Editor’s Note: As the result of a court case related to salmon passage, Green Peter Reservoir was drawn down to historically low levels in late 2023. As of early 2024, we’ve seen big kokanee die-offs but don’t yet know how the fishery will respond as it is currently refilling. While the early reports I’ve seen haven’t been encouraging, if enough kokanee survived to support a fishery, the average size could be up because there may be less competition for food. Overpopulation has been holding down the size of kokanee here for years. However, if too many were killed off, kokanee fishing could be tough. Trout will be nicely stocked in April and May, and the lake’s under-the-radar smallmouth bass fishery seems likely to rebound. We’ll know more with our next update.
Green Peter Reservoir has more kokanee than any lake in western Oregon and also offers good angling for rainbow trout and smallmouth bass.
This 3,720-acre reservoir, fed by the Middle Santiam River, Quartzville Creek and other tributaries, has a long-standing reputation as a kokanee factory.
In fact, there are so many of these pan-sized, landlocked sockeye salmon here that the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife lets anglers keep 25 of them per day in addition to typical limits for trout and bass.
In recent years, regular anglers have been somewhat disappointed in the kokanee fishing at Green Peter. While the numbers of kokanee are amazing, the average size of these tasty fish has fallen off.
The reservoir also has long had a modest number of landlocked Chinook salmon, which grow larger than the kokanee.
However, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has removed a previous exception that allowed anglers to harvest Chinook in the reservoir. They now must be released under typical zone rules.
This revised regulation is because the agency has started releasing protected spring Chinook above the reservoir in a wider effort to revive the species.
These Chinooks already were somewhat of a rare find, enough that most anglers didn’t target them specifically, so this won’t be a major change for most anglers.
We can go on about Green Peter’s kokanee fishing, but we already have an impressive article devoted to the subject of how, where, and when to catch them. Read: Green Peter Reservoir Kokanee Fishing – Tips from a Resident Expert.
We also recommend you take a read through our simple kokanee fishing techniques and tips article.
Trout Fishing
In many Oregon reservoirs, stocked rainbow trout are the main show. While kokanee often take center stage here, don’t let that fool you.
ODFW typically plants quite a few trout here, often over 15,000 and sometimes a fair bit more, unless stockers are in short supply. While catches will be highest from mid-spring into early summer, when most trout are planted, there is good holdover here and trout can be caught all year.
As kokanee fishing here has fallen victim to under-sized fish, many anglers are coming for the trout.
While there’s still not is many as are stocked in neighboring Foster Reservoir, it’s plenty to provide good action in addition to Green Peter’s other fisheries.
Most of the trout here are stocked during the late spring, when catches will be highest, but trout can survive all year here and be caught in any season.
Trout tend to stick a little shallower than the kokanee but quite often are in similar areas and are caught on trolling similar small lures.
Trout are easier to catch from shore than kokanee, especially in the cooler seasons, and respond better to bait. Even wintertime fishing can be quite productive for trout.
One bank-fishing spot to consider is right where Quartzville Creek empties into the reservoir. Some of the lake’s larger trout will stake out this area to feed on whatever forage flows down from the stream.
And while trout don’t gather into big schools like kokanee, there will be concentrations where conditions are best.
For more detail on catching these fish, read our simple guide: Trout Fishing: Basic How-To Techniques and Tips.
Trout are likely to be closer to the surface and shorelines from fall into spring. During the hot summer, look for them in deeper water and in major tributary arms, where the water is cooler.
Other nearby areas with stocked trout include Foster Reservoir and Quartzville Creek. Or see the Linn County link below for access to information about the broader area, including other types of fishing.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass anglers are increasingly noticing the potential of Green Peter Reservoir, which is large, has lots of coves and points and places that these aggressive fish prefer.
Bass are typically found close to structure such as rocks, drop-offs and other hiding places because they like to ambush their prey.
Smallmouth bass are often closer to shore than other species, but they move a bit deeper during summertime, especially in the bright light of day.
Smallmouth prey on crayfish, small fish and other natural foods.
Soft plastic lures work very well for them, including twisty-tailed grubs and others.
Crankbaits made to look like small fish or crayfish are a good choice as well.
You might need lures that sink or dive deeper for summertime fishing, but smallmouth occasionally will blast surface lures as well, especially in the early mornings and evenings.
If you want to learn more about the area’s smallmouth bass fishing, see Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Western Oregon.
Access and Location
Green Peter is drawn down gradually during the dry season. By late summer or early fall, and stretching into the winter, the reservoir can be 50 or more feet below full pool before it refills by spring.
When the water is too low, sometimes the only boat-launching option is at Thistle Creek, which is a day-use area on the north shore.
Also, be aware that Green Peter is very popular with the power-boating set. You may do well to get out on the reservoir at first light to avoid the noisy crowds.
Whitcomb Creek County Park on the northeast side of the reservoir has camping, day-use, and other amenities, including a good boat ramp when the reservoir has enough water to launch.
Green Peter Reservoir is about an hour southeast of Albany and a little farther from Eugene. When you get to Sweet Home, where you can find supplies, it’s less than 20 minutes to the reservoir.
2024 Green Peter Reservoir Trout Stocking
| Date Range | Total |
|---|---|
| Apr 1-5 | 6,000 |
| Apr 8-12 | 2,800 |
| Apr 15-19 | 5,000 |
| Apr 29-May 3 | 5,000 |
| May 13-17 | 2,800 |
| May 27-31 | 2,800 |
Oregon Resources
ODFW Weekly Fishing Report
ODFW Trout Stocking Schedule
Oregon Fishing Regulations
National Weather Service