Grays Slough Reservoir near Island City: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Grays Slough Reservoir is a Union County water, Oregon side. Elevation runs to 2,680 feet. This is a pocket water of some 9 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. The closest town, Island City, is 8.6 miles away. La Grande lies 11 miles off, Elgin another 12 miles. This one is safely inside the county line. Count eight within 15 miles of here and dozens within 30 miles.

• Where to Fish on Grays Slough Reservoir

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Union County records list rainbow trout, brook trout, Chinook salmon and brown bullhead among the fish reported. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Work Grays Slough Reservoir in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 31°F in January and 66°F in August. Whether it freezes depends on the year. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. On Grays Slough Reservoir that shapes the whole year. Autumn cools the shallows first, so work deeper as it goes on.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Fleets Loop Reservoir, 0.9 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Check the position on Grays Slough Reservoir before loading the car.