Water levels are slowly dropping and will continue to drop through the fall

Detroit Reservoir - Detroit, OR


by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
9-6-2023
Website

Water levels are slowly dropping and will continue to drop through the fall. The only available boat ramp is at Mongold State Park. Anglers can also bank fish from access points such as Mongold State Park or Detroit Flats Day Use area.‌

It's always a good idea to check the water levels at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website before using the boat ramps. For the latest information on water levels at Detroit Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers' website for more information. ‌

Detroit Reservoir is one of the premier kokanee fisheries in the state. At this point in the season fish will be lower in the water column where temperatures are cooler, usually 40-60 feet deep. ‌

The reservoir was stocked with trout during the spring and summer with many of these fish throughout the fall and winter and into next year. As a reminder, anglers are allowed to keep up to five trout, with an additional five fish kokanee bag limit. ‌

Trout fishing can be good all year. Pretty much all techniques will catch fish, but it might take some experimenting to find out what is most effective on the day you're out there. During the summer, the best times to fish tend to be early or late in the day. ‌

As a reminder to anglers, fishing for and harvesting Chinook in the lake and the rivers above is prohibited. Any Chinook caught in Detroit must be released unharmed. ‌

Anglers are encouraged to report their catch on an on-line form. Remember to indicate whether the fish you catch have their adipose fin or not. This information will allow ODFW to manage the fishery for the benefit of both recreational anglers and the resource.