Willamette Zone

Willamette fishing

December 4, 2025

Best bets for weekend fishing:

• The Willamette River and other water bodies are increasing in activity.
• Several waterbodies will be stocked with trout this week.
• Cascade Hike-in Lakes offer beauty, serenity, and the potential for untrammeled fishing opportunities.

Trout stocking

Stocked the week of Nov 17-21:

Row River nature park (formerly Cottage Grove Lake)

Scheduled to be stocked the week of Nov 24-28:

Walter Wirth Lake, Mt Hood Pond at MHCC campus, Waverly Lake, Junction City Pond, Timber Linn Lake.

Check the 2025 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

An invasive Chinese mitten crab was captured in the Willamette last week near Portland. Read the news release here: https://myodfw.com/news/chinese-mitten-crab-found-willamette-river-near-portland-odfw-asks-help-identify-invasive

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

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.

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

Was last stocked the week of November 10, with 750 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 11/24/25.

BLUE RIVER: 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 11/24/2025.

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: Trout, warmwater species

Last stocked the week of June 23, with 1,200 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 11/24/25.

CARMEN RESERVOIR: Closed

ODFW plans to resume stocking in Carmen Reservoir in the summer of 2026. Stay tuned for details. Last updated 11/24/2025

CLACKAMAS RIVER: Winter steelhead

Though there are still some late returning coho in the system, most fish that might be present are currently spawning, or on the way to do so, and better left undisturbed. Winter steelhead are finally on the horizon, with rumors of a few having already been caught. Anglers can expect to find greater numbers in the system with each passing rain event throughout the winter.

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 12/4/25

CLEAR LAKE: 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 11/24/2025.

COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout

Last stocked the week of July 28, 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 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 11/24/25.

COTTAGE GROVE POND: See Row River Nature Park Pond

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

Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year. Updated 11/24/25.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: Trout

Water elevation has now reached its low, winter level for staorage purposes and there are no longer any usable boat ramps. Refilling the reservoir for the summer will begin on February 1. The crowds are mostly gone this time of year, especially during the week, so anglers can find fish as well as solitude. 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.

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 five kokanee.

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 12/01/25.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: Trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Was last stocked the week of October 6 with 5,000 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 11/24/25.

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

Last stocked the week of October 6, with 2,700 hatchery rainbow 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 11/24/25.

FALL CREEK: Trout

Last stocked the week of June 16 with 1,400 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 11/24/25.

FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: Trout

Fall Creek Reservoir is currently being held down and will be held at low winter levels until early May to allow passage of juvenile spring Chinook salmon. Cascara, Winberry and Norh Shore boat ramps should all be accessible in June. Last updated 11/24/25.

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.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: Trout, bass, perch, catfish

This reservoir near Sweet Home was stocked several times in September with several thousand 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 5-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.

The reservoir elevation has dropped down to its winter low-water level. However, Sunnyside Park Boat Ramp is still usable and should be available throughout the fall/winer. 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 11/25/25.

GOLD LAKE: Brook trout, rainbow trout

Gold Lake is now closed for the rest of 2025. The lake is open for angling 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 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 11/24/25.

HARRIET LAKE: Trout

Harriet Lake access is via the Skyline route until hazard trees are cleared. 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

In fall, target rainbow trout in mid-depth waters as temperatures cool, using bait like PowerBait or garlic-scented eggs near channels and the dam. Bass and other warmwater fish remain active in transitional areas between shallows and deeper zones throughout the day.

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 level 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 11/24/25.

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: Trout, crappie, bass

Was last stocked the week of Sept. 29 with 3,000 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 elevation. Last updated 11/24/25

JUNCTION CITY POND: Trout, bluegill

This pond is located 2 miles south of Junction City on Hwy 99W. It usually gets stocked with trout between November and May. It was stocked last week with about 1,000 hatchery trout. Anglers can keep only one fish over 20 inches per day as part of the 5-trout bag limit.

LEABURG LAKE: Trout

Leaburg Lake is open to fishing all year. Bait can be used 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 11/24/25.

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

Beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Fishing for summer steelhead remains open throughout the river.

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Check the 2025 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 11/24/25.

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

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 beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Last updated 11/24/2025.

MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Trout, steelhead

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. Chinook and summer steelhead fishing should be good June – July downstream of Dexter Dam.

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 11/6/2025.

NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: Trout

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 7/30/25.

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 last stocked at the end of July with about 2,200 hatchery trout. The river is currently running at around 300 cfs. Best conditions for fishing are below 300 cfs. 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 12/01/25.

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

Last stocked the week of November 17, with 750 hatchery rainbow trout and some very large brood stock trout. Cottage Grove Pond is open to year-round fishing and is accessible via an asphalt pathway behind the truck scales on Row River Rd. In addition to fishing, these ponds also offer wildlife viewing opportunities. Last updated 11/24/2025.

SALMON CREEK: Trout

Salmon Creek is open to fishing all year. Bait can be used until 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 11/24/2025.

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. 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 11/24/2025.

SANDY RIVER: Winter steelhead

Coho are still present in the system; however, anglers are reminded to leave spawning fish undisturbed when possible. Winter steelhead have begun to trickle into the system and can be expected in greater numbers with each passing rain event. Anglers wanting to target steelhead early in the season would do best fishing lower in the system, as one would expect.

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. Last updated 12/4/2025

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

River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at around 3,650 cfs at the gage in Mahama. The coho run is now complete with the majority of the fish now spawning in their tributaries and no longer accessible to anglers. There are a few holdover summer steelhead, however. A bobber and jig set-up or drifting a cluster of eggs is the usual technique, but spin casting with lures or swinging large streamer flies through the pools can also work.

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, but the use of bait is not allowed between Nov. 1 and April 21. Last updated 12/01/25.

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 520 cfs. Dead-drifting a nymph fly or slow retrieving a small spinner can sometimes coax larger trout to bite. The river is usually stocked with trout between May and August. Last updated 10/29/25.

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

Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs. Flows are currently at around 1,140 cfs at the gage in Waterloo. Fishing for spring Chinook is now closed. Fishing for summer steelhead is open year-round although there are few adults left in the basin. At this time of year, the majority of these are in the upper sections above Waterloo, from below the deadline at Wiley Creek to Pleasant Valley boat ramp. Last updated 11/25/25.

SMITH RESERVOIR: Trout

ODFW plans to resume stocking in the summer of 2026 following The Eugene Water & Electric Board's construction projects to retrofit, refurbish and upgrade capital equipment at the Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project. Stay tuned for details. Last updated 11/24/2025

TIMBER LINN POND: Trout

This pond is usually stocked from November through May with hatchery trout. It was stocked last week with about 1,000 hatchery trout. As a reminder, only one trout over 20 inches is allowed as part of a five-fish per day bag limit.

This is a family-friendly fishing pond within Timber Linn Memorial Park in Albany. Last updated 12/01/25

TIMOTHY LAKE: Trout

Regular trout stockings will begin again in the spring, once roads road conditions allow for safe access.

Trout fishing is often best at the head of the reservoir. Check the Mt Hood National Forest website for access updates. Last updated 12/4/2025

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 2026. 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 to 2026.

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

There are new boardwalks in place, just past the amphitheater on the northeastern side of Trillium Lake. Last updated 11/25/25

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. It is an old borrow pit and features largemouth bass, panfish such as bluegill, and trout in the cooler months. There's a boat ramp in the southwest corner of the lake. It was stocked recently with about 1,000 hatchery trout. As a reminder, only one trout over 20 inches is allowed as part of a five-fish per day bag limit. Last updated 11/25/25

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. It was stocked last week with 1,500 trout. Only one fish out 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. Last updated 12/01/25.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: Catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead, spring Chinook, coho salmon, small and largemouth bass

See summaries for more details.

• Spring Chinook
• Steelhead

River conditions and fish counts:

• Daily report Willamette River Portland-Temperature/Visibility:
• Link to: Willamette Falls 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. 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 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.