Willamette Zone

If there’s not a photo, it didn’t happen

Submit your fishing photo  to ODFW and we might use it here or elsewhere on MyODFW.com.

Send us your fishing report

We’d love to hear about your recent fishing experience. Send us your own fishing report through ODFW Fishing Reports―the information will be forwarded to the local biologist who may use it to update various ODFW resources such as the weekly Recreation Report.

LAKES, PONDS, RESERVOIRS

In the Willamette Zone around Springfield, pond and reservoir stocking begins in earnest in February. Cottage Grove, Dorena, Dexter and Hills Creek reservoirs along with Alton Baker Park and Row River Nature Park ponds will all be stocked the first week in February.

With the onset of winter-like weather – rain and cooler temperatures – trout fishing will slow as fish start to lay low. Look for trout in shallower waters during the warmest parts of the day.

Bass and other warmwater species don’t go fully dormant in the winter, but fishing for them slows significantly during the colder months.

Lakes and ponds to fish this week:

• Junction City Pond, Timber Linn Lake, Walling Pond, Walter Wirth, and Waverly Lake have all been stocked recently with trout. 12/9/20

RIVERS AND STREAMS

Rivers and streams in the north Willamette are in fine shape or coming into fine shape after last week’s heavy rain events. Conditions should be good provided weather continues to cooperate. Most streams and rivers in the mid-Willamette area are high and off color due to heavy rains. These conditions are likely to persist through the week.

RECENTLY STOCKED

Where’s the stocking schedule?

Our plans to begin posting the trout stocking schedule have been scrambled by the recent wildfires in the state. Several state-owned hatcheries were damaged in the fires, and thousands of fish were lost or released early.

It will take us a while to re-figure the current schedule to reflect these changes.

In the meantime, trout stocking is essentially done for 2020, except for a few locations noted in the Recreation Report.

TROUT STOCKING MAPS: Find your place to fish

Check out the ODFW fishing and trout stocking maps to find nearby fishing locations, driving directions and descriptions of amenities.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: closures, special events, etc.

Chinook Landing on Columbia to close

The boat launch at the Chinook Landing Marine Park will be closed for construction late October 2020 to January 2021.

Tips to recreate responsibly

We continue to urge anglers and others recreating outside to stay close to home, keep your social distance, and travel safely. Here’s more information about how to recreate responsibly.

UPDATES BY WATERBODY

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL (ABCC): trout

Will be stocked next during the week of Feb. 1 with 900 legal-size rainbow trout.

Trout raised for stocking in this location Nov-Dec were released from Leaburg Hatchery during the Holiday Farm emergency evacuation. We are working to get some limited releases to this location during this time so please bear with us and check the Recreation Report.

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 1/6/21.

BLUE RIVER: trout

No recent fishing reports.

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 8/19/20.

BREITENBUSH RIVER: trout

The Forest Service Road up the Breitenbush River is closed due to wildfire related damage.  It is unknown when it will re-open to the public.  

This river flows through mostly U.S. Forest Service land into Detroit Lake and is open year-round. Anglers may keep up to five trout per day. Flies and small spinners work well, but bait also is allowed.

As a reminder, salmon fishing is prohibited. Last updated 12/2/20.

CARMEN RESERVOIR:

Public access to Carmen Reservoir is prohibited until further notice. Closure is due to operations required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) resulting in reservoir drawdown over the summer.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: steelhead

During the winter months, flow and visibility on the Clackamas will be affected by each passing front and change in snow levels.

With the recent spell of dry weather, river flows have dropped significantly from last week, and anglers should experience better fishing conditions.

USGS hydrological data for Jan. 20 shows river levels are near flood stage at 3,500 cfs, water temperature is 42F, and the gage height at 13.34 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. Last updated 1/20/21.

CLEAR LAKE: trout

Was last stocked the week of Aug. 17, 2020 with 3,000 rainbow trout.   

Clear Lake is accessed from Hwy. 126 approximately 70 miles east of Springfield. Linn County’s Clear Lake Resort rents cabins and boats. Last updated 1/6/21

COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead

No recent fishing reports.

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 9/30/20.

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

Will be stocked next during the week of Feb, 1 with 1,500 rainbow trout. Also, throughout the month of December some very large brood trout will be released into this pond. Happy Holidays!

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. Last updated 1/6/21.

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

Will be stocked next during the week of Feb. 1 with 2,540 large rainbow trout. No recent fishing reports.

Was last stocked the week of Sept. 28 with 4,500 trophy-size trout. Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year. Updated 11/4/20.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout, kokanee

Hwy. 22 has reopened, but expect delays and reduced speed limits from Gates through Marion Forks. Mongold boat ramp is open but reservoir levels are at times too low to launch motorized boats. Heavy rains last week have brought the water level in the reservoir up enough to launch boats. Water is currently being released out of the reservoir to provide storage capacity for spring. Before planning to launch a boat, it would be best to check with the Army Corps of Engineers’ website for more information.

This time of year, and throughout the winter, trout are going to be the main fish to pursue.  Anglers will catch some kokanee during the winter but their feeding activity is hard to predict.

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 listed species and are only in the reservoir temporarily before they migrate downstream and out the ocean.   

Trout stocking will resume this spring.

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 1/20/21.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout

Will be stocked next during the week of Feb. 1 with 2,540 large, hatchery rainbow trout. No recent fishing reports.

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. Last updated 1/6/21.

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

Will be stocked next during the week of Feb.1 with 2,540 large 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 1/6/21.

EAGLE CREEK: steelhead

There are steelhead around, and water levels should have dropped into shape after recent dry weather. Throughout the winter, keep an eye on water levels and be ready to hit the water when they begin to drop after rain storms.

As of Dec. 9, Bonnie Lure State Recreation Area remains closed due to the impacts of recent wildfires nearby.

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 1/20/21.

EE WILSON POND: warmwater species, trout

Trout stocking occurs from February through May. In the meantime, there are bass, bluegill, and a few bullhead catfish that anglers can target. These warmwater fish are active through the fall, but will become dormant in winter. 

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 complaint. 

A parking permit is required and one can be purchased online or at any ODFW office. Last updated 9/30/20.

FALL CREEK: trout

No recent fishing reports.

Fall Creek is open all year for trout. Bait is allowed from Apr 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 1/20/21.

FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

No recent fishing reports. Last updated 8/12/20.

FARADAY LAKE: trout

Faraday Lake is now closed while PGE updates its powerhouse at Rivermill Dam. This closure is expected to continue until spring 2021.

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. The reservoir water level has dropped to the point that all boat ramps are high and dry, and can no longer be used to launch boats. Water levels will not rise until later in the winter.

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 summer. 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 10/28/20.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish

The reservoir was last stocked in September with several thousand hatchery trout.

Besides trout, look for smallmouth bass and yellow perch near underwater structure and drop-offs. Please remember that only kokanee and adipose fin-clipped trout may be kept as part of the 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 drawn down to winter low elevation. Sunnyside County Park is currently the only boat ramp still available to launch boats. All others are out of the water. 

This scenic 1,200-acre reservoir on the South Santiam River is located just 30 minutes from Interstate 5. There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps. Last updated 12/9/20.

GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout

Gold Lake is currently closed to fishing. Gold lake is open for fishing from May 22 – Oct 31 annually, and 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 11/4/20.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, trout, bass

This large reservoir was stocked this spring with 20,000 hatchery trout. Look for holdover trout in cooler, deeper water and around ledges, drop-offs and underwater structure.

Smallmouth bass for the most part go dormant in the winter. Once the spring rolls around, look for them near ledges and drop-offs as well as near underwater structure such as submerged logs.

The water elevation in the reservoir is now at the winter low level. The US Army Corps of Engineers will not begin storing water until Feb. 1. Until that time, it will remain hazardous to launch boats from Thistle Creek boat ramp.

Kokanee fishing is done for the year, except for the occasional sub-adult. Better bets for anglers are trout and smallmouth bass which are present year-round. Anglers may keep up to 25 kokanee per day in addition to the 5-trout limit. Trout have been stocked a couple of times this spring, and there are very large smallmouth bass also available. 

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 12/9/20.

HARRIET LAKE: trout

No recent fishing reports.

This higher elevation lake near Mt Hood is stocked regularly and should offer fair to good trout fishing throughout the summer. There is a long fishing pier that provides good access for bank and disabled anglers.

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 8/5/20.

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

No recent fishing reports.

Additional trout continued to be routed to Hagg Lake throughout the fall. There should still be trout around and the cooler water temperatures should be putting them on the bite. 

One of western Oregon’s largest lakes, Henry Hagg is stocked periodically with trout throughout the spring and summer. The lake and lake park are currently open, although users are encouraged to check the Hagg Lake Park website, as conditions can change.

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.

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. Last updated 1/20/21.

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass

Will be stocked next during the week of Feb. 1 with 2,000 legal-size rainbow trout. Fishing has been productive! Don’t forget that you can also 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 1/20/21.

JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, crappie

The pond was stocked last week. A few extra-large brood might still be around 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. Last updated 1/20/21. 

LEABURG LAKE: trout

EWEB will keep Leaburg Lake full this winter, reserving the right to open roll gates when needed, which would drain the lake. Trout stocking will resume in the spring of 2021 as usual.

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 1/20/21.

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

Stocking of the lower McKenzie will resume in the spring.

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 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.

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 1/20/21.

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

ODFW has yet to determine how the aftermath of fires will impact trout stocking this season. River access/safety for anglers and ecological recovery are concerns we are still trying to evaluate. There are some large trees in the river at different locations, and this area was hit hard by the Holiday Farm Fire between Leaburg Dam upstream to McKenzie Bridge. There are still considerable fire-related cleanup efforts being conducted in this area.

No recent fishing reports.

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. Last updated 1/20/21.

MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: trout, salmon, steelhead

No recent fishing reports.

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 8/19/20.

NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: salmon, steelhead, trout

No recent reports.

PGE’s Promontory Park on the reservoir is now open. 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 6/24/20.

QUARTZVILLE CREEK: trout

This river above Green Peter Reservoir is usually stocked between May and July. Heavy rains from last week are still having an effect. Currently it’s flowing at around 600 cfs. Best conditions for fishing are below 300 cfs. Light tackle including dry flies works best.

Trout are active year-round and anglers are allowed to keep up to five fish daily. Last updated 1/20/21.

SALMON CREEK: trout

No recent fishing reports.

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 1/6/21.

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. As of Nov. 1 anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Two wild trout may be kept per day, 8-inch minimum length. Last updated 8/19/20.

SANDY RIVER: steelhead

Winter steelhead are around and with the recent cold, dry weather the river will have dropped into fishable condition.

During the winter months, flow and visibility on the Sandy will be affected by each passing front and change in snow levels. With the snow melt on Mt. Hood this week, this glacial-fed river will probably cloudy with low visibility.

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 Jan. 20, shows Sandy flows near Bull Run were at 2,300 cfs with a gage height of 9.81. Last updated 1/20/21.

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

Hwy 22 has been re-opened, although delays will continue and many access points to the river above Stayton, such as Packsaddle and Fisherman’s Bend, remain closed due to wildfire damage. 

No recent fishing reports. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running around 10,000 cfs, which are difficult conditions at best. Water clarity is relatively good despite the high flows.

A few hatchery summer steelhead are still around. Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round. 

Anglers should be aware that trout harvest is now closed and will not re-open until May 22. Last updated 1/20/21.

NOTICE: Packsaddle County Park, Niagara County Park, and Minto County Park are closed due to wildfire damage.

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

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK) above DETROIT: trout

The highway along the upper North Santiam has re-opened but many places will look a lot different. Be aware that there are still many dangerous tree snags around with root structures weakened by fire and that could come down at any moment. It will be safer to fish in unburned areas further upstream (above Whitewater Creek). 

In general, this river is open year-round to fishing. It was stocked several times during the summer. Most trout can be found from Marion Forks down to the mouth and are fairly well distributed. Flies and spinners work best, but bait is allowed. The river is still pretty high at the moment, flowing at around 1,200 cfs where it comes into Detroit Lake.

Anglers may keep up to five trout per day. Remember, this section of river is closed to salmon fishing. Last updated 1/20/21.

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

Due to recent heavy rains this river is in flood condition at this time. Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs. Currently flows are at 5,500 cfs at the Waterloo gauge. This basin was mostly untouched by wildfires and is safe to explore.

About 5,500 summer steelhead crossed Willamette Falls on their way to the upper basin and over 800 of these have made it to the fish ladder below Foster Dam.  Fishing for smallmouth bass can be very good during the warm months below Lebanon.

The entire river is now closed to trout fishing until May 22. Last updated 1/20/21.

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. Last updated 8/12/20.

TIMBER LINN LAKE: rainbow trout

Was stocked in December with around 300 extra-large brood trout and 1,800 legal size trout. Reports are that fish are biting well.  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 12/2/20.

TIMOTHY LAKE: trout

No recent fishing reports. PGE has reopened its park on the lake. For more information, visit PGE’s Parks and Recreation webpage. Last updated 6/24/20.

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 at least 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. Last updated 8/16/20

TURNER LAKE: bass, panfish, some trout

This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to the 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.  o 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. Last updated 1/6/21.

WALLING POND: trout, crappie, bass

About 450 hatchery trout were stocked in this pond last week. As a reminder, only one fish over 20 inches is allowed 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.  There is no trash service out there so please pack out what you packed in. Last updated 1/20/21.

WALTER WIRTH LAKE: trout, bass, bluegill

Walter Wirth is a 20-acre lake located within the City of Salem’s Cascades Gateway Park with good access all the way around. It was stocked last week with around 1,200 hatchery trout. 

This waterbody usually gets stocked between November and May with hatchery trout, however due to COVID and other issues this waterbody will not be stocked as regularly over the next several months. During the warmer months it is primarily a warmwater fishery. Anglers are allowed to only keep one trout over 20 inches as part of a five trout bag limit. Last updated 1/20/21.

WAVERLY LAKE: trout, bluegill, catfish

This lake was stocked in December with about 900 legal size trout. Anglers may keep only one fish over 20 inches as part of their 5 trout bag limit.

From I-5 take exit 234 west towards Albany. The pond is located a quarter mile down Pacific Boulevard on the right. A paved ADA-accessible path runs all the way around the pond. Last updated 12/2/20.

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

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.

Check Willamette Falls fish counts.

The upstream section between Albany and Harrisburg is open year-round for trout fishing, which can be very good when flows are cooperating. 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.

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.

As of Jan. 13, the instantaneous reading below the falls at Oregon City showed a gage height 22.07 ft. Water temperature in Portland was 47.5F. Last updated 1/13/21.