Stevens Reservoir Fishing near Keizer, Oregon

• Overview

  Oregon holds Stevens Reservoir, in Polk County. It sits at 302 feet above sea level. The whole thing is a single swim; walk it in a minute. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Polk County. Supplies mean a trip to Keizer, 6.5 miles off. After that come Salem at 6.8 miles and Hayesville at 8.6 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Stevens Reservoir

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Reported across Polk County: bluegill, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Read Stevens Reservoir before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give August about 66°F and December about 40°F. The surface stays open the year round. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. It sets the rhythm of the year at Stevens Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. For a change of water, Four H Reservoir is 1.3 miles distant. The position on Stevens Reservoir is worth confirming on the day.