Malheur Reservoir, body of water
Malheur Reservoir is a body of water covering around 2000 acres in northeastern Oregon, situated about 24 kilometers northwest of Brogan. It reaches depths of around 38 feet (11 meters) and receives water from Willow Creek, with a concrete boat ramp and gravel parking area available at the north access point.
The structure was built in the 1930s to store water for agricultural irrigation. Since the 1960s, the lake has been stocked with rainbow trout to support fishing opportunities for local and visiting anglers.
The name comes from Spanish colonial settlers and means "bad luck". For locals and visitors, this place represents a connection to the land and a way to spend time away from settled areas, reflecting how rural communities value direct access to water and open space.
Access is by dirt roads from Route 26, with two main entry points near Ironside to the southwest and Brogan to the southeast. A vault restroom and basic parking are provided, but bring your own gear and supplies since no facilities for food, fuel, or equipment are available on-site.
Water levels fluctuate dramatically based on rainfall and drought cycles, making fishing conditions and visitor experiences vary significantly from year to year. In wet seasons, trout can grow notably large, while dry periods may cause parts of the lake to dry out completely.
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