Barnhart Reservoir

Barnhart Reservoir is a reservoir in Douglas County, Oregon.

The recorded size of Barnhart Reservoir is missing; fish one short bank carefully before deciding whether a wider search makes sense.

Fish and Baits

Fish listed for Barnhart Reservoir include Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, Cutthroat Trout, and Largemouth Bass.

During the first pass near a firm-bottom flat where two features meet, use a small jig, worm, or tiny plastic around green weeds and protected pockets for bluegill.

During a methodical search near the downwind side away from empty shoreline, work a soft plastic, jig, or spinnerbait around weeds and protected cover for largemouth bass.

During a return to the best bank near a firm-bottom flat near visible bait, use a worm on the bottom in a warm, quiet pocket during low light for brown bullhead.

How to Read the Water

During a quick scouting pass near scattered wood under flat light, do not let the deepest number control the whole day; nearby cover, firm bottom, and food usually matter more than the deepest hole by itself.

Season by Season

During a low-light period near an open-water edge before changing depth, spring runoff can add color and pull fish toward fresh water; green weeds and the first drop become stronger summer targets; in fall, follow bait toward points and shallow flats, while winter rewards a slower search.

A Simple Tackle Plan

During a cold winter outing near a small drop while the water is falling, a light spinning rod, thin line, a few small spoons, inline spinners, and jigs cover the listed trout; carry one slightly heavier setup when other fish or windy water call for more control.

During a quick scouting pass near the edge of deeper water while the water is falling, record the wind, water color, depth that held fish, and cover after a bite; those four notes are more useful on the next trip than a long list of spots that did not produce.