Emigrant is 77 percent full and water is now being released for irrigation season

Emigrant Reservoir - Ashland, OR (Jackson County)


by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
5-29-2024
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Emigrant is 77 percent full and water is now being released for irrigation season so the reservoir will now be decreasing. The main boat ramp is usable. Anglers putting in the time have been catching a few nice smallmouth at Emigrant recently. One angler reporting a catch of 30 a few weeks ago. Lures have included a Rage Tail Craw, a Keitech Swing Impact soft bait, and a Ned Rig Craw Colored Senko. Expect warmwater fishing to pick up significantly with the warm temperatures coming this weekend.‌

In addition to warmwater fish, Emigrant has been stocked with 1,000 legal-size trout a few times in the last month and will be stocked again soon. Anglers reported catching a lot of trout last weekend trolling and still fishing.‌

There is a longstanding health advisory for consumption of resident warmwater species in Emigrant for high levels of mercury. Consult the sportfishing regulations or the Oregon Health Authority for more information on consumption guidelines. ‌

The most current elevations for Emigrant Reservoir and other Rogue Basin reservoirs can be found on the Bureau of Reclamation's website, here.