The reservoir will be stocked again this week with 3,000 hatchery trout.

This reservoir near Sweet Home is usually stocked several times in the spring and early fall with over 28,000 hatchery trout. Besides trout, look for smallmouth bass and yellow perch near underwater structure and drop-offs. Please remember that only kokanee and adipose fin-clipped trout may be kept as part of the 5-trout bag limit, but there are no limits on size or number of bass.

Retention of warmwater fish species such as bluegill, catfish, crappie, and yellow perch is also allowed -- no limit on size or number. Anglers report good success in the two arms of the reservoir, as well as the shoreline in between. Fishing is best when light levels are low, either early morning or late evening.

They have started to release water out of the reservoir and the water level has dropped below the toe-slope at Calkins Park boat ramp making it unusable. The other two ramps at Gedney and Sunnyside Park are still available for the next few weeks, however. Bank fishing access is available at several access points including at Caulkins, Sunnyside, Gedney and Lewis Creek parks.

This scenic 1,200-acre reservoir on the South Santiam River is located just 30 minutes from Interstate 5. There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps.