Oregon · Fishing
Fishing in Plush, Oregon
Plush sits in the remote high desert of Lake County, Oregon, and the fishing around it is almost entirely lake and reservoir fishing — no blue-ribbon trout streams here, just a spread of shallow alkaline lakes, seasonal reservoirs, and
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Plush sits in the remote high desert of Lake County, Oregon, and the fishing around it is almost entirely lake and reservoir fishing — no blue-ribbon trout streams here, just a spread of shallow alkaline lakes, seasonal reservoirs, and quieter backcountry waters scattered across the Warner Valley and surrounding basin. Crump Lake, Hart Lake, and Upper Campbell Lake are the most frequently visited, with Crump and Hart sitting along the Warner Lakes chain just east of town. Smaller waters like Moon Lake, Vinyard Lake, Mugwump Lake, and Turpin Lake see far less pressure and reward anglers willing to navigate rougher access roads. Jacobs Reservoir, Fitzgerald Reservoir, and Canterbury Reservoir round out the stillwater options, though water levels in these can vary significantly by season depending on snowpack and irrigation draw. Most of these fisheries hold warmwater species alongside stocked trout in years when conditions support it. Cell service is essentially nonexistent out here, roads can turn impassable after rain, and the nearest full-service town is Lakeview, roughly 35 miles south. If you plan well and come prepared, the solitude and the scale of the landscape make this one of the more underrated fishing destinations in southeastern Oregon.
Frequently asked questions
What species can I expect to catch fishing near Plush?
The lakes and reservoirs around Plush hold a mix of warmwater species — primarily yellow perch, largemouth bass, and crappie in the larger Warner Valley lakes like Crump and Hart. Stocked rainbow trout show up in some of the smaller reservoirs and lakes when water conditions allow, though stocking is not guaranteed every year. Check with ODFW's Lake County district office before your trip for current stocking status on specific waters.
When is the best time of year to fish around Plush?
Late spring through early summer — roughly May through June — is generally the most productive window. Water temperatures are rising, fish are active, and access roads are more reliably passable than during the muddy shoulder seasons. By midsummer, some of the shallower alkaline lakes warm significantly and fishing slows. Fall can offer a second window in September and October, particularly for trout in the cooler reservoir waters.
What time of day fishes best on these lakes?
Early morning is consistently the most productive, especially in summer when midday temperatures climb quickly. On Crump Lake and Hart Lake, bass and perch tend to move into shallower structure in the first two hours after sunrise. Evening can also be productive, but afternoon wind is common in the Warner Valley and can make small-boat or float-tube fishing uncomfortable.
How do I access waters like Mugwump Lake, Turpin Lake, or Upper Campbell Lake?
Several of the smaller lakes require driving unpaved BLM or county roads that are not maintained for passenger vehicles. A high-clearance truck or SUV is strongly recommended, and after any significant rain these roads can become impassable even with four-wheel drive. Download offline maps before you leave — there is no reliable cell service in this area — and let someone know your plans and expected return time.
Do I need a special license or permit to fish these waters?
A standard Oregon fishing license is required for all waters around Plush. Some reservoirs in Lake County may have additional access considerations depending on whether they cross private land, so it is worth confirming public access points before heading out to smaller spots like Fitzgerald Reservoir or Canterbury Reservoir. ODFW's online regulations booklet covers any special slot limits or gear restrictions by water body.
