Page "Reedsport, Oregon" Paragraph 4

Built on marshy ground, for much of its history Reedsport has struggled with frequent flooding ; most of its early buildings were elevated three to eight feet above ground.

Following a devastating flood in 1964, a dike was constructed to protect the lower town.

During this flood, the waters reached the fish hatchery and overflowed the fish troughs allowing hundreds of thousands of small-mouth bass to be introduced into the Umpqua River.

According to fishing reports small-mouth bass became the most abundant fish in the Umpqua River.

Every few years, flooding will occur enough that city employees will close these dikes to prevent low-lying areas of the town from flooding.