Willamette Zone

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

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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

All fish on hand at Leaburg Hatchery were released as part of an emergency evacuation due to eminent danger of forest fires on Sept. 8, 2020.

With the onset of some fall-like weather – rain and cooler temperatures – trout fishing should pick up in most locations. As we move into fall, trout will move from the deeper, cooler waters to shallower areas near shore. Here the water will warm enough for plants and insects to continue growing and hatching, providing good foraging for trout.

Bass and other warmwater fishing should be continue to be good into October, but anglers should expect the cooler water temperature to slow the bite.

Lakes and ponds to fish this week:

• Foster Reservoir was stocked last month with several thousand hatchery trout. 10/21/20
• Waverly pond in Albany and Walter Wirth Lake in Salem were recently stocked with over a thousand hungry hatchery trout. 10/21/20

RIVERS AND STREAMS

The rain in the forecast may bring river levels up, but once they’ve settled back to fishable levels look for fishing to improve on several fronts. Cooler water will put salmon and trout on the bite, while temperatures are still warm enough to target bass and other warmwater species.

Now that the ladder at Willamette Falls has re-opened, coho salmon are again surging up into the upper Willamette basin. Best places to fish for them in the coming weeks will be at the mouths of the main tributaries: Yamhill, Rickreall, Mollala, and the Santiam.

Rivers and streams to fish this week:

• On the McKenzie River below Leaburg Lake, trout released as part of an emergency fire evacuation are still hanging around downstream of the dam. Good fishing has resulted. 10/14/20
• Coho have started to arrive on the Sandy and Clackamas rivers and Eagle Creek. 9/23/20
• The mainstem Santiam River and the lower North Santiam are seeing a large influx of coho salmon right now. 10/21/20 

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.

2020 wildfire effects on fishing: Check before you go

ODFW can’t tell you whether to go fishing or not. We will try to steer you to information about fire closures, access issues and air quality considerations so you can make an informed decision about whether to go.

You’ll now find all wildfire information related to hunting, fishing and recreating, on both public and private land, in one central location on MyODFW.com. This page will be updated frequently, so be sure to check again before you go.

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.

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.

UPDATES BY WATERBODY

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL (ABCC): trout

Will be stocked this week with 1,000 legal-size and 200 trophy-size 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 10/21/20.

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. September is when these salmon begin to spawn. If you see salmon spawning or holding in a pool, please keep your distance so as not to disturb them. Last updated 10/14/20.

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: coho

There are coho throughout the Clackamas. If you want to catch hatchery fish concentrate on areas downstream of the hatchery influence. but not necessarily at the hatchery.

The coho run continues, and early returns of both wild and hatchery coho suggest there will be a strong coho return this year.

New to coho fishing, or just need a few pointers? Check out our 10 tips for catching coho.

USGS hydrological data for Oct. 28 shows river flows have dropped to 944 cfs, water temperature cooled to 52.2F, and the gage height at 11.01 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 10/28/20.

CLEAR LAKE: trout

Was last stocked the week of Aug. 17 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 9/30/20

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, warmwater species

Will be stocked again this week with 800 hatchery trout.

No recent fishing reports. 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 10/21/20.

COTTAGE GROVE RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

No recent fishing reports.

Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year. Updated 10/7/20.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout, kokanee

Hwy. 22 has re-opened week, but expect delays and reduced speed limits from Gates through Marion Forks. Mongold boat ramp has also re-opened which allows anglers to launch boats. Most other access points are closed for the winter such as Detroit Lake State Park. 

Mature kokanee are currently spawning in the creeks, but next year’s adults are still available to the angler, and trout reside in the lake year-round. 

Due to access issues from the recent fires, no additional fish will be stocked this fall.  

Water elevation in the reservoir is slowly dropping but Mongold boat ramp still has plenty of depth to launch boats. Water level is about 60 feet below what it was in the summer. Check the US Army Corps of Engineer’s website for more information.

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 10/28/20.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: 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 8/19/20.

DORENA RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater

Was last stocked the week of Oct. 5 with 5,000 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 boat ramp is accessible at the current reservoir elevation. Last update 10/14/20.

EAGLE CREEK: coho

There are coho throughout Eagle Creek. Recent rains have decreased visibility as it clears fishing will pick up. We’re at or nearing the peak of the coho run, and early returns of both wild and hatchery coho suggest there will be a strong coho return this year.

As of Oct. 14, Bonnie Lure State Recreation Area remains closed due to nearby wildfires.

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 10/14/20.

EE WILSON POND: warmwater species, trout

Trout stocking occurs from January 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 report.

No additional trout releases are scheduled for this year. Fishing for salmon upstream of Fall Creek Dam is prohibited.

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.

Below Fall Creek Dam the creek is open all year for hatchery Chinook, hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead greater than 24 inches. Last updated 8/26/20.

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 stocked last month 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 beginning to draw down. Sunnyside County Park is still available to launch boats.

This scenic 1,200-acre reservoir on the South Santiam River is located just 30 minutes from Interstate 5. There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps. Last updated 10/28/20.

GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout

No recent fishing reports.

Was closed briefly due to fire conditions but has been opened back up by the US Forest Service. 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 10/7/20.

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 has been dropping slowly but is still in great shape for this time of year.  Whitcomb Island boat ramp is now closed, but boats can still be launched from Thistle Creek boat ramp.

Kokanee fishing is mostly 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 10/81/20.

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.

Thousands of additional trout originally destined for other waterbodies were diverted this spring to Hagg Lake because of closures due to COVID-19. 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 10/14/20.

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater fish

The reservoir was last stocked the week of Sept. 22.

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. Last updated 10/14/20.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

EWEB is planning to open all of the roll gates at Leaburg Dam on Nov. 1. This will completely drain Leaburg Lake for the winter. Trout stocking has stopped for the year due to fire activity. All fish in Leaburg Hatchery were released on Sept. 8 as part of an emergency fire evacuation.

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 10/21/20.

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

The brand new boat ramp constructed by Lane County and funded by the Oregon State Marine Board at Hendricks Bridge is now open! The boat slide at Leaburg Hatchery is also open.

Trout stocking has stopped for the year due to fire activity. However, all of the fish from Leaburg Hatchery were released on Sept. 8 as part of an emergency fire evacuation. Many of these fish are still congregated in pockets downstream of Leaburg Dam. This has made for some good fishing reports in the sections of river downstream of Leaburg Dam.

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 10/21/20.

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

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 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 10/7/20.

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. The river flows have come back down to manageable levels after some recent flooding. Currently they are around 75 cfs. Best conditions for fishing are below 300 cfs. Light tackle including dry flies works best.

Trout have been stocked several times this spring and summer. Any holdover trout may be re-energized to bite thanks to the recent rain and cooler temperatures.

Trout are active year-round and anglers are allowed to keep up to five fish daily. Last updated 10/28/20.

SALMON CREEK: trout

No recent fishing reports. Was stocked Aug 12 with 1,180 legal-size trout. No additional releases are planned for this year.

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 09/30/20.

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: coho, summer steelhead 

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.

Coho are still running throughout the Sandy. If you want to catch hatchery fish concentrate on areas downstream of the hatchery influence. but not necessarily at the hatchery. Recent rains have decreased visibility as it clears fishing will pick up.

Early returns of both wild and hatchery coho suggest there will be a strong coho return this year.

New to coho fishing, or just need a few pointers? Check out our 10 tips for catching coho.

USGS hydrological data for Oct. 28, shows Sandy flows near Bull Run were at 652 cfs. Last updated 10/28/20.

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK): steelhead, Chinook, 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. Flows have settled back to good levels for fishing, currently around 2,800 cfs at the Mehama gage. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs.

Most summer steelhead have arrived in the basin and will be the main quarry for the next few months. Most of these fish have pushed up higher in the basin to take advantage of the cooler water, but some newer fish are holding downstream below Stayton as well.

More than 5,500 adults have been counted above Willamette Falls. Of those, about 550 have swum up above Stayton and into the upper river. A few will stay in the lower sections of the river. 

Coho salmon are also flooding into the basin, especially in the lower sections. Over 13,700 coho salmon have crossed into the upper Willamette River Basin and a few hundred have made it passed Stayton so far.

Anglers should be aware that trout harvest closes on Nov. 1 and will not re-open until May 22. Last updated 10/28/20.

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 and people floating in inner-tubes in the section from Green’s Bridge down to the confluence with the South Fork Santiam. 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 flowing at around 300 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 10/28/20.

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

Currently flows are at 1,250 cfs at Waterloo. Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs. This basin was mostly untouched by wildfires and is safe to fish.

About 5,500 summer steelhead have crossed above Willamette Falls on their way to the upper basin and about 650 of these have made it to the fish ladder below Foster Dam.  Many more steelhead can be found upstream of Waterloo up to Foster dam. Fishing for smallmouth bass can be very good below Lebanon.

The entire river is now open to trout fishing until Oct 31. As a reminder, only hatchery trout are allowed to be kept. But large trout on light gear can be fun to catch in their own right and there are plenty of them in this river. Last updated 10/28/20.

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.

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.

WALLING POND: trout, crappie, bass

No recent fishing reports. About 600 hatchery trout were recently stocked in this pond. 

This is an eight-acre privately-owned pond with public access in Salem at the northeast corner of McGilchrist and 16th Streets, S.E. Last updated 10/28/20.

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 has been stocked recently with a few thousand hatchery trout. 

This waterbody usually gets stocked between November and May with hatchery trout.  During the warmer months it is primarily a warm-water fishery. Anglers are allowed to only keep one trout over 20 inches as part of a five trout bag limit. Last updated 10/21/20.

WAVERLY LAKE: trout, bluegill, catfish

This lake was recently stocked again with about 600 hatchery trout. Anglers may keep only one fish over 20 inches as part of their 5 trout bag limit.

In the summer months anglers can pursue bass, bluegill and bullhead catfish.   

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 10/21/20.

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 fish ladder at Willamette Falls has re-opened and salmon are migrating up into the rive4r above, including over 3,700 coho salmon on the first day. 

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 Oct. 28, the instantaneous reading at Oregon City showed a gage height 5.98 and temperature a bit above 52F. Last updated 10/28/20.