Willamette Zone

Willamette Fishing

October 1, 2026

Best bets for weekend fishing:

• There should be plenty of coho moving above Willamette Falls in coming days! Two-rod validation is extended through Dec 31 upstream of Willamette Falls.
• Try warmwater fishing for smallmouth bass, crappie and yellow perch in lakes and reservoirs.
• Fishing for trout and bass on the Willamette River between Salem and Corvallis can be very fun and rewarding.

Trout stocking

Drought conditions are impacting Oregon waterways. The Trout Stocking Schedule is subject to change. Check the field notes below or contact the local ODFW office for questions about a specific area.

October: 

Alton Baker Canal, Estacada Lake, Dexter Res, North Fork Res, Faraday Lake, Small Fry Lake, Henry Hagg Lake, Canby Pond, Hill Creek Res, Salish Pond, W, Dorena Res, Row R Nature Pk, Walter Wirth Lake, Timber Linn Lake, Junction City Pond, Turner Lake, Waverly Lake.

Check out the trout stocking schedule.

Trout stocking maps

Check out the ODFW fishing and trout stocking maps to find nearby fishing locations (including high mountain lakes), driving directions and descriptions of amenities.

Announcements

Eagle Creek: Angling closed from Oct 2 through Dec 31 in lowest reach. More info.

An invasive Chinese mitten crab was captured in the Willamette near Portland. Read the news release here.

It is important to correctly identify this species and report it to 1-866-INVADER or report it online via the Oregon Invasive Species reporting hotline form. Photographs can be submitted through the hotline, and people are encouraged to do so as crab identification can be difficult, and native crabs have been misidentified as invasive.

Dexter Pond road closure

No public access into the Dexter Ponds Hatchery due to construction. Please call the USACE Park Ranger Office (541) 942-5631 with questions.

Sign up for the latest information on boater access

Marine Board's Opportunities and Access Report incorporates information from federal and state agencies, local facility operators and fellow boaters to provide up-to-date information so boaters can decide where to recreate and what to expect this season. Subscribe to receive email updates.

Updates by waterbody

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL (ABCC): Trout

Last stocked every week in August and September with 900 hatchery rainbow trout.

The canoe canal is open to fishing all year and is located within Alton Baker Park. A 4-acre pond at the midpoint of the canal is a good spot to fish in, and behind the old Kowloon Restaurant. The canal can be fished all along its two-mile length from Day Island Road in Eugene to Aspen Street in Springfield. Last updated 9/15/26.

BLUE RIVER: Trout

Last stocked in June with 600 hatchery rainbow trout. Blue River is located east of Eugene near the town of Blue River, north of Hwy. 126 and is open to year-round fishing. Last updated 9/15/26.

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: Trout, warmwater species

Last stocked in June with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout. The USFS has hired a concessionaire company to maintain the boat ramps and parking areas, and they are charging $9 to park at the Saddle Dam or Lookout Campground/boat launch parking area. For details people can call the USFS McKenzie Ranger District (541) 822-3381. Blue River Reservoir is located east of Eugene near the town of Blue River, north of Hwy. 126 and is open to year-round fishing. Last updated 9/15/26.

BREITENBUSH RIVER: Trout

This river feeds into Detroit Reservoir and offers several campgrounds along its steep, narrow course. It was stocked for the last time in mid-August with 900 hatchery trout. Flies or other light tackle work best, but bait is allowed. Anglers are allowed to keep 5 trout per day. Outplanted Chinook are in peak spawning at the moment. Please give these fish enough room to complete the process and keep dogs away from carcasses, as they contain a toxin that can be lethal to dogs if eaten. Last updated 9/21/26.

CARMEN RESERVOIR: Trout

Last stocked the week of July 13 with 600 hatchery rainbow trout. No limit on size or number of brook trout harvested in Carmen Reservoir.

The reservoir is accessed via USFS Road 750 off Hwy. 126, about two miles south of Clear Lake. It is open to fishing all year. Use of bait is allowed. Motored boats are prohibited on this reservoir.

After nine years of closure, Carmen-Smith recreation sites on the Upper McKenzie River reopened to the public on May 1, offering hikers, and day visitors access to newly renovated facilities.

Anyone with questions about visiting these recreation sites should inquire online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/recreation or by contacting the McKenzie River Ranger Station at (541) 822-3381. Last updated 9/15/26.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: Summer steelhead, spring Chinook, trout

Coho fishing should is good in the lower Clackamas River. Fishing with spinners, jigs, plugs, and bobber and egg methods have been catching fish.

To report poaching or other violations: Call *OSP or *677 (*OSP on keypad). You also can call (800) 452-7888 or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov between the hours of 8-5, Monday-Friday. Take photos if it is safe to do so.

USGS hydrological data readings from the Estacada gauge near Milo McIver State Park. Hydrologic data and river forecasts can also be accessed on the NOAA/National Weather Service NW River Forecast Center -- NW River Forecast Center. Last updated 9/24/26.

CLEAR LAKE: Trout

Stocked for the last time this season in August with 3,000 hatchery rainbow trout.

Clear Lake is accessed from Hwy. 126 approximately 70 miles east of Springfield. Linn County's Clear Lake Resort rents cabins and boats. Last updated 9/15/26.

COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout

Last stocked the week of July 27 with 800 hatchery rainbow trout.

The river is open to fishing all year for trout, hatchery Chinook salmon, hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead over 24 inches.

Use of bait is allowed April 22 – Oct 31 but beginning Nov 1 anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. In addition to five hatchery trout, two wild trout may be kept daily. Last updated 9/15/26.

COTTAGE GROVE POND: See Row River Nature Park Pond

COTTAGE GROVE RESERVOIR: Trout, spotted bass, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill

Last stocked in April, with 3,750 hatchery rainbow trout. Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year. Last updated 9/1/26.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: Trout

The reservoir gets stocked with trout during the late spring and summer. As a reminder, anglers are allowed to keep up to five trout, with an additional ten kokanee. Kokanee adults are beginning to turn pink in preparation for their spawning run up the tributaries above Detroit.

Mongold State Park boat ramp is still available. All other boat ramps are no longer in the water. Fish are biting. Trout will remain active throughout the fall. Pretty much any technique will catch fish, but it might take some experimenting to find out what is most effective on the day you're out there.

It's always a good idea to check the water levels at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website before using the boat ramps. For the latest information on water levels at Detroit Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers' website for more information. Last updated 9/28/26.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: Trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Last stocked in April with 3,000 hatchery rainbow trout. Dexter Reservoir near Lowell is visible from Hwy 58. Boat and bank access is available through state and county parks. Parking and bank access are also available from the causeway near Lowell. Last updated 9/15/26.

DORENA RESERVOIR: Trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill

Last stocked in April with 5,500 hatchery rainbow trout. Surface water temperatures are high so fishing deeper waters of the lake will be more productive for trout.

Dorena Reservoir is east of Cottage Grove on Row River Road and is open to fishing all year. Baker Bay Park (Lane County) is open seasonally from April – October. The park has a boat ramp, ADA restrooms, showers, picnic and camp spots. Last update 9/15/26.

FALL CREEK: Trout

Last stocked in June with 1,200 hatchery rainbow trout. Fall Creek is open all year for trout. Bait is allowed from April 22 through Oct 31; however, beginning Nov 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Five hatchery trout and an additional two wild trout may be harvested daily in the river.

Fishing for salmon upstream of Fall Creek Dam is prohibited. Below Fall Creek Dam the creek is open all year for hatchery Chinook, hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead greater than 24 inches. Last updated 9/15/26.

FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: Trout

Last stocked in April, with 3,750 hatchery rainbow trout.

Water elevation as of Aug 4 is at 810 ft and both North Shore (729 ft) and Winberry (803ft) boat ramps should be accessible. Cascara (815ft) boat ramp is not accessible. Last updated 9/15/26.

FARADAY LAKE: Trout

Faraday Lake is now closed while PGE updates its powerhouse at Rivermill Dam. For more information, visit PGE's Parks and Recreation webpage.

FERN RIDGE RESERVOIR: Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead

This 9,000-acre lake just 12 miles west of Eugene is the Willamette Basin's largest waterbody. Orchard Park and Richardson Park boat ramps are still open. For information regarding the lake and available boat ramps, contact the Lane County Parks Department at (541) 682-2000.

Bass and crappie are beginning to slow down their metabolism in preparation for winter, but with good weather persisting this week they will still be actively feeding. Look for crappie along the weedy edges on the south side of the reservoir. The south shore around Perkins Peninsula as well as along the face of the dam are good spots.

There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps. No new updates. Last updated 9/28/26.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: Trout, bass, perch, catfish

Foster Lake is in great shape at the moment. This waterbody was stocked with 3,000 trout again last week. Besides trout, look for smallmouth bass and yellow perch near underwater structure and drop-offs. Please remember that only adipose fin-clipped trout may be kept as part of the 5-trout bag limit, but there are no limits on size or number of bass. In the fall, early morning and late evening are usually when fish become most active.

Retention of warmwater fish species such as bluegill, pumpkinseed, catfish, crappie, and yellow perch is allowed -- no limit on size or number. Anglers report good success in the two arms of the reservoir, as well as the shoreline in between. Trout and yellow perch can be caught year-round.

The reservoir will begin to slowly draw down later this week. Calkins and Gedney boat ramps are out of the water, but Sunnyside will still be available throughout fall. This scenic 1,200-acre reservoir on the South Santiam River is located just 30 minutes from Interstate 5. There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps. No new updates. Last updated 9/28/26.

FREEWAY LAKE, EAST: Trout, bass, bluegill, crappie

Fishing for warmwater gamefish such as bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish can be very good, especially early and late in the day in spring and summer. Look for them near downed wood and along the edges of weed.

This waterbody consists of three interconnected ponds and features some good size bass and crappie. The largest pond on the west side of the highway is only accessible by boat. A boat ramp is available at East Freeway Lake, and there is some bank access around East and Middle Freeway Lake. No new updates. Last updated 7/27/26.

GOLD LAKE: Brook trout, rainbow trout

The lake is open for fishing annually from May 22 to Oct 31. For access inquiries call the USFS Willamette National Forest (541) 782-2283 for updates.

Gold lake has special fishing regulations in place that include no retention of rainbow trout, no limit on brook trout, fly-fishing only, with fly rod, no spinning rigs, only barbless hooks. Oregon State Marine Board passed a regulation in 2020 that allows ELECTRIC motors only on Gold Lake.

Gold Lake is a 100-acre lake located north of the Willamette Pass summit off Hwy. 58 approximately 23 miles southeast of Oakridge. Last updated 9/15/26.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: Trout, smallmouth bass

Access to this reservoir is no longer available as both boat ramps are out of the water and the banks are too steep and unstable to allow for a safe way to get down to the water's edge. These conditions will remain so until at least February 1 when the storage season begins. Last updated 9/21/26.

HARRIET LAKE: Trout

Lake Harriet is currently closed due to safety and access concerns related to nearby active wildfires. Please do not visit these locations. For more information, visit PGE's Parks and Recreation webpage.

Harriet Lake is a 23-acre reservoir on the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River in the Mount Hood National Forest. Boat ramp is just past the campground.

HENRY HAGG LAKE: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, bullhead catfish

As fall sets in, bass feed more actively ahead of winter. Look for them holding near structure or cover, especially points, riprap, and other hard edges that still have water on them at the current pool.

Hagg Lake is one of western Oregon's largest lakes and is a premier warmwater fishing destination. The lake is home to both the state record smallmouth bass and bullhead catfish.

Current reservoir levels can be found here. Maintained and operated by Washington County, the park features numerous picnic areas, two boat launching facilities, more than 15 miles of hiking trails, and observation decks for wildlife and bird watching. The lake and lake park are currently open, although users are encouraged to check the Hagg Lake Park website, as conditions can change. Last updated 9/28/26.

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: Trout, crappie, bass

Will be stocked for the last time this season the week of Sept 28 with 3,000 hatchery rainbow trout.

Don't forget that you can keep hatchery Chinook in the reservoir as mentioned below. Hills Creek Reservoir is located about four miles southeast of Oakridge and is open to year-round fishing. In addition to catchable-size trout, the reservoir is stocked with 60,000 adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout fingerlings annually and 100,000 adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook salmon fingerlings (when available) to provide a harvest fishery the following year. This makes a great early-spring fishery on large fish.

Trout and salmon must be adipose fin-clipped to be harvested. Large native trout are available for catch-and-release fishing. Packard Boat Ramp (USFS) generally remains accessible at all normal reservoir elevations although it is probable that the landing will not be available after early September this year because of a shortage of inflow. Last updated 9/15/26.

LEABURG LAKE: Trout

Last stocked the week of Aug 24 with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout. Leaburg Lake is open to fishing all year. Bait can be used from April 22 until Oct 31, but beginning Nov 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. All wild trout must be released. Only hatchery fish may be kept. Last updated 9/15/26.

MCKENZIE RIVER below Leaburg Lake (R1): Trout, steelhead, Chinook

Was stocked for the last time this season in the week of Sept 1 with 2,000 hatchery rainbow trout.

April 22 to Oct 31 anglers can use bait in the mainstem McKenzie River, but beginning Nov 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Fishing for summer steelhead remains open throughout the year. All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Check the 2026 Sport Fishing Regulations for bait restrictions in the segment you plan to fish.

The lower McKenzie River is open to retention of adipose fin-clipped salmon and steelhead and non-adipose fin-clipped steelhead greater than 24 inches long. A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead in the McKenzie. Last updated 9/15/26.

MCKENZIE RIVER above Leaburg Lake (R2): Trout, steelhead

Last stocked in September with 2,000 hatchery rainbow trout.

ODFW will be passing summer steelhead above Leaburg Dam this season (2026). All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Bait is allowed from Leaburg Dam to Forest Glen Boat Ramp until Oct 31, but starting Nov 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Last updated 9/15/26.

MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Trout, steelhead, Chinook

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers refurbished the boat ramp on the south side of the Middle Fork Willamette just below Dexter Dam allowing drift boat and raft access.

A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead.

The Middle Fork Willamette above Lookout Point and Hills Creek reservoirs are open to fishing using lures and artificial flies. All wild trout must be released upstream of Lookout Point Reservoir. The Middle Fork Willamette River is not stocked with hatchery trout. Last updated 8/24/26.

NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: Trout

Opened for trout retention on May 22. North Fork Reservoir is a 350-acre reservoir of the Clackamas River behind North Fork Dam approximately 5.2 miles east of Estacada. This reservoir has two boat ramps, boat moorage, 50 campsites, picnic areas, boat rentals, grocery story, fueling station, and ADA-accessible fishing platforms. It is big and deep enough, and is fed by the upper Clackamas River, to stay cool longer into the summer than most of the other lakes and ponds. No new updates. Last updated 6/4/26.

For more information, visit PGE's Parks and Recreation webpage.

QUARTZVILLE CREEK: Trout

This river above Green Peter Reservoir gets stocked regularly from late spring through the summer. It was stocked for the last time in early August with 1,650 hatchery trout. Current flows are about 24cfs. Best conditions for fishing are below 300cfs. Light tackle including flies works best, but bait is allowed. The river above Green Peter Reservoir is open year-round.

Trout are active year-round, and anglers are allowed to keep up to five fish daily. Last updated 9/28/26.

ROW RIVER NATURE PARK POND (formerly Cottage Grove Pond): Trout, bass, bluegill

Last stocked with 1,250 hatchery rainbow trout in April.

The fishing dock has been replaced, and the Cascade Family Flyfishers have removed aquatic vegetation and blackberries around the pond to improve access and angling success. The pond is open to year-round fishing and is accessible from the asphalt pathway behind the truck scales on Row River Rd. In addition to fishing, these ponds also offer many wildlife viewing opportunities. Last updated 9/15/26.

SALMON CREEK: Trout

Last stocked the week of July 27 with 800 hatchery rainbow trout.

Salmon Creek is open to fishing all year. Anglers may only use lures and artificial flies beginning Nov 1. Use of bait is only allowed Apr 22 - Oct 31. Trout are released at multiple locations upstream to Black Creek. Two wild trout per day, 8-inch minimum length, may be kept in addition to five hatchery trout. No new updates. Last updated 9/15/26.

SALT CREEK: Trout

Salt Creek and its tributaries are open to fishing all year; it is an unstocked tributary to the Middle Fork Willamette River east of Oakridge. Anglers may only use lures and artificial flies beginning Nov 1. Use of bait is only allowed from Apr 22 - Oct 31. Two wild trout may be kept per day, 8-inch minimum length. Last updated 9/15/26.

SANDY RIVER: Summer steelhead, spring Chinook

Anglers are finding success from the hatchery downstream, but summer steelhead can be found throughout the system.

Check conditions at individual parks on Metro's website. No new updates. Last updated 7/27/26.

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK): Steelhead, trout, Chinook, coho

River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000cfs, and the river is currently running at 1,600cfs at the gage in Mehama. Fishing for chinook is now closed until mid-October. Fishing for steelhead remains open year-round. Counts of coho at Willamette Falls have started to take off with hundreds being counted every day. These fish should begin to arrive in the Santiam Basin sometime this weekend, with peak numbers arriving in early October. Another strong run is expected this year, and numbers should increase markedly over the next few weeks. Spin cast with lures or swing large streamer flies through the pools. As a reminder, this is also peak Chinook spawning. Please give these fish plenty of room to complete the process and keep dogs away from carcasses, as they contain a toxin that is lethal to dogs if eaten.

The gate at Green's Bridge has been re-opened and will remain open until next June. There are several large, downed trees in the river creating some dangerous hazards for boaters in the lower river. For more information check out the Oregon State Marine Board website.

Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round. Bait is only allowed between April 22 and Oct 31. Anglers may only use lures and artificial flies beginning Nov 1. Last updated 9/28/26.

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK) above DETROIT: Trout

This river is open year-round to fishing, but ideal conditions usually begin after snowmelt recedes in late June and continues through early October. Currently, flows are around 300cfs. It was stocked for the last time in mid-August with about 2,000 hatchery trout scattered across several release locations. Dead drifting a nymph fly or slow retrieving a small spinner can sometimes coax larger trout to bite. As a reminder, this is also peak Chinook spawning. Please give these fish plenty of room to complete the process and keep dogs away from carcasses, as they contain a toxin that is lethal to dogs if eaten.

Last updated 9/2/26.

SANTIAM RIVER (SOUTH FORK): Bass, trout, steelhead

Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000cfs. Flows are currently at around 1,350cfs at the gauge in Waterloo. The Chinook fishery is now closed until Oct 15. This is the peak period of chinook spawning. As a reminder, please keep pets away from salmon carcasses as their decaying bodies contain a toxin that is lethal to dogs if eaten. Another small pulse of fish arrived at Willamette Falls and will be working their way upstream over the next few weeks.

The summer steelhead run turned out better than average this year. About 10,000 steelhead adults have been counting at Willamette Falls so far with a few more trickling in through September. They can be found throughout the river basin, with most fish concentrated in the upper 8 miles below Foster Dam. Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round. The use of bait is now allowed through the end of October. Last updated 9/28/26.

SMITH RESERVOIR: Trout

Last stocked the week of July 13 with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout.

After nine years of closure, Carmen-Smith recreation sites on the Upper McKenzie River have reopened to the public as of May 1, allowing hikers and day visitors access to newly renovated facilities.

Anyone with questions about visiting these recreation sites should inquire online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/recreation or by contacting the McKenzie River Ranger Station at (541) 822-3381. Last updated 9/15/26.

TIMOTHY LAKE: Trout

Closed for public safety. View the complete closure order and map as detailed by the Portland General Electric Parks and the Mt. Hood National Forest Alerts. Last updated 9/3/26.

TRAIL BRIDGE RESERVOIR: Trout

After nine years of closure, Carmen-Smith recreation sites on the Upper McKenzie River have reopened to the public as of May 1, offering campers, hikers, and day visitors access to newly renovated facilities.

Campsites at Trail Bridge Campground will be available for booking now on Recreation.gov. The first reservable date was May 14. Anyone with questions about visiting these recreation sites should inquire online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/recreation or by contacting the McKenzie River Ranger Station at (541) 822-3381.

ODFW has discontinued trout stocking in Trail Bridge Reservoir. Wild trout must be released. Only flies and lures may be used. Last updated 9/15/26.

TRILLIUM LAKE: Trout

Access is open, and the lake has been stocked with more than 6,000 rainbow trout. No new updates. Last updated 7/21/26.

TURNER LAKE: Bass, panfish, some trout

This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to public fishing along the southern half where the boat ramp is. Non-gasoline powered trolling motors only are allowed. It is an old borrow pit and features largemouth bass, panfish such as bluegill, and trout in the cooler months. Bass fishing can be excellent early in the morning or late in the evening when the larger fish approach the shore to feed. There's a boat ramp on the southwest corner of the lake. It was stocked a couple of times this spring with several thousand hatchery trout. Because the lake is deep, trout can survive year-round. As a reminder, only one trout over 20 inches is allowed as part of a five-fish per day bag limit. No new updates. Last updated 8/30/26.

WALTER WIRTH LAKE: Trout, bass, panfish

This urban lake usually gets stocked from about Thanksgiving through May. The rest of the year anglers can target bluegill and bass. As a reminder, only one trout out of a 5-fish bag limit may be longer than 20 inches.

Walter Wirth is a 20-acre lake located within the City of Salem's Cascades Gateway Park with good access all the way around. No new updates. Last updated 7/6/26.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: Steelhead, spring Chinook, coho salmon, bass, walleye, shad, catch-and-release sturgeon

Late September to early October typically marks the peak of the wild coho fishery above Willamette Falls. With the river now hovering around 62°F, coho are once again staging below the Falls before pushing upstream. Historically, these wild coho originate from the Yamhill, Molalla, and Tualatin rivers, making those confluences prime holding areas, but they're increasingly appearing in additional Willamette tributaries.

At Willamette Falls, passage numbers have held strong in recent years, with 22,500 adults in 2025, and 2026 is shaping up similarly.

Anglers can target them using a variety of tactics: troll with 360s or spinners, cast Wiggle Warts, twitch jigs, fling Blue Fox spinners, or fish bobber-and-eggs.

Wild coho are retainable (no fin-clip required, limit two adults and five jacks per day), and anglers may use two rods when they have the endorsement.

While coho are the highlight now, don't overlook late-season warmwater opportunities. As water cools, catch rates for bass and walleye usually decline, but you'll still find action, especially from Buena Vista up toward Peoria. The area near Hyak Park may be a particularly good place to try in this reach. These fish are generally found in deeper water near the bottom during the day so getting your nightcrawler deep is key.

River conditions and fish counts:

Daily report Willamette River Portland-Temperature/Visibility

Link to: Willamette Falls Fish Counts

Link to: Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro Data

Link to NOAA-Willamette River Forecast (Salem)

The Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, good access and variety.

The river is ideal for small boats such as canoes and kayaks, but there are enough public access points for bank anglers as well. Consult Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for specific locations.

The upstream section between Albany and Harrisburg is open year-round for trout fishing, which can be very good when flows are cooperating. The river is in very good shape right now and anglers report good catches of smallmouth bass between Salem and Albany. Look for deep slot pools, the tail-end of long riffles and the head of pools where the fish are likely stacked up in feeding lanes.

Smallmouth bass can be a lot of fun to catch and are plentiful between Salem and Corvallis during summer. Anglers also report the occasional walleye up to 20 inches. Trout prefer the cooler water temperatures upstream of Corvallis. From Salem downstream there are plenty of largemouth bass in the deeper, quieter sections. Trout can be kept in some sections, but not in others. Consult the regulation booklet for details.