Applegate Lake - Artificial Lake with Rich History and Excellent Fishing!

Applegate Lake is is a 988-acre artificial lake located in the Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest. It lies about 22 miles southwest of the historic town of Jacksonville and 28 miles Medford near the Oregon-California border.

This scenic destination offers a wide range of outdoor adventures surrounded by Southern Oregon’s natural beauty. The lake is ideal for swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and other water activities. The surrounding area is equally inviting, with opportunities for camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, and simply escaping the daily routine.

The lake was created in 1980 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed Applegate Dam on the Applegate River. The dam stands 242 feet tall and stretches 1,300 feet long. It was built for flood control, irrigation water storage, and recreation.

The dam, reservoir, and river were named after Lindsay Applegate, a pioneer who traveled through the Rogue River Valley in 1848 while guiding settlers to California’s gold fields.

When the reservoir filled, it submerged the remains of Copper, a former mining town that once had a post office and several buildings. During periods of low water, the old highway that once ended in Copper becomes visible near the southern end of the lake and now serves as part of the Copper Boat Ramp.

During the final years of construction, workers reportedly recovered more than 5,000 ounces of gold from the riverbed. The gold was divided between the construction companies and the federal government.

Swimming and Water Activities

The lake is an excellent place for swimming and other water activities. Popular access points include Seattle Bar, Manzanita Lake Access Day Use Area, Hart-Tish Park, and Carberry Swimming Area. These spots are also well-suited for launching kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.

Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding

The Applegate Reservoir area features numerous trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, especially along the east side of the lake, where several interconnected routes exist.

There are approximately 18 miles of shoreline hiking trails. Mountain bikes are permitted on one trail leading to Stein Butte. Horses are allowed on three trails, including Stein Butte, Collings Mountain, and Da-Ku-Be-Te-De.

Boating

Both motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed on the lake, with a 10 mph speed limit. With 18.5 miles of shoreline and nearly 1,000 acres of water, there is plenty of space for boating.

There are three boat ramps at the lake: Hart-Tish Park and French Gulch on the north end and Copper Boat Ramp on the south end. Ramp access may be limited during periods of low water.

Fishing

Applegate Lake is a popular destination for both bank and boat fishing. The lake has an average depth of about 83 feet and reaches a maximum depth of 225 feet.

Fishing is allowed from the shore at all six campgrounds, day-use areas, trails, and access roads around the lake. Some areas, such as Hart-Tish Campground, provide access to deeper water from the bank. Boat fishing offers access to the deepest parts of the reservoir.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks approximately 120,000 rainbow trout and 50,000 Chinook salmon annually. The lake is also home to largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and crappie.

Trout fishing is most productive in spring, when both overwintered and newly stocked fish are present. Landlocked Chinook are found in deeper water and count toward the daily trout limit, with the best chances near the dam and the center of the lake.

Bass and crappie fishing is best in the summer, particularly in the reservoir's shallow arms.

There are six campgrounds around Applegate Lake, offering both tent and RV sites.

Hart-tish Park Campground: 7 tent sites and 8 RV sites near the lake, with paddleboard and kayak rentals
Carberry Creek Campground: 10 tent sites, vault toilets, and drinking water
Watkins Campground: 14 campsites with vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings
The French Gulch: Two campsites, a gravel boat ramp, vault toilets, and trail parking
Harr Point Campground: Five campsites, no additional facilities
Tipsu Tyee Campground: Five campsites with vault toilets and picnic tables.

Reservations can be done online through Recreation.gov

For a more comfortable stay, consider lodging in nearby Jacksonville, Grants Pass, or Medford.

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Jacksonville

Lodging in Grant Pass

Lodging in Medford

Open: Year-round
Managed by: U.S. Forest Service

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic sites, campsites, drinking water, boat ramps
Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, camping, horseback riding, hiking, and nature viewing

Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes, at some areas or Interagency Senior/Access/Military Pass

Elevation: 1,900 ft (579 m)

Applegate Lake is located: