Fishing Dorena Lake - Thriving Oregon

Dorena Lake

Dorena Reservoir, also known as Dorena Lake, is a popular fishing destination located just 6 miles east of Cottage Grove, offering anglers opportunities to catch a variety of fish species including trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, and bluegill. This reservoir provides diverse fishing experiences throughout the year, with trout stocking in spring and fall, and excellent warmwater fishing during the warmer months.

Quick Info

Location: About 6 miles east of Cottage Grove.
Fish Species: Known for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and bullhead catfish.
Stocking: Rainbow trout are stocked regularly by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, especially in spring.
Best Fishing Seasons: Spring and early summer offer great trout fishing, while bass and panfish thrive in the warmer months.
Fishing Access: Boat ramps are available at Baker Bay and Harms Park. Shoreline fishing is accessible at multiple points.
Boating: Open for all types of boating; anglers commonly use small motorboats or kayaks for fishing.
Facilities: Picnic areas, campgrounds, restrooms, and parking available around the lake.
Regulations: Follow Oregon fishing regulations, and check for specific rules or limits for Dorena Lake.
Scenic Views: Surrounded by lush forests and hills, it’s a picturesque spot for fishing and other outdoor activities.

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Row River Road Access Points

The Row River Trail, which runs alongside Dorena Lake, offers multiple access points along Row River Road for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. Key access points include:

Mosby Creek Trailhead: Located 2 miles southeast on Mosby Creek Road, this trailhead provides parking and easy access to the western portion of the trail.
Dorena Dam: Situated about 6 miles from Cottage Grove, this area offers views of the dam and lake access.
Row Point: A scenic spot showcasing protected native prairie remnants.
Harms Park: A day-use area featuring a boat ramp, parking, picnic tables, and trail access.
Bake Stewart Park: Located at the southeast end of the lake where Row River enters the reservoir, this park offers trails, picnic areas, and lake views.

These access points along Row River Road not only provide entry to the lake for fishing but also connect visitors to the 15.6-mile paved Row River Trail, which is part of the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway and offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass Hotspots

Dorena Lake is renowned as one of the Willamette Valley’s premier bass fishing destinations, offering excellent opportunities for both largemouth and smallmouth bass anglers. Key hotspots for bass fishing include:

Weedy areas in the reservoir’s shallows, especially during morning and evening hours
Deeper creek channels and areas with submerged trees, logs, and stumps
The slough areas around Coyote Creek and along the southern edge of the reservoir
The rock face of the dam, particularly when water levels are lower

Spring is the prime season for bass fishing when the fish are spawning, though anglers can catch bass from spring through fall. Effective techniques include using spinnerbaits and brightly-colored soft plastic baits, fished with medium to heavy spinning or bait casting tackle and 8- to 12-pound test line. The lake’s diverse underwater structure and ample cover provide ideal habitats for both largemouth and smallmouth bass, making Dorena a popular destination for seasoned bass anglers.

COTTAGE GROVE

Spring and Summer Trout Stocking

Dorena Reservoir is regularly stocked with rainbow trout to enhance fishing opportunities for anglers. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) typically stocks the reservoir with trout in spring and early fall. In 2024, Dorena Reservoir was stocked with 2,500 rainbow trout during the week of October 7. Spring stocking usually occurs in April or May, providing anglers with fresh opportunities as the weather warms up.Key points about trout stocking at Dorena Reservoir:

Stocking typically occurs twice a year – spring and fall
Rainbow trout are the primary species stocked
Spring stocking enhances fishing during the popular opening weeks of trout season
Fall stocking provides additional opportunities as water temperatures cool
Anglers should check ODFW’s weekly Recreation Report for the most up-to-date stocking information

Trout fishing is often best in the weeks following stocking events, with various methods proving effective, including bait fishing, lure casting, and fly fishing. Anglers targeting recently stocked trout may have the most success near boat ramps and other easily accessible shoreline areas where fish are released.

Sources:

myodfw.org

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