Parts of the lake are frozen over, but some open water still exists here. The road to the dam is accessible. Expect cold but clear weather here for the next week at least. The improvements to the gravel ramp should make launching a drift boat easier, but there is still a good foot or so of water needed before a small boat trailer can launch easily. Fishing for trout with PowerBait off the bottom would probably be the best tactic on the dam side of Buck Island or near the dam itself.

There is a Hwy 66 and Hyatt Lake Rd webcam that may help if you’re planning an adventure up here. We recommend using Dead Indian Memorial Rd. to access Howard Prairie as the road between Hyatt and Howard has much more snow on it. Also, ODOT trip check is worth looking at.

All campgrounds and facilities are currently closed until further notice. More information on facilities can be found on Jackson County Parks website.

The reservoir is hovering at 7 percent full. This is the lowest that any current ODFW staff can remember seeing it.