The reservoir is stocked regularly in the spring and summer with tens of thousands of one-pound hatchery trout. It was stocked in late June with about 4,000 trout. The reservoir’s water elevation is dropping slowly and will continue to do so through the fall. The main boat ramp, Mongold, is currently available, as is boat ramp G at Detroit Lake State Park. 

For the latest information on water levels at Detroit Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers’ website for more information.

Detroit Reservoir is one of the premier kokanee fisheries in the state. Most kokanee are bring caught at depths below 50 feet. The mature adults are beginning to turn pink in preparation for their spawning run in October. 

Trout fishing also has been good. Pretty much all techniques will catch fish, but it might take some experimenting to find out what is most effective on the day you’re out there. You will vastly improve your chances of catching a fish if you fish early or late in the day when light-levels are low and fish are less wary. 

As a reminder to anglers, fishing for and harvesting Chinook in the lake and the rivers above is prohibited. Any Chinook caught in Detroit must be released unharmed.

Anglers are encouraged to report their catch on forms available at signs and kiosks which have been installed at key locations around the lake. Simply fill out the form and return in the designated drop boxes. There is also an on-line form. Remember to indicate whether the fish you catch have their adipose fin or not. This information will allow ODFW to manage the fishery for the benefit of both recreational anglers and the resource.