The reservoir is stocked with trout several times in spring and fall. It was stocked again last week with about 3,300 rainbow trout. The reservoir is in excellent shape at the moment and the fishing should be fairly good.

This scenic 1,200-acre reservoir on the South Santiam River is located just 30 minutes from Interstate 5. There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps.

The reservoir is close to full at the moment, but that will change this week as water elevations in the lake are mandated to drop this week. By the weekend it’s likely that Calkins boat ramp will no longer be usable. However, the boat ramp at Sunnyside Park should still be an option for boaters for several more weeks. 

Besides trout, look for smallmouth bass and yellow perch near underwater structure and drop-offs. Please remember that only kokanee and adipose fin-clipped trout may be kept as part of the trout bag limit, but there are no limits on size or number of bass. Retention of warmwater fish species such as bluegill, catfish, crappie, and yellow perch is also allowed; no limit on size or number.