Beulah Reservoir - A Remote Oasis for Anglers and Adventurers

Beulah Reservoir, also known as Agency Valley Reservoir, sits at an elevation of 3,600 feet in Agency Valley, about 15 miles north of the small town of Juntura.

The reservoir was formed by the 110-foot-high earth-fill Agency Valley Dam, built in 1935 on the North Fork of the Malheur River. It holds up to 59,000 acre-feet of water and collects drainage from a 440-square-mile watershed, primarily from the North Fork of the Malheur River, covering 1,900 acres of the valley. Unlike other reservoirs, Agency Valley Dam does not generate hydroelectric power.

Beulah Reservoir offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, water skiing, camping, and rock hunting. While the reservoir has its own hot springs, they are not currently accessible for soaking.

The shoreline is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), while Malheur County maintains a concrete boat ramp, a gravel parking area, and a vault restroom just above the dam.

Beulah Reservoir Fishing

Beulah Reservoir is open for fishing year-round and is stocked with hatchery rainbow trout several times a year. The nutrient-rich waters support abundant aquatic life—scuds, snails, leeches, and mayflies—helping trout grow quickly to 14–20 inches. All fishing methods are permitted, including bait, lures, and flies. The best fishing seasons are spring and fall, when fish move into shallower waters.

Local whitefish and bull trout are also present, but bull trout must be released unharmed.

Anglers can fish from shore or boat, with campgrounds and facilities available for launching and mooring boats.

At the southeastern edge of the reservoir, there is a campground and facility for launching and mooring boats. Free, dispersed primitive camping is available along the shoreline.

Chukar Park Campground, nine miles south of the reservoir, is a developed campground offering RV sites, drinking water, picnic areas, and restrooms.

The nearest lodging options are in the Burns-Hines area, 77 miles west, or in Ontario, 90 miles east.

Lodging in Burns and Hines

Affordable vacation rentals for short- and long-term stays in Hines

Lodging in Ontario

Affordable vacation rentals for short- and long-term stays in Ontario

Open: Year-round, some road can be closed due to snow
Managed by: Bureau of Land management (BLM)
Amenities: Boat ramp, vault restroom

Activities: Camping, fishing, boating, and rockhounding
Day-use fees: None
Accommodations: 2 campsites along the shores; Camping at Chukar Park Recreation Site 9 miles south of the Beulah Reservoir

Elevation: 3,600 ft (1,097 m)

Beulah Reservoir is located:

15 miles north of Juntura
59 miles east of Burns
130 miles southwest of Salem
175 miles southwest of Portland.

Type: Reservoir
Surface area: 2,000 acres (810 ha)
Shoreline: 9.8 m
Agency Valley Dam Height: 110 ft (34 m)
Watercourse: North Fork of the Malheur River