Stephenson Lake

Stephenson Lake is a reservoir in Jefferson County, Oregon.

Use the shape you can see at Stephenson Lake: check the best cover, the first drop, and one open-water line before moving.

Fish and Baits

Fish listed for Stephenson Lake include Brown Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Tui Chub.

During a slow shoreline pass near a shallow shelf near firm bottom, work a soft plastic, jig, or spinnerbait around weeds and protected cover for largemouth bass.

During a low-light period near the first break where two features meet, use a worm on the bottom in a warm, quiet pocket during low light for brown bullhead.

During a bright afternoon near a small drop after warm rain, cast a small spoon, inline spinner, light jig, or fly through cool water for rainbow trout.

How to Read the Water

During a cool spring morning near a protected point near firm bottom, 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 quick scouting pass near the edge of deeper water in clear water, 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 the last hour of daylight near a soft-to-hard bottom change before changing areas, 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 check of nearby water near a channel bend in stained water, record the wind, water color, depth of the first bite, 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.