Two rods allowed in Willamette River June 3-July 31

CLACKAMAS, Ore.— Anglers will be able to use their two-rod validation in the Willamette River for hatchery spring Chinook and all other fish except sturgeon from June 3-July 31.

Two rods were not originally authorized on the Willamette River this year because the forecasted return of hatchery-origin adult spring Chinook was below the minimum typically needed ensure sufficient broodstock are collected for future releases.

However, based on in-season passage counts at Willamette Falls, the return appears likely to meet the basin's broodstock needs for 2026, even if the run is relatively early timed. A total of 20,385 adult hatchery-origin spring Chinook passed Willamette Falls as of May 31.

The two-rod regulation follows:

Area: Lower Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls (including Multnomah Channel), the Clackamas River downstream of the Highway 99 Bridge, and the Willamette River (including tributaries and other flowing waters) upstream of Willamette Falls

Species: Applies to all game and non-game fish (except sturgeon) when angling is open to hatchery Chinook, hatchery steelhead, trout, or warmwater game fish

Dates: June 3-July 31, 2026

Fishery managers will consider two-rod opportunity for Willamette River coho seasons (which are now open Oct. 1-Dec. 31 under permanent regulations) later in the year.

Two-rod validations cost $34 for both residents and non-residents. Licensed anglers who purchase the validation can use two rods wherever regulations allow them, which is primarily in ponds and lakes.

Kids under the age of 12 do not need a validation to use a second rod in areas where two rods are authorized.

Anglers should always check for any in-season changes to permanent regulations by visiting the Recreation Report / Fishing Report for their zone and clicking the Regulation Updates tab.