Fishing Fern Ridge Reservoir
AKA: Fern Ridge Lake
Popular Fish Species Fern Ridge Reservoir, OR
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.
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.
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.
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
Fishing lakes in each state.
022025
Fern Ridge Reservoir in OR
OREGON
Fishing for bass, crappie and bluegill in west-central OR.
