Fishing Stephens Reservoir in Yamhill County, Oregon

• Overview

  Set in Yamhill County, Stephens Reservoir is an Oregon water. It lies 144 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to about 6 acres — small enough to read in one session. It lies lower than most water we list in Oregon. Nearest town is Amity, 5.5 miles off. It is 12 miles to Salem, the nearest city. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Stephens Reservoir

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Fish documented in Yamhill County include largemouth bass, bluegill and white crappie. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Stephens Reservoir gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year August sits at 66°F and December at 40°F. Winter here means light layers, not lost months. Heat pushes fish deep from June onwards, so start early. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. The season on Stephens Reservoir rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. Curry Lake sits 1.7 miles off and takes the overflow. Treat access at Stephens Reservoir as something to verify.