Applegate Reservoir has been stocked with legal-size and trophy rainbow trout. Fishing has been good for larger trout. Bank anglers have done well near French Gulch. Trolling lures or lure and bait combinations has been effective. Casting flies should work as well. Fishing for smallmouth bass and other warmwater species should be good.

The Copper and French Gulch boat ramps are usable. Bank fishing can be difficult at Applegate due to the steep shoreline, but the upper end should have some access and there has been recent success by bank anglers at the creek mouths. The surface temperature in the reservoir is 64oF.