Idaho Fish Report

Emigrant is 39 percent full and water is being released for irrigation season so the water level is steadily decreasing. The main boat ramp is usable. Fishing for bass and panfish is very good at Emigrant right now with good catches of bluegill, black crappie, and both smallmouth and largemouth bass. The water level has dropped below the water level at this point last year, but anglers may want fish near any willow patches that remain watered for best results.‌

Expect warmwater fishing to continue to be good now that summer is here.‌

In addition to warmwater fish, Emigrant has been stocked with 1,000 legal-size trout a few times late in the spring and fishing for these fish and holdover trout has been good. Anglers reported catching a lot of trout recently trolling and still fishing. Expect the trout to move into deeper water around the dam and in the arms with the extreme heat in the forecast.‌

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.