Willamette Zone

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Best bets for weekend fishing

• With over 20,000 springers over Willamette Falls, anglers have been catching fish in several tributaries including the Middle Fork Willamette, Clackamas and Santiam rivers.
• Anglers should be finding summer steelhead throughout the Clackamas River. 
• Chinook are arriving in good numbers in the South Santiam. Once flows drop a bit, salmon anglers should be ready to hit the water.
• The McKenzie River below Leaburg Dam is seeing the best return of summer steelhead in four years. And conditions for spring Chinook look good.
• After the recent rains, fishing conditions on the upstream section of the Willamette between Albany and Harrisburg are dropping back into shape for both trout and smallmouth bass.

Recently stocked

Scheduled to be stocked this week:

Alton Baker Canal, Silver Creek Reservoir, Salmon Creek, Leaburg Lake, Estacada lake, McKenzie River (both above and below Leaburg Dam), Detroit Reservoir, Blue River, Trillium Lake, Coast Fork Willamette River, North Fork Reservoir, Henry Hagg Lake.

Recently stocked:

Estacada Lake, Hartman Pond, North Fork Santiam, Small Fry Lake, Harriet Lake, Coast Fork Willamette, Detroit Reservoir, Quartzville Creek, McKenzie River below Leaburg, Blue River, North Fork Reservoir, Trillium Lake, Fall Creek, Timothy Lake, Leaburg Lake, Aldon Baker Canoe Canal.

Check out the 2022 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

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.

Willamette River boat ramp closure

The Buena Vista boat ramp between Albany and Independence will be closed to all public use starting May 23 and continuing through the end of September.  The closure is due to repair and improvement work at the park, including expansion of the parking lot and restrooms, re-aligning the boat ramp, and adding a floating dock. The next downstream boat ramp is at Independence on the west side of the river, about 10 miles downstream. 

Dexter Pond road closure

Beginning Friday, April 1, the public will not be able to drive into the Dexter Ponds Hatchery due to bridge inspection by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Please call the USACE Park Ranger Office at 541-942-5631 with questions.

Updates by waterbody

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL (ABCC): trout

Will be stocked again this week with 900 rainbow trout.

The canoe canal is open to fishing all year and is located within Alton Baker Park. A 4-acre pond at the midpoint of the canal is a good spot, as is directly behind Kowloon Restaurant. However, the canal can be fished all along its two-mile length from Day Island Road in Eugene to Aspen Street in Springfield. Last updated 6/22/22.

BLUE RIVER: trout

Will be stocked early this week with 600 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. Last updated 6/15/22.

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Will be stocked again the week of June 27 with 1,200 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. Last updated 6/22/22.

BREITENBUSH RIVER: trout

The Forest Service Road (FR 46) up the Breitenbush River is still closed due to wildfire related damage and safety concerns. No trout will be stocked while recreational access is closed. Trout stocking will resume once the general public is able to access this area. At this time, we have no information as to when this area will re-open to recreation. Last updated 6/1/22.

CARMEN RESERVOIR:

Latest estimates for when access and fish stocking will resume are now 2024 at the earliest. Public access to Carmen Reservoir is prohibited until further notice. Closure is due to operations required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) resulting in reservoir drawdown over the summer. Last updated 3/3/21.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: summer steelhead, spring Chinook

Both summer steelhead and spring Chinook can now be found throughout the river. Anglers have had better luck targeting spring Chinook lower in the system.

Anglers would do best to check river levels before heading to the river. Fresh fish should be entering the system with each passing rain event for the next several months.

Though fishing effort has decreased over the last couple weeks, as the river has been on the drop, anglers have been consistently finding fish near the mouth of Dog Creek at the

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 6/15/22.

CLEAR LAKE: trout

Check out the 2022 trout stocking schedule.

Will be stocked again this week with 3,000 hatchery rainbow trout. Clear Lake is accessed from Hwy. 126 approximately 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 6/22/22.

COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout

Was last stocked the week of June 13 with 740 rainbow trout. The river is open to fishing all year for trout, hatchery Chinook salmon, hatchery steelhead, and wild steelhead over 24 inches. Use of bait allowed April 22 – Oct 31 but beginning Nov. 1 anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. In addition to five hatchery trout, two wild trout may be kept daily. Last updated 6/22/22.

COTTAGE GROVE POND (ROW RIVER NATURE PARK POND): trout, bass, bluegill

Cottage Grove Ponds are open to year-round fishing and are accessible via an asphalt pathway behind the truck scales on Row River Rd. In addition to fishing, these ponds also offer wildlife viewing opportunities, and a fishing dock is available on-site. Last updated 4/27/22.

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

Was last stocked the week of April 18, with 2,500 rainbow trout. 

Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year. Updated 4/27/22.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout

The reservoir is stocked regularly in the spring and summer with tens of thousands of one-pound hatchery trout. It will be stocked this week with about 4,000 trout. The reservoir is competely full. The main boat ramp, Mongold, is currently available, as is Kane’s Marina and boat ramp G at Detroit Lake State Park. 

For the latest information on water levels at Detroit Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers’ website for more information.

Detroit Reservoir is one of the premier kokanee fisheries in the state. Anglers report kokanee fishing has slowed down after a hot spring. Catch rates should improve once the water temperatures warm and the lake stratifies. Trout fishing has been excellent of late.   Pretty much all techniques will catch fish, but it might take some experimenting to find out what is most effective on the day you’re out there. You will vastly improve your chances of catching a fish if you fish early or late in the day when light-levels are low and fish are less wary. 

Here are some tips on how and where to fish for kokanee:  Kokanee fishing in Oregon: 9 tips for catching kokanee.

Anglers have reported catching lots of small Chinook salmon in pursuit of kokanee and trout. Please take extra care in releasing these fish back into the water unharmed, as they are a listed species and are only in the reservoir temporarily before they migrate downstream and out to the ocean.   

As a reminder to anglers, fishing for and harvesting Chinook in the lake and the rivers above is prohibited. Any Chinook caught in Detroit must be released unharmed.

Anglers are encouraged to report their catch on 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. Last updated 6/15/22.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Was last stocked the week of May 2, with 2,000 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. Largemouth bass and some smallmouth are also available to anglers in this reservoir. Last updated 5/18/22.

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

Was last stocked the week of April 18, with 3,780 hatchery rainbow trout. 

Dorena Reservoir is east of Cottage Grove on Row River Road and is open to fishing all year. Trout and warmwater fish are available. Baker Bay Park (Lane County) is open seasonally from April – October. The park has a boat ramp, ADA restrooms, showers, picnic and camp spots. Last update 4/27/22.

EAGLE CREEK:  steelhead

Some steelhead are present, though not in great numbers. Eagle Creek is a great option for anglers when the Clackamas is too high to fish. Bonnie Lure State Recreation Area has reopened but visitors are advised to watch for hazardous trees.

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. Last updated 6/1/22.

EE WILSON POND: warmwater species, trout

The pond is stocked with trout from February through May. It was stocked in late May for the last time until the winter. This may be the last week to catch the remaining trout, as the weather and the water will heat up significantly this week and the fish will be unlikely to survive much longer. Once summer arrives it will become a decent warmwater fishery for bass and bluegill.

This pond is located inside EE Wilson Wildlife Area. To get to it requires a 1/3-mile hike from the parking area. It has three newly installed fishing piers including one that is ADA compliant. 

A parking permit is required, and one can be purchased online or at any ODFW office. Last updated 6/22/22.

FALL CREEK: trout

Will be stocked this week with 1,200 rainbow trout.

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

Fishing for salmon upstream of Fall Creek Dam is prohibited. Below Fall Creek Dam the creek is open all year for hatchery Chinook, hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead greater than 24 inches. Last updated 6/22/22.

FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

Was last stocked the week of April 18 with 3,000 rainbow trout. Last updated 4/27/22.

FARADAY LAKE: trout

Faraday Lake is now closed while PGE updates its powerhouse at Rivermill Dam. This closure is expected to continue until 2023. For more information, visit PGE’s Parks and Recreation webpage.

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

This 9,000-acre lake just 12 miles west of Eugene is the Willamette Basin’s largest water body. Water levels have risen with the recent rains, and all boat ramps including Orchard Park and Richardson Park 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 are available throughout the spring and summer. Depending on temperature, warmwater fish such as bass and crappie are beginning to get active this time of year. Look for crappie along the weedy edges on the south side of the reservoir. The south shore around Perkins Peninsula as well as along the face of the dam are good spots.

There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps. Last updated 5/18/22.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish

The reservoir gets stocked in the spring and fall with hatchery trout.

This reservoir near Sweet Home was stocked last week with 2,000 hatchery trout. Besides trout, look for smallmouth bass and yellow perch near underwater structure and drop-offs. Please remember that only kokanee and adipose fin-clipped trout may be kept as part of the trout bag limit, but there are no limits on size or number of bass. Retention of warmwater fish species such as bluegill, catfish, crappie, and yellow perch is also allowed -- no limit on size or number. Anglers report good success in the two arms of the reservoir, as well as the shoreline in between. 

The reservoir is now full and all three boat ramps are currently available to launch boats. It should remain in good shape for most of the summer.

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 6/29/22.

GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout

Now open for fishing!

Gold lake is open for fishing from May 22 – Oct 31 annually. Gold lake has special fishing regulations in place that include no retention of rainbow trout, no limit on brook trout, fly-fishing only (has to be a fly rod, no spinning rigs) and barbless hooks. Oregon State Marine Board passed a new regulation in 2020 that allows ELECTRIC motors only on Gold Lake.

Gold Lake is a 100-acre lake located north of the Willamette Pass summit off Hwy. 58 approximately 23 miles southeast of Oakridge. Last updated 5/25/22.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, trout, bass

This reservoir filled with the recent rains and both Thistle Creek and Whitcomb boat ramps are usable. For the latest information on water levels at Green Peter Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers’ website for more information.

This large reservoir gets stocked annually with 20,000 hatchery trout. Look for them in cooler, deeper water and around ledges, drop-offs, and underwater structure. Smallmouth bass also like to hang out near underwater structure and tend to be found in shallower water. Also look for them near rocky outcrops. Recent fishing reports are that the bass fishing is good with fish weighing in around 5 lbs being caught.

Here are some tips on how and where to fish for kokanee:  Kokanee fishing in Oregon: 9 tips for catching kokanee

Best bet for anglers without a boat is to drive to the top of the reservoir where Quartzville Creek enters the reservoir. Large trout will sometimes forage where the river brings in food swept down from upstream. Last updated 6/29/22.

HARRIET LAKE: trout

No recent reports. For more information, visit PGE’s Parks and Recreation webpage.

Harriet Lake is a 23-acre reservoir on the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River in the Mount Hood National Forest. Boat ramp is just past campground. Last updated 7/14/21.

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

Hagg Lake continues to receive regular stockings of catchable-size trout with some trophies mixed in.

Bass fishing should pick up as temperatures begin to warm this spring and pre-spawn fishing comes into full swing. Targeting the creek arms and shallow coves during this time can be very productive using lures that mimic small baitfish (crankbaits, plugs, swimbaits) that can be cast or trolled to effectively cover shallow to mid-water habitat. 

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

Maintained and operated by Washington County, the park features numerous picnic areas, two boat launching facilities, more than 15 miles of hiking trails, and observation decks for wildlife and bird watching. The lake and lake park are currently open, although users are encouraged to check the Hagg Lake Park website, as conditions can change. Last updated 4/13/22.

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass

Hills Creek Reservoir was last stocked the week of May 2, with 2,840 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 and 100,000 adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook salmon fingerlings annually to provide a harvest fishery the following year.

Trout and salmon must be adipose fin-clipped to be harvested. Large native trout are available for catch-and-release fishing. Packard Boat Ramp (USFS) remains accessible at current reservoir elevation. Last updated 5/11/22.

JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, crappie

The pond was stocked in early June with about 1,000 trout. In summer there are some bluegill and bullhead catfish available as well. As a reminder, anglers are allowed to keep only one trout over 20 inches as part of the five fish bag limit. This pond is stocked regularly throughout the winter and spring. This popular pond is located off of Hwy 99 south of Junction City. Last updated 6/29/22.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

Will be stocked this week with 1,000 rainbow trout.

Leaburg Lake is open to fishing all year. Bait can be used from April 22 – Oct. 31, but beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. All wild trout must be released. Only hatchery fish may be kept. Last updated 6/15/22.

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

Spring Chinook – This week the fishing conditions look good! As flows drop and temperature rises anglers can expect more productive fishing trips.

Summer steelhead - Angler reports and dam video are still indicating that there are a fair number of summer steelhead in the system. Much better return than the past four years.

Trout – Was last stocked with 5,067 hatchery rainbow trout the week of June 13. Bait can be used from April 22 – Oct. 31, but beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies.

The Leaburg Dam fish counts are a great spring salmon and summer steelhead resource, and information is back online. Counts are updated by the Corps of Engineers weekly. These resources are most useful to anglers from May – September.

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Check page 46 of the 2021 Sport Fishing Regulations for bait restrictions in the segment you plan to fish. Beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies.

The lower McKenzie River is open to retention of adipose fin-clipped salmon and steelhead and non-adipose fin-clipped steelhead greater than 24 inches long. A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead in the McKenzie. Last updated 6/22/22.

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

Will be stocked this week with 5,632 rainbow trout. 

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Bait is allowed from Leaburg Dam to Forest Glen Boat Ramp from April 22 – Oct 31. Last updated 6/22/22.

MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: trout, salmon, steelhead, Chinook

There have been over 17,000 springers over Willamette Falls in 2022. Fishing should be picking up as long as anglers can get their gear in the water. There has been high flow below the dam that results in challenging conditions for anglers.

The Middle Fork Willamette River is open to bait below Dexter Dam only. Reminder: Restrictions from Dexter Dam to approximately 700 feet downstream to the markers: No angling from the north shore, from a floating device, or while wading (page 44 in regulations). This river reach is open to retention of adipose fin-clipped salmon and steelhead and non-adipose fin-clipped steelhead greater than 24 inches long.

A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead in the Middle Fork Willamette below Dexter Dam.

The Middle Fork Willamette above Lookout Point and Hills Creek reservoirs is open to fishing using lures and artificial flies. All wild trout must be released upstream of Lookout Point Reservoir. The Middle Fork Willamette River is not stocked with hatchery trout. Last updated 6/22/22.

NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: trout

No recent fishing reports. For more information, visit PGE’s Parks and Recreation webpage.

North Fork Reservoir is a 350-acre reservoir of the Clackamas River behind North Fork Dam approximately 5.2 miles east of Estacada, Ore. This reservoir has two boat ramps, boat moorage, 50 campsites, picnic areas, boat rentals, grocery story, fueling station, and ADA-accessible fishing platforms. It is big and deep enough, and is fed by the upper Clackamas River, to stay cool longer into the summer than most of the other lakes and ponds. Last updated 9/9/21.

QUARTZVILLE CREEK: trout

This river above Green Peter Reservoir gets stocked from late spring through the summer. The river is currently running at 220 cfs. Conditions are excellent and there should be plenty of both hatchery and wild trout available. This river is open to trout fishing year-round, but conditions are best when flows are under 300 cfs. The creek will be stocked this week with over 2,000 trout. 

Light tackle including flies works best, but bait is allowed. 

Trout are active year-round, and anglers are allowed to keep up to five fish daily. Last updated 6/29/22.

SALMON CREEK: trout

Will be stocked again this week with 1,334 rainbow trout

Salmon Creek is open to fishing all year. Bait can be used from April 22 – Oct. 31, but beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Trout are released at multiple locations upstream to Black Creek. Two wild trout per day, 8-inch minimum length, may be kept in addition to five hatchery trout. Last updated 6/15/22.

SALT CREEK: trout

No recent fishing reports. Salt Creek is an unstocked tributary to the Middle Fork Willamette River east of Oakridge. Salt Creek and its tributaries are open to fishing all year. Bait can be used from April 22 – Oct. 31, but beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Two wild trout may be kept per day, 8-inch minimum length. Last updated 5/19/20.

SANDY RIVER: summer steelhead, spring Chinook                     

Summer steelhead have arrived at the Sandy Hatchery. Anglers can expect to find both summer steelhead and spring chinook in the lower sections of the river. Anglers would do best to check river levels before heading to the river.

Flow and visibility on the Sandy are greatly influenced by each passing front and change in snow levels. Colder temperatures, as well as less precipitation means this glacially fed system will not only be on the drop, but will also clear up much more quickly.

Anglers should confirm access before they go. All Metro Parks and boat ramps (including Dabney and Lewis and Clark) are now open but may have modified operations. Check conditions at individual parks on Metro’s website. State parks and recreation areas appear open.

USGS hydrological data for the Sandy near bull run. Last updated 6/1/22.

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

A few access points along the river that were closed by the 2020 wildfires have recently re-opened, including Packsaddle Park and Fisherman’s Bend Boat Ramp, although the latter is only set up for day use. Anglers can still access the river from Stayton downstream and in a few places above such as the Mehama bridge and North Santiam State Park.

The gate at Green’s Bridge is now closed for the summer. Those wishing to obtain a key to launch and retrieve boats need to call ODFW (541-757-4186) and fill out a form. Once registered, anglers can pick up their key at Clyde’s Lock and Safe in Salem. 

No recent fishing reports. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at around 2,600 cfs at the gauge in Mehama. Flows should continue to drop over the next few weeks with the onset of dry summer weather.

Chinook salmon returns indicate a fairly decent run year so far. There has been another recent bump in numbers over Willamette Falls. Total count of adult Chinook is at 20,700 as of June 22. Summer steelhead counts are improving as well with the count now up to 3,800 fish. Now that flows are starting to come down, these next few weeks are going to be some of the best fishing of the year.

Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round. Trout season opened on May 22, which means that anglers may keep up to five clipped trout per day. Bait is now allowed until Oct. 31. Any unclipped (wild) steelhead or trout that are caught must be released unharmed. Last updated 6/29/22.

NOTICE: Fishermen’s Bend, Niagara County Park and Minto County Park are still closed due to wildfire damage. There are also sporadic traffic delays due to road repair and hazard tree removal along Hwy 22.

WARNING: There are several large, downed trees in the river creating some dangerous hazards for boaters in the lower river. For more information check out the Oregon State Marine Board website.

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK) above DETROIT: trout

This river is open year-round to fishing, but ideal conditions usually begin after snowmelt recedes in late June. Flows are around currently 1,000 cfs where it flows into Detroit Reservoir, and somewhat off-color from snowmelt. Conditions are better upstream of Whitewater Creek, where the water is smaller and clearer. About 2,200 hatchery trout are going to be released this week in multiple locations.

The river is very high at the moment, thanks to a rainy weekend and continued snowmelt.  Flows should hopefully improve by week’s end.

Anglers may keep up to five trout per day. Remember, this section of river is closed to salmon fishing. Last updated 6/29/22.

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

Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs. Currently flows are around 1,650 cfs at the Waterloo gauge, which is a huge improvement over the past few weeks when rains had swollen the river above most angler’s comfort zone. These next few weeks are going to be some of the best fishing opportunities for the river all year. Both summer steelhead and Chinook salmon are available in good numbers with more on the way. Best sections to fish are from Waterloo upstream to just below Foster Dam.   

Hatchery trout harvest season reopened on May 22. Fishing with bait is only allowed between April 22 and Oct 31. Anglers are reminded that only fin-clipped trout may be kept. Last updated 6/29/22.

SMITH RESERVOIR: trout

Latest estimates for when access and fish stocking will resume are now 2024 at the earliest. The Eugene Water & Electric Board is enveloped in a construction project to retrofit, refurbish and upgrade capital equipment at its Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project.

In order to keep the public and construction personnel safe during the five-year project, Forest Road 730 is closed at the Powerhouse, cutting off access to Trail Bridge Campground, Smith Reservoir and Lake’s End Campground. The road closure will continue through 2024. Last updated 8/18/21.

SUNNYSIDE PARK POND: trout, bass, bluegill

It was stocked in early June with about 1,100 legal and larger 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 as part of a 5-fish daily bag limit.

To get there from I-5, take US 20 through the town of Sweet Home and continue around Foster Reservoir to Quartzville Creek Rd. Take a left and follow this road for two miles to the park. Last updated 6/15/22.

TIMBER LINN LAKE: rainbow trout

It was stocked in late May with about 1,000 trout. 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. Last updated 6/15/22.

TIMOTHY LAKE: trout

No recent fishing reports.

Check the Mt Hood National Forest website for access updates. Last updated 8/11/21

TRAIL BRIDGE RESERVOIR: trout

The Eugene Water & Electric Board is implementing a construction project to retrofit, refurbish and upgrade capital equipment at its Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project. Latest estimates for when access and fish stocking will resume are now 2024 at the earliest. The capital construction projects planned for the 2017-2024 timeframe will create significant public access constraints due primarily to safety concerns. In order to keep the public and construction personnel safe during the project, EWEB and the Forest Service agreed to close access to Forest Road 730 at the Powerhouse.

The closure will deny public access to Trail Bridge Campground, Smith Reservoir and Lake’s End Campground. The closure of the road to the public started in March 2017 and will continue at least through 2024.

ODFW has discontinued stocking of Trail Bridge reservoir for the duration of the closure – hatchery fish allocated to the reservoir are being redistributed to other stocked waterbodies. Only adipose fin-clipped trout may be harvested from Trail Bridge Reservoir. Only flies and lures may be used. Last updated 8/18/21.

TRILLIUM LAKE: trout

Stocking is scheduled to resume in June on this is a very popular lake, close to the Portland metro. Last updated 6/1/22.

TURNER LAKE: bass, panfish, some trout

This lake was stocked in late April with about 2,900 trout.

This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to public fishing along the southern half. It is an old borrow pit and features largemouth bass, panfish such as bluegill, and a few trout. There’s a boat ramp in the southwest corner of the lake. This waterbody should produce fish year-round.  To get there take Turner Rd south from Salem and take a left onto Holly St before you get to downtown Turner. No gas-powered motors are allowed. A good way to cover the water is to use an electric trolling motor and troll a spoon or spinning lure. On calm days a float tube or kayak can be a good way to get out as well. Last updated 6/15/22.

WAVERLY LAKE: trout, bluegill, catfish

Now that summer has arrived, anglers are more likely to catch bass and bluegill. Weeds have started to grow over most of the lake, but fishing can be good in summer where open water can still be found. 

From I-5 take exit 234 west towards Albany. The pond is located a quarter mile down Pacific Boulevard on the right. A paved ADA-accessible path runs all the way around the pond. Last updated 6/29/22.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead, spring Chinook, small and largemouth bass

Anglers should confirm access before they go. All Metro Parks and boat ramps are now open but may have modified operations. Check conditions at individual parks on Metro’s website. State parks and recreation areas appear open.

The upstream section between Albany and Harrisburg is open year-round for trout fishing, which can be very good when flows are cooperating. Flows are still unusually high at the moment but are dropping daily, and the water is getting clearer. Water temperatures are excellent. Once flows drop and temperatures warm up, fishing will also pick up. Anglers may keep two trout per day. Smallmouth bass also can be a lot of fun to catch and are plentiful between Salem and Corvallis during the spring and summer. From Salem downstream there are plenty of largemouth bass in the deeper, quieter sections.

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

The Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, fairly good access and variety. Last updated 6/29/22.

Notice for Boaters: Buena Vista Park boat ramp between Albany and Independence will be closed to all access starting May 23 and continuing through the end of September.  This will affect boaters floating down from Albany, and the I-5 rest stop boat ramp on the Santiam.  The next take out downstream is at the city of Independence about 10 miles downstream.