Fishing can be surprisingly good

Detroit Reservoir - Detroit, OR


by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
1-8-2025
Website

The water level in Detroit is above prescribed levels from recent heavy rains. Anglers can launch boats from Mongold State Park for the next few weeks and take advantage of any breaks in the weather.

Pretty much any technique will catch fish, but it might take some experimenting to find out what is most effective on the day you're out there. Now that fall is here, activity on the lake will be quieter. Fishing can be surprisingly good, even during mid-day.

The reservoir gets stocked with trout during the spring and summer with many of these fish still available throughout the fall and winter and into next year. As a reminder, anglers are allowed to keep up to five trout, with an additional five fish kokanee bag limit. Kokanee fishing is mostly done for the year as the adults are moving up into the tributaries to spawn.

Also, 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. Make sure you can tell the difference between a Chinook and a kokanee before you get out on the water.

It's always a good idea to check the water levels at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website before using the boat ramps. For the latest information on water levels at Detroit Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers' website for more information.

Anglers are encouraged to report their catch on 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.




More Reports

OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Wednesday, January 8th

Grande Ronde River: Steelhead fishing is slowing
Imnaha River: Fun Trout and Whitefish Fishing
Wallowa Lake : Cooler Months are a Great Time to Fish the Wallowa
Wallowa River: Steelhead are moving into the Wallowa River
Deschutes River- Lower: Trout fishing can be slow
Hood River: Check flows before you go!
Lake Billy Chinook: Anglers report good winter fishing

OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Friday, December 20th, 2024

McKenzie River: Koi illegally dumped into McKenzie River prompts ODFW response
: ODFW Recreation Report