Getting There: West of I-5 about 15 miles north of Salem and 2 miles west of Gervais. From Gervais, take St. Louis Road west; turn left onto Tesch Lane before crossing the railroad tracks.

St. Louis Pond - Photo by Rick Swart-

Fisheries: The seven ponds hold crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, redear sunfish, green sunfish and channel catfish. Pond 3 is stocked with rainbow trout in the spring.

Useful Information: The seven ponds hold crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, redear sunfish, green sunfish and channel catfish. Pond 3 is stocked with rainbow trout in the spring.

Tackle & Techniques: Light or medium weight tackle works well at the ponds. Warmwater fishing is best from spring through fall. For bass, use spinners or surface lures in the morning and evening, and deeper water lures, jigs, or plastic baits during mid-day. For panfish, use a bobber and small baited hook or jig. Fish for bass and panfish near weed beds, submerged logs or other areas that provide cover. Catfish can be caught using bait fished on the bottom. Fish for trout using a small spinner, or bait such as worms or salmon eggs.

Facilities: The seven ponds offer 54 acres of water and 7 miles of shoreline designed for bank angling. Boats and flotation devices are not allowed. ADAaccessible angling docks are located on Ponds 1 and 3. A parking area, trails and restroom are available but usually locked during winter. A volunteer host lives on-site seasonally.

Fees: None.

Additional Activities: Wildlife viewing. Dog training and organized bird dog trials are permitted only in the southernmost ponds. Nearby state park: Willamette Mission State Park.

For More Information:
ODFW North Willamette Watershed District Office — (971) 673-6000