Schaefer, Ray Reservoir

Schaefer, Ray Reservoir is a reservoir in Clackamas County, Oregon and covers about 2.75 acres and holds roughly 18 acre-feet.

On a water as small as Schaefer, Ray Reservoir, one weed edge or deeper pocket can hold much of the day’s activity.

Fish and Baits

Fish listed for Schaefer, Ray Reservoir include Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, and Largemouth Bass.

During the start of a weather change near a firm-bottom flat near firm bottom, use a small jig, worm, or tiny plastic around green weeds and protected pockets for bluegill.

During a low-light period near a channel bend away from empty shoreline, work a soft plastic, jig, or spinnerbait around weeds and protected cover for largemouth bass.

During the last hour of daylight near a shaded bank before changing depth, use a worm on the bottom in a warm, quiet pocket during low light for brown bullhead.

How to Read the Water

During a short evening pass near the outside weed line in stained water, start where two things meet: weeds and open water, rock and mud, a point and a drop, or clear water and dirty water; fish that edge at more than one depth before leaving it.

Season by Season

During a careful second pass near a channel bend after warm rain, spring fishing starts with warming banks, creek mouths, and shallow cover; summer usually pushes the better bite toward the outside weed edge or a nearby drop; fall can bring bait back to windblown points, while winter calls for smaller moves and a slower pace.

A Simple Tackle Plan

During a methodical search near a shallow shelf in stained water, a medium spinning rod, 8-pound line, a small box of jigs, a few crankbaits, and a simple bottom rig cover most situations; change depth or speed before changing every piece of tackle.

During a low-light period near the mouth of a pocket while the water is falling, record the wind, water color, depth of the best pass, 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.