The reservoir was stocked several times this summer with tens of thousands of one-pound hatchery trout. The reservoir elevation is now only a few feet above the bottom of Mongold boat ramp. At this level it may be hazardous to launch boats off trailers because the rear tires may get stuck in the mud. Best to check with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website (see below) for the latest reservoir levels before going. Those with lighter watercraft such as pontoons, canoes and kayaks shouldn’t have any problems. For bank fishing, the head of the reservoir in the town of Detroit could be a good place to try for trout. 

For the latest information on water levels at Detroit Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers’ website for more information.

Pretty much all techniques will catch fish, but it might take some experimenting to find out what is most effective on the day you’re out there. You will vastly improve your chances of catching a fish if you fish early or late in the day when light-levels are low and fish are less wary. 

Anglers have reported catching lots of small Chinook salmon in pursuit of kokanee and trout. Please take extra care in releasing these fish back into the water unharmed, as they are listed species and are only in the reservoir temporarily before they migrate downstream and out to the ocean.   

As a reminder to anglers, fishing for and harvesting Chinook in the lake and the rivers above is prohibited. Any Chinook caught in Detroit must be released unharmed.

Anglers are encouraged to report their catch on forms available at signs and kiosks which have been installed at key locations around the lake. Simply fill out the form and return in the designated drop boxes. There is also an on-line form. Remember to indicate whether the fish you catch have their adipose fin or not. This information will allow ODFW to manage the fishery for the benefit of both recreational anglers and the resource