Rohde Reservoir near Amity: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Out in Polk County, Oregon, sits Rohde Reservoir. Tidal water begins 39 miles from here. The water measures roughly 16 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. On our Polk County list it sits near the top for size. Some 6.4 miles away sits Amity, the nearest settlement. The nearest city of size is Salem, 9.9 miles away. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Rohde Reservoir

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Survey and observation records for Polk County include bluegill, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, largescale sucker and cutthroat trout. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. On Rohde Reservoir the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put August at about 67°F and December near 40°F. Warm months push fish deep; cool months bring them back. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to be out. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. Time your trip to Rohde Reservoir by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Martin Brothers Flashboard Reservoir at 0.8 miles is the sensible second choice. For Rohde Reservoir in particular, ask before you travel.