Barney Reservoir near Yamhill: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Barney Reservoir is set in Yamhill County, Oregon. It sits 24 miles in from the sea. It measures some 342 acres, and wind has room to build across it. The shoreline runs about 4.5 miles, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. By surface area it heads our Yamhill County listings. Yamhill sits 12 miles from the bank. Further out sit Forest Grove (15 miles) and Carlton (15 miles). The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Barney Reservoir

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Public occurrence data for Yamhill County names largemouth bass, bluegill, white crappie and brown bullhead. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. On Barney Reservoir the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 37°F to 59°F. The freeze here is occasional rather than annual. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. On Barney Reservoir that shapes the whole year. A settled week fishes better than a changeable one.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Failing this one, try Turner Creek Reservoir, 2.7 miles away. For Barney Reservoir, the notice at the access point is the final word.