Cooper Creek reservoir is created by an earthen dam across Cooper Creek in the Umpqua River basin and is used to provide a portion of the drinking water for the nearby city of Sutherlin.  Nestled  in a small canyon and surrounding by Douglas Fir, this reservoir is the perfect place for family fun. 

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Cooper Creek offers a variety of family friendly activities including hiking trails, picnic area, swim area, two boat launches, restrooms and a pavilion.  Although this is a day use only area, the long summer days are perfect for spending time here  boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, swimming or fishing. 

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Trout fishing is good at Cooper Creek usually starting in late winter and lasting throughout the spring.  Trout fishing is better during these times due to the cooler water temperatures in the reservoir and because this is the time when the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) generally stocks the lake with trout.  Cooper Creek is usually stocked again in late summer and/or early fall.  The last two seasons (2015 & 2016) has seen the ODFW do an extra planting of fish in the early fall to support the Trout 4 Treven Fishing Derby.  This is a fundraiser held for the Treven Anspach Memorial Scholarship fund.  Treven was one of the victims of the mass shooting that occurred on the Umpqua Community College Campus on October 1, 2015.  As with most lake trout, fishing with trout bait and worms as well as trolling with lures will get you  trout at Cooper Creek.

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Largemouth Bass, crappie, bluegill and other warm water pan fish can also be found in the reservoir.  Fishing for these species is usually best in the warmer summer months when the water temperatures rise and the trout head for deeper, cooler water.  The typical plastic bait & jigs as well as the ever true night crawler will be sure to get you hooked into these warm water fish. 

cooper creek reservoir