The reservoir is full and it should be a great year on Owyhee Reservoir

Owyhee Reservoir - Vale, OR (Malheur County)


by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
5-8-2024
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The reservoir is full and it should be a great year on Owyhee Reservoir. No recent reports on bass fishing but crappie fishing is picking up and anglers have reported catching crappie in the 12-inch range. The crappie spawn will soon be in full swing. During this time crappie will be more concentrated in shallow water habitat and in bays and flats throughout the reservoir. ‌

Channel catfish will be most concentrated in wide flats with relatively shallow water between 2 and 15 feet deep.‌

Trout fishing has been productive this spring in the lower reservoir as well. Trolling or fishing streamer flies from the bank can be effective.‌

Anglers targeting bass may catch some with tags near the dorsal fin. ODFW is studying bass movement, condition and angler harvest of bass. The tags have a four-digit number and can be reported by phone or on MyODFW.com.