This 9,000-acre lake just 12 miles west of Eugene is the Willamette Basin’s largest water body. Water levels have slowly begun to rise now that spring has arrived, and all boat ramps are currently available to launch boats.  Based on forecasts the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers does not expect the reservoir to fill this year. Now would be an excellent time to fish this waterbody for crappie and largemouth bass.  

For local information regarding the lake and available boat ramps, contact the Lane County Parks Department at 541-682-2000.

Bass and crappie are available throughout the spring and summer. Depending on temperature, warmwater fish such as bass and crappie are beginning to get active this time of year. Look for crappie along the weedy edges on the south side of the reservoir. The south shore around Perkins Peninsula as well as along the face of the dam are good spots. 

There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps.