Thread: Morse Tailwaters

There is a path all the way to the bottom by the park building on the south end of the parking area. Plenty of bank to fish from when its not flooded. Water is mainly shallow with a few 7'-8' pockets. It is very wadeable. I usually wade for smallies there. The area is way overfished by guys that keep everything (carp, gills, crappie, cats and bass) and due to this conservation visits the area on a regular basis. I have caught some dinks from the creek, but nothing to brag about. Lived by and fished Morse my whole life. If your going from the bank you would do better for crappie around the bridge at old 47 and red bridge park area. Any other ?'s I'd be happy to help.

I have fished Morse tailwaters all my life as well.......and my thoughts on the area differ from that of Grasshopper. I have had a lot of luck below the tailwaters and it's one my favorite places to go fish. I live in Pendleton now, so it's a 20-25 minute drive for me, but usually worth it. I do wade the area once the water warms, but catch a lot of Crappie and Bluegill from the bank. You will have to sort through some smaller fish, but there is good action. I have caught a crappie better that 1.5 lbs every year there since I can remember and a lot fish in the 1/2 to 1 lb. range. These are the fish I call good eaters cause they aren't the biggest and definately not the smallest. Yes the spots fall under a lot of pressure but there are a lot of fish in a small area there. I have had people surround me when I've been catching fish and they don't seem to catch them. Once the water warms into the 50-55 degree range I'll catch a limit EVERY TIME I fish the tailwaters. Look for me sometime there, I drive a Black Toyota Tacoma with Bright Yellow 'Charlie Brewer Slider' stickers in the back window. I ain't gonna tell you that you can catch them there the same as I do, but I will show you how I catch them if you find me there. There are 3 specific holes and a couple different presentations I use EVERY TIME I go there. If it's smallmouth and largemouth you seek, wait till June. Use an 8" ribbon tailed worm of some sorts (red/black are my favorites) caralina rig, cast with the current and reel against it. When you feel yourself hang-up, gently lift the rod and let the current carry the bait down river some before retrieving. There is a lot of rocks and gravel and you will catch on the underside of them very easy, just let the current work for you.

Thanks for the Info. I may have to check this out the week of the 21st since I will be on vacation.

Mike P.