Cold Spring Reservoir Fishing near Mill City, Oregon

• Overview

  In Oregon, Cold Spring Reservoir belongs to Linn County. The bank is 1,844 feet above sea level. Small enough that any disturbance crosses the whole surface. Our Linn County list holds plenty of bigger water. The nearest place of any size is Mill City, 21 miles away. Salem is the closest city, 51 miles away. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Cold Spring Reservoir

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Across Linn County, recorded fish include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, bluegill, largescale sucker and largemouth bass. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. On Cold Spring Reservoir the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, August reads 61°F and January reads 33°F. In milder years the surface never sets. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Cold Spring Reservoir runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Mud Puppy Lake sits 1 mile off and takes the overflow. Check the position at Cold Spring Reservoir before loading the car.