it's kinda quiet

With the weather finally showing some improvements, at least in the short term, it's time to get out and start hitting the local waters. That said, options remain limited due to a variety of issues. Here's an update of what's going on around the area.

Chickahominy - DRY

Mann Lake - DRY

Blitzen - This is the system of most concern. Besides spending 4 hours fishing various sections of the river a month ago during ideal conditions, I have spoken with over a half-dozen anglers who have fished multiple days on the river and I have yet to hear of a fish caught, or even seen. ODFW has concerns, and will be doing some creel surveys and other studies on the river this year. There are MANY variables which can affect this stream, so narrowing down the issue may be difficult. Two years of over a month each of 70 degree water temps has undoubtedly affected the population and recruitment, along with other possible factors. As info comes forth, I will pass it along.

Beulah- Currently 47% full, and receding as water is being released. I have heard of one trout caught, that by someone fishing spinner baits for bass. (Yes, bass have 'somehow' been introduced into this water body....). With over 400 cfs of water being released from this reservoir, we will see it dropping rather quickly, as just under 200 cfs is coming into the impoundment. 

Warm Springs - At 16% full and nearly 400 cfs being released versus 120 cfs entering the reservoir, Warm Springs will be short lived. No fishing report from Warm Springs.

Malheur - Up until the release of water from Beulah and Warm Springs, the only water flowing in the Malheur was from the South Fork, with under 20 cfs being reported for a flow. Fish did survive in much of the main stem below the South Fork, however, I have been told by ODFW that they anticipate losing this fishery this summer.

Krumbo - Due to requirements to maintain a minimum pool, Krumbo should fish ok as conditions allow. No recent reports.

Yellowjacket/Delintment - Each of these carried over this past winter. Yellowjacket is fishing the best and undoubtedly has the higher population of fish. Cooler temperatures should delay the annual "weeding" of Delintment (although that is major contributor to the prolific damsel hatches witnessed at that small reservoir).

That's a quick rundown of what's happening in the county. Other small BLM reservoirs may have carried over, but no reports, and it's inevitable that with the conditions, any little water body will most likely go dry or see very high temps by mid to late summer. We are also finding perch in some of the small reservoirs which have held only trout in the past. Some people just can't seem to help themselves....