The reservoir has been stocked several times in recent weeks with one-pound hatchery trout. It will be stocked again this week with 3,800 hatchery trout. The reservoir is no longer filling and will not reach full pool this year due to the lack of spring rains. Boat ramps available to launch boats are at Mongold and Detroit Lake state parks.

For the latest information on water levels at Detroit Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers’ website for more information.

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. You will vastly improve your chances of catching a fish if you fish early or late in the day when light-levels are low and fish are less wary. The upper water column of the lake is uncomfortably warm for cold water fish such as trout and kokanee, so use techniques that get your hook deep where the fish are.     

Anglers have reported catching lots of small Chinook salmon in pursuit of kokanee and trout. Please take extra care in releasing these fish back into the water unharmed, as they are listed species and are only in the reservoir temporarily before they migrate downstream and out the ocean.   

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 forms available at signs and kiosks which have been installed at key locations around the lake. Simply fill out the form and return in the designated drop boxes. There is also 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.