Getting There: From I-5 south of Springfield, take Hwy 58 east to Dexter Reservoir. Cross Dexter Reservoir on the Lowell Road and continue north to Unity County Road 6204 (becomes Forest Road 18) to Fall Creek Reservoir. Forest Road 18 follows Fall Creek to its headwaters. Ten-mile long Fall Creek National Recreation Trail begins at Dolly Varden Campground and has many access points.

Fisheries: ODFW stocks legal-sized hatchery rainbow trout into Fall Creek above Fall Creek Reservoir every other week late April through late June. Native cutthroat and rainbow trout are also present in this area. Fall Creek above the reservoir opens to trout fishing the fourth Saturday in April and continues through October with a limit of five trout per day, 8 inch minimum length. Bait is allowed. Be sure to check ODFW’s stocking schedule for best success for stocked trout.

Useful Information: In spring the best opportunities for stocked rainbow trout are in the first 13 miles above the reservoir. Fish from shore near hatchery trout release points (near campgrounds) and where fish hold near tributary junctions and bedrock pools. The best fishing for native cutthroat and rainbow tends to be away from hatchery release locations.

Tackle & Techniques: Bait and spinners are most effective for trout early in the season. Opportunities for fly angling improve in summer and through the fall. Cast and retrieve when fishing pools; cast and drift when in the current. Fly fish nymphs (caddis, mayflies, chironomids) on a floating line, or cast dry flies to rising trout. Be prepared to wade (wet wading OK in summer).

Facilities: There are several US Forest Service campgrounds along Fall Creek, as well as 14-mile long Fall Creek National Recreation Trail, which is easily accessed at many locations. Bedrock Campground hosts a popular swimming hole.

Fees: None.

Additional Activities: Water skiing and warmwater fishing at Fall Creek Reservoir. Nearby state parks: Jasper State Recreation Site, Lowell State Recreation Site, Dexter State Recreation Site, Elijah Bristow State Park.

For More Information:
ODFW Springfield Field Office—(541) 726-3515
US Forest Service, Middle Fork Ranger District — (541) 782-2283