rainbow. Emigrant Lake also has good opportunities for large and smallmouth bass, crappie and brown bullhead.

Fish Lake: is stocked with legal rainbows, and brook trout are also available. The lake is expected to be free of ice by late April, and the resort and boat ramp is expected to be open. However, Fish Lake and Doe Point campgrounds are not expected to be open until sometime in May. Campground information is available by calling the Ashland Ranger District office at 541/482-3333.

Willow Lake: should have good numbers of stocked trout, as well as largemouth bass and black crappie. The campground will be open, but the resort is closed. The main county campground will be open on a first come-first serve basis beginning April 15. Cabins and the group campground can be reserved through the Jackson County Roads and Parks Department at 541/774-8183.

Lost Creek Lake: should be good for stocked rainbow trout. Smallmouth bass are also available. Boat ramps are accessible.

Applegate Lake: the French Gulch boat launch is open. The reservoir water level is rising but the Hartish boat launch may not open by late April. Large and smallmouth bass are available along with stocked legal sized trout.

Selmac Lake: should be good for stocked legal rainbow trout. Bass and crappie are also available.

Squaw Lakes: logging activities presently restricts road access. Updated road access information is available by calling the Applegate Ranger District at 541/899-1812. Lower Squaw has cutthroat trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and black crappie. Upper Squaw has angling opportunities for cutthroat trout.

Expo, All Sports, Spaulding, Burma, and Dutch Herman ponds: are scheduled for stocking with legal-sized trout. Updated road access information for Spaulding Pond is available by calling the Siskiyou National Forest office at 541/471-6500.

Big Butte Creek above Cobleigh Bridge and Little Butte Creek above the forks: are open to trout angling May 25. Use of bait is prohibited and catch and release rules apply, except there is no limit on brook trout in the headwaters.

Lower Rogue River: spring chinook run is expected to peak in April and May.
Anglers are reminded that several new regulations for the Rogue River took effect last year. In the Rogue Canyon, the new rules prohibit the use of bait (artificial flies and lures only) Sept. 1 - Oct. 31 from Foster Creek upstream to Whiskey Creek. In the Upper Rogue River, the amended rules allow artificial flies only from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31 from Gold Ray Dam to Cole Rivers Hatchery. From Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 either artificial flies or lures are required from Gold Ray Dam to Rogue Elk Park Boat Ramp. In addition, anglers may use barbed artificial flies in September and October from Gold Ray to Cole Rivers Hatchery. The remaining regulations remain unchanged.

Rogue and Applegate rivers below the dams: All rainbow trout over 16 inches are considered steelhead and must be recorded on the Salmon/Steelhead tag. Trout and steelhead caught in these areas with the adipose fin intact must be released unharmed (see regulations for exceptions). Rogue River below Cole Rivers Hatchery and Applegate River below Applegate Dam are closed to trout fishing April 1 - May 24. All tributaries to the Rogue River below the deadline at Cole Rivers Hatchery not listed in the 2002 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations are closed to angling. Rogue and Applegate rivers below the hatchery deadline and dam, respectively, open to trout angling May 25. Catch and release rules apply for trout with adipose fins intact.

Illinois River: is closed to all angling April 1 - May 24. The Illinois River below Pomeroy Dam opens to catch and release of steelhead and trout on May 25, using artificial flies and lures, no bait. The rest of the Illinois River and its tributaries are closed to all angling.

Rogue River: above Lost Creek Lake opens to trout on April 27. Native trout are available in most streams.

North Fork of the Rogue River: will be stocked with legal-sized trout beginning in late May.

Coos County Area:

All public lakes in Coos County: are open the entire year. Most standing waters were stocked in March and will receive additional releases of rainbow trout in April and May. Streams in this area open May 25 for trout fishing. Trout regulations for open streams allow harvest of two fish per day, with an eight-inch minimum size. Note that some streams remain closed to all angling.

Bradley, Powers Pond, Upper and Lower Empire, Johnson Pond, Saunders, Bluebill, Eel, and North and South Tenmile Lakes: are stocked with legal trout. Empire Lakes and Bradley Lake were stocked prior to spring break with trophy rainbow trout up to four pounds each. Powers Pond, Empire lakes, Bradley Lake, and Johnson Pond will receive more trophy rainbows in early May and early June. Those four waterbodies, plus Saunders Lake will receive a fall stocking of 14 to 16-inch trout. Tenmile Lakes have fair numbers of holdover trout up to 17 inches and abundant bluegill, brown bullhead, black crappie, and largemouth bass. Johnson Pond, Saunders Lake, Beale Lake, Eel Lake, and Horsfall Lake also have a mix of warmwater fish available in the spring and summer.

Coos Bay, Coos River, and Lower Coquille River: have striped bass, shad, and sturgeon angling available. Sturgeon were tagged in Coos Bay in February, and anglers are asked to report tags recovered, even if fish are released. If you release a tagged fish, please leave the tag in place. Shad will appear with warm, sunny weather in late May and into June.

Coos County beaches: offer redtail and silver surfperch, sand sole, and starry flounder in the spring and early summer. Striped bass are occasionally caught off Coos beaches. Anglers will find a mix of pile, white, and striped surfperch in Coos Bay around structures and along the Coos jetties. Also available are grass, black, blue, and copper rockfish, rock and kelp greenling, cabezon, lingcod, and starry flounder. Surf smelt are caught in spring and early summer off docks and piers around Coos Bay.

Coos Bay: crabbing has been fair this year in Coos Bay and the Coquille estuary. Numerous clam species are available on sand and mud flats of Coos Bay.

Curry County Area:

Coastal tributary streams are open May 25 through Oct. 31 for trout angling with a daily bag limit of two trout greater than eight inches. The exception is Hunter Creek and tributaries of the Rogue and Illinois rivers that closed to trout angling. The three Curry County lakes are open to year-round angling.

Floras Lake: is stocked monthly from late March through May with 800 to 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Access is limited to the boat ramp and a short bank section at the northwest end of the lake.

Garrison Lake: is stocked monthly from late March through May with 800 to 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. There is also good carryover of rainbow trout up to 14 inches. Access is good at the boat ramp and the city park.

Libby Pond: has a good population of rainbow and some catfish. The pond is stocked monthly from late March through May with 800 to 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Bank access is excellent, boat access is limited to rafts, prams, and canoes.

Central Zone____________________________________________________________

Some lower elevation HIGH LAKES may be ice-free and accessible by April 27. Many STREAMS in Central Zone open May 25, check regulations for details.

Lower Deschutes River: is low and clear. The daily bag limit is two trout 10 to 13 inches in length and all rainbow trout 20 inches or more are considered steelhead. Only artificial flies and lures are permitted except from Sherars Falls downstream to the upstream-most railroad trestle where bait is permitted. Trout, whitefish and steelhead angling is open all year from the mouth upstream to markers at the northern boundary of the Warm Springs Reservation, which is 17 miles upstream from Maupin. The Deschutes from 600 feet downstream of the Pelton Regulation Dam to the markers at the northern reservation boundary is open to angling from April 27 through Oct. 31 for rainbow trout and whitefish.

Lower Deschutes: from the mouth upstream to Sherars Falls will be open for chinook salmon angling from April 6 through July 31, 2002. Anglers may harvest two adipose fin-clipped adult spring chinook and five adipose-clipped jack salmon per day. All wild spring chinook must be released unharmed and should not be removed from the water. The river from Sherars Falls upstream to the Pelton Re-regulation Dam is closed to all salmon angling. Anglers are reminded that it is illegal to continue to angle for jack salmon after retaining a daily limit of adult salmon. This is a statewide regulation.

Rock Creek and Pine Hollow Reservoirs: have already been stocked and are open all year. Trout fishing should be good on the "opening" weekend since good numbers of fish over-winter in both reservoirs. Good numbers of largemouth bass are also available in both reservoirs. Both reservoirs will likely be full for the "opening" weekend, and boat ramps should be useable. Both reservoirs will likely reach low levels by late summer.

Clear Lake and Frog Lake: may be inaccessible through April because of snow. Anglers are reminded the lakes are open to angling all year. Clear Lake (actually an irrigation storage reservoir) is likely to by at low pool by late summer but Frog Lake will remain at its normal level.

West Fork Hood River and tributaries: are closed to all angling for maximum protection of now federally protected steelhead stocks.

Hood River System (excluding West Fork): will open for catch and release trout angling only from the fourth Saturday in May through Oct. 31. Only artificial flies and lures may be used when trout angling upstream from Powerdale Dam. Anglers are also reminded that the Hood River system is closed to the harvest of bull trout. All bull trout must be released unharmed.

Laurance Lake: may not be accessible by April 27. All non-finclipped trout must be released unharmed and only artificial flies and lures can be used. Tributary streams are closed to all angling. Laurance Lake is open from April 27 through Oct. 31 and will likely be full at the start of fishing season.

Lost Lake: may not be accessible in April but will be stocked in early May. Lost Lake should remain at normal surface levels throughout the summer. Lost Lake is open year round.

Kingsley Reservoir: will likely be accessible by mid-to-late April and will be stocked. Kingsley Reservoir open all year.

Olallie Lake will likely not be accessible until late May at the earliest.

Upper Deschutes River Sub-basin

General Information: The Upper Deschutes River Sub-basin received below average snowfall in eastern areas including the Ochoco and Maury Mountains and above average snowfall in the Cascade mountains. Anglers are encouraged to check the ODFW Weekly Angling Report for the most recent access information. Access information is also available through the Deschutes National Forest. Angling for brook and brown trout should be good early in the season. Angling for rainbow trout and kokanee is expected to be fair with improvement when water temperatures begin warming. Please note changes in the Central Zone Stream Regulations that reflect a general regulation of two trout per day, flies and lures only, and an opening day of May 25. Stream areas where bait is allowed are noted specifically in the Special Regulations for that waterbody. Lake regulations remain basically unchanged from 2002 but anglers should consult the Sport Fishing Regulations for specifics.

Antelope Flat Reservoir: is open to year-round angling, however, anglers should contact the Prineville Ranger District, (541) 447-9641 to check on road conditions to the reservoir. Snow pack or wet road conditions may block access. Angling is generally best spring through mid-summer. By late summer, low water levels and warm water temperatures limit success. There is an unimproved boat ramp for small to medium sized boats; however, this is often not operational by late summer. Low water conditions may be encountered during spring 2002. Trout numbers have decreased the last two years. Most recent stocking was in fall 2001. Trout up to 18 inches are present in the reservoir, and fingerlings will be stocked in mid-May. Daily bag limit is five trout. Camping opportunities are available at a managed Ochoco National Forest campground.

Big Lava Lake: opens to angling April 27. Big Lava Lake should be good for rainbow trout. Most fish will run 10 to 13 inches with occasional fish from 14 to 16 inches. 2001 produced good numbers of larger fish.

Crane Prairie Reservoir: opens to angling April 27. Crane Prairie is expected to be similar to last season. Good numbers of wild and hatchery rainbow trout are available. Hatchery fish are 100 percent marked with an adipose fin clip or left ventral clip, so please voluntarily limit your harvest of wild trout to protect this fishery. Expect fish to be scattered early in the season. Anglers should target shallow water areas for best success. The trout bag limit is five fish and may include one fish greater than 20 inches. Good numbers of brook trout are available. Best angling for brook trout is early in the season. Bass angling should improve as water temperatures increase - target willow areas early in the season. Recent illegal introductions of black crappie and bluegill have occurred. There is no limit on size or number of crappie or bluegill.

Crescent Lake: is open year around for angling, however, the lake may be inaccessible due to snow. Angling should be fair to good for brown and lake trout early in the season. Kokanee angling is predicted to be slow early in the season with improved catches expected in May and June.

Davis Lake: water levels were very low in 2001. Water levels for 2002 will not be known until late May or June. Lava Flow Campground and boat launch will again be closed until late summer. Angling is expected to be good through the early part of the season and again late in the season. Expect good numbers of rainbow trout in the 12 to 16-inch size range, and a fair number of fish larger than 20 inches. A reminder that Davis Lake is fly angling only with a bag limit of two trout per day between 10 and13 inches. Anglers fishing for bass in Davis Lake are restricted to fly angling only using barbless flies. Bass were illegally introduced into Davis Lake and there is no limit on size or number harvested. Consult the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for additional special regulations on Davis Lake. Please note that Odell Creek and the Odell Creek channel are closed upstream of West Davis Camp Ground boat ramp until May 25.

East Lake: opens to angling April 27. Accessibility remains unknown for opening day. Kokanee, rainbow, brown trout, and Atlantic salmon are present in the lake. Expect fair to good catches of rainbow and brown trout early in the season. Brown trout numbers are excellent with good numbers of large fish. Catchable rainbow trout are stocked through the season. Expect fair to good numbers of carryover rainbow early in the season. East Lake is becoming a popular fly fishing destination for Atlantic salmon.

Haystack Reservoir: is open to year-round angling. Legal-sized rainbows will be stocked in mid-April. Moderate numbers of large brown trout are present. Kokanee angling should be fair in the spring while angling for bass, bluegill and crappie should improve as the water warms. Angling for brown bullhead should be good. Launch ramps on the east and west shores are in good condition. Daily bag limit is five trout including kokanee. This is an irrigation re-regulating reservoir, thus water levels fluctuate daily, however, and there will be adequate boating water throughout the season.

Lake Billy Chinook: kokanee angling should be good. Numbers will be similar to 2001, with the average size ranging from 11 to 13 inches. Peak angling for kokanee is typically in July and August. The daily catch limit is 25 kokanee of any size in addition to the regular trout limit of five fish. Angling for trout should be fair in the uppermost reaches of all three arms. Anglers are reminded of the one bull trout bag limit with a 24-inch minimum length. Please consult signs and photos posted around the lake to aid in identification of bull trout. This species is protected under the Endangered Species Act and harvest of bull trout less than 24 inches is a violation. Bass angling should be fair in all three arms as the water warms. A tribal angling permit is required in addition to an Oregon State angling license to fish in the Metolius Arm. There is a closed-to-angling sanctuary from the cable downstream 350 yards at the head of the Metolius Arm. The Metolius Arm is o!
pen to angling from Mar. 15 to Oct. 31. The balance of the reservoir is open the entire year.

North Twin Lake: is open year around and provides a "put and take" fishery for nine to 11-inch rainbow trout. Some carryover fish up to 15 inches are available. Brown bullhead catfish have been illegally released into the lake and will likely overpopulate and stunt growth of rainbow trout. Motors are prohibited.

Odell Lake: open to angling from Apr. 27 through Oct. 31. Expect only fair catches of kokanee early in the season with improved catch in May and June. Only one lake trout per day is allowed as part of the daily trout limit and must be at least 30 inches in length. Please note that bull trout are federally listed as threatened and their numbers are extremely low in Odell Lake. Targeted angling for bull trout is not allowed and any incidentally caught bull trout must be released unharmed. Please note that angling is closed within 200 feet of the mouth of Odell Creek to protect bull trout. Do not remove fish from water when releasing. Please consult the Sport Fish Regulations on how to release fish unharmed.

Ochoco Reservoir: is not expected to fill in 2002. The reservoir was less than half full in late March. Water level should rise through the spring months then drop as the summer progresses. Angling for holdover rainbow trout has been good with fish ranging from 12 to 16 inches. Anglers are effective with a wide range of bait and tackle. Boat anglers should concentrate in the upper end of the reservoir near the mouths of Ochoco and Mill Creeks during the months of April and May. The reservoir will be stocked with fingerling rainbows in mid April, and the daily bag limit is five trout. The boat ramp and camping facilities will be available for use. The boat ramp has been improved and extended allowing use at lower water levels. Black crappie fishing should improve as the water warms. There is no limit on this illegally introduced species. Bank anglers, please respect private property on the shoreline. The reservoir is open to year-round angling.

Paulina Lake: opens to angling April 27. Expect best catches of large brown trout early in the season and early and late in the day. The state record brown trout was caught in Paulina and weighed 27 pounds, 12 oz. Kokanee angling is expected to be good with most fish ranging from 13 to16 inches. Kokanee catches will improve as lake productivity increases in May and June. There is a five trout daily bag limit (includes kokanee) and may include one fish greater than 20 inches.

Prineville Reservoir: is not expected to fill in 2002. In late March, the reservoir was approximately two-thirds full. Water level should rise through the spring months then drop as the summer progresses. Angling should be fair for rainbow trout, good for seven to 10 inch black crappie and eight to nine inch brown bullhead, and fair for bass. Anglers are reminded of the 12-inch minimum for largemouth and smallmouth bass. Low water levels will negatively affect the spring bullhead fishery in the upper part of the reservoir. The north shore access road will be open on April 15. Both Jasper Point and the state boat ramp should be in operation through the season, and the reservoir is open to year-round angling.

Simtustus Lake: angling should be fair for kokanee, and rainbow trout (eight to16 inches). Legal-sized rainbow trout will be stocked prior to opening weekend and through the summer. The store and campground at Pelton Park will be open, and a boat ramp is available. A tribal angling permit is required in addition to a state angling license to fish in the lake. The bag limit is five trout per day including kokanee. Some bull trout are available. Bull trout limit is one fish with a 24-inch minimum as in Lake Billy Chinook. Open to angling Apr. 27 through Oct. 31.

South Twin Lake: opens to angling April 27. South Twin is a popular lake for rainbow trout angling and provides sheltered angling opportunity when early season cold temperatures and wind become a problem on larger water bodies. Rainbow trout are typically 11 to 13 inches for the opener with a fewer carryover fish in the 14 to 16-inch size. South Twin provides good bank angling opportunity. Boat launching is available; however, motors are prohibited.

Suttle Lake: is open to angling year around. Expect fair to good catches of brown trout and kokanee. Target brown trout early and late in the day along the north shoreline. Kokanee angling should improve as water warms. Suttle Lake has a kokanee bag limit of 25 fish per day in addition to the trout species catch limit.

Walton Lake: is open year around. Anglers should contact Big Summit Ranger District, (541) 447-9645 for updated lake and road conditions. Angling for holdover rainbow trout should be good early in the season. Legal-sized rainbow trout will be stocked in early May and through the season. Beginning in late May and continuing on a monthly basis throughout the summer, the lake will be stocked with trophy trout (one to two pounds each). Daily bag limit is five trout. Walton Lake is open to year-round angling.

Wickiup Reservoir: opens to angling April 27. Wickiup Reservoir water levels will be similar to last year. Kokanee angling is expected to be good for smaller sized fish. Kokanee will be scattered early in the season and begin schooling in channels sometime in June. Target shallow water flats early in the season and river channel areas as the water warms. There is a bonus bag limit on kokanee of 25 fish in addition to the trout bag limit. Good numbers of brown trout are available. Growth of brown trout has been very good due to high feed abundance. Most large browns are captured early in the season, both early and late in the day. Some large rainbow trout are available. There is no limit on size or number of warmwater gamefish, including bass, in Wickiup Reservoir.

Mainstem Crooked River below Bowman Dam: to the City of Prineville should be good for trout. Trout are averaging eight to 12 inches. Best opportunities are in the nine miles immediately below the dam. River levels will be variable during the spring months (call ODFW at 541-447-5111 for current conditions). Daily bag limit is two trout per day using flies and lures. Use of bait is permitted between May 25 and Oct. 31. Numerous overnight and day use areas are available for use on BLM lands.

Southeast Zone _________________________________________________________

Angling opportunities in the Southeast Zone will vary by basin. In some basins precipitation has been near normal and streams and reservoirs will have higher water levels than last year with improved fishing conditions. Fisheries will be rebuilding in some areas where they were lost last year. In other basins drought conditions still exist. In the drier areas, river and stream flows will be lower than normal and some reservoirs will be very low or dry. Some lakes and reservoirs will not have enough water to support fish and will not be stocked. Consult the local ODFW offices in Klamath Falls, Lakeview, Hines, Ontario or LaGrande for more updated accounts of local stream and reservoir conditions.

To protect native populations of redband trout, hatchery trout are no longer stocked in some streams. There are a number of protected fish species in the zone. Consult the angling synopsis for details before you go fishing.

Chewaucan River: angling for native redband should be good. Low flow conditions are expected in the lower river as the summer progresses. The Chewaucan River above the town of Paisley is open to angling all year and has a bag limit of two trout, eight-inch minimum length. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Below the town of Paisley, the angling season is open May 25 through October 31. The trout bag limit is two fish per day, eight-inch minimum and the use of bait is allowed.

Dairy Creek: angling for native redband should be good. Dairy Creek is open to angling all year and has a bag limit of two trout, eight-inch minimum length. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures only.

Cottonwood Meadows: is annually stocked with fingerling rainbow trout. Angling should be fair.

Deadhorse Lake: is annually stocked with approximately 5,000 legal and trophy-sized trout and fingerling brook trout.

Dog Lake: is a warm water fisheries reservoir with plentiful yellow perch, some largemouth bass and crappie.

Holbrook Reservoir: is annually stocked with fingerlings and legal and trophy-sized trout. Angling should be good.

Lofton Reservoir: is annually stocked with fingerlings and legal and trophy-sized trout. Angling should good.

Lucky Reservoir: is stocked annually with fingerling trout. Angling should be fair for fish to 16 inches.

Thompson Reservoir: Annually stocked with fingerling and legal-sized trout. Reservoir will be drawn down through out the irrigation season making for some navigation hazards as the irrigation season progresses. Angling should be good.

Warner Valley Lakes: crappie will be available to anglers up to 15 inches. Expect the lakes to become very low as the summer progresses.

Williamson River: Special regulations are in effect for the Williamson River; be sure to check the angling regulations. Williamson River from the mouth upstream to Kirk Bridge should provide excellent angling opportunities for large native redband trout. Angling for these large fish should peak in July, August and September. Season opens May 25. Williamson River upstream of Kirk Bridge should provide very good angling for native redband trout and introduced brook trout. Season opens April 27.

Spring Creek: opens May 25, and will be stocked with legal-sized rainbow trout throughout the summer.

Sevenmile Creek: below Nicholson Road Bridge opens April 27 and should be fair for native rainbow and introduced brown trout. Upstream of Nicholson Road Bridge also opens April 27 and has good brook trout opportunities. Access to upper Sevenmile Creek may be difficult early in the fishing season due to snow. Check with the Forest Service's Klamath Ranger District to determine road conditions.

Wood River: opens April 27. Brown trout angling should be fair. Brown trout and wild redband trout angling should be good to excellent.

Klamath River: from Lake Ewauna downstream to the Keno Dam is open year round. Angling peaks in February and March.
-Keno Dam downstream to J.C. Boyle Dam is open Jan. 1 through June 15 and from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. Opportunities for native redband trout should be excellent.
-J.C. Boyle Dam to the Oregon/California border is open year-round. Angling should be good for native redband trout.
-Flows in the Klamath River can fluctuate widely depending on dam operations. Anglers can call 1-800-547-1501 for river flow information.

Lake of the Woods: is open to angling all year and 24 hours a day. The lake is annually stocked with fingerling rainbow and brown trout and kokanee salmon. Legal and trophy-sized rainbow trout are stocked throughout the spring and summer. Good catches of holdover rainbow trout occur early in the spring. Brown trout and kokanee fishing is also good in the spring. There are good angling opportunities for largemouth bass, yellow perch and bullhead catfish.

Agency Lake: is open all year with a bag limit of one trout. Angling for large native redband trout will be good.

Klamath Lake: is open all year with a bag limit of one trout. Angling for large native redband trout will be good.

Fourmile Lake: is open to angling all year. The road in to Fourmile Lake is normally accessible by late June. Prospects for kokanee and brook trout should be good. Lake trout angling should produce fish up to approximately eight inches.

Miller Lake: is open to angling all year and 24 hours per day. The road to Miller Lake is usually inaccessible until late May or early June. Please check with the Forest Service in Chemult for road conditions. Miller Lake should produce some good catches of brown trout and kokanee. Legal-sized rainbow trout will also be available to the angler.

Sprague River System: from the mouth of Sprague River to Chiloquin Dam opens May 25 and should be good for native redband trout. The Sprague River upstream from Chiloquin Dam opens April 27. Angling for native redband trout should be good. The area from Saddle Mountain Pit road upstream to Godowa Springs Road Bridge is open to the use of bait to take advantage of the brown bullhead that are available. The Sprague River System is closed to angling for bull trout.

Devils Lake: angling for warm water fish should be good. Legal-sized rainbow trout will be stocked during the spring.

Ana Reservoir: is open to angling all year. The reservoir is stocked annually with legal rainbow trout, and every other year with 2,000 fingerling hybrid bass (white/striped). The minimum size limit on hybrid bass is 16 inches with a bag limit of one hybrid bass per 24-hour period.

Ana River: is stocked with fingerling rainbow trout. Legal size fish are abundant, and spring fishing should be good to excellent.

Blue Lake: rainbow trout angling for fish from eight to 16 inches should be good.

Campbell Lake: is stocked annually with legal rainbow trout throughout the summer, and every other year with fingerling brook trout.

Gerber Reservoir: is open to angling all year. Warm water fishing should be good for crappie, largemouth bass, brown bullhead, and yellow perch.

Willow Valley Reservoir: The reservoir was extremely low as it entered the winter. Fishing should be poor.
Malheur Area:

In addition to the information listed below, anglers should be aware that emergency angling regulations might be enacted sometime during the summer to either protect wild fish (close areas to fishing) or harvest hatchery fish that are going to die due to lakes or reservoirs drying up.

Blitzen River: has special regulations for the whole drainage. The river and its tributaries have good numbers of wild redband trout. Fishing conditions will vary in the spring depending on weather and the snowmelt. The snowpack is about 90 percent of average so the river will likely be at low summer flow by early July. There should be good numbers of wild fish to catch. Anglers are encouraged to release all trout in this river system which is managed as a trophy trout fishery. No hatchery fish are stocked. East Canal access road on Malheur Refuge will be open to non-motorized traffic only. In the fall the river between Bridge Creek and Buckaroo Dam near the P Ranch will be closed to public access due to construction.

Chickahominy Reservoir: will not provide any angling this year. Due to several years of low precipitation, water levels have continued to drop. Last summer water levels got so low most of the fish died. There was very little runoff into the reservoir this year and water levels are about four feet lower than last spring. The reservoir will be nearly dry again by fall.

Cottonwood Reservoir: will not provide much of a fishery. The reservoir was not stocked last year due to low water levels. It should nearly fill this spring but anglers will have to wait for spring stocked fingerling trout to grow. They should be legal size by fall.

Cow Lakes: have largemouth bass, brown bullhead, white crappie and yellow perch. It should be fair fishing for eight to10-inch crappie this spring and early summer before the aquatic vegetation becomes too thick. The lakes are refilling from being nearly drained last year.

Delintment Lake: it's likely that a winter kill occurred so there will be few or no fish to catch until it is stocked with legal-sized and fingerling rainbow trout in mid-May. Legal-sized trout make up the bulk of the catch until fingerlings begin entering the fishery by September. The snowpack is above average in the area, so access will be blocked by snow until early May.

Fish Lake: is stocked annually with 5,000 legal rainbows in late June or early July. There are also naturally reproducing brook trout in the lake. The snowpack is about 90 percent of average so the road to the lake will likely open about the 4th of July.

Beulah Reservoir: will not be good fishing this spring. The reservoir was nearly drained last fall and wasn't stocked last year due to low water levels. Snowpack is only 85 percent of average and the reservoir will probably not fill. However, it will be stocked with fingerling rainbow this spring, and there should be a few wild redband trout that drifted into the reservoir from the river. Anglers may catch crappie as a result of an illegal fish introduction. There is a bull trout research project on the reservoir and river upstream, and some bull trout will have radio transmitters in them. Remember to release bull trout if you catch one.

Krumbo Reservoir: should be good this spring and early summer for rainbow trout before the weeds become too thick. There should also be some large carryover rainbows from past stocking. Bass fishing will be a little slow until the water warms up. Fishing is also good in the fall when water temperatures cool. Reservoir levels will be a few feet below normal but boat launching facilities will be operational.

Malheur Reservoir: will not be good fishing in the spring. Due to low water levels last year few fish were stocked so there are few carryover fish from last year. Snow pack conditions are about 80 percent of normal so the reservoir should have fair water storage at the end of the irrigation season in the fall. It will be stocked with fingerling and legal- sized rainbows this spring.

Pole Creek Reservoir: will have poor fishing in early spring due to very low water levels last fall and winter. It should provide fair to good fishing after it is stocked with legal trout in mid-May.

Upper Malheur River drainage: angling will be slow early in the season but should be good for wild redband trout and brook trout after spring flows drop. The snow pack is about 85 percent of average so the streams in the basin will be at low summer flows by mid-June. Remember to release bull trout.

Owyhee Reservoir: should be good for largemouth and smallmouth bass and channel catfish starting in April. Crappie fishing should be good for eight to nine-inch fish from April on. Early in the season some fish will be in poor condition due to lack of food from the low reservoir levels of last fall and winter. The reservoir will not fill this year. Remember that there is a fish consumption advisory because some fish have high levels of mercury.

Lower Malheur River: will be poor trout fishing this year. Most of the fish died last summer in the hot muddy water when Beulah and Warm Springs reservoirs were nearly drained for irrigation. The river will be stocked with fingerling rainbow and it will be fall before many are large enough to keep.

Yellowjacket Lake: rainbows will be small (in the eight-inch range) this spring. There should be a few larger fish from past years stocking. The lake is full and should provide good fishing all year. This is a great place to take beginning anglers because the catch rate is usually pretty good for small rainbows.

Bully Creek Reservoir: fishing should be slow to fair by May for small six to eight-inch crappie. The reservoir was very low last fall and winter that affected fish growth and survival. Storage levels are near average this year.

Warm Springs Reservoir: will be poor fishing this spring and summer. It was drawn to minimum pool last summer and most of the fish died as they were washed through the dam. Snow pack is only 85 percent of average and the reservoir will not fill again this year. It will take several years for the warmwater fish population to recover. Fingerling rainbow trout will be stocked this spring and fall, and there should be a few crappies to catch in May down near the dam.

Wildhorse Lake: is located high on the south end of Steens Mountain. It has a naturally reproducing population of Lahontan cutthroat trout. The snow pack is only 85percent of average and the road and trail into the lake will be accessible by mid-July.

Lower Owyhee River: angling should be good most of the season. There are
rainbow and brown trout over 20 inches; most are eight to 14 inches. All brown trout must be released.

Upper Owyhee River: has good numbers of smallmouth bass and channel
catfish. The runoff will be below average this year and the river will be at low summer flow by mid-June so the boating season will be very short. There should be good hike-in fishing all summer.

Juniper Lake: has gone dry and the fishery has been lost.

Mann Lake: angling should be good for large Lahontan cutthroat trout, and most
fish should be over 16 inches. It will be stocked this year with three to five-inch fish. The lake is managed as a trophy fishing lake. Artificial flies and lures only (no bait). The bag limit is two fish over 15 inches, and only one may be over 20 inches. The lake will be very low by fall due to low snow pack. There may be a fish die off by late summer.

Moon Reservoir: will be poor fishing. It was drained for irrigation last year and the fishery was lost. Due to continued dry conditions, it will likely be drained again this year.

Murphy Reservoir: will be poor fishing. It was almost drained last year for irrigation and was not stocked. It should nearly fill this year and will be stocked with fingerling that will be large enough to harvest by fall.

Silvies drainage: should have good angling for wild rainbow trout. Streams will be low and fishable in May due to the low snow pack that is only 80 percent of average. Streams will be very low by mid-summer. Warmwater fishing in the mainstem should be good by mid-May.

Baker County Area:

Snake River upstream of Brownlee Reservoir: flows will be much lower than normal from the spring on because the upper basin snow pack is only about 70 percent of average. Channel catfish angling will be slow until the weather warms up in May. Smallmouth bass fishing will pick up when water temperatures rise.

Phillips Reservoir: the water level is still very low, and the reservoir may not fill this year. Angling should be slow to fair for 10 to 18-inch rainbow trout and good for small yellow perch.

Thief Valley Reservoir: the reservoir was very low at the end of irrigation season last year, but it has filled this spring. Angling should be fair for 12 to18-inch rainbow trout.

Balm Creek Reservoir: should be fair to good for smallmouth bass and eight to 10-inch rainbow trout, with a few larger fish. Boat motors are restricted to electric motors only.

Burnt River: should provide slow to fair angling for eight to 14-inch rainbows for the April 27 opener. The water level in Unity Reservoir was low at the end of the irrigation season last year, and as a result, trout survival in the Burnt River may have been low.

Powder River, Pine Creek and tributaries: should provide fair to good angling for 8 to 14-inch rainbow for the April 27 opener.

Higgins Reservoir: opens for angling April 27. It should provide slow to fair angling for 10 to18-inch rainbow trout. The water level was very low at the end of irrigation season last year, and as a result, trout survival may have been low. This reservoir is located on private land, and the landowner allows public access for angling - please respect the property, haul out your trash, and help maintain the privilege of angling on private land. New regulations are in effect. Two trout per day, artificial flies and lures only. In addition, boat motors are restricted to electric motors only.

Highway 203, North Powder 1 and 2, and Haines Ponds: will be stocked with legal trout prior to April 27. Angling should be good for 8 to12-inch fish.

Murray Reservoir: will be stocked with legal trout in early May. Angling should be good for 8 to12-inch fish.

Pilcher Creek Reservoir: the water level was very low at the end of irrigation season last year, and as a result, angling should be slow for rainbow trout and crappie. Angling is open all year.

Unity Reservoir: the water level in Unity Reservoir was low at the end of irrigation season last year. As a result, trout survival may have been low. Angling should be fair for 10 to 18-inch rainbow trout. Crappie angling should be fair.

Wolf Creek Reservoir: should be fair to good for eight to 12-inch rainbow trout.

Fish Lake and Twin Lakes: (Eagle Caps near Halfway) - Snow may limit access early in the season. Later, angling should be good for eight to 12-inch rainbow trout. Brook trout are also available in Fish Lake.

Northeast Zone__________________________________________________________

Reminder: Bull trout may NOT be harvested in the Northeast Zone. Also, most northeast Oregon streams do not open until May 25. Check the angling regulations for details.

Willow, Rhea, and Butter creeks, and Mc Kay Creek above McKay Reservoir: open April 27. McKay Reservoir opened March 1. Willow Creek will be stocked with catchable trout in April and May through the cities of Heppner, Lexington and Ione.

McNary, Hat Rock, Cutsforth and Weston ponds: are open all year, but will be planted with trout during April, May and June. Access should be okay by the early trout opener on April 27.

Penland Lake: is open all year and fishing is expected to be good for rainbow trout eight to 17 inches. Snow conditions could limit access through April and May.

Willow Creek Reservoir: is open all year and fishing is expected to be fair for trout eight to 14 inches. Trout will be planted during April. Largemouth bass, black crappie and brown bullhead are also available.

Jubilee Lake: is open year round and fishing is expected to be fair for eight to 12-inch rainbow trout. The lake is usually not accessible by vehicle before mid-June because of snow.

Olive and Strawberry lakes: may not be accessible in April.

Magone Lake, Bull Prairie: roads will likely be open for the April 27 date.

Wineland Lake, Long Creek, and Anson Wright ponds: access will be good and all should be stocked by April 27.

Rowe Creek Reservoir: will not be stocked this year because the dam is leaking and it will likely be dry by the time the trout were scheduled to be released.

John Day basin: All streams in the basin will be open to trout angling May 25. A reminder to anglers that all trout 20 inches and larger are classified as steelhead in streams in the John Day Basin. Anglers are also reminded that a slot limit is in effect for smallmouth bass in the John Day River from Kimberly downstream to Tumwater Falls.

Wallowa Lake: will be stocked with legal trout the first week of May. Good numbers of holdover rainbow should be available as well. Kokanee angling usually does not pick up until early-May, and good fishing is expected.

Victor, Marr and Wallowa ponds: will be stocked with legal size rainbow trout prior to April 27. Anglin
 
See less See more
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top