This 483-acre reservoir sits at 4,639 feet elevation in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, nestled between Mount McLoughlin and Brown Mountain. Located about 39 miles east of Medford on Highway 140, Fish Lake offers spectacular mountain views from its southern shore, with a 2,000-year-old lava flow from Brown Mountain visible along the shoreline. The lake is fed by over 45 underground volcanic streams.

Water Conditions & Skill Level Beginner to intermediate. Calm water with a 10 mph speed limit keeping conditions peaceful for paddlers. Average depth of 18 feet, with a maximum depth of 31 feet. The speed restriction means minimal boat wake – no water skiing allowed. Conditions are generally calm when the water is still, making it popular for standup paddleboarding around the shoreline. Note that this lake is a reservoir, and water levels can drop dramatically by the end of the summer. It’s always a good idea to check the current reservoir level before you go.

Access & Launch Boat launches available at both Fish Lake Campground and Fish Lake Resort. Easy access from parking to water. The Pacific Crest Trail passes along the lake’s eastern shore, providing additional access points and scenic hiking opportunities.

What You’ll See Stunning views of 9,495-foot Mount McLoughlin from the southern shore. Old-growth pine and fir forest surrounds the lake. Excellent fishing for rainbow trout and brook trout, with the lake heavily stocked (nearly 20,000 trout some years). Osprey and eagles spotted in the area. The high-elevation setting provides a cool escape from valley heat in summer.

Best Times to Go Late spring through early fall for best conditions. The lake is used as an irrigation reservoir, so water levels can drop significantly by late summer. Check current levels before visiting, especially August through September. Open year-round – when ice is thick enough, this becomes a popular ice fishing spot. Early fall offers beautiful weather with vine maples showing color, though water levels may be lower.

Amenities Fish Lake Resort (open year-round) offers cabins, RV sites (45 full hookup sites plus electric-only and tent sites), café serving breakfast/lunch/dinner, general store, game room, gelato, boat rentals, moorage, showers, laundry facilities. Adjacent Forest Service campground (Fish Lake Campground) has 20 sites total (17 standard sites, 3 walk-in tent sites). Historic picnic shelter available. Flush toilets, fish cleaning station, picnic tables, grills. Note: As of May 2025, temporary service outage affecting water and flush bathrooms – portable toilets only.

Fees & Notes Forest Service campground fees apply. Resort fees separate. The 10 mph speed limit creates consistently calm paddling conditions. Numerous hiking trails nearby including access to Sky Lakes Wilderness, Brown Mountain, and Pacific Crest Trail. Water levels vary seasonally due to irrigation use – best levels typically spring through mid-summer before drawdown for agricultural needs.