HEPPNER, Ore. – ODFW staff are working to improve fishing opportunities at Willow Creek Reservoir by anchoring woody structures, such as juniper trees, to the reservoir bottom to create more cover for fish.

The goal of the pilot project is to increase the survival of native redband trout, stocked trout, bass, crappie, and other warm water species by improving the otherwise sparse habitat and fish cover in the reservoir.

In partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which owns and operates the reservoir, ODFW fish biologists will install a map onsite showing where the structures have been anchored. Anglers and boaters should take measures to stay safe while recreating on the reservoir. The woody structures will be in areas where they will be submerged for much of the year.

“There is a lack of fish habitat in the reservoir due to the fluctuating water levels, and this will hopefully help increase survival by increasing cover for fish,” said Taylor McCroskey, Umatilla District Fish Biologist. “This method is used in reservoirs in the southern U.S., and has shown to be an effective tool,” McCroskey added.

ODFW will continue to monitor fish populations in the reservoir to determine if the woody structures improve habitat over the long term.

Willow Creek Reservoir located in Heppner, is a man-made reservoir impounded by Willow Creek Dam. It was built to control the risk of flooding, provide for irrigation, recreational and environmental stewardship use.