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Most commonly known game fish are allowed to be stocked in private ponds; however, there are some exceptions. Brook trout or brown trout area not allowed under Oregon Revised Rule 635-007-0600(5)(a). Bull trout and brook trout can interbreed and brook trout can out compete native bull trout.
More information on bull trout in the John Day basin (pdf)
Many other species of fish common to the Midwest and Eastern part of the United States are prohibited in Oregon. Some of these species include: Carp (Silver, Snakehead, Bighead, etc.), Bowfin, Alligator gar, Pike, and Muskellunge (OAR 635-056-0050 and 635-006-0230).
A list of prohibited species
There are native sturgeon present in the John Day watershed. They have been documented up to RM 35 and are suspected to exist up to RM 104 (Clarno rapids). The stocking of sturgeon in ponds, lakes or streams would potentially impact this native population if individuals or offspring of planted populations escape downstream. Bluegill, brown bullhead catfish and largemouth bass have already escaped from ponds and been documented in the John Day River. Many warmwater species are not allowed to be stocked due to their negative impact on native species.
“Grass carp” (Cteneropharyngodon idella) require a special stocking permit as they are a controlled species.
More information on grass carp
The table below lists species of fish currently propagated by licensed private fish producers in Oregon that are available for stocking into private ponds if ponds meet stocking guidelines in the basin. For more information, you may call the local ODFW biologist at 541-575-1167 ext 225.
Fish Stocking Guide- John Day Basin |
Type of Fish |
Allowed |
Restrictions |
Bass, largemouth and smallmouth |
In approved areas only.
Largemouth bass approved for these areas only: Wineland Lake and Mays Reservoir. |
Stocking requests above Kimberly are restricted to ponds with no outlets. These ponds will be evaluated on an individual basis. |
Bluegill or Pumpkinseed |
In approved areas only. |
Stocking requests above Kimberly are restricted to ponds with no outlets. These ponds will be evaluated on an individual basis. |
Brook Trout |
Not allowed anywhere in the basin. |
Brook trout are not allowed in the John Day basin due to Westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout concerns. |
Brown Trout |
Not allowed anywhere in the basin. |
Brown trout are not allowed in the basin due to Westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout concerns and are not currently found in the basin. |
Bullhead catfish |
In approved areas only. |
Stocking requests above Kimberly are restricted to ponds with no outlets. These ponds will be evaluated on an individual basis. |
Channel catfish |
Channel catfish approved for these areas only: John Day basin area below Kimberly and Mays Reservoir. |
No stocking allowed above Kimberly. |
Crappie, White and Black |
In approved areas only. |
Stocking requests above Kimberly are restricted to ponds with no outlets. These ponds will be evaluated on an individual basis. |
Mosquitofish (“Gambusia”) |
In approved areas only. |
No stocking allowed in water bodies with any connection to flowing water, regardless of screen specifications. |
Rainbow Trout
(includes; triploids, Kamloops, Golden, Donaldson Trout) |
Rainbow trout may be stocked in approved ponds with no outlets or ponds with adequate screening. |
Triploid trout are preferred in ponds located in areas where there is any possibility of the fish escaping or in ponds located in floodplain areas. |
Sturgeon |
Not allowed anywhere in the basin. |
White sturgeon are native to the John Day Basin and the stocking of non- native sturgeon in ponds, lakes or streams would potentially impact this native population if individuals or offspring of planted populations escape. |
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