Nestled in the Klamath Mountains, 18 miles from Canyonville, Galesville Reservoir is an artificial lake that captures water from the Upper Cow Creek Watershed via the Galesville Dam. Completed in October 1986, the dam was built to prevent flooding, generate hydroelectric power, support aquatic life, and manage water for irrigation, industry, and municipalities. Interestingly, the dam lacks a fish ladder, preventing fish passage altogether.

Named after the historic town of Galesville in Cow Creek Valley, the reservoir's namesake comes from one of the area's early settlers, Gale. The dam even made an appearance in the 2013 movie Night Moves.

If you're looking to cool off from the summer heat and would like to avoid crowds typical for other lakes in Southern Oregon, Galesville Reservoir is a spot for you! This scenic environment allows you to enjoy fishing, camping, picnicking, swimming, water skiing, and other outdoor pastimes.

The area has a developed campground, boat ramps, and a day-use area. Day-use area sits in between the campground and the main boat lunch.

Outdoor Activities at Galesville Reservoir

Galesville Reservoir, surrounded by the Umpqua National Forest, offers a serene setting for relaxation and enjoying your favorite outdoor activities.

Swimming and Other Water Activities

The water warms up nicely for swimming during summer and fall, with water temperatures reaching up to 80°F (27°C). The lake's bottom is clayey.

The lake is also an excellent spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. Since the reservoir is open for boating, pay attention to your surroundings to avoid accidents.

You can launch the boat at two places:

• Main launch with three boat ramps with docks and parking for 88 vehicles and boat trailers
• Primitive launch with one boat ramp and limited parking

Fishing

The reservoir is popular among anglers. Both boat and bank fishing are popular here.

Largemouth bass, during the spawning season in the spring, can be found in shallow water and are known to be very aggressive bitters. Later in the season, the fish can be found in deeper waters.

Trout fishing, including Cutthroat trout and rainbow trout, is found here. Galesville is also great for crappie, sunfish, and bullhead catfish. You will have good results with both boat and bank fishing.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks rainbow trout, typically, in March and April. Stocked trout from Galesville Reservoir are generally safe to eat, but it is important to be aware of specific consumption advisories from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

Caution: The reservoir water has a higher-than-safe level of mercury. The Red Cloud Mine and other mercury mining claims are located above the lake, seeping heavy metals through the groundwater. While swimming is still safe at the lake, you should be cautious when consuming water or eating fish that the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has not stocked.