Willamette Zone

Weekend fishing opportunities

• Best bets for summer steelhead are the Clackamas and North and South Santiam rivers. Adjust your tackle for low water conditions, fish early in the day, and land and release any wild fish quickly to reduce stressing them.
• These hot summer days can be a great time to target warmwater species like bass, bluegill and crappie. There are several lakes and ponds in the Willamette Valley that offer great warmwater fishing. See the top of the Willamette Zone for a list of suggestions.
• Trout stocking is now limited to a few locations where the water is cool enough to support trout releases, and anglers should factor temperature into their strategy by getting out just after dawn or just before dusk. This week’s releases include the Btritenbush River, Alton Baker Canoe Canal, and Leaburg Lake.

2018 STOCKING SCHEDULE AND STOCKING MAP

Fishing during blue-green algae blooms

Oregon sees an increase in algae blooms in lakes, rivers and reservoirs during the summer. Not all algae blooms are harmful, but blooms caused by cyanobateria (blue-green algae) can cause serious illness in pets and humans. The Oregon Health Authority issues Harmful Algae Bloom Advisories and offers these guidelines for fishing during an algae bloom.

Willamette Valley Warmwater Fisheries

One way to take advantage of the summer weather is by targeting warmwater species such as crappie, bass, bluegill, and perch, which become more active this time of year. The Willamette Valley has a large number of excellent warmwater fishing areas. Here is a partial list go get you started:

Benton County

Adair Pond – 6 acres; Hwy. 99W south of Adair Village at ODFW regional office. Largemouth bass, redear sunfish, bluegill, channel catfish.

E.E. Wilson Pond – 8 acres on E.E. Wilson Wildlife Management Area east of Hwy. 99 W between Corvallis and Monmouth. Redear sunfish, stocked trout.

Clackamas County

Wilsonville Pond – 6 acres; on west side of I-5, 1 mile south of the Wilsonville Rest Area. Take Exit 282 from I-5, west on Butteville Road to Boones Ferry Road, south on Boones Ferry Road 0.5 miles. Largemouth bass, bluegill, brown bullhead.

Bluegill Lake – 7 acres; Cascade Gateway Park in Salem off Hwy. 22. Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie.

Goose Lake – 9 acres; 7 miles north of Salem. White crappie, largemouth bass.

Marion County

Mission Lake – 40 acres; about 5 miles north of Keizer in Willamette Mission State Park. White crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, black crappie.

Santiam River – From confluence with Willamette River upstream to Jefferson. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass.

St. Louis Ponds – 7 ponds comprising 54 acres; 2 miles west of Gervais on the west side of I-5 freeway. No boats allowed. Special regulations apply. Bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, redear sunfish, green sunfish, white crappie, black crappie.

Walling Pond – 8 acres; 16th and McGilchrist Streets in Salem. Largemouth bass, stocked rainbow trout.

Walter Wirth Lake – 20 acres; Cascade Gateway Park in Salem. Largemouth bass, bluegill, brown bullhead, channel catfish.

Woodburn Pond – 14 acres; east of I-5 from Woodburn north on Boones Ferry Road to Crosby Road, then north on Edwin Road to the pond. Largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, white crappie, channel catfish.

Multnomah County

Benson Lake – 40 acres; Multnomah Falls. White crappie, largemouth bass, brown bullhead.

Blue Lake – 64 acres; 3 miles northeast of Troutdale off Marine Drive. Largemouth bass, brown bullhead, black crappie, bluegille.

Bybee Lake – 275 acres; north Portland Road, Portland. White crappie, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, yellow perch

Delta Park Ponds – 100 acres; north Portland in west Delta Park. Brown bullhead, bluegill, largemouth bass.

Multnomah Channel – Adjacent to Hwy. 30 between Portland St. Helens. Access off Hwy. 30 and off the dike road on Sauvie Island. Crappie, yellow perch, walleye, bullhead, bluegill, largemouth bass.

Columbia County

Clatskanie Slough – north of Clatskanie off Hwy. 30. White crappie, yellow bullhead, yellow perch, bluegille, largemouth bass, black crappie.

Deer island Slough – 68 acres; northwest of Columbia City off Hwy. 30 at Riechold Chemical (access only at the south end). White crappie, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch.

Scappoose Bay – 600 acres; south end of St. Helens, off Multnomah Channel. Brown bullhead, white crappie, black crappie yellow perch largemouth bass.

Vernonia Lake – 45 acres; southeast part of Vernonia off Hwy. 47. Bluegill, yellow perch, largemouth bass. Excellent bank access, improved boat launch

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: trout

Will be stocked the week of Aug. 6 with 2,200 legal and 450 trophy-size hatchery rainbow trout.  

The canoe canal is located within Alton Baker Park and can be accessed off of Club Road in Eugene. A 4-acre pond at the midpoint of the canal is a good spot but it can be fished all along its two-mile length from Day Island Road in Eugene to Aspen Street in Springfield. The canal is open to fishing all year.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

BENSON LAKE: rainbow trout, white crappie, largemouth bass, brown bullhead

The park is currently closed due to the Eagle Creek fire. Stocking will resume when access is restored.

This is a 40-acre lake located in Benson State Park in the Columbia River Gorge. From Portland, head east on I-84; the park is located on the south side of the freeway about 1/2 mile west of Multnomah Falls.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

BETHANY POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, bullhead

Stocked the first week of May with 2,000 rainbow trout.

This is a 10-acre pond located at Bethany west of Portland. The pond is maintained by Tualatin Hills Park and Rec. Amenities include picnic tables, restrooms, and a paved, ADA accessible trail.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

BLUE LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead, black crappie, bluegill

Stocked in June with 650 legal-size and 100 trophy hatchery rainbow trout.

Try fishing from the docks or along the bank near the boat ramp. From October to April private boats are also allowed if under 14 ft. with motors of less than 3.0 horsepower.

This 64-acre lake is located in Blue Lake Regional Park three miles west of Troutdale. Amenities include picnic areas, restrooms, walking trail, and ramp for small boats. Park is maintained by Metro. The cost to enter is $5/car and there is ample parking once inside the park. The park is open from 8 a.m. until legal sunset. For further information call 503-661-6087.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

BLUE RIVER: trout

Stocked in June with 650 legal-size and 100 trophy hatchery rainbow trout.

Two wild trout may be harvested per day above Blue River Reservoir only. Otherwise, anglers may keep five hatchery trout per day. Use of bait is allowed April 22 through Oct. 31. Beginning Nov. 1 through April 21, only flies and lures are allowed.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Was last stocked the week of June 18 with 3,000 legal-size and 350 trophy hatchery rainbow trout.

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. Blue River Reservoir boat ramps are no longer accessible.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

BREITENBUSH RIVER: trout

Will be stocked the week of Aug. 7 with 1,800 hatchery trout. 

This river flows through mostly U.S. Forest Service land into Detroit Lake and is open year-round. Salmon fishing is prohibited. During the summer it is stocked fairly regularly with hatchery trout. Anglers may keep up to five trout per day.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

CANBY POND: trout, bass, crappie, bluegill

Stocked the first week of May with 1,650 rainbow trout, including 250 trophies.

Canby Pond is a one-acre pond located on the south end of Canby, in Canby City Park. This pond is open only to youth 17 years old and under, as well as persons who have an ODFW Disabled Hunting and Fishing Permit.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

CARMEN RESERVOIR: trout

Was last stocked the week of June 4 with 3,000 legal-size and 550 trophy-size hatchery rainbow trout.

Carmen Reservoir is accessed via USFS Road 750 off Hwy. 126, about two miles south of Clear Lake. It is open to fishing all year. Motor boats are prohibited.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: winter steelhead, spring Chinook

Flows and temperatures have improved slightly on the Clackamas after several days of cooler temperatures. The flows are still too low for boats at this point so the few anglers working the river for spring Chinook and summer steelhead are doing so from the bank in the morning and evenings. There are decent numbers of summer steelhead in the river but most are concentrated in Rivermill Reservoir and the section below Clackamas Hatchery at Dog Creek.

A few summers are being found below Foster Creek upstream of Carver Park but with flows so low it is difficult to access where the fish are from the bank. The few springers that are returning to the river this year are likely holed up in the deeper waters, which are getting harder and harder to find.

Trout (residual steelhead and fallback trout from upstream reservoirs) fishing is good in the McIver Park stretch so give that a try and you may run into a steelhead heading toward Dog Creek. The ospreys have been fishing hard, lately, and are fun to watch dive for fish. The turkey vultures are also out in force as they clean up spawned out carcasses that wash up on the river banks.

USGS hydrological data for Aug. 7 shows river flows improving slightly to 853 cfs, and the water temperature cooling by a half a degree to 66. °F, and a gage height of 10.76 ft. All of the readings come 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.

CLEAR LAKE: trout

Was last stocked the week of July 16 with 3,500 legal and 1,550 trophy-size hatchery rainbow trout.

Some of the fish were tagged as part of ODFW’s tag reward program, and you can still can still catch a fish with a tag that could win you a $50 gift card! Clear Lake is accessed from Hwy. 126 approximately 70 miles east of Springfield. Linn County’s Clear Lake Resort rents cabins and boats.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: trout

Was last stocked the week of July 2 with 2,000 legal-size 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.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

COMMONWEALTH LAKE: rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, crappie

Stocked in May with 1,000 rainbow trout. 

This is a three-acre stocked lake within the Commonwealth Lake Park in Beaverton, Oregon. Commonwealth Park is maintained by Tualatin Hills Park and Rec. Amenities include ADA accessible trail, picnic tables, playground, and restrooms.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

COTTAGE GROVE POND (ROW RIVER NATURE PARK POND): trout, warmwater species

Was last stocked the week of April 2 with 1,800 legal- and 400 trophy-size trout.

Cottage Grove Ponds are open to year-round fishing and are accessed via an asphalt pathway behind the truck scales on Row River Road. In addition to fishing, these ponds also offer wildlife viewing opportunities and a fishing dock is available on-site.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

COTTAGE GROVE RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Was stocked in April with 4,250 legal- and 400 trophy-size hatchery rainbow trout.

In Cottage Grove Reservoir, you could catch a fish with a tag that could win you a $50 gift card as part of ODFW’s tag reward program. Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year. Lakeside boat ramp remains closed.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout, kokanee

Was stocked the week of July 16 with over 9,500 legal-size trout, and 500 trophy trout.

Trout in this reservoir are active year-round. Trolling slowly near drop–offs can be an effective technique. Kokanee fishing has also been very good this spring, with most fish being in the range of 11- to 13-inches. The water level is slowly dropping but most boat launches are still currently available.

NOTICE: The Oregon Health Authority has issued a health advisory for Detroit Lake due to harmful levels of cyanotoxins associated with blue-green algae. Swallowing water should be avoided and skin contact may cause a rash for those with skin sensitivities. Keep pets out of water and do not allow them to drink out of the lake. The Oregon Health Authority offers these guidelines for fishing during an algae bloom.

NOTICE: Anglers are encouraged to report their catch on forms available at signs and kiosks which have been installed at key locations around the lake. Simply fill out the form and return in the designated drop boxes. There is also 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.    

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout

Was stocked the week of April 16 with 1,400 legal- and 1,200 trophy-size hatchery rainbow trout.

Dexter Reservoir is also a location where ODFW released tag reward fish last fall, so you could still potentially catch a fish with a tag that could win you a $50 gift card. Dexter Reservoir near Lowell is visible from Hwy. 58. Boat and bank access is available from 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.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

DORENA RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater

Stocked in April with 4,500 legal-size and 500 trophy hatchery rainbow trout. Dorena Reservoir is a location where ODFW released tag reward fish last fall, so you could still potentially catch a fish with a tag that could win you a $50 gift card.

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 boat ramp is accessible at the current reservoir elevation.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

DORMAN POND - trout

Stocked in May with 2,000 legal-size rainbow trout.

This is an 8-acre pond west of Forest Grove at the junction of Hwy. 8 and Hwy. 6

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

EAGLE CREEK: winter steelhead

The winter steelhead season is over on Eagle Creek and water levels are currently very low. If flows allow there could be spring Chinook in the creek from releases done at Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery. However with low numbers of springers so far in the Clackamas and very low water Eagle Creek doesn’t offer much opportunity except for perhaps down near the mouth.

Keep in mind that long stretches of Eagle Creek do indeed run through private property, particularly up near the hatchery and from an area below the lower ladder on down near Bonnie Lure to the mouth. Anglers are advised to pay close attention to where you fish and we encourage you to ask permission prior to accessing or crossing private lands on your way to your favorite fishing hole. See Page 15 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulation pamphlet for more information on “Your Rights to Use the Surface, Bed, and Banks of Oregon’s Rivers and Lakes.”

EE WILSON POND: warmwater species, trout

Trout stocking season has ended for EE Wilson Pond. However, warmwater fishing can be good thanks to healthy populations of bass, bluegill, and crappie.

A parking permit is required and one can be purchased online or at any ODFW office.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

ESTACADA LAKE: trout, steelhead

Stocked in July  with 3,800 legal-size hatchery trout.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

FALL CREEK: trout

Was last stocked the week of June 11 with 2,000 legal-size rainbow trout. Fall Creek is open all year for trout. 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.

Below Fall Creek Dam the creek is open all year for hatchery Chinook, hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead greater than 24-inches.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

Fall Creek Reservoir was last stocked the week of June 18 with 2,000 legal-size and 250 trophy-size hatchery trout.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

FARADAY LAKE: trout

Stocked in July with 3,800 rainbow trout.

This is a 25-acre reservoir located 1.1 miles southeast of Estacada on Hwy. 224 next to a PGE hydro plant. No boats, walk-in only.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

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 water body. 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. 

There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps. The reservoir is currently full and all boat ramps should be available. 

FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish

The reservoir is currently full and all boat ramps should be available to launch boats. 

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.

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. This reservoir receives hatchery trout in the spring and fall.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

FREEWAY LAKE, EAST: trout, bass bluegill crappie

Spring trout stocking season has ended for Freeway Lake. Fishing for warmwater gamefish such as bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish can be very good, especially early and late in the day.

This water-body 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.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout

Open to fishing through Oct. 31. Gold Lake has special fishing regulations in place which include no retention of rainbow trout, no limit on brook trout, no motorboats, fly-fishing only (has to be a fly rod, no spinning rigs) and barbless hooks.

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

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, trout, bass

Green Peter Reservoir has received a total of 35,750 trout this year.

Trout as well as bass are good options for anglers this time of year. Look for them near ledges and drop-offs as well as near underwater structure. Anglers are reporting catching kokanee that are already 12- to 13-inches at varying depths, but mostly below 60 feet. Currently the water elevation of the reservoir is about 45 feet below full pool as of Aug. 6. Only Thistle Creek boat ramp is currently available to launch boats. 

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

HALDEMAN POND: trout

Stocked in April with 2,500 trout.

The pond was stocked last week with 1,500 legal-size trout. Stocked the week of April 23 with 2,500 legal-sized rainbow trout.

This is a two-acre pond on the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area that offers good bank access. This site is ideal for kids. A parking permit is required while on the wildlife area. Permits are available from all ODFW license vendors.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

HARTMAN POND: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

This is a year-round warmwater and spring trout fishing pond in the Columbia River Gorge, with easy access for non-boating anglers just off Interstate 84. It is stocked with legal- and trophy-size trout in the spring and also supports year-round populations of crappie, bass and catfish. From I-84, take the Benson State Park exit. The pond is adjacent to the Columbia River adjoining Benson State Recreation Area.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

HARRIET LAKE: trout

Stocked the week of July 16 with 3,000 legals.

This 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.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

HENRY HAGG LAKE: rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead, native cutthroat trout

Stocked in May with legal- and trophy-size trout.

Hagg Lake, located near Forest Grove, is one of Oregon’s premier warmwater fishing locations, with populations of record-class largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie and bullhead. It also supports a resident population of native cutthroat trout and is frequently stocked with hatchery trout.

The lake is now open year-round and is stocked regularly throughout the spring and fall. This is a 1,110-acre lake waterbody located seven miles southwest of Forest Grove.

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.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

HIGH MOUNTAIN LAKES: trout (rainbow, brook, cutthroat)

There are many mountain lakes available in the area for day use or overnight camping that require only a short hike to reach. Many are easy day hikes, perfect for packing in a lunch and doing some fishing then heading home in early evening. Others require a bit more planning and prep as the distance and terrain dictates so a good topographical map should be considered. When hiking into any of the high lakes be prepared for the unexpected from weather, to mosquitos, to accidents. And please pack out what you pack in!

Although the high lakes season is at its peak right now there’s still a good chance of encountering snow or ice at higher elevations. Hikers may also encounter a few trails with downed trees or boulders across them as a result of the heavy snowfall this past winter. It’s best to contact the U.S. Forest Service for up-to-date information if you’re considering a venture into areas you’re unsure of.

Some of these high lakes get very little use, and anglers will often find the solitude incredible. If you plan to camp keep in mind that overnight temperatures at the higher elevations can be quite chilly, even in mid-summer. And with the wildfire season now in full swing you should check on restrictions regarding open campfires.

Maps should be available from the local U.S. Forest Service office. A list of stocked high lakes in is available MyODFW.com. And if you’re new to this fishery, here’s an article on fishing Oregon’s high lakes.

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater fish

Was stocked the week of May 21 with 3,000 legal-size trout.

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 remains accessible at current reservoir elevation.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

HUDDLESTON POND: trout, bass, bluegill

Stocked in May with 1,200 legals and 100 trophies.

This is a 5-acre pond located within Huddleston Pond Park in the city of Willamina, Ore. A former mill pond, this venue has "kid-friendly" edges, is ADA accessible in places, with a restroom and picnic areas nearby.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, crappie

The trout stocking season has ended for Junction City Pond. However, warmwater fishing opportunities will continue through the summer. 

*Note, Junction City Pond will be closed for the month of August in order to effect improvements to the parking lot and bathroom facilities. The archery range also will be closed during this time. 

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

Will be stocked the week of Aug. 6 with 2,000 legal-size and 150 trophy hatchery rainbow trout.

Leaburg Lake is open to fishing all year. Bait can be used from April 22 – October 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.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

MCKENZIE RIVER below Leaburg Lake (R1): trout, salmon, steelhead

Will be stocked the week of July 23 with 3,000 legal hatchery rainbow trout.

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Check page 46 of the 2018 Sport Fishing Regulations for bait restrictions in the segment you plan to fish. Beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies.

There are a lot of fish are in the river, and the fishing continues to be pretty good although it’s more challenging with water temperatures hovering around 60 F. Leaburg Hatchery collected 70 summer steelhead last week, and recycled 50 of them. This was the first recycling trip of the year, and by the look of the number of boats on the river last weekend the fishing must be pretty good. Fish collection at McKenzie hatchery is starting to slow down. Last week 253 additional spring Chinook returned to McKenzie Hatchery for a total of 4,192 on the year. In addition, 4 summer steelhead came in for a total of 215 thus far this season.

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.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

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

The McKenzie River above Leaburg Lake will be stocked the week of July 31 with 5,649 legal-size hatchery 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. As of Nov. 1, anglers may use only lures and artificial flies.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: trout, salmon, steelhead

The Middle Fork Willamette River is open to bait below Dexter Dam only. Reminder: Restrictions from Dexter Dam to appoximately 700 ft downstream to the markers: No angling from the north shore, from a floating device, or while wading (pg 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.

MOLALLA RIVER: winter steelhead, spring Chinook

With more than 24,000 spring Chinook passing at Willamette Falls a number of these fish should have entered the Molalla River, offering anglers an opportunity to land a springer in a smaller river setting. These fish are returns from releases done at the acclimation pond in place upstream of Feyrer Park. This late into the season many of these chinook may have been in the river for a while and quality could be questionable.

USGS hydrological data for the Molalla as of Aug. 7 shows flows at 46 cfs and declining, with a gauge measurement of 9.47 feet. All of the readings come from the Canby gauge.

MT HOOD POND: trout, crappie, bluegill

Stocked for a youth fishing event in May. Aquatic vegetation associated with warmer temperatures this time of year make fishing Mt. Hood Pond challenging. Trout stocking will resume in September when temperatures are more favorable.

Mt. Hood Pond is located on the Mt. Hood Community College campus in Gresham, at 26000 SE Stark St.

Fishing at this location is restricted to youths age 17 and under and Disabled Angler licensees from April 1 - Aug. 31.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: trout, steelhead, salmon

Stocked the week of July 16 with 3,500 legals. Stocked earlier this season with more than 26,000 trout of various sizes.

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.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

OLALLIE LAKE: trout

Stocked in May with legal- and trophy-size trout.

This is the largest of more than 200 lakes within the Olallie Lake Scenic Area. Located on the southern edge of the Mt. Hood National Forest it is a popular summer recreational destination for people from Portland and Salem, Ore. There are three campgrounds and a rustic cabin resort on this lake as well as a hiking trail that encircles the perimeter. Yurts, cabins, and boat rentals are available at Olallie Lake Resort.

There is a boat ramp at Peninsula Campground on the southwest shore of the lake. Camping is also available at Olallie Meadows Campground and Paul Dennis Campground. Olallie Lake is also a popular jumping off point for backpackers who want to fish the surrounding high lakes or access the Pacific Crest Trail.

PROGRESS LAKE – rainbow trout, brown bullhead

Stocked the week of May 4 with 1,000 rainbow trout.

This is a 4-acre pond next to the Progress Ridge Town Center in Beaverton. The pond is an old rock pit and has a maximum depth of 54 feet. There is a sidewalk, fishing platform and viewing platform on one side of the lake. It is deeper than many Willamette Valley ponds and thus stays cool and “fishable” longer into the summer than shallower ponds.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

QUARTZVILLE CREEK: trout

Was stocked the week of July 16 with 2,400 hatchery trout. Flows continue to drop and are currently at 23 cfs as of Aug. 6 (best conditions for fishing are below 300 cfs). This would be an excellent time to check out this beautiful river. Best time of day is usually early in the morning or later in the evening.

Small spinners and flies work very well here, but bait is allowed.  Anglers may keep up to five trout per day all year.

SALISH POND: trout, warm water species

Parking is available at the school after 5 p.m. weekdays and all weekend. Parking is no longer available adjacent to the pond along Glisan St. Informational signs regarding use of the area have been posted by the City of Fairview around the pond’s shoreline.

SALMON CREEK: trout

Salmon Creek will be stocked the week pf Aug. 6 with 1,801 legal-size and 300 trophy hatchery rainbow trout.

Salmon Creek is open to fishing all year. As of Nov. 1 anglers may use only 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.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

SALMONBERRY LAKE: trout, sunfish

Stocked in April with legal- and trophy-size rainbow trout.  

Salmonberry Lake is owned by the city of St. Helens and is about three acres in size. It is a former municipal water supply secluded in the woods off of Pittsburgh Road. The road to the pond is gated and anglers must walk about 1/3 mile to access this pond.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

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. As of Nov. 1 anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Two wild trout may be kept per day, 8-inch minimum length.

SANDY RIVER: winter steelhead, Chinook                                                                                         

The trap on the Bull Run River at Dodge Park has seen over 170 hatchery spring chinook swim in so far. Also fishing for springers and summers has continued to be fair to good in the Cedar Creek area. The mainstem Sandy has seen some decent catch rates all the way up to the Dodge Park area but flows are getting very low and some areas in the lower river below Oxbow Park will require pushing a drift boat through the thin spots.

Flows will pick up and become turbid with increasing air temperature later this week and that will improve angling conditions from the Bull Run River downstream. There are good numbers of hatchery and wild spring Chinook in the river along with summer steelhead below the mouth of Cedar Creek. ODFW staff have collected over 150 hatchery spring Chinook in the trap in the Bull Run River which is ahead of last year’s pace where we only had collected 25 to date. It will be a good opportunity to try the Sandy River in coming weeks as long as the river does not blow out with prolonged heat over 90 degrees. Glacial melt will lead to excessive turbidity reducing angler chances simply due to the dark color of the water. Anglers should target early morning and late afternoon/evening (low light on the water) for the best angling conditions.

Anglers can find bank access to the Sandy River in several areas from Troutdale up to Brightwood. Lewis and Clark Park, Dabney Park, Oxbow Park, and Dodge Park all offer good spots for bank fishing as well as having boat ramps if you have a drift boat or sled.

USGS hydrological data for Aug. 7 shows Sandy flows at 370 cfs, with a gauge reading of 7.77 feet and the water temperature on the Little Sandy at Bull Run around 65° F.

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK): steelhead, Chinook, trout

As of Aug. 6, flows are around 1,100 cfs at the Mehama gauge. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs.

The spring Chinook run is pretty much over at this point with very few new fish entering the river. Over 26,500 Chinook having crossed Willamette Falls as of Aug. 6. 

Most anglers are targeting summer steelhead which can be found holding on the edges of the faster current. Over 1,600 summer steelhead and another 2,950 hatchery spring Chinook have already made it as high as Stayton, with more on the way. 

Open to trout fishing through Oct. 31. Anglers are allowed to keep up to 5 hatchery trout per day, but wild trout need to be released unharmed.

NOTICE: Oregon State Marine Board Reports a fallen tree blocking a portion of the river just upstream from the confluence with the South Santiam. Boaters are urged to avoid the area.  For more information visit the Marine Board website.      

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK) above DETROIT: trout

This section of the river is open year-round for trout. It was stocked again the week the week of July 30 with 3,000 legal-size hatchery trout.

The river is in great shape at the moment, running cold and clear. Anglers may keep up to five trout per day. This section of river is closed to salmon fishing.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

SANTIAM RIVER (SOUTH FORK): steelhead, Chinook, bass, trout

There are plenty of summer steelhead in the river at the moment, most of these above Waterloo. Over 8,700 fish have navigated up Willamette Falls and a fair number of these have made it into the South Santiam. Just over 1,065 adult summer steelhead have entered the ladder at Foster as of Aug. 6, the majority of these within the last few weeks.

Chinook are also a good bet for anglers, mainly in sections above Lebanon. Flows in the river at Waterloo have dropped to 850 cfs with the drier weather. If you are thinking about launching a boat, be aware that some riffles have become too shallow to get over with a motor.  Drift boats are a better option at these flows.

With hot temperatures settling in, anglers are reminded that coldwater species such as salmon and trout are vulnerable to heat related stress. Anglers are encouraged to fish during cooler parts of the day, to bring fish into the net as quickly as possible, and to release wild fish carefully without damaging their gills.  The more wild fish that survive until spawning, the stronger the next generation of salmon will be.

The river below Foster Reservoir is open to trout fishing through Oct. 31 and anglers are allowed to keep up to five hatchery trout. Catch-and-release fishing is open in the upper river above Foster Reservoir. As a reminder, fishing in the upper river above Foster is allowed only with flies and lures, no bait.  Fishing for salmon above Foster is prohibited.   

SHERIDAN POND: trout

Stocked the week of May 28 with 1,500 legal-size rainbow trout.

To get to Sheridan Pond, take Hwy. 18 to Exit 33 onto Balston Rd. Go south on Balston Rd. approximately half a mile and turn left onto a gravel road leading about a quarter mile to the pond.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

SHORTY’S POND: trout

Stocked with trout in April for a youth fishing event. Some of those fish may still be available, although aquatic vegetation can become a problem as the weather warms.

Shorty’s Pond is a 4-acre pond located within Ivor Davies Nature Park in in Molalla, across from Heckard Football Stadium. It can be accessed by the Fifth St. Trailhead, and there is plenty of fishing access around the perimeter of the pond.

SILVER CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, catfish

Stocked the week of June 18 with 3,900 legals and 350 trophy-sized rainbow trout. 

This is a 65-acre reservoir on Silver Creek 2.5 miles south of Silverton on Hwy. 214.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

SMALL FRY LAKE: trout

Stocked the week of June 11 with 300 legal-size rainbow trout.

This is a small youth-only fishing pond located next to Promontory Park and North Fork Reservoir near Estacada. It was stocked several times earlier this season.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

SMITH RESERVOIR: trout

The Eugene Water & Electric Board has begun a five-year construction project to retrofit, refurbish and upgrade capital equipment at its Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project. The work is being conducted in anticipation of a new federal operating license for the project.

The capital construction projects planned for the 2017-2021 time frame will create significant public access constraints due primarily to safety concerns. In order to keep the public and construction personnel safe during the five-year 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 will begin in March 2017 and continue through 2021.

ST. LOUIS PONDS: trout, bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, channel catfish

Stocked in May with 3,700 rainbow trout.

St. Louis Ponds is a 240-acre fishing complex of seven ponds owned and managed jointly by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Marion County Parks Department. The site has a 2,300-foot paved ADA footpath with turnouts, fishing platforms, restrooms and picnic tables. It is stocked throughout the year with hatchery trout and has many other species of warmwater fish.

A gate providing access to the last mile of dirt road to the complex is open March 1-Sept. 30, although anglers are still permitted to walk in to fish during the seasonal gate closure. March/April hours are 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

St. Louis Ponds is located 13 miles north of Salem and west of I-5. To get to there from the north, take the Woodburn exit off I-5. Then go east to Hwy. 99E. At Hwy. 99E, head south to the town of Gervais. At the light, go west on Gervais Rd. through Gervais. Gervais Rd. changes to St Louis Rd. Continue west on St Louis Rd. as it crosses over I-5 to Tesch Lane, at the railroad crossing. Go left on Tesch Lane and follow the signs to the ponds, about a mile to the main parking lot.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

SUNNYSIDE PARK POND: trout, bass, bluegill

Spring trout stocking season has ended for Sunnyside Pond.

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.

To get there from I-5, take US 20 through the town of Sweet Home and continue around Foster Reservoir to Quartzville Creek road. Take a left and follow this road for two miles to the park.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

TIMBER LINN LAKE: rainbow trout

Last stocked in June.

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.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

TIMOTHY LAKE (Timothy Meadows Reservoir): rainbow trout, kokanee, eastern brook, cutthroat trout, crayfish

Excellent trout fishing for bank and boat anglers. Try the Crater Creek arm or near the mouth of the Oak Grove Fork for larger (hold-overs from 2017 and trophy trout stocking in 2018) and legal-size trout that concentrate in these areas of the lake. Kokanee fishing is not as good as the last few years as most kokanee are less than 10-inches compared to the more robust 12-to 14-inch fish seen in 2017.

Timothy Lake is located within the Mt. Hood National Forest approximately 75 miles southeast of Portland via Hwy. 26. Designated in 2015 as one of ODFW’s “trophy trout” lakes, it is one of the most popular family camping and fishing destinations in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The lake's south shore features four developed campgrounds and boat ramps. Three smaller, less developed campgrounds are found in the north. A trail system for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians circles the lake. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail also traverses the area along the east side of the lake. Motorboats are allowed on Timothy Lake, although a 10 mph speed limit is in place.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

TRAIL BRIDGE RESERVOIR: trout

The Eugene Water & Electric Board has begun a five-year construction project to retrofit, refurbish and upgrade capital equipment at its Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project. The work is being conducted in anticipation of a new federal operating license for the project.

The capital construction projects planned for the 2017-2021 timeframe will create significant public access constraints due primarily to safety concerns. In order to keep the public and construction personnel safe during the five-year 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 through 2021.

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

Stocked in May with 3,000 legals, 113 trophies, and 40 rainbow trout brood fish.

Trillium is a 60-acre lake located approximately three miles east of Government Camp off of Hwy. 26. This lake is popular for fishing, camping and photography, often clearly reflecting Mount Hood. Adjacent Trillium Lake Campground is administered by the Zigzag Ranger District of the Mount Hood National Forest. The large campground features a seasonal boat ramp and wheelchair-accessible floating dock.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

TROJAN POND – trout, panfish

Stocked late April with 2,000 legal-size and 1,450 trophy trout. Warmwater fishing should be good this time of year.

Trojan Pond is a 15-acre pond located approximately 4.5 miles southeast of Rainier on the north side of Hwy. 30 at the old Trojan nuclear facility site. The pond is located on the right side of the road as soon as you turn onto the Trojan Access Road.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

WALLING POND: trout, crappie, bass

Trout stocking season has ended for Walling Pond.

This is an eight-acre privately-owned pond with public access in Salem at the northeast corner of McGilchrist and 16th Streets, S.E. 

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

WALTER WIRTH LAKE: trout, crappie, bass

Trout stocking season has ended for Walter Wirth Pond.

Walter Wirth is a 20-acre lake located within the City of Salem’s Cascades Gateway Park with good access all the way around.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

WAVERLY LAKE: trout, bluegill, catfish

Spring trout stocking season has ended for Waverly Pond.

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.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: sturgeon, spring Chinook, bass, crappie, perch, bluegill, walleye, catfish, brown bullhead   

Spring Chinook and shad fishing are all but over on the lower river, as spring Chinook and summer steelhead passage at Willamette Falls has slowed to a fish or two a day. Through July 28, a total of 24,510 adult spring Chinook and 8,747 summer steelhead had crossed the falls, headed for spawning grounds in the Molalla, Santiam and other upstream tributaries.

Warmwater fishing can be a viable alternative for fishermen who want to enjoy the warmer weather in the lower Willamette, Multnomah Channel and surrounding sloughs and still have the possibility of landing some nice fish. Successful warmwater fishermen tend to fish around bridges, pilings, wing dams, and other structures, which can be good spots to find warmwater fish.

Hydrological data for the Willamette on Aug. 6 had flows increasing slightly over prior week to 6,800 cfs, the water temperature cooling one degree to 79° F, and visibility clearing to 8.5 ft.

YAMHILL RIVER and tributaries: trout

Stocked in May with 1,500 legals and 400 trophies.

The Yamhill and its tributaries are now open year-round for trout under the 2017 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. Fishing shifts to catch-and-release for trout from Nov. 1 to May 21. Fishing and harvest of warmwater fish is also allowed during this period.

Check the 2018 stocking schedule.