Goodyear Reservoir in Malheur County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Set in Malheur County, Goodyear Reservoir is an Oregon water. The country here is farm and woodlot. At roughly 3 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Marsing is the closest place, 36 miles off. Beyond it, Homedale at 38 miles and Wilder at 42 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about. Ground round the water is mixed, open in parts and thick in others.

• Where to Fish on Goodyear Reservoir

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Species logged across Malheur County include rainbow trout, smallmouth bass and common carp. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. The near bank of Goodyear Reservoir is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 26°F to 68°F. The season stretches long at both ends here. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. On Goodyear Reservoir the same rules apply, with local timing. Long dry spells drop the level and concentrate them.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. JD Reservoir at 1.6 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position at Goodyear Reservoir before loading the car.