Hills Creek Reservoir

Hills Creek Reservoir, a 2,735-acre artificial impoundment located just outside Oakridge, offers year-round fishing opportunities and is renowned for its reliable rainbow trout fishing, thanks to generous stocking programs by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The reservoir, surrounded by 44 miles of forested shoreline in the scenic Cascade Mountains, also supports populations of crappie, bass, and the occasional trophy-sized landlocked Chinook salmon.

Quick Info

Fish Species
The reservoir hosts a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and bullhead catfish.

Stocking Information
Annually, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks the reservoir with 60,000 adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout fingerlings and 100,000 adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook salmon fingerlings to support a harvest fishery in the following year.

Fishing Opportunities
Anglers can fish year-round, with spring and fall being particularly productive due to trout stocking schedules. Warmwater species like bass and crappie are more active during the warmer months.

Access Points
The reservoir features multiple access points, including Packard Creek Campground and Bingham Boat Launch, providing both shore and boat fishing opportunities.

Facilities
Amenities around the reservoir include campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, and restrooms, managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Additional Activities
Beyond fishing, Hills Creek Reservoir offers opportunities for boating, swimming, and hiking, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

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Access Points and Boat Ramps

Hills Creek Reservoir offers excellent access for both bank and boat anglers. The reservoir features several well-maintained boat ramps and access points:

Packard Creek Campground: Located on the west side of the reservoir, this campground provides a boat ramp and ample parking
CT Beach: Situated on the Hills Creek Arm, this area offers good bank fishing access
Southern Ramp: Near where the Middle Fork Willamette River flows into the reservoir, this ramp provides access to the upper portion of the lake
East Bank: The Middle Fork Willamette Arm along the east bank offers good fishing opportunities, especially for trout

Bank anglers can find numerous access points along the roads that encircle the reservoir, with short trails leading to the water’s edge. The reservoir’s water levels can fluctuate throughout the year, so it’s advisable to check current conditions before planning a trip.

Popular Fish Species

Hills Creek Reservoir supports a diverse fish population, offering anglers opportunities to target several popular species:

Rainbow Trout: The reservoir is regularly stocked with catchable-size rainbow trout, as well as 60,000 adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout fingerlings annually. These provide excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year
Chinook Salmon: 100,000 adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook salmon fingerlings are stocked annually, creating a unique landlocked salmon fishery. These can grow to trophy sizes and are often targeted by trolling deep with lures or fish-shaped crankbaits
Crappie: A popular warmwater species, especially in late April and May
Largemouth Bass: While not traditionally considered a prime bass fishery, anglers have discovered some sizeable specimens in recent years
Bluegill and Bullhead Catfish: These species provide additional angling opportunities, particularly when other fish aren’t biting

Anglers should note that only hatchery trout (with clipped adipose fins) may be kept as part of the 5-trout bag limit. The diverse fish population ensures that Hills Creek Reservoir offers something for anglers of all preferences and skill levels throughout the year.

OAKRIDGE

Scenic Forested Shoreline

Hills Creek Reservoir boasts a picturesque setting with 44 miles of forested shoreline, offering anglers and outdoor enthusiasts a stunning backdrop for their activities. The reservoir is nestled within the Willamette National Forest, surrounded by rugged mountain country that provides a serene and scenic environment.

Five parks are scattered around the lake, two of which offer overnight camping facilities
A 130-acre wildlife and wetland area below Hills Creek Dam features open fields, small ponds, riverside habitat, beaver dams, and food plots
The surrounding forest creates excellent habitat for various wildlife species, enhancing the overall outdoor experience
Scenic views of the Cascade Mountains, including glimpses of nearby peaks, can be enjoyed from various vantage points around the reservoir

The scenic beauty of Hills Creek Reservoir makes it an ideal destination not only for fishing but also for activities such as wildlife viewing, photography, and simply enjoying the tranquility of nature.

Sources:

Best Fishing in America, myodfw.org

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