The only ramp usable at Lost Creek Lake is the Takelma ramp operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers on the NW side of the lake. As conditions at area lakes and reservoirs continue to deteriorate due to low water levels, the Takelma ramp will continue to be a place where larger vessels can launch. However, there is no dock here. 

Trout fishing should still be good. Make sure to have a flasher in your arsenal and switch things up if fish are slow to bite. A simple wedding ring spinner is always productive here when trolled from a boat. Trout will be congregated in areas with colder water such as near the dam or upstream of the Hwy 62 bridge.

Reports of trout with copepods continue to come in. Late summer can be when copepod loads are at their highest as trout congregate more in cold water areas. The best thing that anglers can do is harvest these fish. They are still edible, as the copepods can be scrapped off the fish before cooking.

Don’t discount bass fishing up here by any means. September is still a great month for bass anglers. Try the steep banks along the south shore or NE shore with Texas rigged nightcrawlers or plastics. Crank baits and surface lures will be best early in the morning.

Joseph Stuart Recreation Area is managed by Jackson County Parks. Currently no campfires are allowed in campground loop D, and the boat ramp is closed due to low water. Day use fees for this facility apply. If you’re a frequent user here, a Jackson County Parks season pass is $40 and covers many other local Rogue Valley fishing destinations, as well.

The lake continues to drop and is 17 percent full, with an elevation of 1,778.7 ft. The lake surface temperature is 66 degrees.   

Anglers can get the latest surface temperatures by calling the US Army Corps Lost Creek Lake and Applegate Reservoir projects information line at 1-800-472-2434.