Getting There: From Hwy 730 at Umatilla, turn north onto Brownell Boulevard (just west of I-82). Proceed to West Third Street. Turn right onto Third Street and proceed through I-82 underpass. The ponds are to the north of Third St. between I-82 and McNary Dam.

Fisheries: Legal and trophy-sized rainbow trout are stocked from March through June. Legal-sized trout are stocked about twice a month. Several hundred trophy-sized trout are stocked annually in mid-May for a youth fishing event. Bluegill, crappie, bullhead and both largemouth and smallmouth bass are all naturally reproducing and available year-round. Best consistent fishing from March through June is for stocked rainbow trout.

Useful Information: The setting is within a 318-acre natural area downstream of McNary Dam, adjacent to the Columbia River. There is a series of eight ponds connected by stream channels. The natural area has a series of hiking trails with interpretive signing regarding natural resources. It is pleasantly shaded by cottonwood, black locust, mulberry and Russian olive trees which shelter visitors from the strong afternoon winds.

Tackle & Techniques: All lake-fishing techniques can be effective. PowerBait fished from either a bobber or on the bottom works well for trout.

Facilities: There is good vehicle access to the area ponds and hiking trails. There are two wheelchair-accessible platforms at the Fountain Pond and numerous wheelchair-accessible sites at the other ponds.

Fees: None.

Additional Activities: Wildlife viewing, hiking. There are migratory fish viewing windows at McNary Dam fish ladder and Smolt Bypass Center. Nearby state park: Hat Rock State Park

For More Information:
ODFW John Day Watershed District Office — (541) 276-2344