Reeder Reservoir, Oregon: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Reeder Reservoir lies in Jackson County, Oregon. The surface lies 2,900 feet up. Small at around 21 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. The town to know is Ashland, 2.8 miles out. Eugene is the closest city, 132 miles away. Not far off: 4.1 miles away is Billings Reservoir, Bounds Reservoir at about 5.4 miles, 6 miles away is Emigrant Lake, Chapman Lake at about 7.3 miles and 12 miles away is Little Hyatt Reservoir. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Reeder Reservoir

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Species logged across Jackson County include rainbow trout, black crappie, largemouth bass, brown bullhead and bluegill. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Reeder Reservoir gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, August reads 62°F and December reads 34°F. Most months fish reasonably, given the right weather. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. At Reeder Reservoir the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. If the gate is shut, Billings Reservoir at 4.1 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the position on Reeder Reservoir before loading the car.