Willamette Zone

Willamette Fishing

April 23, 2026

Best bets for weekend fishing:

• Spring Chinook fishing in the Willamette River should continue to improve. Catch rates have been best recently from Lake Oswego to Willamette Falls.
• Several waterbodies will be stocked with trout this week.

Trout stocking

Drought conditions are already impacting Oregon waterways. The Trout Stocking Schedule is subject to change. Check the field notes below or contact the local ODFW office for questions about a specific area.

Stocked in April: EE Wilson Pond, Row River Nature Park, Harriett Lake, Trojan Recreation Lake, Alton Baker Canal, Foster Res, St Louis Pond, Sunnyside Park Pond, Junction City Pond, Timber Linn Lake, Henry Hagg Lake, Walter Wirth Lake, Green Peter Res, Haldeman Pond, Foster Reservoir, Dorman Pond, Willamette River Coast Fork, Fall Creek Res, Salmonberry Lake, Benson Lake, Cottage Grove Res, Dorena Res, Huddleston Pond, Commonwealth Lake, Blue Lake, Salmon Creek, Canby pond, Waverly Lake, Mt Hood Pond MHCC Campus, Haldeman Pond, McKenzie River R-1 and 2 below and above Leaburg Dam, Clear Lake, Progress Lake, Fall Creek, Salmonberry Lake, Blue River Res, Leaburg Lake, Silver Cr. Res, Quartzville Creek, Sheridan Pond, Turner Lake, Clear Lake, Blue River Res, St Louis Pond,

Check out the 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

An invasive Chinese mitten crab was captured in the Willamette near Portland. Read the news release here: https://myodfw.com/news/chinese-mitten-crab-found-willamette-river-near-portland-odfw-asks-help-identify-invasive

It is important to correctly identify this species and report it to 1-866-INVADER or report it online via the Oregon Invasive Species reporting hotline form. Photographs can be submitted through the hotline and people are encouraged to do so as crab identification can be difficult and native crabs have been misidentified as invasive.

Dexter Pond road closure

No public access into the Dexter Ponds Hatchery at least through Summer 2026 due to construction. Please call the USACE Park Ranger Office at (541) 942-5631 with questions.

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.

Updates by waterbody

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL (ABCC): Trout

Will be stocked the week of April 27^th with 1,250 hatchery 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 to fish in, and behind the old Kowloon Restaurant. The canal can be fished all along its two-mile length from Day Island Road in Eugene to Aspen Street in Springfield. Last updated 4/20/26.

BLUE RIVER: Trout

Will be stocked the week of April 20^th with 750 hatchery rainbow trout. Blue River is located east of Eugene near the town of Blue River, north of Hwy. 126 and is open to year-round fishing. Last updated 4/20/26.

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: Trout, warmwater species

Will be stocked the week of April 20^th with 1,200 hatchery rainbow trout. The USFS has hired a concessionaire company to maintain the boat ramps and parking areas, and they are charging $9 to park at the Saddle Dam or Lookout Campground/boat launch parking area. For details people can call the USFS McKenzie Ranger District (541) 822-3381. 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 4/20/26.

CARMEN RESERVOIR: Trout - Opens May 1.

Will be stocked the week of May 18 with 750 hatchery rainbow trout. No limit on size or number of brook trout harvested in Carmen Reservoir.

The reservoir is accessed via USFS Road 750 off Hwy. 126, about two miles south of Clear Lake. It is open to fishing all year. Use of bait is allowed. Motored boats are prohibited on this reservoir.

After nine years of closure, Carmen-Smith recreation sites on the Upper McKenzie River will reopen to the public on May 1, offering hikers, and day visitors access to newly renovated facilities.

Anyone with questions about visiting these recreation sites should inquire online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/recreation or by contacting the McKenzie River Ranger Station at (541) 822-3381. Last updated 4/20/26

CLACKAMAS RIVER: Winter steelhead

Winter steelhead fishing has been good this season, and summer steelhead are being caught. Try targeting these fish with bobber and jig methods. Fish continue to enter the system with each passing rain event, and anglers can expect to find fish throughout the system.

To report poaching or other violations: Call *OSP or *677 (OSP on keypad). You also can call (800) 452-7888 or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov between the hours of 8-5, Monday-Friday. Take photos if it is safe to do so.

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 4/23/26

CLEAR LAKE: Trout

Will be stocked the week of May 4^th with 3,750 hatchery 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 4/20/26.

COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout

Was last stocked the week of April 13^th, with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout.

Chinook fishing should get going in mid-May and really heat up in June.

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 4/20/26.

COTTAGE GROVE POND: See Row River Nature Park Pond

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

Was last stocked the week of April 13, with 3,750 hatchery rainbow trout. Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year. Updated 4/20/26.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: Trout

The reservoir is continuing to slowly fill up with the help of last week's rain. Water levels are currently about 12 feet below full below and slowly rising. Mongold State Park boat ramps, the main boat ramp at Detroit Lake State Park, as well as Hoover and Kane's Marina are all available. When the weather is nice, especially on weekends, the boat ramps can get crowded, so plan ahead. Pretty much any technique will catch fish, but it might take some experimenting to find out what is most effective on the day you're out there.

The reservoir gets stocked with trout during the late spring and summer. As a reminder, anglers are allowed to keep up to five trout, with an additional ten kokanee. Kokanee fishing has started to pick up. Anglers report decent catches lately. Juvenile spring chinook are also active this time of year, feeding and trying to figure out how to migrate downstream. Anglers need to be able to tell them apart from kokanee and release any chinook unharmed.

It's always a good idea to check the water levels at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website before using the boat ramps. For the latest information on water levels at Detroit Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers' website for more information. Last updated 4/20/26.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: Trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Will be stocked the week of April 20^th with 3,000 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. Last updated 4/20/26.

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

Was last stocked the week of April 13^th with 5,500 hatchery rainbow trout.

Dorena Reservoir is east of Cottage Grove on Row River Road and is open to fishing all year. 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 4/20/26

EE WILSON POND: Warmwater species, trout

The pond is stocked continually with trout from February through May. It will be stocked this week with 1,875 hatchery trout. As a reminder, only one fish over 20 inches is allowed to be kept as part of a 5-fish bag limit. In the spring and summer anglers can also pursue bass, bluegill, and crappie.

This pond is located inside EE Wilson Wildlife Area. Getting to it requires a 1/3-mile walk from the parking area along an ADA accessible path. 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 4/20/26

FALL CREEK: Trout

Will be stocked the week of April 20, with 1,500 hatchery 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 4/20/26

FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: Trout

Stocked the week of April 13^th, with 3,750 hatchery rainbow trout.

North Shore boat ramp should be accessible. Cascara (815ft), Winberry (803ft) and North Shore (729 ft) boat ramps should all be accessible in June. Last updated 4/20/26

FARADAY LAKE: Trout

Faraday Lake is now closed while PGE updates its powerhouse at Rivermill Dam. 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 waterbody. Orchard Park boat ramp opened April 1, while the boat ramps at Richardson Park and Perkins Peninsula will open on May 13. Information regarding the lake and available boat ramps, contact the Lane County Parks Department at 541-682-2000.

Bass and crappie fishing usually gets going around mid-April with peak months being May and June. Look for crappie along the weedy edges on the south side of the reservoir. The south shore around Perkins Peninsula as well as along the face of the dam are good spots.

There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps. Last updated 4/20/26

FOSTER RESERVOIR: Trout, bass, perch, catfish

This large reservoir is scheduled to be stocked this week with over 4,000 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 5-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 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. Trout and yellow perch can be caught year-round.

The reservoir elevation is still near its winter low-water level. However, Sunnyside Park Boat Ramp is usable and will be available throughout the spring. 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 04/20/26.

FREEWAY LAKE, EAST: Trout, bass, bluegill, crappie

Fishing for warmwater gamefish such as bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish can be very good, especially early and late in the day in spring and summer. Look for them near downed wood and along the edges of weed. This is one of the best places in the Valley to fish for large crappie. It was stocked in March with about 500 hatchery trout.

This waterbody consists of three interconnected ponds and features some good size bass and crappie. A boat ramp is available at East Freeway Lake, and there is some bank access around East and Middle Freeway Lake. Last updated 04/06/26

GOLD LAKE: Brook trout, rainbow trout

The lake is open for angling annually from May 22 to Oct. 31. For access inquiries call the USFS Willamette National Forest (541) 782-2283 for updates.

Gold lake has special fishing regulations in place that include no retention of rainbow trout, no limit on brook trout, fly-fishing only, with fly rod, no spinning rigs, only 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 4/20/2026.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: trout, smallmouth bass

This large reservoir has two seasonal boat ramps. It is stocked in spring several times with hatchery trout. It will be stocked this week with about 6,000 hatchery trout. In addition, there is a healthy population of smallmouth bass. Currently, both Thistle Creek and Whitcomb boat ramps are in the water. In the fall the reservoir is drawn down all the way making it inaccessible to anglers.

HARRIET LAKE: Trout

Harriet Lake access is via the Skyline route until hazard trees are cleared. 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 the campground.

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

Spring angling at Henry Hagg Lake features ongoing trout stockings, with boat and shore anglers targeting rainbow trout using baits like PowerBait or worms, or slow trolling spinners and spoons in mid-depth areas. Early in the season, bass often hold in deeper water along ledges, humps, and drop offs, where finesse techniques like drop-shot rigs, jigs, or crankbaits prove effective for imitating prey like baitfish or crayfish. As conditions warm through spring, bass transition shallower into creek arms and coves for pre-spawn activity, targeting these areas with reaction baits like spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, jerkbaits, or swimbaits offer good opportunities for these fish throughout the season.

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.

Current reservoir levels can be found here. 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 4/20/26.

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: Trout, crappie, bass

Will be stocked the week of April 27^th with 3,750 hatchery 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 annually and 100,000 adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook salmon fingerlings (when available) to provide a harvest fishery the following year. This makes a great early-spring fishery on large fish.

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) generally remains accessible at all normal reservoir elevations. Last updated 4/20/26

JUNCTION CITY POND: Trout, bluegill

This pond is located 2 miles south of Junction City on Hwy 99W. It will be stocked this week with around 1,875 hatchery trout. Anglers are reminded that they can keep only one fish over 20 inches per day as part of the 5-trout bag limit. Last updated 04/20/26

LEABURG LAKE: Trout

Will be stocked each week beginning the week of April 20^th all the way through May with between 1,000 – 1,500 hatchery rainbow trout. Leaburg Lake is open to fishing all year. Bait can be used from April 22 until 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 4/20/26.

MCKENZIE RIVER below Leaburg Lake (R1): Trout, steelhead

Will be stocked the week of April 20^th with 6,000 hatchery rainbow trout.

April 22 to October 31 anglers can use bait in the mainstem McKenzie River. Beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Fishing for summer steelhead remains open throughout year. All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Check the 2026 Sport Fishing Regulations for bait restrictions in the segment you plan to fish.

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 4/20/26.

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

Will be stocked the week of April 27^th with 6,250 hatchery rainbow trout.

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Bait is allowed from Leaburg Dam to Forest Glen Boat Ramp April 22 until Oct. 31. Starting Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Last updated 4/20/26.

MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Trout, steelhead

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers refurbished the boat ramp on the south side of the Middle Fork Willamette just below Dexter Dam allowing drift boat and raft access. Chinook fishing should get started in mid-May and Chinook and summer steelhead fishing should be good June – July downstream of Dexter Dam.

A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead.

The Middle Fork Willamette above Lookout Point and Hills Creek reservoirs are 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 4/20/26. 

NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: Trout

Opens for trout retention on May 22. 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 3/4/26.

For more information, visit PGE's Parks and Recreation webpage.

QUARTZVILLE CREEK: Trout

This river above Green Peter Reservoir gets stocked regularly from late spring through the summer. Currently flows are around 550cfs. Best conditions for fishing are below 300cfs. Light tackle including flies works best, but bait is allowed. The river above Green Peter Reservoir is open year-round, but the road is not maintained during the winter.

Trout are active year-round, and anglers are allowed to keep up to five fish daily. Last updated 04/20/26.

ROW RIVER NATURE PARK POND (formerly Cottage Grove Pond): Trout, bass, bluegill

https://myodfw.com/workshops-and-events/take-family-fishing-event-schedule

Stocked with 1,250 hatchery rainbow trout on April 1.

The fishing dock has been replaced, and the Cascade Family Flyfishers have removed aquatic vegetation and blackberry around the pond to improve access and angling success. Cottage Grove Pond is open to year-round fishing and is accessible from the asphalt pathway behind the truck scales on Row River Rd. In addition to fishing, these ponds also offer wildlife viewing opportunities. Last updated 4/15/2026.

SALMON CREEK: Trout

Stocked the week of April 13^th and will be stocked again the week of April 27^th with 1,400 hatchery rainbow trout.

Salmon Creek is open to fishing all year. Anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Use of bait allowed Apr 22 - Oct 31. 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 4/20/26.

SALT CREEK: Trout

Salt Creek and its tributaries are open to fishing all year; it is an unstocked tributary to the Middle Fork Willamette River east of Oakridge. Anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Use of bait is only allowed from Apr 22 - Oct 31. Two wild trout may be kept per day, 8-inch minimum length. Last updated 4/20/26

SANDY RIVER: Winter steelhead

Winter steelhead can be found throughout the system. Anglers should confirm access before they go. Check conditions at individual parks on Metro's website. Last updated 3/4/26

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK): Steelhead, trout, Chinook, coho

River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000cfs, and the river is currently running at 2,400cfs at the gage in Mehama. The chinook run has begun with a few fish already having arrived in the basin, along with the first summer steelhead of the season. More than 1,000 adult summer steelhead have migrated above the falls as of April 16. Spin cast with lures or swing large streamer flies through the pools.

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.

Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round. Bait is allowed between April 22 and October 31. Last updated 04/20/26.

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 and continues through early October. Currently, flows are around 1,100cfs. Dead-drifting a nymph fly or slow retrieving a small spinner can sometimes coax larger trout to bite. The river is usually stocked with trout between May and August. Last updated 04/20/26.

SANTIAM RIVER (SOUTH FORK): Bass, trout, steelhead

Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000cfs. Flows are currently at around 2,800cfs at the gage in Waterloo. 2026 runs of Chinook and summer steelhead have started to enter the basin with a few having made it all the way to the ladder below Foster Reservoir, but it will be several more weeks before they arrive in numbers in the basin. Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round. The use of bait is now allowed through the end of October. Last updated 04/20/26.

SMITH RESERVOIR: Trout

Will be stocked the week of May 18^th with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout.

After nine years of closure, Carmen-Smith recreation sites on the Upper McKenzie River will reopen to the public on May 1, allowing hikers, and day visitors access to newly renovated facilities. Anyone with questions about visiting these recreation sites should inquire online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/recreation or by contacting the McKenzie River Ranger Station at (541) 822-3381. Last updated 4/20/26 

SUNNYSIDE PARK POND: Trout, bass, bluegill

This 4-acre pond is located two miles above the upper end of Foster Reservoir. It will be stocked this week with about 1,100 hatchery trout, including a few trophy sized. 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 4/20/26

TIMBER LINN POND: Trout

This pond is usually stocked from November through May with hatchery trout. Scheduled to be stocked this week with about 1,250 hatchery trout including some trophy trout. As a reminder, only one trout over 20 inches is allowed as part of a five-fish per day bag limit. This is a family-friendly fishing pond within Timber Linn Memorial Park in Albany. Last updated 4/20/26

TIMOTHY LAKE: Trout

Regular trout stockings will begin again in the spring, once road conditions allow for safe access.

Check the Mt Hood National Forest website for access updates. Last updated 3/4/26 

TRAIL BRIDGE RESERVOIR: Trout

After nine years of closure, Carmen-Smith recreation sites on the Upper McKenzie River will reopen to the public on May 1, offering campers, hikers, and day visitors access to newly renovated facilities. Campsites at Trail Bridge Campground will be available for booking now on Recreation.gov. The first reservable date is May 14.

Anyone with questions about visiting these recreation sites should inquire online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/recreation or by contacting the McKenzie River Ranger Station at (541) 822-3381

ODFW has discontinued trout stocking in Trail Bridge Reservoir. Wild trout must be released. Only flies and lures may be used. Last updated 4/20/2026

TRILLIUM LAKE: Trout

Access closed to anglers. Last updated 3/4/26

TURNER LAKE: Bass, panfish, some trout

This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to public fishing along the southern half where the boat ramp is. Non-gasoline powered trolling motors only are allowed. It is an old borrow pit and features largemouth bass, panfish such as bluegill, and trout in the cooler months. There's a boat ramp on the southwest corner of the lake. It was stocked recently with about 2,000 hatchery trout. Because the lake is deep, trout can survive year-round. As a reminder, only one trout over 20 inches is allowed as part of a five-fish per day bag limit. Last updated 04/06/26

WALTER WIRTH LAKE: Trout, bass, panfish

This urban lake usually gets stocked from about Thanksgiving through May. The rest of the year anglers can target bluegill and bass. It will be stocked this week with about 2,000 hatchery trout. As a reminder, only one fish out a 5-fish bag limit may be longer than 20 inches.

Walter Wirth is a 20-acre lake located within the City of Salem's Cascades Gateway Park with good access all the way around. Last updated 4/20/26

WAVERLY LAKE: Trout, bluegill, catfish

This lake in Albany gets stocked from late fall through May. The rest of the year offers fair warmwater fishing for bluegill and bass. It was stocked last week with about 900 hatchery trout. As a reminder, only one fish out a five-fish bag limit may be longer than 20 inches.

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 4/20/26.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: Catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead, spring Chinook, coho salmon, small and largemouth bass, walleye

From April 13^th – April 19^th, an estimated 3,139 anglers in the lower Willamette River kept 280 Chinook and released 65 Chinook. Catch rates were the best from Lake Oswego to Willamette Falls (0.12 kept Chinook per angler), with lower catch rates in the Willamette below Lake Oswego and the Multnomah Channel (0.08 kept Chinook per angler). Several different methods have been productive, with particular success amongst anglers in the upper river using jet divers and sand shrimp/eggs around Oregon City and Gladstone and jigging lead fish jigs above the I-205 bridge. Steelhead fishing has been slow for boats and bank anglers on the lower Willamette.

See Willamette Catch Summaries for more details on spring chinook, steelhead and sturgeon here.

River conditions and fish counts:

• Daily report Willamette River Portland-Temperature/Visibility
• Link to: Willamette Falls Counts 
• Link to Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro Data
• Link to NOAA-Willamette River Forecast (Salem)

The Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, good access and variety.

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 upstream section between Albany and Harrisburg is open year-round for trout fishing, which can be very good when flows are cooperating. Look for deep slot pools and the tail-end of long riffles and the head of pools where the fish are likely stacked up in feeding lanes.

Smallmouth bass can be a lot of fun to catch and are plentiful between Salem and Corvallis during summer. Anglers also report the occasional walleye up to 20 inches. Trout prefer the cooler water temperatures upstream of Corvallis. From Salem downstream there are plenty of largemouth bass in the deeper, quieter sections. Trout can be kept in some sections, but not in others. Consult the regulation booklet for details.