Lost Creek has received 35,000 legal rainbow trout since late February, with the most recent stocking of 15,000 occurring in mid-April. Fishing has been very good. There are some very nice holdover fish available that are in the 15- to 16-inch or greater range. Both the Takelma ramp and the Joseph Stuart Marina ramp are usable. There is no accessible dock at the Takelma ramp. 

Trolling spinners, wedding rings and spoons all tipped with nightcrawlers do well up here. 

Joseph Stuart Recreation Area is managed by Jackson County Parks. All loops are now open for camping on first come first serve and reservations. If you’re a frequent user of day use facilities here, a Jackson County Parks season pass is $40 and covers many other local Rogue Valley fishing destinations, as well. More information can be found on the Jackson County Parks website.

The lake is still well below average levels for this time of year but April has been very good for helping to store more water with nearly 20 feet elevation gained over the month. It’s currently 65 percent full. The elevation is 1,837.2. and surface temperatures have dropped with the cold weather to 49 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.