Fern Ridge Reservoir is nestled in the Coast Range foothills 15 miles northwest of Eugene. Created in 1941 by the damming of the Long Tom River, Fern Ridge is the southern Willamette Valley’s largest impoundment at 9,000 acres. The lake is quite popular with sailors from Eugene and beyond, offering some of the best fresh water sailing in the Pacific Northwest. Anglers will find largemouth bass, cutthroat trout, crappie and catfish, with excellent fishing in the spring.

Waterskiers flock here as well in the summer months. Extensive wetland habitat makes the reservoir a haven for over 250 species of birds, including both resident and migratory species; in fact, the southeast shore is a designated wildlife refuge. There are four boat launches on Fern Ridge, with several offering extensive services. NOTE: Fern Ridge is drained in the winter for flood control measures.

Courtesy of “Boating in Oregon” by Oregon State Marine Board