Fishing Howard Prairie - Central Oregon
Howard Prairie is one of the most popular lakes in Southern Oregon. Created in 1958 by the Bureau of Reclamation when they constructed the dam at the south end of the lake. The lake had filled by 1962 and the resort restaurant and store were completed. The resort has over 300 campsites, some have RV hookups. There is a lake map available at the resort with the old fishing hot spots marked. The boat ramp at the resort is very good, there is a fee for parking. There are three county campgrounds at Howard Prairie, each with a boat ramp.
The scenery at Howard Prairie is great. At Elevation 4526' it is surrounded by forest land, with higher snow capped mountains visible in the background. Several species of wild animals can be seen around the lake, including many types of squirrels, deer, raccoons, and marmots. In the summer many migratory birds call Howard Prairie home. I have seen Pelicans, bald eagles, herons, geese and ducks all in the same day.
Howard Prairie is located about 45 miles northeast of Medford. Take Hwy. 62 to Hwy. 140. Turn right on Hwy. 37, just before you get to Fish Lake. Hwy. 37 dead ends into the old Dead Indian Road. Turn right on the old Dead Indian Road and drive till you see the Howard Prairie turnoff on the left. The resort turnoff is on the left about a mile from the turnoff. Don't worry, if you miss the turnoff the Howard Prairie you will still get to fish since the road leads to Hyatt Lake, but that's another story.
Howard Prairie, like many reservoir's in Southern Oregon suffered from low water in the late 80's. I'm happy to say that the last few years have bought Howard Prairie back to the status of very good fishery. Every year Howard Prairie is stocked with approximately 400,000 fingerling rainbow trout. Howard is also stocked with legal size rainbow trout. The fish grow quickly when the water level is normal. In June there is normally a great mayfly hatch that occurs on the North side of the lake, a brown bi-visible fly is a good bet in the evening. they are available at the marina.
Just last week Jack and I tried Howard Prairie for the first time this year. Trolling was working for smaller fish, but no takers over 10 inches. We decided to pull into the Famous Fishing Hole marked on the resort map, the one behind the two islands. Using the fish finder we set anchor just off the 38' foot channel. We were joined by seven other boats in the surrounding area. Most of the fishermen near us, in talking range, were using cheese and fishing just off the bottom. The fishing came in spurts for almost everyone. When one boat caught a fish it seemed a matter of seconds before everyone started caching fish. Then, just as fast as it started, it stopped for maybe a half hour. Good thing I had two rods set up, after I caught the first fish I would toss in the other rod and start rigging the first rod over. What can I say, got a limit of five great rainbows over 12". Jack, using one rod caught some nice fish but lost time between fish as he rigged his rod. While Jack used cheese, I used rainbow power bait mixed with cheese. You might want to try some power bait mixed with your cheese, unless like Jack, you like to have your cheese stole over and over again.
For people that like to troll, the best trolling area is the deep water on the east side of the lake. I have done very well with a gold and green flatfish in a size F4. Most Trollers use the old flasher and worm combination with good success. When trolling make sure you make a pass by the dam and the area behind the big island.
Still fishing is very popular at Howard Prairie. There is good access to most areas around the lake using many of the dirt roads. Don't plan on taking your car down most of these roads as they are real rough and often muddy. For easy access there is a good area by the dam, and a jetty near the resort that offer good fishing. Check with resort on what seems to be working best at the time you go.
Howard Prairie has great scenery, good fishing and should be put on your list if you like rainbow trout. See you on the water. Don
1997 Update
Fishing is still good this year at Howard! Fish did not get as large as everyone had hoped, but there where several 16"-18" fish available.
2005 Update
Middle of May, the lake is 52% full. The lodge expects to make it to 70% full at maximum. The fish are good size and with less water easier to find. Bank fishing has been good, fishing from a boat is always good in the morning and evening.
2006
Lot's of water this year! Fishing for Crappie, Bass, Bluegill has been good. Illegal Introduction!
You see a trend here? Every lake in the area has fish that have been put there by citizen's, not the Fish and Wildlife people.
2007
Trout are said to be small from friends that fished there this year. It will be hard to get the trout up to size with all the bass out there. Thinking about taking up bass fishing, and I just might eat them.
Update from 2007. Some good holdovers were caught wind drifting 16-18 inch fish!