Discover year-round fishing at Oregon's Foster Reservoir, teeming with trout, bass, and a mix of other species. Stocked heavily in spring and fall, trout fishing thrives using trolling rigs like Ford Fender. Target deeper waters for kokanee in summer with downriggers. Chase bass by mimicking natural prey near rocky or muddy structures. It's best to fish near the dam or creek arms for bank fishing success. Access is easy with boat ramps and shoreline spots nearby. Remember, there's a 5-fish limit on hatchery trout. For those desirous to catch more than just fish, opportunities abound seasonally.
Key Takeaways
- Foster Reservoir offers year-round fishing with diverse fish populations, including trout, kokanee, bass, yellow perch, and panfish.
- A daily limit of 5 hatchery trout or kokanee applies, with an 8-inch minimum size requirement.
- Bass fishing has no size or number limits, with different tactics for smallmouth and largemouth bass.
- Convenient access points include boat ramps and shoreline fishing at various parks and Foster Lake RV Resort.
- Regulations require electric motors only and releasing wild trout or steelhead with intact adipose fins.
Year-Round Fishing Opportunities
For anglers seeking year-round fishing opportunities at Foster Reservoir, the diverse fish population and constant accessibility make it a prime spot. Open all year for trout, you can catch up to five hatchery trout or kokanee per day, with an eight-inch minimum length requirement. Bass enthusiasts will be pleased to find no limits on size or number, allowing for more freedom in catches. Stocking occurs primarily in spring, with rainbow trout and kokanee introduced into the waters, alongside naturally occurring bass, crappie, sunfish, and catfish. The nearby fish trap operated by hatchery employees one to three times per week ensures efficient management of the fish population. The best bets for weekend fishing include Junction City Pond and Walter Wirth Lake, where recent trout stocking has taken place.
To maximize your success, use spinners designed for trout and kokanee, trolling them slowly near the surface. Adding corn or a pinch of night crawler to your hook can improve your chances. Foster Reservoir's accessible fishing locations include several points around the lake reachable by a paved road, suitable for both bank and boat fishing.
Be mindful of fishing regulations, such as gear restrictions during certain times of the year and closed areas like those around the fish ladder entrance. Always check current licensing requirements and environmental conditions, particularly in areas impacted by the Bedrock Fire, which might affect access and water temperatures.
Trout Fishing Techniques
When targeting trout at Foster Reservoir, employing the right techniques can greatly boost your catch rate. Begin by understanding the seasonal stocking patterns; trout are stocked heavily in spring and again in late summer and fall, ensuring a robust population. The reservoir is heavily stocked with rainbow trout from April to June. For effective trolling, use a Ford Fender, Doc Shelton, or Beer Can flasher paired with a lure. This setup mimics natural baitfish like minnows and crayfish, essential for enticing trout.
During mid-summer, trout often reside in deeper waters. Utilize downriggers or heavy lines to reach these depths. Incorporating a slime, slow-sinking line can enhance your presentation, making it more appealing to trout. Bank fishing is fruitful near the dam, particularly at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park, and along the less crowded south and north shores. Casting lures or flies near weed beds and submerged logs also yields results.
For prime locations, focus on the creek arms for trolling and early-season points and bays where trout congregate. In winter, seize favorable weather breaks to target trophy trout. Remember, regulations mandate keeping only fin-clipped trout. By aligning your techniques with these insights, you'll enhance your chances of landing more trout throughout the year at Foster Reservoir.
Bass and Other Species
After honing your trout fishing skills, it's time to broaden your focus to the abundant bass species and other fish at Foster Reservoir. For bass enthusiasts, understanding the preferences of smallmouth and largemouth bass is key. Smallmouth bass favor rocky structures near the shore and deeper mounds, while largemouth bass prefer muddier bottoms with plant and wood cover. Use soft plastics, curly-tailed grubs, and crankbaits to mimic natural prey, adjusting your technique for water clarity and temperature. In turbid conditions, scented baits can offer an edge. Australian bass, native to the east coast of Australia, thrive in fresh and brackish waters, making them an interesting comparison for bass fishing techniques and conditions around the world.
When targeting other species, yellow perch can be a rewarding catch using worms or natural baits. Look for schools to increase success. Panfish like sunfish and crappie are amenable to various baits, and kokanee require deeper tactics in late summer, using downriggers. Remember that at Foster Reservoir, electric motors only are allowed for watercraft, ensuring a more serene fishing experience.
Here are some practical tips:
- Adapt to Seasons: In summer, smallmouths move deeper, while largemouths stay shallow. Use weighted jigs and topwater lures accordingly.
- Gear Selection: Medium to medium/heavy rods with braided or monofilament lines are versatile for bass.
- Fishing Pressure: Fall and winter offer less crowded conditions, ideal for productive sessions.
Location and Access
Nestled in the heart of Oregon, Foster Reservoir offers a prime fishing location easily accessible from major cities like Eugene, Salem, and Portland. Just 6 miles east of Sweet Home, you'll find this reservoir conveniently situated on the South Santiam River. With an elevation of 641 feet, it's readily reached via Highway 20. The surrounding Quartzville Recreation Corridor and Back Country Byway provide scenic routes to enhance your fishing adventure. The reservoir is stocked annually with over 40,000 rainbow trout, making it a favored spot for anglers seeking a rich fishing experience. Fish traveling through the spillway weir at the dam experience greater stress than those passing through the turbine, which has led to considerations for design improvements to enhance fish safety.
For direct access to the water, head to Gedney Creek Park or Calkins Ramp, both equipped with boat ramps. If you prefer shoreline fishing, numerous spots around the reservoir are available. Parks like Lewis Creek, Sunnyside, and Calkins offer diverse fishing and boating opportunities, while Edgewater County Park & Marina provides boat slips and rentals. For an extended stay, the Foster Lake RV Resort offers private camping facilities.
Take advantage of the public parks such as Sunnyside and Lewis Creek, which include picnic areas, playgrounds, and paved trails. These parks also offer day-use areas perfect for family outings. Whether you're boating or fishing, Foster Reservoir provides a blend of accessibility and outdoor enjoyment.
Regulations and Safety
How well do you know the fishing regulations at Foster Reservoir? Being informed is pivotal for a successful and legal fishing experience. First, keep in mind the daily catch limits: you can catch up to five hatchery trout or kokanee per day, with each fish measuring at least eight inches. Use a variety of methods like still-fishing with both natural and artificial baits, or try casting lures and flies to entice those trout.
Safety is equally important. While specific watercraft inspections aren't required at Foster Reservoir, general boating regulations apply. Only electric motors are allowed, guaranteeing a quieter and more environmentally friendly experience. Always familiarize yourself with emergency rules or seasonal adjustments by consulting the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon State Marine Board. The ODFW Data Clearinghouse provides valuable resources and information on natural resources, further aiding in understanding regulations and environmental impacts.
Here are a few practical tips to enhance your fishing trip:
- Licensing: Obtain a valid angling license and any necessary tags.
- Species Identification: Release any wild trout or steelhead with an intact adipose fin.
- Seasonal Strategy: Consider fishing during fall or winter breaks for lighter pressure and productive catches.
Staying updated and prepared guarantees both a safe and rewarding fishing adventure.
Additional Resources
Once you've grasped the regulations and safety measures, equipping yourself with additional resources can elevate your fishing experience at Foster Reservoir. Start by exploring the prime fishing spots. The south shore and areas near the dam offer easy bank access, while the north shore provides a quieter option with fewer anglers. If you're launching a boat, ramps at Gedney Creek, Calkins, and Sunnyside County Park make it convenient. For boat anglers, targeting creek arms can be particularly rewarding—consider trolling lures and bait for ideal results.
Stay informed about the reservoir's fish stocking schedule. Rainbow trout are stocked heavily in spring, late summer, and fall, with some trophy trout included. The reservoir supports a year-round fishery, with bass, yellow perch, bluegill, crappie, bullhead catfish, and kokanee also available. Check recent stocking updates, typically in May and September, to plan your trips effectively. The South Santiam Hatchery plays a critical role in maintaining the fish population, compensating for the loss of spawning areas due to dam construction. To enhance your skills, consider registering for the Kokanee Fishing Workshop by July 13, 2022, to learn from experienced boat captains at the event.
For educational opportunities, attend workshops like the Kokanee Fishing Workshop by ODFW. At the South Santiam Hatchery, you can take self-guided or guided tours to learn more about fish species. Nearby, enjoy camping, picnicking, and even white water rafting for a rounded outdoor experience.
