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Oregon · Fishing
Hillsboro's fishing scene is compact and straightforward: three stillwater spots within the city's reach, all suited to anglers who want a low-barrier outing without a long drive into the Coast Range or Cascades.
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Hillsboro's fishing scene is compact and straightforward: three stillwater spots within the city's reach, all suited to anglers who want a low-barrier outing without a long drive into the Coast Range or Cascades. Mullerleile Pond, Bailey Reservoir, and Reservoir Number Two are all lake fishing destinations, which means you're working the bank or a small watercraft rather than wading a river. These are the kinds of places where a spinning rod, a tub of PowerBait, and a few hours on a weekday morning can produce results. None of these waters carry a wild-trout or gold-medal designation, so expect a mix of whatever ODFW has stocked alongside whatever has carried over from previous seasons. That's not a knock on them — it's just useful to know before you show up expecting a technical dry-fly situation. For families getting kids into fishing, or for anyone who wants a quick session close to the Tualatin Valley's suburban core, these three spots cover the basics well. Licensing requirements follow standard Oregon rules, so make sure your ODFW license is current before you wet a line.
All three are lake fishing sites, and stocked rainbow trout are the most common target at urban and suburban Oregon reservoirs like these. Warmwater species like bass and bluegill can also be present depending on the water body. Check the ODFW stocking schedule online before your trip so you know whether a recent plant has gone in.
Yes. Oregon requires a valid ODFW fishing license for anyone 12 and older. You can buy one online at myodfw.com or at local sporting goods retailers. Anglers under 12 fish free but still need to follow all regulations.
Bailey Reservoir
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Reservoir Number Two
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Mullerleile Pond
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Raymond Dierickx Reservoir
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Doane Lake
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Sand Lake
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Smith Lake
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Bybee Lake
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Smith Lake
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Schmadeke Reservoir
~25 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Vancouver Lake
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Vancouver Lake
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations at stillwater spots like these. For stocked trout, PowerBait on a slip-sinker rig fished off the bottom is a reliable starting point. If you want to cover more water, small inline spinners or spoons work well cast from the bank.
Early morning, roughly the first two hours after sunrise, tends to be the most productive window for trout at stillwater sites. Evening can also be good, especially in warmer months when midday surface temperatures push fish deeper. Midday fishing in summer is generally slower but not a waste of time if you fish deeper in the water column.
Yes, bank fishing at pond and reservoir settings like Mullerleile Pond and Bailey Reservoir is about as beginner-friendly as Oregon fishing gets. You don't need waders, a boat, or technical casting skills. Check each site for parking and bank access conditions before you go, as amenities vary.
