Howard Prairie is Draining Quickly

Howard Prairie Reservoir - Ashland, OR (Jackson County)


by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
6-23-2021
Website

Howard Prairie is draining quickly due to irrigation withdrawals as is currently at 6 percent capacity. The Irrigation Districts expect Howard Prairie to reach deadpool this year, and it may occur in the heat of the summer. There is a low water ramp near the dam, but is likely unusable with current water levels. Small personal watercraft and possible a drift boat could still be launched. When the wind is up, there is usually a bit of a windbreak near the dam.  This is the more productive areas for bank fishing.

A recent report from a fly angler had a very productive day fishing for stunted small mouth bass near the dam. Pretty much “anything” he threw at them they gobbled up. Smallmouth were illegally introduced to Howard Prairie a few years ago and there are lots of them, but they are stunted.

Howard did receive 5,000 legal trout this spring and they are still being caught. A recent report indicated a larger trout was also caught, indicative that some holdover trout did manage to survive last year’s low water. The deepest portion of the lake is near the dam and along the southeastern bank.

The Rogue Fish District is still interested in anglers catch composition, so there are trout stocked with differential fin marks representing different fish stocks. Anglers interested in reporting their catch or learning more about this program and what to look for, are encouraged to call 541-857-2411 and speak with the local STEP Biologist. Specifically, look for clips on ventral fins or adipose fins in your catch.

There is a Hwy 66 and Hyatt Lake Rd webcam that may help if you’re planning an adventure. There is a Jackson County webcam at the Dead Indian Memorial Summit.

Howard Prairie resort campground is open and Willow Point, Klum Landing, Apserkaha, and Grizzly will be opening in mid to late May. More information on facilities can be found on Jackson County Parks website.  All other boat ramps are inaccessible except near the dam.




More Reports

OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021

Siletz River: A Few Summer Steelhead and Spring Chinook are Starting To Show up
Detroit Reservoir: Will Be Stocked Again This Week With 4,200 Hatchery Trout
Junction City Pond: Construction Work at Junction City Pond Will Take Place Sometime in The Next Two Weeks
Quartzville Creek: This River Above Green Peter Reservoir Will Be Stocked Again This Week
Santiam River ( North Fork) : Hatchery Trout Harvest is Now Open Unitl Oct. 31
Santiam River ( North Fork) Above Detroit Lake: The River is Slowly Dropping and Will Contiune to Drop as Summer Progresses
Santiam River (South Fork): A Few Summer Steelhead Have Already Shown Up
Grande Ronde River: The Flows on the Grande Ronde Have Been Holding Out for Boating and Fishing Should be Picking Up
Imnaha River: The Flows are Currently Moderate and Conducive to Fishing
Wallowa Lake : Wallowa Lake Has Been Fishing Well For Kokanne
Wallowa River: Lower Expected Flows This Year Means the River SHould Fish Well Throughout the Next Few Weeks
Ana Reservoir: The Reservoir Was Stocked With 4,000 Rainbow Trout
Ana River: A Fisherman Reported Catching a 25-Inch Rainbow Trout in the River Recently!
Campbell Reservoir: Water Levels Are Low
Chewaucan River: The Water Is Already Starting To Approach Summer Flows
Gerber Reservoir: Targeting Yellow Perch is Your Best Bet
Holbrook Reservoir: No Recent Fishing Stories From This Reservoir
Upper Klamath Lake: Boat Ramps Are Open
Lofton Reservoir: Last Week People Were Catching Fish on the Bank With Lures
Sky Lakes Wilderness Lakes: All Lakes are Accessible
Sprague River: Fishing is Fair For Redband Trout
North Fork Sprague River: Flows Have Dropped Significantly to Around 33 cfs
Sun Creek: Fishing is Not Recommended at This Time. Flows Are At 11cfs
Willow Valley Reservoir: Best Fished From a Boat if You Can Launch
Wood River: Flows are a Little High Due to Flows in Annie Creek
Agate Lake: Agate Lake is at 61 Percent Capacity
Applegate Reservoir: Applegate Reservoir Has Been Fishing Well
Applegate River: The River is Again Open to Trout Fishing
Ben Irving Reservoir: Hot Weather Means a Good Number of Boaters on the Lake
Chetco River: Anglers May Want to Start Fishing Early Mornings or Evenings
Cooper Creek Reservoir: Anglers Have Been Doing Well At Cooper
Coos River: Boat and Bank Anglers are Still Catching Rockfish
Coquille River: Striped Bass Fishing Has Been Slow the Past Few Weeks
Diamond Lake: Anglers Continue to Catch Lots of Fish at Diamond
Eel Lake: Anglers Are Still Catching Tourt in Eel Lake
Elk River: Anglers Should Try to Fish Early or Late Evening
Emigrant Reservoir: Bass Fishing Should Be Fair to Good
Expo Pond: Fishing Will Only Likely Be Productive in the Mornings Here
Fish Lake : Fishing Has Been Very Good and Weather Great
Floras Lake: Anglers Should Try Fishing Early or Late in the Day
Galesville Reservoir: There Should be Lots of Trout Abailable for Anglers
Garrison Lake: Warmer Water and Lower Lake Levels Are Making Trout Fishing a Little Tough
Hemlock Lake: Anglers Have Been Doing Well

Pacific halibut sport fishing in Columbia River Subarea closes June 25, backup dates opened in the Central Coast Subarea
Columbia River

6-21-2021
NEWPORT, Ore – Beginning June 25, the Pacific halibut all-depth and nearshore sport fishery is closed in the Columbia River...... Read More