Fish Report

This large reservoir was stocked this spring with 20,000 hatchery trout. Look for holdover trout in cooler, deeper water and around ledges, drop-offs and underwater structure.

Smallmouth bass for the most part go dormant in the winter. Once the spring rolls around, look for them near ledges and drop-offs as well as near underwater structure such as submerged logs.

The water elevation in the reservoir is now at the winter low level. The US Army Corps of Engineers will begin storing water starting Feb. 1. Water elevation will slowly rise throughout the spring. At the moment, Thistle Creek boat ramp is available to launch boats.

Kokanee fishing is done for the year, except for the occasional sub-adult. Better bets for anglers are trout and smallmouth bass which are present year-round. Anglers may keep up to 25 kokanee per day in addition to the 5-trout limit. Trout have been stocked a couple of times this spring, and there are very large smallmouth bass also available. 

Best bet for anglers without a boat is to drive to the top of the reservoir where Quartzville Creek enters the reservoir. Large trout will sometimes forage where the river brings in food swept down from upstream