Willamette Zone

Attention anglers – we want your photos!

Whether you’re out after trout or bass, steelhead or salmon, surfperch or rockfish, we’d love to see photos of your adventure. When you submit your photos to ODFW they could appear on our website or signs, or in social or brochures. What a great way to share your experience with others!

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Weekend fishing opportunities

• Chinook and summer steelhead have been making their way into the Santiam basin, and there are reports of early fish having been caught.
• Chinook fishing is still good in the McKenzie River below Leaburg and in the Middle Fork Willamette below Dexter Dam.
• With the onset of summer temperatures, trout anglers might turn their attention to cooler, moving waters such as Quartzville, Breitenbush, Salmon Creek, Coast Fork Willamette and North Fork Santiam rivers – all of which have been stocked recently.
• Shad fishing on the Willamette River in Oregon City and on the Columbia Below Bonneville Dam is about the only game in town as the Portland fleet moves into the doldrums of summer.
• A few spring Chinook are still being caught in the lower Willamette, mostly around the margins between the St. Johns Bridge and the head of the Multnomah Channel, although effort and returns have been low as of late.
• Warmwater fishing in the Willamette and stillwater venues such as Wilsonville Pond and Woodburn Pond could be a good bet, as these locations do not get a lot of fishing pressure and can, especially during periods of warm weather, produce some lunker crappie and largemouth bass – something to consider as other options become more scarce.
• Trout fishing anywhere you can find cooler temperatures is another possibility, including those locations at higher elevations. Harriet Lake, Timothy Lake, Trillium Lake and Mirror Lake, all located within the Mt. Hood National Forest, can be good places to beat the heat and maybe pick up a trout or two.
• Several Willamette Valley waterbodies are being stocked this week, including the North Fork Reservoir, Silver Creek Reservoir, Trillium Lake, Estacada Lake, Clear Lake, Detroit Lake, Alton Baker Canal, Quartzville Creek and Blue River Reservoir.

2019 STOCKING SCHEDULE AND STOCKING MAP

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: trout

Will be stocked early this week with 1,237 hatchery rainbow trout. In addition, at 10 am on Saturday June 15 you can watch us release 1,000 legal sized hatchery rainbow trout just prior to our Cumulus Media Kids Fishing Derby. 200 of the fish will be tagged. If a kid catches a tagged fish they will win a prize!! . ODFW staff and volunteers will be on hand to teach children how to fish, bait their hooks, and teach them how to clean fish (Ok, we’ll clean the fish for them).

The canoe canal is located within Alton Baker Park and can be accessed from 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.

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

Was stocked the week of May 27 with 4,000 legal-size trout.

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.

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

Most recent stocking was in mid-April.

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.

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

Stocked the week of May 13 with 1,500 legals

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.

BLUE RIVER: trout

Was last stocked the week of May 27 with 1,128  legal-size 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.

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Was last stocked the week of May 27 with 1,507 legal-size and 50 trophy 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.

BREITENBUSH RIVER: trout

This river is scheduled to be stocked again this week with about 1,800 rainbow 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 trout. Anglers may keep up to five trout per day. Flies and small spinners work well, but bait also is allowed. 

CANBY POND: trout, bass, crappie, bluegill

This pond was last stocked the week of April 29.

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.

CARMEN RESERVOIR: trout

Public access to Carmen Reservoir is prohibited effective immediately, probably until fall of 2020. ODFW will not be stocking trout in the reservoir this summer and all fishing events will be canceled. Closure is due to operations required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) resulting in reservoir drawdown over the summer.

Ice Cap Campground near the reservoir will remain open. Carmen Reservoir is accessed via USFS Road 750 off Hwy. 126, about two miles south of Clear Lake. It is normally open to fishing all year. Motor boats are prohibited.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: spring Chinook, summer steelhead

Fishing is continues to be slow on the Clackamas River, although moderating temperatures the past several days is providing some relief. The water remains low and clear right now, which, coupled with poor hatchery Chinook and summer steelhead returns, adds up to a challenging situation at best. Effort also remains very low, which means those who want to get out can do so without running into other anglers. A few hatchery summer steelhead are dribbling in so it’s not entirely a lost cause. Under these circumstances anglers might want to consider using clear bobbers and small jigs to achieve the stealth they will need to lure any fish into biting.

USGS hydrological data for June 12 shows river flows at 1,210 cfs water temperature steady at61° F, and the gauge at 11.15 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

One angler reported the lake was “on fire for trout” recently. The lake was stocked the week of May 27 with 2,934 legal and 250 trophy-size trout.

Clear Lake is accessed from Hwy. 126 approximately 70 miles east of Springfield. Linn County’s Clear Lake Resort rents cabins and boats.

COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: trout

Will be stocked again this with 733 legal-size 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.

COMMONWEALTH LAKE: rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, crappie

Stocked with rainbow trout in late April.

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.

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

Was last stocked the week of April 8 with 1,500 legal-size rainbow trout.

Cottage Grove Ponds are open to year-round fishing and 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.

COTTAGE GROVE RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Was last stocked the week of April 29 with 5,000 trophy-size rainbow trout.

Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year. Lakeside boat ramp is now open.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout, kokanee

This large reservoir was stocked the week of June 10 with about 5,000 larger trophy-size rainbow trout. Fishing has started to heat up for both trout and kokanee with warmer temperatures and more food available. Trout are mainly being caught between the surface and 25 feet down, kokanee below that. 

Currently, the reservoir is completely full, which means the fishing conditions will be very good this entire year.  All boat ramps should be available to launch boats at this time. Check the US Army Corps of Engineer’s website for more information.

NOTICE: Regular anglers of Detroit Lake may notice that this year’s hatchery trout are averaging a bit bigger this year than in past years. This is because ODFW has decided to stock fewer but larger fish. 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.  

DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout

Was last stocked in mid-April with 5,000 trophy-size rainbow trout.

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.

DORENA RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater

Was last stocked the week of April 29 with 5,000 trophy-size 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 boat ramp is accessible at the current reservoir elevation.

DORMAN POND - trout

Was last stocked the week of April 29.

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

EAGLE CREEK: spring Chinook

Over the next few weeks, spring Chinook should begin to make an appearance if water levels allow. A couple spring Chinook may be available in the creek now from the lower ladder up to the reach below the hatchery.

Keep in mind that long stretches of Eagle Creek do 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

Stocking has been completed at this pond for the season. The pond will be temporarily closed while access improvements are being built. We expect this will take a few weeks. The pond will be re-opened as soon as construction is completed.

This pond is located inside EE Wilson Wildlife Area. To get to it requires a 1/3 mile hike from the parking area.

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

ESTACADA LAKE: trout, steelhead

Will be stocked this week with 2,000 legal-sized trout. Open year around for hatchery salmon and hatchery steelhead.

FALL CREEK: trout

Was last stocked the week of June 3 with 1,333 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.

FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

Was last stocked the week of April 29 with 1,800 legal and 150 trophy-size rainbow trout. This stocking is not on the main stocking schedule, so you only get this information from the Recreation Report. Fishing should be really good!

FARADAY LAKE: trout

Faraday Lake is now closed while PGE updates its powerhouse at Rivermill Dam. This closure is expected to continue through the fall of 2020.

Stocking will resume when the lake reopens.

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.  Currently, the reservoir is completely full and the three main public boat ramps are available to launch boats. 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.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish

The reservoir is stocked with trout several times in spring and fall. It was last stocked the week of May 20 with about 4,000 rainbow trout. The reservoir is in excellent shape at the moment and the fishing should be fairly good.

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. The reservoir is full.  Currently, boaters can launch at all three 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.

FREEWAY LAKE, EAST: trout, bass bluegill crappie

The lake was stocked the week of May 27 with about 1,000 trout. Fishing for warmwater gamefish such as bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish can be very good, especially early and late in the day in spring and summer. Water has warmed up enough for these fish to become active. 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.

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.

GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout

Is open for fishing! The lake opened to fishing on May 22 through will remain open until Oct. 31. Gold Lake has special fishing regulations in place that 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

This waterbody was last stocked the week of May 20 with about 3,300 trout. 

The water elevation in the reservoir is about 22 feet below full pool at the moment. Both Whitcomb Island and Thistle Creek boat ramps are available now for anglers to launch boats. 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. Check the US Army Corps of Engineer’s website for more information.

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. Kokanee fishing is heating up with most fish in the 8- to 9-inch range. Reports of kokanee fishing over the weekend had fish biting in the morning hours at depths of 30-50 feet.  The bag limit for kokanee is 25 fish per day in addition to the 5 trout daily limit.

HALDEMAN POND: trout

The pond was last stocked the week of April 22 with 2,664 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.

HARTMAN POND: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

Was last stocked the week of May 27 with 1,250 legal-size trout.

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.

HARRIET LAKE: trout

This lake is scheduled to be stocked this week with 2,000 legal trout.

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.

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

This lake was last stocked the week of May 27 with 4,000 legal-size trout. Both boat ramps are open, and bank fishing can be good this time of year as trout often forage near the shore in spring.

Located near Forest Grove, Hagg Lake 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 trout. Record-class largemouth bass and brown bullhead can be caught here.

The lake is now open year-round and is stocked regularly throughout the spring and fall. Henry Hagg 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.

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater fish

Was last stocked the week of April 29 with 3,200 legal-size rainbow 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.

HUDDLESTON POND: trout, bass, bluegill

Will be stocked the week of May 27 with 1,325 trout.

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.

JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, crappie

The pond was stocked the week of May 27 with 1,100 trout. It was stocked several times in May and should have plenty of holdover fish for anglers to catch. Anglers are reminded that you are allowed to keep one fish over 20-inches as part of the five fish bag limit.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

Will be stocked again this week with 1,533 legal-size 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.

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

Will be stocked this week with 5,067 legal-size rainbow trout. Spring Chinook fishing was really heating up leading into the Free Fishing Weekend on June 1-2. River levels have remained consistent and fishing should remain productive.

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.

Fishing continues to be pretty good for summer steelhead downstream of Leaburg Dam. No new fish were captured at McKenzie Hatchery this week, so the total return to the hatchery this year stands at 4,377 spring Chinook and 216 summer steelhead for the year.

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.

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

Will be stocked again this week with 833 rainbow trout, and was also stocked last week with 7,440 legal-size 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.

MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: trout, salmon, steelhead

Spring Chinook fishing remains decent below Dexter Dam.

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 (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, steelhead

Use ODFW fish crossing information from Willamette Falls as an indicator of fish movement in the Molalla and Santiam systems. As of March 24, no hatchery winter steelhead and only four hatchery spring Chinook had crossed the falls into the upper Willamette.

USGS hydrological data for the Molalla as of March 26 shows flows at 1,200 cfs, with a gauge height of 12.32 feet. All of the readings come from the Canby gauge.

MT HOOD POND: trout, crappie, bluegill

Last stocked the week of April 29 with 1,000 legal-size rainbow trout.

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.

NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: trout, steelhead, salmon

The reservoir is scheduled to be stocked this week with 7,000 legal-size 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.

OLALLIE LAKE: 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

Last stocked the week of April 29.

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.

QUARTZVILLE CREEK: trout

This river above Green Peter Reservoir is usually stocked between May and July. It was stocked the week of June 10 with about 2,300 trout. Flows have decreased a fair amount over the past week and are around 95 cfs as of June 3. (Best conditions for fishing are below 300 cfs.)

Trout are active year-round and anglers are allowed to keep up to five fish daily.

SALISH POND: trout, warm water species

This pond is scheduled to be stocked the week of May 27 with 1,500 legal and 125 trophy trout.

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

Will be stocked again this week with 250 legal-size 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.

SALMONBERRY LAKE: trout, sunfish

The lake was last stocked with 1,000 rainbow trout the week of April 22.

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 Pittsburgh Road. The road to the pond is gated and anglers must walk about 1/3 mile to access this pond.

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: spring Chinook, summer steelhead                    

Steelhead fishing on the Sandy was picking back up with the recent warm weather and subsequent low level snow melt. Now the river is running clear and at a moderate level, good conditions for fishing. That is expected to change soon, however, as water levels rise due to glacial melt.

Once the river recedes and clears, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to target spring Chinook, which are due to show up in decent numbers anytime now.

Those anglers who are finding success are using predominantly bobber and jig, colored beads or spinners. Anglers can also find bank access to the Sandy River in several areas from Troutdale up to Brightwood. Lewis and Clark Park, Dabney Park, and Dodge Park all offer good spots for bank fishing.

USGS hydrological data for June 12 shows Sandy flows at 714 cfs, with a gauge reading of 8.35 feet and the water temperature on the Little Sandy at Bull Run on the rise at 55° F.

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

As of June 17, flows were around 1,630 cfs at the Mehama gauge, with good fishing conditions. These flows not are likely to change much over the next couple of weeks. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs.

More fish are arriving daily in the basin but counts at Willamette Falls are below average for both spring Chinook and summer steelhead. So far they have counted around 2,600 summer steelhead and 17,500 spring Chinook at Willamette Falls. As of June 16, 2,474 Chinook and 193 summer steelhead have been counted at the Bennett ladders. Best bets for anglers are in the middle sections of river where the fish are thickest, such as between Stayton to the take out at Shelburn and from Fisherman’s Bend to Mehama. 

Meanwhile, the river is now open for trout through the end of October. Anglers can keep up to 5 hatchery trout per day, but any wild trout must be released unharmed.

Notice:  The counting station at Bennett Dam is not funded after June 30 and the station will be closing down. It will reopen if/when funding becomes available. 

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK) above DETROIT: trout

This section of the river is open year-round for trout. It will be stocked again this week with 2,000 trout. Most trout can be found from Marion Forks down to the mouth and are fairly well distributed. The river is flowing at around 800 cfs, which is about average for this time of year. Water may still be a bit milky-colored from snowmelt, but will clear up over the next few weeks. 

Anglers may keep up to five trout per day. This section of river is closed to salmon fishing.

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

Currently, flows are good and should hold steady at around 1,200. The summer steelhead run is in full swing, and there are reports of fish being caught throughout the river. The counts at Willamette Falls as of June 14 are around 2,600 summer steelhead and 17,500 spring Chinook. Many of these fish are destined for the South Santiam, but so far only a handful of Chinook and about 168 summer steelhead have entered the ladder at Foster Dam.

Summer steelhead can generally be found throughout the upper basin below Foster Reservoir, especially above Waterloo Park. But this time of year new fish are migrating through the lower sections as well.  Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs.

The entire river is now open to trout fishing through the end of October. Anglers may keep up to 5 hatchery trout per day, but any wild trout must be released unharmed. 

SHERIDAN POND: trout

The pond is scheduled to be stocked this week with 1,000 legal trout.

Sheridan Pond is a 2 1/2-acre pond located on the edge of town. It provides excellent access for families and kids. Good parking. There is an outhouse provided. 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.

SILVER CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, catfish

The reservoir is scheduled to be stocked this week with 2,800 trout, including 200 trophies.

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

SMALL FRY LAKE: trout

This is small pond next to Promontory Park and North Fork Reservoir near Estacada. Fishing restricted to youths 17 and under. Cleaning station, restroom nearby. It is scheduled to be stocked this week with 300 legal-sized trout.

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

The pond was last stocked with rainbow trout the week of May 20.

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 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.

SUNNYSIDE PARK POND: trout, bass, bluegill

The final spring trout stocking for this waterbody was in early June about 333 trout.   

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.

TIMBER LINN LAKE: rainbow trout

The final spring stocking for this waterbody was the week of May 13 with 275 trout.  Stocking will begin again in the fall. As a reminder to anglers, only one fish over 20-inches is allowed as part of the 5 fish bag limit.

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.

TIMOTHY LAKE: trout

Scheduled to be stocked this week with 3,000 legal and 500 trophy trout.

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     

The lake is scheduled to be stocked this week with 3,600 legal-sized trout, 334 trophy trout and 40 brood trout.

TROJAN POND – trout, panfish

The pond was recently stocked for a family/youth fishing event. There may be holdover fish, although it was an enthusiastic crowd.

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.

TUALATIN RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES: trout

The Tualatin 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.

WALLING POND: trout, crappie, bass

This pond received its final spring trout stocking the week of May 20 with 800 hatchery trout. Anglers may keep only one fish over 20-inches as part of a 5 fish bag limit.

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

WALTER WIRTH LAKE: trout, crappie, bass

This urban lake was stocked the week of May 27 with about 1,700 trout. 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.

WAVERLY LAKE: trout, bluegill, catfish

This lake was last stocked the week of May 13 with 180 trout. Trout stocking will begin again in the fall. Anglers may keep only one fish over 20-inches as part of their 5 trout bag limit. Once trout fishing dies down in the summer, there are still bass, bluegill and bullhead catfish for anglers to chase.

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.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: steelhead, Chinook, sturgeon, bass, walleye, other warmwater species

Shad are providing plenty of opportunity to get out and reel in some good-sized fish – and lots of them, as evidenced by ODFW’s final creel report for the year. Last week the more than 1,000 angler trips that occurred on the Willamette downstream of Willamette Falls, yielded a total catch of 9,200 fish, of which more than 2,500 were released.

While the Chinook and steelhead are getting fewer and farther in-between, there are still a few of them to be had by persistent anglers who aren’t ready to give up entirely, yet. In addition to the shad, last week’s effort yielded a harvest of 70 Springers and 24 fish released, which was still better than this summer steelhead fishery, which didn’t produce a single fish.

So now the waiting game resumes as the Portland fleet looks forward to the arrival of coho, which have yet to make a swim-by at ODFW’s Willamette Falls fish-counting station. The good news is that when they do show up, usually in late August and early September, it will likely be in greater numbers than in the recent past, as early indicators are pointing to a better than average run,

Warmwater fishing can be another option for anglers in the lower Willamette, Multnomah Channel and surrounding sloughs during the spring and on into the summer. Successful warmwater anglers tend to fish around bridges, pilings, wing dams, and other structures, which can be good spots to find warmwater fish, including walleye, crappie, and bass, which are plentiful in the Willamette.

Further upstream, the section between Albany and Harrisburg is open year-round for trout fishing, which can be very good when flows are cooperating. Anglers are allowed to keep two trout per day. Smallmouth bass fishing can be excellent between Salem and Albany starting in May.

Hydrological data for the Willamette at Willamette Falls on June 18 showed flows declining to 10,900 cfs, visibility holding at around 7 ft., and a water temperature up 15 degrees from prior week to 79 degrees.

YAMHILL RIVER and tributaries: trout

Beginning May 22 anglers may keep 2 trout a day, 8-inch minimum through Nov. 1, when the regulations revert to catch-and-release. The river was stocked with 2,400 trout the week of May 20. Fishing and harvest of warmwater fish is also allowed during this period.