Hoch Reservoir, Oregon: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Hoch Reservoir falls in Marion County, part of Oregon. Oak and grass runs right down to the water. About 4 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. It lies lower than most water we list in Oregon. The closest town, Donald, is 1.1 miles distant. Hubbard is 3.4 miles away, with Woodburn at 5 miles. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Hoch Reservoir

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Marion County records list bluegill, largemouth bass, largescale sucker and rainbow trout among the fish reported. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Hoch Reservoir responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, August reads 67°F and December reads 40°F. The awkward stretch is midsummer, not midwinter. Heat pushes fish deep from June onwards, so start early. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. That is the shape of the year on Hoch Reservoir. A settled spell fishes better than a bright one.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Case Creek Reservoir sits 1.5 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the position on Hoch Reservoir before loading the car.