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Fishing Fern Ridge Reservoir

AKA: Fern Ridge Lake

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By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Fern Ridge Reservoir, OR

Popular Fish Species Fern Ridge Reservoir, OR


Fern Ridge Reservoir Popular Fish - White Crappie

White Crappie Fishing

Plenty of healthy white crappie reside in Fern Ridge Reservoir, and they are the main draw here over other species. 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.


Fern Ridge Reservoir Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Fern Ridge Reservoir is a popular bass fishing tournament lake. Both weekend and tournament anglers are catching bass in decent numbers. Fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. A history of careful fisheries management by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. In Fern Ridge Reservoir, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.


Fern Ridge Reservoir Popular Fish - Bluegill

Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Fern Ridge 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.


Fern Ridge Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie and bluegill at Fern Ridge Reservoir in Oregon.

A popular fishing destination in west-central Oregon, Fern Ridge Reservoir is a 9,000-acre lake, at Elmira. Bass, crappie and bluegill thrive in this large, warm-water fishery.

One of the primary attractions of Fern Ridge Reservoir is its excellent bass fishing. Largemouth bass, in particular, thrive in the reservoir's weed beds, submerged structures, and shallow areas. Fern Ridge Reservoir is also home to crappie, bluegill, and catfish.

The lake has about thirty miles of shoreline, some developed with homes and boat docks, some undeveloped. Adventurous anglers can find many places around the lake for fishing from the bank. There are numerous boat access areas for boat launching including area camp grounds and the Orchard Point Marina Boat Ramp. Rental boats and typical camping, boating and fishing amenities are all available at the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Fern Ridge Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Black crappie Bluegill

Fern Ridge Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Orchard Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Clear Lake Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Orchard Point Marina and Boat Ramp
Eugene, OR 97402
541 682-2000

Fishing Guides On Fern Ridge Reservoir

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.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Richardson Park Campground - 541 935-2005

Fern Ridge Shores RV Park - 541 935-2335

Fern Ridge Reservoir OR Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Fern Ridge Reservoir
Orchard Point Marina and Boat Ramp
Eugene, OR 97402
541 463-0555

 

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