Recreation Report
Willamette Zone
Recreation Report
May 30, 2023
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Best bets for weekend fishing
- Free Fishing Weekend June 3-4, 2023. Fish, clam and crab for free—no licenses, tags, endorsements or validations required. ODFW and partners are hosting a number of fishing events.
- Chinook fishing continues in the lower Willamette, with fish being caught throughout the river.
- On the Clackamas, winter steelhead are being outnumbered by newly returning summer steelhead.
- Hagg Lake continues to receive regular stockings of catchable-size trout with some trophies mixed in.
- Bass fishing has been picking up in places like Fern Ridge Reservoir, Turner Lake and Henry Hagg Lake.
- Lots of stock are being stocked just in time for the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
Recently stocked
Check out the 2023 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
Pitch in to keep water banks clean
We wish it didn’t have to be this way. But as more anglers hit the water, more trash piles up on shore. We know it’s not your job to pick up discarded beer cans, slurpee cups, fishing line, hamburger wrappers and other trash that aren't yours. But if everyone pitched in and picked up what they saw, wouldn’t it be a nicer place to fish?
Weekly catch summaries on Willamette River
Check out the weekly catch summaries for Chinook, steelhead and sturgeon in the Willamette River listing.
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.
Dexter Pond road closure
Beginning Friday, April 1, the public will not be able to drive into the Dexter Ponds Hatchery due to bridge inspection by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Please call the USACE Park Ranger Office at 541-942-5631 with questions.
Updates by waterbody
ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL (ABCC): trout
Will be stocked again the week of May 29, with 1,250 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, as is directly behind Kowloon Restaurant. However, the canal can be fished all along its two-mile length from Day Island Road in Eugene to Aspen Street in Springfield. Last updated 5/29/23.
BLUE RIVER: trout
Was last stocked the week of May 22, with 600 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 5/29/23.
BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species
Will be stocked the week of May 29 with 900 rainbow trout. The reservoir level has increased greatly in the past two weeks and is less than 30 feet from full.
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 5/29/23.
BREITENBUSH RIVER: trout
The Forest Service Road (FR 46) up the Breitenbush River has re-opened. River flows have dropped and are generally between 450 and 500 cfs however flow levels are steadily declining and the river could hit 400 cfs by the weekend. Flows below 400 cfs are ideal. It will be stocked this week with about 2,000 trout. Fly-fishing techniques such as nymphing are likely to produce more action than other methods. Last updated 5/24/23.
CARMEN RESERVOIR:
Latest estimates for when access and fish stocking will resume are now 2024 at the earliest. Public access to Carmen Reservoir is prohibited until further notice. Closure is due to operations required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) resulting in reservoir drawdown over the summer.
CLACKAMAS RIVER: winter steelhead, summer steelhead, spring Chinook
Some winter steelhead are still throughout the system; however, summer steelhead can now also be found in better numbers and angler pressure is light. Spring Chinook numbers remain low but they also can be found now in the lower river.
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 5/10/23.
CLEAR LAKE: trout
Will be stocked again the week of May 29with 1,500 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 5/29/23.
COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout
Chinook fishing should be heating up, but we haven’t heard any recent reports.
Was last stocked the week of May 1, with 740 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 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 5/29/23.
COTTAGE GROVE POND (ROW RIVER NATURE PARK POND): trout, bass, bluegill
Was last stocked the week of April 10 with 950 rainbow trout.
Cottage Grove Ponds are open to year-round fishing and are accessible via an asphalt pathway behind the truck scales on Row River Rd. In addition to fishing, these ponds also offer wildlife viewing opportunities, and a fishing dock is available on-site. Last updated 4/26/23.
COTTAGE GROVE RESERVOIR: trout, spotted bass, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill
Was last stocked the week of April 17, with 3,000 rainbow trout.
Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year. Updated 4/26/23.
DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout
Currently the reservoir is just below full pool and all boat ramps are in the water. Anglers can also bank fish from access points such as Mongold State Park or Detroit Flats Day Use area.
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.
Detroit Reservoir is one of the premier kokanee fisheries in the state. Despite a slow start to the season, kokanee fishing is slowly heating up and should continue to be good throughout the summer. Trout fishing is also getting stronger. The reservoir was stocked last week with about 8,000 hatchery trout. As a reminder, anglers are allowed to keep up to five trout, with an additional five kokanee bag limit.
Check out these tips for kokanee fishing.
Trout fishing can be good all year. Pretty much all techniques will catch fish, but it might take some experimenting to find out what is most effective on the day you’re out there. Trout stocking will begin in mid-May.
As a reminder to anglers, fishing for and harvesting Chinook in the lake and the rivers above is prohibited. Any Chinook caught in Detroit must be released unharmed.
Anglers are encouraged to report their catch on an on-line form. Remember to indicate whether the fish you catch have their adipose fin or not. This information will allow ODFW to manage the fishery for the benefit of both recreational anglers and the resource. Last updated 5/30/23.
DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass
Was last stocked the week of April 26, with 2,000 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. Largemouth bass and some smallmouth are also available to anglers in this reservoir. Last updated 5/10/23.
DORENA RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill
Was last stocked the week of April 17 with 5,670 rainbow trout.
Dorena Reservoir is east of Cottage Grove on Row River Road and is open to fishing all year. Trout and warmwater fish are available. 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 4/26/23.
EAGLE CREEK: winter steelhead
Both pressure and angler catch success has been low in Eagle this year. Fishing can be good at times in this system, but it depends heavily on river levels as this system is very flashy.
Keep in mind that long stretches of Eagle Creek do run through private property. Anglers are advised to pay close attention to where they fish. Always ask permission prior to accessing or crossing private lands on your way to your favorite fishing spot. Last updated 5/10/23.
EE WILSON POND: warmwater species, trout
The pond is stocked with trout from February through May. It will be stocked this week with about 850 trout for the last stocking of the season. As a reminder, only one fish over 20 inches is allowed to be kept as part of a 5-fish bag limit. In the spring and summer anglers can also pursue bass, bluegill and crappie.
This pond is located inside EE Wilson Wildlife Area. Getting to it requires a 1/3-mile hike from the parking area. It has three newly installed fishing piers including one that is ADA compliant.
A parking permit is required, and one can be purchased online or at any ODFW office. Last updated 5/30/23.
FALL CREEK: trout
Will be stocked the week of May 22, with 1,200 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 5/17/23.
FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: trout
Was last stocked the week of April 17 with 1,500 rainbow trout.
Fall Creek Reservoir is currently being held down and will be held at winter low level until early May to allow passage of juvenile spring Chinook salmon. Last updated 4/26/23.
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. All boat ramps are in the water as the reservoir is full. For local information regarding the lake and available boat ramps, contact the Lane County Parks Department at 541-682-2000.
Bass and crappie fishing usually gets going around mid-April with peak months being May and June. 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. Last update 5/4/23.
FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish
The reservoir was stocked last week with about 3,800 trout.
This reservoir near Sweet Home is usually stocked several times in the spring and early fall with over 28,000 hatchery trout. Besides trout, look for smallmouth bass and yellow perch near underwater structure and drop-offs. Please remember that only kokanee and adipose fin-clipped trout may be kept as part of the trout bag limit, but there are no limits on size or number of bass.
Retention of warmwater fish species such as bluegill, catfish, crappie, and yellow perch is also 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. Fishing is best when light levels are low, either early morning or late evening.
The reservoir is now completely full and all three boat ramps are in the water.
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. Last updated 5/30/23.
FREEWAY LAKE: bass, bluegill, crappie
Fishing for warmwater gamefish such as bass, bluegill, and crappie 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 is one of the best places in the Valley to fish for large crappie, which can get up to 14 inches.
This waterbody actually consists of three interconnected ponds and features some good size bass and crappie. A boat ramp is available at East Freeway Lake, and there is good bank access around Middle Freeway Lake.
For more information contact Linn County Parks. Last updated 5/4/23.
GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout
The lake closed to fishing Oct. 31 and is scheduled to reopen May 22, 2023, but the gate will likely open later this year as there is still quite a bit of snow on the road into the lake.
Gold lake has special fishing regulations in place that include no retention of rainbow trout, no limit on brook trout, fly-fishing only (has to be a fly rod, no spinning rigs) and barbless hooks. Oregon State Marine Board passed a new 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 5/10/23.
GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, trout, bass
The reservoir is just below full pool. Both Whitcomb and Thistle Creek boat ramps are currently in the water and are available for launching boats. For the latest information on water levels at Green Peter Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers’ website for more information.
This large reservoir gets stocked annually with 20,000 hatchery trout. It will be stocked this week with about 2,800 hatchery trout. Look for them in cooler, deeper water and around ledges, drop-offs, and underwater structure. Trout can be active year-round, but right now anglers may want to troll and retrieve a little slower than normal.
Smallmouth bass also like to hang out near underwater structure and tend to be found in shallower water. Also look for them near rocky outcrops. Recent fishing reports are that the bass fishing is good with fish weighing in around 5 lbs being caught.
Kokanee anglers may keep up to 25 fish per day in addition to the 5-trout bag limit. Anglers are reportedly catching bigger kokanee than year. Most fish seem to be between 11-13 inches. Best times for catching them is April through July, but anglers may fish year-round.
Best bet for anglers without a boat is to drive to the top of the reservoir where Quartzville Creek enters the reservoir. Large trout will sometimes forage where the river brings in food swept down from upstream. Last updated 5/30/23.
HARRIET LAKE: trout
Harriet Lake will be stocked this spring as snow levels permit. 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 campground. Last updated 5/10/23.
HENRY HAGG LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, bullhead catfish
Hagg Lake continues to receive regular stockings of catchable-size trout with some trophies mixed in. The bite for other species (bass, panfish, etc.) has picked up as water temperatures warm. Shallow bays and creek arms are responding more quickly to sunny weather than the main lake.
Current reservoir level can be found here.
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.
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 5/30/23.
HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass
Was last stocked the week of May 1 with 2,840 rainbow trout. The reservoir elevation is now high enough for boats to be launched from the Packard Creek boat ramp. 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 and 100,000 adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook salmon fingerlings annually to provide a harvest fishery the following year.
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 elevation. Last updated 5/10/23.
JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, bluegill
This pond will be stocked this week with about 1,000 hatchery trout for the last stocking of the season. As a reminder to anglers, only one fish over 20 inches may be retained as part of a 5-fish bag limit. Last updated 5/30/23.
LEABURG LAKE: trout
Leaburg Lake will be stocked again this week with 1,250 hatchery rainbow trout.
Leaburg Lake is open to fishing all year. Bait can be used from April 22 – 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 5/15/23.
MCKENZIE RIVER below Leaburg Lake (R1): trout, salmon, steelhead, Chinook
The first couple of wild spring Chinook have passed Leaburg Dam, so the Chinook fishing should be heating up on the McKenzie.
Will be stocked again the week of May 24 with 5,175 rainbow trout. Bait can be used from April 22 – Oct. 31, but beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies.
All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Check page 46 of the 2022 Sport Fishing Regulations for bait restrictions in the segment you plan to fish. Beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies.
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 5/17/23.
MCKENZIE RIVER above Leaburg Lake (R2): trout, steelhead
Will be stocked the week of May 15, with 9,500 rainbow trout.
All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Bait is allowed from Leaburg Dam to Forest Glen Boat Ramp from April 22 – Oct 31. Last updated 5/17/23.
MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: trout, salmon, steelhead, Chinook
Fishing should begin heating up int the next couple of weeks. Check the Willamette Falls Fish Counts for more information.
The Middle Fork Willamette River is open to bait below Dexter Dam only. Reminder: Restrictions from Dexter Dam to approximately 700 feet downstream to the markers: No angling from the north shore, from a floating device, or while wading (page 44 in regulations). This river reach 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 Middle Fork Willamette below Dexter Dam.
The Middle Fork Willamette above Lookout Point and Hills Creek reservoirs is 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 5/17/23.
NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: trout
North Fork Reservoir is a popular destination for both anglers and recreators of all kinds. This body will be stocked throughout the spring and fishing should remain productive for some time.
For more information, visit PGE’s Parks and Recreation webpage.
North Fork Reservoir is a 350-acre reservoir of the Clackamas River behind North Fork Dam approximately 5.2 miles east of Estacada, Ore. 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. Last updated 5/10/23.
QUARTZVILLE CREEK: trout
This river above Green Peter Reservoir gets stocked from late spring through the summer.
Flows are starting to come down although it is still a long way away from summer base flow. Currently it is at 460 cfs. Best conditions for fishing are below 300 cfs. This river was stocked last week with about 2,200 hatchery trout.
Light tackle including flies works best, but bait is allowed.
Trout are active year-round, and anglers are allowed to keep up to five fish daily. Last updated 5/30/23.
SALMON CREEK: trout
Will be stocked the week of May 15 with 1,333 hatchery rainbow trout. Much of Salmon Creek is in the Cedar Creek Fire Closure Area and is not accessible for the public. ODFW has adjusted the stocking schedule to release fish downstream from the 2409 Road.
Salmon Creek is open to fishing all year. Bait can be used from April 22 – Oct. 31, but beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. 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. Last updated 5/17/23.
SALT CREEK: trout
Salt Creek is an unstocked tributary to the Middle Fork Willamette River east of Oakridge. Salt Creek and its tributaries are open to fishing all year. Bait can be used from April 22 – Oct. 31, but beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Two wild trout may be kept per day, 8-inch minimum length. Last updated 5/19/20.
SANDY RIVER: winter steelhead, summer steelhead, spring Chinook
Anglers can still find some winter steelhead in the river, but they’re likely to be dark and/or spawned out at this point in the season. Bright summer steelhead have made it all the way to the hatchery and are being caught throughout the system. Spring Chinook are also currently entering the Sandy, however, have mostly been caught down low in the system.
Though it is early in the season and bright fish are being caught, angler pressure has been low overall.
Flow and visibility on the Sandy are greatly influenced by each passing front and change in snow levels. Colder temperatures, as well as less precipitation means this glacially-fed system will not only be on the drop but will also clear up much more quickly.
Anglers should confirm access before they go. All Metro Parks and boat ramps (including Dabney and Lewis and Clark) are now open but may have modified operations. Check conditions at individual parks on Metro’s website. State parks and recreation areas appear open.
USGS hydrological data for the Sandy near bull run. Last updated 5/10/23.
SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK): steelhead, trout
No recent fishing reports. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at around 1,700 cfs at the gauge in Mehama.
The spring Chinook are entering the upper Willamette basin in the hundreds every day, with many of these fish destined for the Santiam. So far over 9,000 adult chinook have navigated above Willamette Falls as of May 25th.
On the other hand, it looks like it will be another disappointing summer steelhead run this year with only 370 fish having been counted so far.
Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round. Any unclipped (wild) steelhead or trout that are caught must be released unharmed. Last updated 5/30/23.
WARNING: 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.
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. Flows are currently around 1,050 cfs where it flows into Detroit Reservoir and dropping. About 2,200 hatchery trout will be released this week in multiple locations.
Anglers may keep up to five trout per day. Remember, this section of river is closed to salmon fishing. Last updated 5/24/23.
SANTIAM RIVER (SOUTH FORK): bass, trout, steelhead
Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs. Currently flows are around 2,500 cfs at the Waterloo gauge as of May 30th. Summer steelhead numbers are still low and it may be another slow return year for these fish. About 60 fish have made it to Foster so far.
However, Willamette Falls counts are indicating a good spring Chinook run. So far over 9,000 adults have entered the upper Willamette basin as of May 25th, with many of these fish destined for the South Santiam.
Anglers are reminded that only fin-clipped trout may be kept. Last updated 5/30/23.
SMITH RESERVOIR: trout
Latest estimates for when access and fish stocking will resume are now 2024 at the earliest. The Eugene Water & Electric Board is enveloped in a construction project to retrofit, refurbish and upgrade capital equipment at its Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project.
In order to keep the public and construction personnel safe during the five-year project, Forest Road 730 is closed at the Powerhouse, cutting off access to Trail Bridge Campground, Smith Reservoir and Lake’s End Campground. The road closure will continue through 2024.
SUNNYSIDE PARK POND: trout, bass, bluegill
It will be stocked this week with over 1,100 trout. This will be the last trout stocking of the season.
This 4-acre pond is located two miles above the upper end of Foster Reservoir. The pond also offers bluegill and largemouth bass year-round. The park has a campground and picnic area and is a great place to take kids fishing. There is also boat ramp access to the Middle Fork arm of Foster Reservoir. Please keep in mind that only one fish over 20 inches may be kept per day as part of a 5-fish daily bag limit.
To get there from I-5, take US 20 through the town of Sweet Home and continue around Foster Reservoir to Quartzville Creek Rd. Take a left and follow this road for two miles to the park. Last updated 5/30/23.
TIMBER LINN POND: trout
This pond is usually stocked from November through May with hatchery trout. It will be stocked this week with around 1,000 hatchery trout.
This is a family-friendly fishing pond located within Timber-Linn Memorial Park in Albany. Timber-Linn Lake can be reached by turning east off I-5 onto the Santiam Highway (Hwy. 20), then immediately turning north onto Price Road and proceeding to the park entrance. Last updated 5/30/23.
TIMOTHY LAKE: trout, kokanee, crayfish
Trout stocking will begin this spring as weather conditions allow. Snow is still the limiting factor, however is expected to melt off in the coming weeks. Timothy lake is a great summer destination for fishing and recreating on the water. Anglers should keep in mind this is a very popular destination. Trout fishing is often best at the head of the reservoir. Check the Mt Hood National Forest website for access updates. Last updated 5/10/23.
TRAIL BRIDGE RESERVOIR: trout
The Eugene Water & Electric Board is implementing a construction project to retrofit, refurbish and upgrade capital equipment at its Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project. Latest estimates for when access and fish stocking will resume are now 2024 at the earliest. The capital construction projects planned for the 2017-2024 timeframe will create significant public access constraints due primarily to safety concerns. In order to keep the public and construction personnel safe during the project, EWEB and the Forest Service agreed to close access to Forest Road 730 at the Powerhouse.
The closure will deny public access to Trail Bridge Campground, Smith Reservoir and Lake’s End Campground. The closure of the road to the public started in March 2017 and will continue at least through 2024.
ODFW has discontinued stocking of Trail Bridge reservoir for the duration of the closure – hatchery fish allocated to the reservoir are being redistributed to other stocked waterbodies. Only adipose fin-clipped trout may be harvested from Trail Bridge Reservoir. Only flies and lures may be used.
TRILLIUM LAKE: trout
Trout stocking will begin this spring as weather conditions allow. Snow is still the limiting factor, however is expected to melt off in the coming weeks. Last updated 5/10/23.
TURNER LAKE: bass, panfish, some trout
This lake was stocked in early April with about 2,000 trout. No recent fishing reports. Bass have likely become active now that the water temperature has warmed. Best times to fish are early or late in the day.
This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to public fishing along the southern half. It is an old borrow pit and features largemouth bass, panfish such as bluegill, and a few trout. There’s a boat ramp in the southwest corner of the lake. This waterbody should produce fish year-round.
To get there take Turner Rd south from Salem and take a left onto Holly St before you get to downtown Turner. No gas-powered motors are allowed. A good way to cover the water is to use an electric trolling motor and troll a spoon or spinning lure. On calm days a float tube or kayak can be a good way to get out as well. Last updated 5/24/23.
WALLING POND: trout, panfish
This pond is usually stocked from Thanksgiving through the winter and spring. The rest of the year, this pond offers warmwater game fish such as bass and bluegill. It will be stocked this week with about 800 trout for the last stocking of the season.
As a reminder, the daily trout bag limit is 5 fish per day, only one of which may be greater than 20 inches.
This is an eight-acre privately-owned pond with public access in Salem at the northeast corner of McGilchrist and 16th Streets, S.E. There is no trash service out there so please pack out what you packed in. Last updated 5/30/23.
WALTER WIRTH LAKE: trout, bass, panfish
This urban lake usually gets stocked from about Thanksgiving through May. It will be stocked this week with about 800 trout for the last stocking of the season. As a reminder, anglers may keep only one fish over 20-inches as part of their 5 trout bag limit.
Walter Wirth is a 20-acre lake located within the City of Salem’s Cascades Gateway Park with good access all the way around. Last updated 5/30/23.
WAVERLY LAKE: trout, bluegill, catfish
This lake will be stocked this week with about 900 trout. Anglers may keep only one fish over 20 inches as part of their 5 trout bag limit.
From I-5 take exit 234 west towards Albany. The pond is located a quarter mile down Pacific Boulevard on the right. A paved ADA-accessible path runs all the way around the pond. Last updated 5/30/23.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead, spring Chinook, coho, small and largemouth bass
Preliminary catch estimates below Willamette Falls (including Multnomah Channel) for May 15 - 21: Chinook kept 314; Chinook released 104.
See weekly summaries for more details.
River conditions:
- May 16 Willamette River Portland-Temperature/Visibility: 62°F, Visibility: 5.4ft
- Willamette Falls Counts as of 5/22/23: Chinook-7,543 / Winter Steelhead-2,028 / Summer Steelhead-350
- Link to Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro Data
- Link to NOAA-Willamette River Forecast (Salem)
The upstream section between Albany and Harrisburg is open year-round for trout fishing, which can be very good when flows are cooperating. Look for deep slot pools and 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 the spring and summer. Trout prefer the cooler temperatures upstream of Corvallis. From Salem downstream there are plenty of largemouth bass in the deeper, quieter sections.
Boaters should be aware that Buena Vista boat ramp in Polk County at River Mile 106 will be closed from June 1 until Oct. 10, 2023, due a construction project. The next nearest boat ramp downstream is Independence Riverview Park at River Mile 95.
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 Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, fairly good access and variety. Last updated 5/17/23.