Getting There:  From Ashland, follow Hwy 66 directly to the lake, about 5 miles.

Fishing at the Emigrant Reservoir -Oregon Fish and Wildlife-

Rainbow Trout at Emigrant Lake -Photo by Daniel Vandyke -

Angler Catching and Releasing a bass on Emigrant Lake -Photo by Daniel Vandyke -

Fisheries: Warmwater fish are available year-round including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch and brown bullhead. Fishing for rainbow trout can be good in the spring and fall. Approximately 10,000 legal-sized (8 to 12 inch) rainbow are stocked between March and June.

Useful Information: In spring, fish the flooded willows, the dam face and dike structures in Emigrant and Hill Creek arms for black crappie and largemouth bass. Trout fishing is best in spring and fall; try the Emigrant Creek inlet and around the county park.

Note: Department of Human Services has found elevated levels of mercury in smallmouth bass at Emigrant. A health advisory has been issued recommending limits on consumption of all fish from Emigrant except rainbow trout. Information on the Emigrant Reservoir advisory, along with general information on mercury and fish, can be found on the DHS website.

Tackle & Techniques: All lake-fishing techniques can be effective. Trout anglers use floating bait or worms with a weight about two feet above the hook. Troll with or cast and retrieve lures or flies. For bass and panfish use a size 10, 12 or 14 hook baited with worms below a bobber. Casting small lures and jigs is also effective. Bass will strike surface or shallow running lures fished around cover as the water warms. During hot weather, bass seek deeper, cooler water during the day. Use lead head jigs, plastic worms and deep running plugs. Target smallmouth bass along rocky shorelines in the spring and early summer. 

Facilities: Jackson County Park campground has RV hook-ups and tent campsites, picnic tables, restrooms, drinking water, swimming cove, two boat ramps.

Fees: Yes, for overnight and day use at the park.

Additional Activities: Swimming; Hyatt and Howard Prairie Reservoirs are nearby. Nearby state parks: Tou Velle State Recreation Area, Valley of the Rogue Recreation Area.

For Further Information:
ODFW Rogue Watershed District Office – (541) 826 -8774
Jackson County Parks – (541) 774-8183