Getting There: From I-5 take exit 30 and head north towards White City on Hwy 62. Continue approximately 5 miles north and turn left on Agate Road. Head north on Agate Road for one block and turn left (west) on East Gregory Road. Continue on East Gregory Road approximately one-half mile until road makes a sharp left corner. The access to Whetstone Pond is to the right.

Fisheries: The 1,858-acre Denman Wildlife Area offers excellent fishing for warmwater fish species in several permanent ponds. Fish species include largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, green sunfish, brown bullhead and carp.

Useful Information: Whetstone Pond, adjacent to the wildlife area office, is the largest pond in the area. Anglers at Whetstone target largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie and brown bullhead. Good bank fishing is available. Boats with electric motors are permitted. A map of all ponds in the wildlife area is available at the office.

Note: the Denman Wildlife Area is a high-use hunting area, especially for game birds. Hunting seasons typically run fall through early winter. Visit the ODFW website for more information.

Tackle & Techniques: All lake-fishing techniques can be effective. A simple technique is to fish a size 10, 12 or 14 hook baited with worms below a bobber. Casting small lures and jigs is also effective. Largemouth bass will strike surface or shallow running lures fished around cover as the water warms in the spring.

Facilities: Whetstone Pond offers an unimproved boat ramp, a wildlife viewing kiosk, wheelchair-accessible portable toilets, picnic tables and an access trail along the south bank.

Fees: None.

Additional Activities: Hunting in season, wildlife viewing, nature study, picnicking. Portions of the Denman Wildlife Area adjoin the Rogue River, Little Butte Creek and Tou Velle State Park. Other nearby state park: Valley of the Rogue State Recreation Area.

For More Information:
ODFW Rogue Watershed District Office — (541) 826-8774