Oregon · Fishing
Fishing in Jordan Valley, Oregon
Jordan Valley sits in the high desert of southeastern Oregon's Owyhee country, and the fishing around here is almost entirely reservoir-based — which makes sense given how dry and remote the landscape is.
12 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 12 spots
Jordan Valley sits in the high desert of southeastern Oregon's Owyhee country, and the fishing around here is almost entirely reservoir-based — which makes sense given how dry and remote the landscape is. The area has a solid spread of stillwater options, from the large and well-known Lake Owyhee down to smaller, less-visited impoundments like Parsnip Reservoir, Noon Reservoir, and Greeley Reservoir. Dowell, Cave, Glover, and Scott reservoirs round out a list of 12 active fishing spots within reach of town, most of them targeting warmwater species typical of high desert lakes. Because these are reservoirs rather than spring-fed streams, water levels and fish activity shift noticeably with the seasons — late spring and early fall tend to be the most productive windows before summer heat pushes fish deep. Access varies by site: Lake Owyhee has developed facilities, but several of the smaller reservoirs involve dirt roads that can get rough or impassable after rain. If you're driving out to something like Arock Diversion Reservoir or Black Butte Lake Reservoir, it's worth checking road conditions before you go. Cell service is limited throughout the valley, so download offline maps and pull current ODFW regulations before leaving town.
Frequently asked questions
What fish species can I expect to catch around Jordan Valley?
The reservoirs in this area are primarily warmwater fisheries. Lake Owyhee is the best-documented spot and holds bass, crappie, and catfish. The smaller reservoirs like Dowell, Cave, and Glover tend to support similar warmwater species, though fish populations in smaller impoundments can fluctuate with water levels from year to year. Check the current ODFW regulations booklet for species-specific rules before you go.
When is the best time of year to fish near Jordan Valley?
Late April through early June and again in September and October are generally the most productive periods. Summer temperatures in the Owyhee high desert regularly push into the 90s and above, which drives fish into deeper, cooler water and makes midday fishing slow. Spring and fall bring more comfortable conditions and more active fish near the surface and in shallower coves.
What time of day should I plan to be on the water?
Early morning, roughly the first two hours after sunrise, is consistently the most productive window at these high desert reservoirs, especially in warmer months. Evening fishing from about an hour before sunset can also be good. Midday fishing in summer is generally not worth the effort at most of these sites.
How do I get to the smaller reservoirs like Parsnip, Noon, or Greeley?
Most of the smaller reservoirs outside of Lake Owyhee are reached via unpaved BLM roads that can become muddy and rutted after rain or snow. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended, and four-wheel drive is useful in wet conditions. Download offline maps before you leave Jordan Valley, since cell service is unreliable across much of this area.
Do I need a fishing license, and are there any local regulations I should know about?
Yes, an Oregon fishing license is required for anyone 12 and older. Some reservoirs in Malheur County may have specific rules around bait, catch limits, or seasonal closures, so review the current ODFW Southeast Zone regulations rather than assuming standard statewide rules apply everywhere. Regulations are available free on the ODFW website and at some local retailers.
