Discover a trout fishing paradise at North Fork Reservoir, nestled among Oregon’s Cascade Range foothills. Just an hour from Portland, this gem offers ideal conditions for anglers. Stocked with thousands of rainbow trout and home to brown and brook varieties, it’s perfect for both seasoned pros and beginners. You can keep hatchery trout, but remember, bull trout are strictly catch and release. Promontory Park nearby provides camping and rentals for kayaks and paddleboards, making it an all-in-one adventure spot. Whether you’re fishing in calm mornings or lively afternoons, there’s more to explore in this angler’s dream location.
Key Takeaways
- North Fork Reservoir is a prime trout fishing location nestled in the Cascade Range foothills near Estacada.
- The reservoir is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, with 9,000 planned for May and June 2024.
- Fishing season runs from May 22 to October 31, with a daily limit of five hatchery trout.
- Promontory Park offers camping, picnicking, boat rentals, and facilities for a complete fishing adventure.
- Early mornings and late afternoons provide ideal conditions for successful trout fishing.
Location and Accessibility
Nestled in the foothills of Oregon’s Cascade Range, North Fork Reservoir is a trout fishing paradise just a short drive from Estacada. Located along Highway 224, it’s under an hour from downtown Portland, making it a perfect escape for a day or weekend. This reservoir is part of a Portland General Electric hydropower complex on the Clackamas River, offering you a scenic drive and stunning views as you approach. The reservoir is especially popular with water-skiers and other boaters during the summer months, providing a dynamic blend of activities for visitors. Additionally, the reservoir includes three stocked reservoirs—North Fork, Faraday, and River Mill—that are regularly replenished with fish, enhancing the appeal for anglers.
When you arrive, you’ll find Promontory Park, a hub of activity with accessible facilities that cater to everyone. Restrooms, campsites, and fishing areas are easily reachable, ensuring a comfortable visit. If you don’t have your own gear, the fully appointed marina offers boat, kayak, and paddleboard rentals. For those who prefer to stay on land, several bank fishing spots provide excellent access, especially near the boat ramp by the dam and the bridge crossing the North Fork tributary.
Promontory Park’s family-friendly design includes picnic areas, a playground, and an accessible fishing pier. With amenities like a camp store and additional supplies available in Estacada, you’re well-equipped for a fantastic outdoor adventure.
Fish Species and Stocking
When it comes to trout fishing, North Fork Reservoir offers an exciting variety of fish species that will thrill any angler. The reservoir is regularly stocked with rainbow trout by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), ensuring a vibrant fishing experience. You might also reel in non-native brown and brook trout, which can be kept if caught. Keep an eye out for the elusive cutthroat trout, but remember, if it’s wild, it’s catch and release only. Bull trout are also present but must be released unharmed due to their protected status. The reservoir is a popular destination for trout fishing, attracting both local and visiting anglers year-round. Cutthroat trout are interesting targets for anglers due to their distinct red slash marks on their throats.
The 2024 stocking schedule promises a plentiful supply of rainbow trout, particularly during:
- May 27-31: 4,000 rainbow trout
- Jun 3-7: 5,000 rainbow trout
- Jun 10-14: 4,666 rainbow trout
Fishing conditions are ideal from late May to early July when the water temperatures hover around a comfortable 55 degrees. During this time, you’re likely to catch trout ranging from 10 to 12 inches, with some reaching up to 14 inches. The daily limit allows you to keep five hatchery rainbow trout, but only one can be over 20 inches. Get ready for an unforgettable angling adventure!
Fishing Regulations
As you prepare for a memorable fishing experience at North Fork Reservoir, understanding the fishing regulations is vital to guarantee a smooth and enjoyable adventure. The trout season runs from May 22 to October 31, and you’re allowed to catch up to five hatchery trout per day without any size restrictions. Remember, only keep trout with clipped adipose fins, releasing all others unharmed. If you hook a trout over 20 inches, it’s considered a steelhead, and you can keep just one of these giants. There’s no size or number limit on brook and brown trout, but all wild trout with intact adipose fins must be released. Bull trout are off-limits and should be released if caught accidentally. While bait is allowed from April 22 to October 31, be mindful of angling restrictions. Certain areas prohibit fishing from floating devices and may have specific gear restrictions like fly or bobber fishing only. Shore angling is accessible, with deeper waters near the dam. Don’t forget your fishing license! A Combined Angling Tag is essential for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and halibut, and you’ll need the Columbia River Basin Endorsement for those species in that area. Additionally, the Willamette Zone requires anglers to adhere to specific regulations for fishing in the region, particularly for species like salmon and sturgeon. This 350-acre reservoir offers ample fishing opportunities with boat ramps, moorage, campsites, picnic areas, and ADA fishing platforms, making it a perfect destination for both avid anglers and family outings.
Best Fishing Times
For the avid angler, timing is everything, and North Fork Reservoir offers a range of opportunities throughout the year to maximize your catch. In spring, the excitement kicks off as trout stocking resumes just in time for the season opening on May 22. As summer rolls in, the reservoir becomes a lively hub with regular trout stockings from mid-spring to early fall, making it the perfect time for an adventure. Fall brings tranquility with fewer crowds, yet offers great fishing until early fall when stocking ceases. The North Fork Shoshone River, with its flow at 231 CFS, offers a similar experience of catching smaller trout and occasional larger fish.
Daily rhythms can greatly affect your success. Early mornings, from dawn till sunrise, present calm conditions perfect for trout fishing. The North Fork Payette River’s rugged terrain and high water levels make for challenging yet rewarding fishing experiences. The late afternoon, with its cooler temperatures and softening sunlight, provides excellent opportunities for bank angling. And don’t miss the hour before sunset when fish activity peaks.
- Spring: A fresh start with stocked trout, marking the season’s opening.
- Summer: Prime time with favorable water conditions and consistent stocking.
- Fall: Less crowded and excellent fishing until early fall.
Weather plays a vital role too. Clear skies favor early and late fishing, while overcast days make nymphing and streamer fishing productive. Rain can spur trout activity, though strong winds might pose a challenge.
Facilities and Services
After experiencing the thrill of fishing at the North Fork Reservoir, you’ll find that the facilities and services available enhance your adventure even more. Located just 7 miles east of Estacada on Highway 224, the reservoir is operated by Portland General Electric and offers a perfect blend of nature and convenience. Promontory Park, right next to the reservoir, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing camping, picnicking, and a marina. You’ll love the accessibility of the facilities, which include restrooms, campsites, and fishing areas designed for people with disabilities. Boating is a breeze with three boat ramps and rental options at the concession stand. For anglers, the reservoir is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, and young anglers up to 17 can enjoy fishing at Small Fry Lake. The convenience store at Promontory Park Marina offers boat rentals, adding to the ease of enjoying the water. Camping at Promontory Park is a true delight, with 50 campsites including yomes and cabins equipped with electricity. Enjoy a picnic under the shelters, using the electric cooking facilities available. Just remember, no alcohol is allowed in the campground and surrounding areas. With cold water safety precautions in place, your adventure at North Fork Reservoir promises to be both safe and memorable. The restoration project undertaken in 2016 has transformed the reservoir from a dead zone into a thriving habitat, greatly enhancing the fishing experience.
