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Oregon · Fishing
North Powder sits in the upper Grande Ronde Valley at the foot of the Elkhorn Mountains, and the fishing around town leans almost entirely toward still water.
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North Powder sits in the upper Grande Ronde Valley at the foot of the Elkhorn Mountains, and the fishing around town leans almost entirely toward still water. The four lakes and reservoirs within reach — North Powder Pond Number Two, Pilcher Creek Reservoir, Anthony Lake, and Thief Valley Reservoir — each fish differently enough that it's worth thinking about which one matches your timing and expectations before you make the drive. Anthony Lake sits up in the Elkhorns and tends to run cold well into summer, which keeps it fishable on warm days when lower-elevation water gets sluggish. Thief Valley Reservoir is the largest of the group and gives you more room to work from a boat or kayak. Pilcher Creek Reservoir and North Powder Pond Number Two are smaller and more accessible for bank anglers, including families with kids who just want a line in the water. None of these are remote wilderness destinations — that's actually the point. You can fish a morning session and be back in town for lunch. A basic Oregon fishing license covers all four waters, and a single-day license is available if you're just passing through.
The reservoirs and ponds in this area are stocked warm- and cool-water fisheries, so rainbow trout are the most common target, particularly at Anthony Lake and Pilcher Creek Reservoir. Thief Valley Reservoir also holds warmwater species. Check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocking reports before your trip to see what's been put in recently and where.
Late spring through early fall covers the most productive window across all four waters. Anthony Lake, sitting at higher elevation in the Elkhorns, may not be fully accessible until late May or June depending on snowpack, so confirm road conditions before heading up. Thief Valley Reservoir and the lower-elevation ponds are typically accessible earlier in the season.
North Powder Pond Number Two
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Pilcher Creek Reservoir
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Anthony Lake
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Thief Valley Reservoir
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Grays Slough Reservoir
~47 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Traverse Lake
~51 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Bill Howell Reservoir
~53 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Green Lake
~54 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Gover Reservoir
~55 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Long Lake
~56 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Lookingglass Lake
~56 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Steamboat Lake
~57 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for trout in still water, especially once summer temperatures climb. Midday fishing at lower-elevation waters like Thief Valley Reservoir tends to slow down in July and August, so plan your sessions around the edges of the day if you're visiting in peak summer.
Bank fishing works well at North Powder Pond Number Two and Pilcher Creek Reservoir, both of which are compact enough to cover on foot. Thief Valley Reservoir is large enough that a kayak, float tube, or small motorized boat will open up significantly more water. Anthony Lake also sees float tube use and has some bank access, but the shoreline is uneven in spots.
A light to medium spinning setup with 4 to 8 pound monofilament handles most situations across all four waters. Powerbait and small spinners are reliable producers for stocked trout. If you're fishing Thief Valley Reservoir for warmwater species, bring a few jigs or small crankbaits as well. Don't forget your Oregon fishing license — wardens do check these waters.
