Hey Finneus, this is a little off the fishing in Medford subject but you could always try to South Umpqua for Smallies on the way home. There are 2 extremely accessible stretches right off of I-5. One is Dole rd. out of Mrytle creek, take the mrytle creek exit and cross the river heading into town, Dole rd is the 1st left and parallels the south river for about 5 miles with several good access area's and deeper smallie water. You will see some swimmers in areas and some gold dredger's looking for their fortunes but there is still plenty of room to fish. Also, if you stay on I-5 north until the next exit, take it(Exit 112 I believe?) and you will cross under I-5 heading west on old Hwy 99. Right under the I-5 bridge there is a deep hole that is easily accessible from the bank and is usually good fishing. If you follow old Hwy 99 northwest you will come to another deep good smallie hole about 2-3 miles west of I-5, a toon would be great here but there is bank room to fish! Just follow either rd. north and you can re-enter I-5 at Clarks branch. I usually tire of catching a continual bombardment of small bass and give up after 15 or 20! There are nice ones in there!
The limit is 10!!! Try to keep that many an help out the Salmon and Steelhead smolts! They make great fish tacos!
I grew up down there.
. Ill start fishing those ponds more now, and try to get a big bass.
