North Fork Diversion Reservoir Fishing in Jackson County, Oregon

• Overview

  Out in Jackson County, Oregon, sits North Fork Diversion Reservoir. The setting is farm and woodlot on every side. Around 40 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Shady Cove lies 19 miles from the water. The nearest city of size is Eugene, 94 miles away. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on North Fork Diversion Reservoir

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Open biodiversity records for Jackson County list rainbow trout, black crappie and largemouth bass. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. On North Fork Diversion Reservoir the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 35°F to 66°F. The season stretches long at both ends here. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. At North Fork Diversion Reservoir the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Parking is at North Fork Dam Recreation Area, some 120 yards off. There is a toilet block some 110 yards out. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. For a change of water, Peyton Reservoir is 7 miles distant. For North Fork Diversion Reservoir in particular, ask before you travel.