Bully Creek Reservoir, Reservoir in Malheur County, Oregon, United States

Bully Creek Reservoir is a body of water in Oregon built in 1963 by the Bureau of Reclamation, covering about 985 acres roughly 10 miles west of Vale. The shoreline stretches about 7 miles and is bordered by a mix of forested areas and open land with sagebrush and grass that support diverse fish species like bass, crappie, and trout, alongside waterfowl and birds of prey.

The reservoir was built in 1963 by the Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Vale Project, which dams Bully Creek about 8 miles northwest of where it joins the Malheur River. Its primary purpose has been to control water flow and supply irrigation for regional farmland.

The reservoir's name comes from Bully Creek, the Malheur River tributary it impounds. Anglers fish its waters for smallmouth and largemouth bass, rainbow trout, yellow perch and white and black crappie, while birders watch migratory waterfowl, some of which stay to nest. The surrounding sagebrush and grass is sparse, and the forested areas near the water draw loons, grebes, ducks and hawks year round.

The reservoir and dam are reached by paved Bully Creek Road from Vale W Highway, about 9 miles west of Vale and a 45-minute drive from I-84. Bully Creek Park is open April through October and has 33 campsites, a day-use area with two covered shelters, a swimming beach and a two-lane boat ramp with dock.

The reservoir's name comes from Bully Creek, the Malheur River tributary it impounds. The surrounding sparse sagebrush and grass shelter small mammals, while the forested areas around the water draw migrating birds. Look for rock wrens and golden eagles in the nearby red rock formation.