Howard Prairie is 35 percent full. Access for trailered boats is questionable, but small vessels have been seen putting in by the dam. Recent rain/snow might make launching a boat difficult in the mud near the dam. All Jackson County facilities are now gated and closed for the winter season.‌

Trout fishing should be good. Anglers fishing PowerBait from shore near the dam caught several trout recently. Howard was stocked with 5 to 6-inch fingerling rainbow trout recently, so anglers are encouraged to use caution and carefully release these undersized fish.