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Oregon · Fishing
St. Paul sits in the northern Willamette Valley, and while it's not a destination most Oregon anglers put at the top of their list, the area offers a handful of accessible stillwater options worth knowing about.
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St. Paul sits in the northern Willamette Valley, and while it's not a destination most Oregon anglers put at the top of their list, the area offers a handful of accessible stillwater options worth knowing about. Zorn Pond, McKay Reservoir, and Case Creek Reservoir are the primary waters here, all falling into the lake and pond fishing category. That means you're working from the bank or a small watercraft, targeting whatever ODFW has stocked or what's naturally reproducing in each body of water. This is practical, low-barrier fishing — the kind where you don't need a drift boat or a guide to have a decent morning. The Willamette Valley's mild climate means you can fish these waters across a long season, though late spring and early fall tend to be the most productive windows when water temperatures are in a comfortable range for fish to feed actively. If you're coming from Salem or Portland for a half-day outing, these spots are close enough to make that worthwhile without a long drive. Bring standard stillwater gear, check current ODFW regulations before you go since rules can change season to season, and confirm access conditions locally before making the trip.
All three waters in the St. Paul area — Zorn Pond, McKay Reservoir, and Case Creek Reservoir — are stillwater fisheries, meaning lake and pond fishing rather than river or stream fishing. You'll be casting from shore or fishing from a small boat or kayak rather than wading a current.
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most stillwater situations well here. Pack a mix of PowerBait or worm rigs for stocked fish, and bring a few small spinners or jigs if you want to cover more water. A simple tackle box and a valid Oregon fishing license are the essentials.
McKay Reservoir
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Case Creek Reservoir
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Zorn Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Curry Lake
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Deep Lake
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Kauer Reservoir
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
McMinnville Reservoirs
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Willow Lake
~28 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Reservoir Number Two
~30 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Teasel Creek Reservoir
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Bailey Reservoir
~33 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Croft Reservoir
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
A standard Oregon fishing license is required for anyone 12 and older. Beyond that, check the current ODFW regulations for any site-specific rules at McKay Reservoir or Case Creek Reservoir, as some reservoirs in the valley have gear restrictions or seasonal closures that aren't always obvious. The ODFW website has the most up-to-date information.
Early morning is generally the most productive window for stillwater fishing in the Willamette Valley, especially in warmer months when midday water temperatures push fish deeper. Evening can also be solid, particularly in late spring and fall. Midday fishing in summer is slower but not a waste of time if you're targeting deeper water.
Yes. Pond and reservoir fishing is about as approachable as fishing gets — no wading, no complex currents to read, and bank access at smaller waters like Zorn Pond makes it manageable for kids. Stocked fisheries also tend to produce more consistent action than wild-water fishing, which helps keep younger anglers engaged.
