Phillips Reservoir, OR
PHILLIPS RESERVOIR: ------
Situated about 20 miles southwest of Baker City, in Eastern Oregon. The reservoir covers approximately 2,235 acres when full, offering plenty of space for recreational activities.
FISHING: ------
It's a popular spot for fishing, known for its Rainbow trout, Brown trout, and Smallmouth bass. Fishing at Phillips Reservoir in Oregon can be quite rewarding! Here are some suggestions to make the most of your fishing experience there.
(Tips) Know the Fish: Phillips Reservoir is known for trout, particularly rainbow trout and brown trout. Make sure to familiarize yourself with their habits and preferred baits.
Fishing Techniques: For trout, popular techniques include fly fishing, trolling with lures or bait, and using spinners or spoons. Depending on the season, the depth and temperature of the water can affect where the fish are biting.
Best Times: Early mornings and evenings tend to be the best times for fishing. Trout are more active during cooler parts of the day.
Gear: Ensure you have appropriate gear, including a valid fishing license for Oregon. Bring a variety of bait and lures to experiment with what the fish are responding to that day.
Location: Explore different spots around the reservoir. Shore fishing can be productive, or consider renting a boat for access to deeper waters.
Weather and Safety: Check weather conditions beforehand and be prepared for changes. Also, keep safety in mind, especially if you're out on the water.
CAMPING: ------
Phillips Reservoir in Oregon offers several camping options suitable for both RV and tent campers. Here are some campgrounds you might consider:
Union Creek Campground at Baker City, OR.--Located on the northern shore of Phillips Reservoir, this campground features over 60 sites for tents, trailers, and RVs, with some offering full hookups. Amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, and a boat ramp. Reservations are available for certain sites. US FOREST SERVICE --
Southwest Shore Campground Sumpter, Or. Situated on the southwestern shore of Phillips Reservoir, this campground offers 16 sites suitable for tents and trailers. While it doesn't provide hookups or drinking water, it does have vault toilets and a small dirt boat ramp. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
US FOREST SERVICE - Miller Lane Campground Sumpter, Or. Located near the southwestern shore, Miller Lane Campground features 15 sites (11 for tents/trailers and 4 tent-only). Facilities include vault toilets, but no hookups or drinking water. Sites are first-come, first-served.
ANTHONYLAKESCAMPGROUNDS.COM McCully Forks Campground Sumpter, OR Situated about 3 miles from the historic mining community of Sumpter, this campground offers 8 sites for tents and trailers. Amenities include vault toilets, but no hookups or drinking water. All sites are first-come, first-served. ANTHONYLAKESCAMPGROUNDS.COM
Before planning your trip, it's advisable to check the current status and availability of these campgrounds, as conditions can change seasonally and some are first come first served.
WILDLIFE WATCHING: ------
Wildlife You Might See Birds:
Bald eagles and osprey are common, especially near the water.
Waterfowl such as Canada geese, mallards, and great blue herons.
Songbirds, woodpeckers, and raptors in the surrounding forested areas.
Mammals:
Mule deer and elk frequent the area, especially in the early morning and evening.
Coyotes and foxes are occasionally spotted.
Beavers and river otters can sometimes be seen near the water.
Reptiles & Amphibians:
Western painted turtles and various species of frogs inhabit the wetlands and shoreline areas.
Garter snakes may be seen in grassy or wooded areas.
Best Spots for Wildlife Viewing ---
Union Creek Campground & Trail – Great for spotting birds and deer.
Southwest Shore Area – Offers excellent waterfowl and eagle watching.
Phillips Lake Trail – A scenic hike around the lake, where you may see elk, deer, and smaller mammals.
Best Times to Visit Early morning and late evening are ideal for spotting larger mammals.
Spring and fall bring migrating birds, making these seasons excellent for bird watching.
HIKING ----
Hiking around Phillips Reservoir offers scenic trails with beautiful lake views, diverse wildlife, and a peaceful outdoor experience. Here are some great hiking options:
1. Phillips Lake Trail Distance: ~16 miles (loop around the reservoir)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This trail circles much of the lake and offers stunning views, wildlife sightings, and access to different recreation areas. You can hike sections of it if you don’t want to do the full loop.
2. Union Creek Trail Distance: ~3-4 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: This trail follows the north shore of the lake, passing through pine forests and meadows. It’s great for wildlife spotting and photography.
3. Southwest Shore Trail Distance: ~2-3 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: This trail is a shorter hike that provides easy access to the water and good spots for fishing or birdwatching.
4. Elk Creek Trail Distance: ~5 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This trail heads into the surrounding hills rather than staying close to the lake, offering a mix of forest and open meadows with a higher chance of spotting elk or deer.
Hiking Tips Bring plenty of water—there are limited refill stations.
Wear layers—weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains.
Watch for wildlife—carry binoculars for a better view.
Check trail conditions—some sections may be muddy or closed seasonally.
BOAT RENTALS: ------
Premier Watercraft: is a company that offers boat rentals at Phillips Lake (also known as Phillips Reservoir). They offer a variety of watercraft rentals, including jet skis, waverunners, and boat tours. They also offer water sport activities and lessons, flyboarding, and water toy rentals. To contact them call or text - 1-888-594-6610 or email info@lakeboatrental.com.