Trout Stocking on the Southern Oregon Coast — 2026 Guide

Trout Stocking on the Southern Oregon Coast — 2026 Guide

Each spring and early summer, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) releases thousands of hatchery-raised trout into lakes, ponds, and other public waters across Oregon — including in the famed Southern Oregon Coast zone. These stockings create excellent opportunities for family fishing trips, weekend outings, and trophy trout hunts. Trout stocking schedules are published online and list the week a waterbody is expected to be stocked (the week starting on Monday), not exact days.

While the full statewide schedule is extensive, here are some notable Southern Oregon Coast and nearby SW Zone waterbodies scheduled for trout stocking in 2026 (with the week they’re slated to be stocked):

• Garrison Lake (near Gold Beach) — stocked the week of Mar. 2–6, 2026 and again often later in spring (Delightful for easy access bank fishing).
  
  
• Saunders Lake — stocked during the Feb. 23–27 period.
  
  
• Bradley Lake — stocked the week of Feb. 23–27.
  
  
• Powers Pond — stocked the week of Feb. 23–27.
  
  
• Johnson Mill Pond — also stocked the week of Feb. 23–27.
  
  
• Expo Pond 1 (Rogue) — stocked around Mar. 2–6 and again in May.
  
  
• Tenmile Lake area — various Tenmile basin lakes (North & South Tenmile, plus Eel Lake) receive stockings in late spring, such as May 25–29, 2026 for Tenmile Lake, South and North Lake.
  
  
• Laird Lake (near Gold Beach) — smaller body stocked late May.
  
  
• Libby Pond — stocked in early June.
  
  

⚠️ Stocking dates may shift slightly due to weather or water conditions. Always check ODFW’s weekly schedule or local Recreation Reports for the most current postings.

Where to Fish Along the Southern Oregon Coast

Here’s a closer look at some great waterbodies for stocked trout near or on the coast:

1. Garrison Lake (Gold Beach Area)

• Type: Freshwater lake near the coast
  
  
• Stocking: Early March (rainbows/trophies)
  
  
• Fishing: Easy shore fishing with small spinners, flies, or nightcrawlers.
  
  
• Access: From Gold Beach, take Union Street south to Garrison Lake Park. Plenty of parking and picnic areas.
  
  

2. Saunders Lake

• Type: Small lake ideal for kids and casual anglers
  
  
• Stocking: Week of Feb. 23–27
  
  
• Access: Off US-101 near Bandon or Coquille (check local signs). Good bank access.
  
  

3. Tenmile Lakes & Eel Lake (Coos County)

This chain (including North Tenmile, Tenmile, and Eel Lakes) is a top coastal destination for stocked trout and native species.

• Stocking: Late May weeks (various Tenmile lakes)
  
  
• Access:
  
  
  
  • Tenmile Lake: From Lakeside, head east on North Lake Road from US-101.
    
    
  • Eel Lake: Just east of Reedsport on Eel Lake Road, with boat ramps and fishing docks.
    
    
• Tips: Boaters can troll from shorelines; bank anglers can hit shallow edges at dawn/dusk.
  
  

4. Other SW Zone Ponds & Reservoirs

While not right on the beach, many SW Zone waters provide excellent inland trout action and are within a short drive of the coast:

• Powers Pond, Johnson Mill Pond, Bradley Lake, Expo Pond — all stocked in late February / early March.
  
  
• Libby Pond — stocked in early June.
  
  

These bodies are typically easy to access with roadside parking and decent shore fishing.

How to Get There — Coastal Access Tips

Here’s how to reach these angling spots from main coastal corridors (assuming travel from coastal hubs like Coos Bay, Bandon, or Gold Beach):

• Garrison Lake (Gold Beach):
  
  
  
  • Take US-101 into Gold Beach. Turn onto Union St → lake park and fishing spots.
    
    
• Saunders Lake (near Coquille/Bandon):
  
  
  
  • From Coquille, head west toward Bandon on US-101 S, then use local roads (check signage/parking areas for the lake).
    
    
• Tenmile Lakes / Eel Lake (near Reedsport & Lakeside):
  
  
  
  • From Reedsport on US-101, take Eel Lake Rd east to lakeside launch points.
    
    
  • Alternatively, from Lakeside take North Lake Rd to Tenmile Lake access points.
    
    
• Inland ponds/reservoirs:
  
  
  
  • Most are accessed via secondary county roads off US-101 or OR-38 / OR-42. Use local maps or GPS for exact access — many have small gravel pull-outs or designated parking areas.

Pro Tips for Coastal Trout Success

• Free Fishing Days (No License Needed): Feb 14–15, June 6–7, and Nov 27–28 — perfect for beginners or families.
  
  
• Gear Choices: Small spinners, rooster tails, and light flies (wooly buggers, nymphs).
  
  
• Timing: Early spring stockings (Feb–Mar) are great for hungry trout settling into lakes; late spring (May–June) can be awesome after the fish have spread and warmed.
  
  
• Check conditions: Weather and water levels affect access — always verify parking/road conditions locally before heading out.

The Southern Oregon Coast brings together coastal scenery and surprisingly good freshwater trout fishing once you know where to look. With planned stockings on lakes like Garrison, Tenmile, and Eel, as well as small ponds inland, 2026 should be another solid year to cast a line. For the most up-to-date weekly schedule and any last-minute changes, check the ODFW trout stocking schedule online before you hit the water.

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