Fishing at Mission Creek Reservoir, Marion County, Oregon

• Overview

  Out in Marion County, Oregon, sits Mission Creek Reservoir. It sits at 167 feet above sea level. It runs to roughly 59 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. On our Marion County list it sits near the top for size. The nearest place of any size is Dundee, 4.5 miles away. Beyond it, Newberg at 5.4 miles and Dayton at 5.6 miles. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Mission Creek Reservoir

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Survey and observation records for Marion County include bluegill, largemouth bass, largescale sucker, rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. At Mission Creek Reservoir light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 67°F, the coldest about 40°F. Winter is a mild inconvenience here, nothing more. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. On Mission Creek Reservoir that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Public mapping records no formal access here, so plan for a walk and soft ground. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Tribbett Reservoir, 1.6 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. For Mission Creek Reservoir in particular, ask before you travel.