Fishing Report for April 20, 2012 / ODFW

Some anglers catching Wallowa Lake kokanee limits jigging

NORTHEAST ZONE

Weekend fishing opportunities

Surplus steelhead have been stocked in Peach and Roulet ponds.

Kokanee fishing on Wallowa Lake has been variable, but some anglers are catching their limits jigging between 90 and 150 feet.

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GRANDE RONDE RIVER:  steelhead

The steelhead season closed April 15. The Grande Ronde River will reopen for fishing on May 26.

IMNAHA RIVER:  steelhead

The steelhead season closed April 15. The Imnaha River will reopen for fishing on May 26.

MORGAN LAKE: trout, bullheads, bass

Currently closed but will be open for fishing on April 28.     

OLIVE LAKE: rainbow and kokanee

Access to Olive Lake remains blocked by snow.

PEACH POND (Ladd Marsh): rainbow trout

Surplus steelhead have been put in the pond. These are treated as trout so only one over 20 inches may be kept. Legal trout also will be stocked the week of April 16. As of January 1, 2012 a parking permit is required to be on the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area. 

ROULET POND: rainbow trout

Surplus steelhead have been put in the pond. These are treated as trout so only one over 20 inches may be kept. Legal trout also will be stocked the week of April 16.  

WALLOWA LAKE: rainbow trout, kokanee, lake trout

Anglers are catching kokanee and holdover trout near the south end of the lake.  Catch rates have been variable, but some anglers are catching daily limits of kokanee jigging between 90 and 150 feet. Cold water persists, with surface temperatures in the upper 30s.  The north-end boat dock is now installed, but there is no dock on the south end at the state park.

WALLOWA RIVER:  steelhead

The steelhead season closed April 15. The Wallowa River will reopen for fishing on May 26.

SNAKE RIVER ZONE

BROWNLEE RESERVOIR: crappie, bass, perch, catfish, bluegill, trout

Water levels are dropping and the only ramp available as of April 9 is Woodhead.  Crappie were biting at Holcomb Park in the Brownlee Arm before the water levels got too low to lauch, so may still be good if you can access the water. Some perch were being caught as well. Trout can usually be caught at stream mouths this time of year. Connor Creek is usually good for trout.

SNAKE RIVER below HELLS CANYON RESERVOIR: trout, steelhead

Steelhead season will close April 30. The Snake River upstream of Dug Bar to Hells Canyon Dam will open for spring chinook fishing this Sunday. Anglers are also reminded that new for 2012, only adipose-clipped trout may be kept in the Snake River.

SNAKE RIVER (Above Brownlee Reservoir): channel catfish, flathead catfish, smallmouth bass

Fishing for catfish and smallmouth bass is slow. Flows at the Nyssa gauge averaged 18,406 cfs and flows at the Weiser gauge averaged 28,249 cfs (April 16). Water temperature of the Snake River near Weiser was 48˚F (April 16).  Boaters should continue to use caution. The Snake River is high and turbid. Old debris remains in the river channel and new debris maybe enter the river from
tributaries.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: trout, perch

The reservoir is ice–free. Sampling on Phillips Reservoir shows nice sized trout (12-14 inches). Legal-sized trout also will be stocked the week of the 16. Perch are currently spawning close to shore.

PILCHER RESERVOIR: trout, crappie

Currently closed but will be open for fishing April 28.

THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR: trout

Trout fishing has picked up again with 9 to 19-inch fish being common. Some recent sampling showed some 11-13 inch perch in the reservoir as well. 

WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR: crappie, trout

Reservoir is ice free.
Should be good for rainbow trout.