Warm Springs Reservoir is full once again

By on Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories

Harney County-After several years of seasonal drought, low snowpack, and light spring run-off, Warm Springs Reservoir is full once again.

Fed by the Middle Fork of the Malheur River, it’s a place to catch smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, and bluegill.

The 106-foot-high, thin arch dam structure was originally built in 1918 and modified in 1930 to increase the amount of reservoir storage.

The reservoir sits on the border of Harney and Malheur counties and is taken care of by us, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Vale Irrigation District.

It’s open year-round, but wet, muddy or snowy road conditions could impact travel conditions! Amenities in the area are few and far between – cell phone service is scarce, there’s no drinking water for miles, and only two vault restrooms make up the site development. Plan ahead!

It’s open year-round, but wet, muddy or snowy road conditions could impact travel conditions! Amenities in the area are few and far between – cell phone service is scarce, there’s no drinking water for miles, and only two vault restrooms make up the site development. Plan ahead!