Fishing Brownlee Reservoir
AKA: Brownlee Lake
Popular Fish Species Brownlee Reservoir, OR
White Crappie Fishing
Plenty of healthy white crappie reside in Brownlee Reservoir, as they are making a nice comeback this year. The fish population is healthy and crappie fishing is excellent. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate shallow brush and vegetation in Spring and Fall focusing on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out to as deep as 30 to 35 feet, as well as ledges near channels at these depths. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Black crappie also make this lake their home.
Yellow Perch Fishing
Yellow perch are a popular species in Brownlee Reservoir. The lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of these perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.
Bluegill Fishing
Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Brownlee Reservoir. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, rainbow trout, bluegill and yellow perch at Brownlee Reservoir in Oregon.
Brownlee Reservoir Fishing Video
A warm-water fishery, Brownlee Reservoir offers choice fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, trout, sunfish and perch. This is an 11,000-acre impoundment on the eastern border of the state, spanning over 50 miles of the Snake River.
Situated on the Snake River in Eastern Oregon, Brownlee Reservoir is a premier fishing destination that attracts anglers from near and far. The reservoir is renowned for its diverse fish populations and picturesque surroundings, offering a memorable fishing experience for all who visit.
One of the main draws of Brownlee Reservoir is its exceptional smallmouth bass fishery. The reservoir is home to a healthy population of smallmouth bass, which thrive in the rocky structures and submerged ledges. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of casting lures or flies near rocky shorelines or drop-offs, enticing these feisty fish to strike. Smallmouth bass in Brownlee Reservoir are known for their aggressive nature and acrobatic fights, providing an exciting angling experience.
In addition to smallmouth bass, Brownlee Reservoir also offers opportunities to target other popular fish species such as largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Largemouth bass can be found in the reservoir's warmer and shallower areas, often near vegetation and submerged structures. Crappie fishing can be excellent, particularly in the spring when these panfish move into shallow areas to spawn. Catfish, including both channel catfish and bullhead catfish, provide an alternative angling option, with anglers targeting them using a variety of baits and techniques.
Before embarking on a fishing trip to Brownlee Reservoir, it's important to familiarize yourself with the local fishing regulations, including size and bag limits, as well as any specific rules or restrictions. Respecting these regulations helps maintain the health and sustainability of the fishery for future generations of anglers.
Brownlee Reservoir in Oregon offers a remarkable fishing experience, with its diverse fish species and scenic surroundings. Whether you're targeting smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, or catfish, the reservoir provides anglers with a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the thrill of reeling in some impressive catches.
Much of the 190 miles of shoreline is not accessible via land due to steep terrain or lack of roads. Richmond and Huntington are the primary access points from the Oregon side. Camping, boat ramps and other amenities are available in both areas. The lake sits at an elevation of just over 2,000 feet above sea level, offering a wide variety of both warm-water and cold-water fish species. Bass, crappie, catfish, trout and sunfish all reside here and flourish during different seasons. This waterway is a great destination for pleasure boats, kayaks, canoes and all types of fishing boats.
Primary fish species residing in Brownlee Reservoir
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Brownlee Reservoir Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NEARBY
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NO
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Brownlee Reservoir, as it allows anglers to explore the vast expanse of water and access different fishing locations. Whether you have a motorboat, kayak, or canoe, the reservoir provides ample opportunities to venture out and find your ideal fishing spot. Anglers should be aware of any boating regulations and ensure they have the necessary safety equipment before heading out on the water.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Immigrant Gulch Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Hewitt Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Morgan Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Snake River Road, this is a one-lane, natural ramp with gravel parking.
Swedes Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Snake River Road, this is a one-lane, natural ramp with gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Brownlee Reservoir
Southern Idaho Fishing Excursions - crappie
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Oregon Fishing License.
Camping facilities can be found along the shores of Brownlee Reservoir, offering anglers the chance to extend their fishing trips and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds provide convenient access to the water, allowing anglers to enjoy peaceful evenings under the stars after a day of exciting fishing.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Swedes Landing Campground - 541 473-3144
East Valley RV Park - 541 893-6161
Brownlee Reservoir OR Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Brownlee Reservoir
Hewitt Park
41132 Robinette Rd
Richland, OR 97870
541 893-6147
Fishing lakes in each state.
090524
Brownlee Reservoir in Oregon.
OREGON
Information about fishing lakes in OR
Bass, catfish, crappie, trout and perch fishing in eastern OR.
