Hills Creek Reservoir - Oakridge, OR


Fish Spot Details

Surface Area:2735 acres
Maximum Depth:299 ft.
Capacity:356000 acre ft.
Elevation:1545 ft.
Fish Species: Rainbow Trout, Coastal Cutthroat, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bull Trout
Hills Creek Reservoir, also known as Hills Creek Lake, is an artificial impoundment behind Hills Creek Dam on the Middle Fork Willamette River.

Hills Creek Reservoir, a profound and expansive impoundment located near Oakridge, Oregon, within the central Western Cascades, stands as a premier coldwater fishery. Meticulously managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), it is preeminently recognized for its exceptional kokanee salmon and robust rainbow trout populations.

The primary piscatorial pursuits are its prized kokanee salmon, offering consistent year-round action with often larger specimens, and reliably stocked rainbow trout, ensuring high catch rates. Incidental, federally protected bull trout also inhabit these deep, clear waters. Angling techniques are expertly applied: precision trolling with specialized gear, often utilizing downriggers, is paramount for deep-dwelling kokanee; varied methods for rainbow trout include trolling, still-fishing, and spin-casting. Optimal angling spans year-round for kokanee, with trout excelling in spring and fall. Access is generally good via multiple public boat ramps, necessitating watercraft for comprehensive coverage. Regulations, meticulously managed by the ODFW, are dynamic; strict adherence to current directives concerning bag limits, size restrictions, and mandatory immediate release of bull trout is unequivocally paramount for legal compliance and sustainable resource management within this deep, scenic mountain fishery.



Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
7-7-2025 Hills Creek Reservoir Updates
Will be stocked again the week of September... more »
OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
6-17-2025 It's a great early-spring fishery on large fish
Was last stocked the week of April 28,... more »
OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
6-10-2025 Hills Creek Reservoir Updates
Was last stocked the week of April 28,... more »
OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
6-4-2025 Hills Creek Reservoir Updates
Was last stocked the week of April 28,... more »
OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
4-21-2025 Will be stocked the week of April 28
Will be stocked the week of April 28,... more »
OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff


Detailed Map