Applegate received its first stocking of 5,000 legal rainbow trout last week. Applegate Reservoir received 25,000 sub-legal rainbow trout in October. These trout should have overwintered nicely and be ready to catch this year. If encountering these fish, please handle them with care. Trout must be 8 inches minimum size for retention.

The lake elevation is now high enough that Copper boat ramp is now usable. The USFS Hart-tish boat ramp, campground, and day use are still closed and are operated by a concessionaire. The French Gulch Boat Ramp is also easily usable by large vessels.

Bait is allowed and 5 trout per day, year-round, in the reservoir. The tributary streams above the reservoir are also open year-round, with bait allowed, but only 2 trout per day.

There is a longstanding health advisory for consumption of resident species due to elevated levels of mercury. See Oregon Health Authority consumption guidelines or the 2021 sportfishing regulations for more information.

For a change of scenery, try driving up to the lakes above Applegate Reservoir. These lakes have illegally introduced and stunted yellow perch with no limit. Bass and bluegill are also in these lakes.

The reservoir is at 40 percent capacity, with an elevation of 1,932.8 ft. Surface temperatures are in the low 50s. Anglers can get the latest information by calling the US Army Corps Lost Creek Lake and Applegate Reservoir projects information line at 1-800-472-2434.