Spring Reservoir

Spring Reservoir in the northern part of Marion County is a reservoir in Oregon.

Without a dependable size figure for Spring Reservoir, weeds, rock, water color, and nearby depth are the best starting clues.

Fish and Baits

During a steady fall day near a narrow cove with a moving bait, fish listed for Spring Reservoir include Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, and Largemouth Bass.

During the first hour near the downwind side while the water is rising, use a small jig, worm, or tiny plastic around green weeds and protected pockets for bluegill.

During a methodical search near a quiet corner with a slow lure, work a soft plastic, jig, or spinnerbait around weeds and protected cover for largemouth bass.

During a cold winter outing near a shallow shelf with stable weather, use a worm on the bottom in a warm, quiet pocket during low light for brown bullhead.

How to Read the Water

During a slow shoreline pass near a narrow cove while the water is falling, Make one shallow pass and one deeper pass on the same shoreline; that shows whether fish are tight to cover or using the first break.

Season by Season

During a slow shoreline pass near a narrow cove while the water is rising, Early in the year, protected water and the first warm afternoon can be the best clues; as the water heats up, check deeper edges without assuming every fish is on the bottom; cooling fall water often makes points and firm banks useful again.

A Simple Tackle Plan

During an overcast morning near the edge of deeper water near firm bottom, 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 bright afternoon near a shaded bank beside useful cover, record the wind, water color, depth of the first good 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.