Question about Dexter Reservoir

[venetafisher]

Haven't fished it yet, but plan to. Do the stocked trout tend to stay put in the western part of the lake, on the west side of the covered bridge, or do they wander into the eastern portion, between the bridge and the Lookout dam? Thanks.

 

[plumbertom]

While I only occasionally fish Dexter, I've found that I do best while trolling the south shore.

 

[troutdude]

I've only been there twice. But it depends on water temp. If the water temp is high, they'll hunker down in a deep pocket a couple of hundred yards from the dam. On the north side. Park at the marina ramps lot, and follow the trail west if you're on foot.

The smallies should be pretty active right now. So work the rip rap, if you want to chase 'em. Near the bridge.

 

[oldretiredguy]

Haven't fished it yet, but plan to. Do the stocked trout tend to stay put in the western part of the lake, on the west side of the covered bridge, or do they wander into the eastern portion, between the bridge and the Lookout dam? Thanks.

I wouldn't even bother, a few miles more and Hills creek reservoir offers much better fishing, with a chance at large trout. Dexter to me has never been more than a place I test the boat out at.

 

[plumbertom]

That's more when I've fished than not, but once the boat is on the water, I'm gonna wet a line.
But it's a 25 mile drive to launch at Dexter, so when the water is high enough to launch, Fern Ridge is only a 5 mile drive from my house, so I even occasionally fish it a little.

 

[oldretiredguy]

That's more when I've fished than not, but once the boat is on the water, I'm gonna wet a line.
But it's a 25 mile drive to launch at Dexter, so when the water is high enough to launch, Fern Ridge is only a 5 mile drive from my house, so I even occasionally fish it a little.

Dexter has tons of squawfish, stunted kokanee, and a ODFW planters, not much draw for me. Hills Creek lots of very sizeable wild rainbows, leftover planters that get pretty big, a few cutthroat, Bull trout you have to throw back, and if your lucky BIG landlocked Chinook, its worth a little extra driving, the ramp is open all year at Packard creek, and the scenery beats Dexter hands down.