Fall Creek Reservoir, OR

Fall Creek Reservoir:

Located in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, southeast of Eugene. At Fall Creek Reservoir in Oregon, the primary marina and boat access area is the Winberry day-use area, offering a two-lane boat ramp, ample parking, and various amenities like restrooms, a swim dock, and picnic areas. Here are more details about Fall Creek Reservoir:

Location: Fall Creek Reservoir is situated in the Willamette National Forest, about 25 miles southeast of Eugene, Oregon.

Size: The reservoir covers approximately 1,280 acres.

Fishing: Fall Creek Reservoir is known for its fishing opportunities, including trout and warmwater species.

Fish Species: The reservoir supports various fish species, including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and brown bullhead.

Most Popular Fish Species: Rainbow trout and bass (both largemouth and smallmouth) are among the most popular fish species for anglers. ---- {More on fishing spots below}

Camping: There are camping facilities available near Fall Creek Reservoir, offering a serene setting amidst the forested surroundings.

Lodging: Lodging options are limited directly at the reservoir, but nearby areas like Lowell and Oakridge offer various accommodations.

Boating: Boating is permitted on Fall Creek Reservoir, providing opportunities for recreational boating and fishing from boats.

Hiking: There are hiking trails around the reservoir and in the surrounding Willamette National Forest, offering scenic views and wildlife sightings. (MORE BELOW)

Wildlife Watching: The area around Fall Creek Reservoir is rich in wildlife, including various bTird species, deer, and occasional sightings of black bears and other forest wildlife.

Trout fishing at Fall Creek Reservoir: North Shore Near the Dam

Deep water and good access make this area productive, especially in warmer weather when trout move deeper.

Winberry Creek Arm (Upper End of Reservoir)

Shallow and cooler, with inflow from the creek attracting trout, especially after stocking events.

Mid-Reservoir Drop-offs

Submerged points and ledges are good holding spots for trout as they cruise for food.

Bank Fishing Access Areas

Day-use areas and boat ramps often have stocked trout nearby, especially after ODFW plants them in spring.

🧠 Effective Trout Fishing Techniques 1. Trolling (Boat Required) Gear: Lightweight spinning or trolling rods with downriggers or lead-core line.

Lures: Wedding Rings, Rooster Tails, Panther Martins, or small spoons like Kastmasters.

Baits: Worms, PowerBait, or corn-tipped lures.

Depths: Early season – near surface; warmer months – 15–30 feet deep.

2. Still Fishing from Shore Setup: Slip sinker rig or floating rig.

Bait: PowerBait (chartreuse or rainbow), nightcrawlers, or salmon eggs.

Tip: Use light line (4-6 lb test) for stealth and better presentation.

3. Casting Lures Best for: Active fish near shore or around structure.

Lures: Small spinners or spoons (silver or gold).

Retrieve: Vary speed and add occasional twitches.

4. Fly Fishing (Less Common, but Fun) Best Time: Early morning or evening.

Flies: Woolly Buggers, Hare’s Ear Nymphs, or dry flies like Adams or Elk Hair Caddis. --- Tip: Focus near inlets and shoreline cover.

BASS FISHING: Bass fishing at Fall Creek Reservoir is a hidden gem—especially for anglers who enjoy chasing largemouth and smallmouth bass. The reservoir offers rocky structure, submerged timber, and backwater areas that bass love. Here’s a breakdown of top spots and techniques:

🎯 Best Spots for Bass Fishing 1. Upper Reservoir (Winberry Creek Arm) Why it’s good: Warmer, shallower water with fallen timber and weed growth—ideal habitat for largemouth bass.

Best technique: Cast soft plastics like wacky-rigged Senkos or Texas-rigged creature baits near wood and cover.

2. Rocky Points & Shoreline Ledges (Mid-Reservoir) Why it’s good: Smallmouth bass hang around rocks and drop-offs.

Best technique: Use craw-style jigs, Ned rigs, or crankbaits along the edge of submerged structure.

3. Dam Area & Main Channel Drop-offs Why it’s good: Deeper water offers bass cooler refuge in summer.

Best technique: Deep-diving crankbaits, drop-shot rigs, or slow-rolled spinnerbaits.

4. Inflow Areas During Spring Why it’s good: Pre-spawn bass move into shallow, protected areas with warmer temps.

Best technique: Lipless crankbaits or chatterbaits in stained water near inlets.

BASS FISHING BAITS THAT HAVE WORKED WELL:

1. Soft Plastics Baits: Senkos, Zoom Brush Hogs, tubes, and flukes.

Rigging: Texas rig, Carolina rig, or wacky style.

When to use: Year-round, especially around cover or in shallows.

2. Jigs Best for: Fishing around rock piles, ledges, and deeper structure.

Colors: Black/blue or green pumpkin.

Add a trailer for extra action.

3. Crankbaits & Spinnerbaits Best for: Covering water quickly to locate active fish.

Color tips: Chartreuse or craw patterns in stained water; natural shad in clear water.

4. Topwater (Early Morning/Late Evening) Lures: Frogs, poppers, or buzzbaits.

When: Best during late spring and summer mornings near weed edges or submerged timber.

🗓️ Timing & Conditions Best Season: Spring (pre-spawn & spawn) and early fall.

Water Temp: Bass get active at 55°F+.

Time of Day: Early morning and evening for topwater; mid-day for deeper presentations.

HIKING TRAILS:

At Fall Creek Reservoir (not to be confused with Fall River), you’ll find some peaceful and scenic hiking opportunities, most of which explore the lush forests of the Willamette National Forest. While it’s not a major hiking destination like some other lakes, there are a few solid trails nearby worth checking out:

Top Hiking Trails Near Fall Creek Reservoir 🌲 Fall Creek National Recreation Trail Length: ~13.7 miles (one way)

Trailhead: Starts near Bedrock Campground and follows Fall Creek upstream.

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights: Beautiful creek views, mossy old-growth forest, waterfalls, and swimming holes.

Tip: You don’t have to hike the whole thing—great for out-and-back trips of any length.

Clark Creek Trail Length: ~2.5 miles

Trailhead: Near the Fall Creek Trail (look for signs east of the reservoir).

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights: Quiet forest, occasional wildlife sightings, connects with longer routes.

🌳 Little Fall Creek Trail (in the vicinity) Length: ~5 miles

Location: West of the reservoir, off Little Fall Creek Road.

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights: Follows Little Fall Creek through scenic forest terrain, less trafficked.

🦌 What You'll See Old-growth Douglas fir and maple trees

Fern-covered forest floor and wildflowers in spring

Occasional sightings of deer, elk, and lots of birds

Great photo ops around the creek, especially in early morning light

Tips Before You Go Maps: Cell service can be spotty—download offline maps or bring a printed trail guide.

Shoes: Trails can be muddy in spring—wear waterproof boots.

Parking: Some trailheads may require a Northwest Forest Pass. Best Time to Hike: April through October for ideal conditions.

CAMPING: Fall Creek Reservoir, situated southeast of Eugene, Oregon, offers a variety of camping options for visitors looking to enjoy its natural beauty and recreational activities. Here are some camping areas to consider:​

1. Cascara Campground

Location: Upper end of Fall Creek Reservoir.​

Features:

39 primitive campsites.​ The Dyrt +1 Eugene Cascades & Coast +1

Vault toilets and potable water.​

Boat launch ramp and swimming area.​

Many sites offer views of the lake.​

Reservations: Operates on a first-come, first-served basis. ​ Travel Oregon

2. Fisherman's Point Group Camp

Location: Adjacent to Cascara Campground.​

Features:

Designed for group camping.​

Lakefront access.​

Reservations: Available for reservations; contact the park for details. ​

3. Bedrock Campground

Location: Along Fall Creek, within the Willamette National Forest.​

Features:

22 campsites.​

Situated on a terrace above Fall Creek.​

Known for impressive fireweed blooms during summer.​

Status: Check current availability and any seasonal closures before planning your visit. ​

4. Puma Campground

Location: Further along Forest Service Road 18 in the Fall Creek drainage.​

Features:

11 campsites.​

Shady, mature forest setting.​

Proximity to Fall Creek National Recreation Trail.​

Status: Due to its popularity, expect heavy usage on summer weekends; verify current conditions and any closures in advance. ​

Additional Tips:

Firewood: To prevent the spread of invasive species, purchase firewood locally within 10 miles of your campsite or use certified heat-treated firewood. ​ Oregon State Parks

Reservations and Fees: While some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, others may require reservations. It's advisable to check the specific campground's reservation policies and any associated fees ahead of your trip.​

Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds may have seasonal closures or limited facilities during certain times of the year. Always confirm the current status before planning your visit.​

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the official Oregon State Parks website or contact the park directly.

Overall, Fall Creek Reservoir offers a peaceful outdoor experience with opportunities for fishing, camping, boating, hiking, and wildlife observation amidst the natural beauty of the Cascade Mountains.