Willamette Zone

Weekend fishing opportunities

• There will be a free Family Fishing Event at St. Louis Ponds in Gervais on Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ODFW staff and volunteers will show you everything you need to know to go fishing – from baiting the hook to landing you catch. Heck, we’ll even loan you the gear you need.
• There also will be a Family Fishing Event this Saturday at Walter Wirth Lake in Salem from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Winter steelhead numbers and fishing conditions on the Clackamas River have picked up. Anglers might even find a few summer steelhead in the mix.
• Eagle Creek should be worth a try when conditions allow because the first crop of hatchery late-arriving winter steelhead is due back at Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery.
• In the Willamette last week, Chinook anglers kept a total of 228 hatchery Chinook and released another 94 fish. The season is young, so now is a good time to tune up your fishing gear and get out to test the waters.
• April 15 will be a busy week for trout stocking in the Willamette Valley. There will be fish going to Waverly Lake, Dexter Reservoir, Blue Lake, Henry Hagg Lake, Fall Creek, Salmonberry Lake, Detroit Reservoir, Trojan Lake, Clear Lake, Sheridan Pond, EE Wilson Pond, Cottage Grove Reservoir, Willamette Coast Fork, Haldeman Pond, St. Louis Pond, Benson Lake, Sunnyside Park Pond, Progress Lake, Salmon Creek, Bethany Pond, Walter Wirth Lake, Junction City Pond, Alton Baker Canoe Canal, Canby Pond, Denman Pond and Hartman Pond.
• Faraday Lake is now closed while PGE updates its powerhouse at Rivermill Dam.

2019 STOCKING SCHEDULE AND STOCKING MAP

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: trout

Will be stocked this week with 1,500 legal-size rainbow trout.

The canoe canal is located within Alton Baker Park and can be accessed from Club Road in Eugene. A 4-acre pond at the midpoint of the canal is a good spot but it can be fished all along its two-mile length from Day Island Road in Eugene to Aspen Street in Springfield. The canal is open to fishing all year.

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

Will be stocked the week of April 15.

This is a 40-acre lake located in Benson State Park in the Columbia River Gorge. From Portland, head east on I-84; the park is located on the south side of the freeway about 1/2 mile west of Multnomah Falls.

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

Will be stocked with rainbow trout the week of April 15.

This is a 10-acre pond located at Bethany west of Portland. The pond is maintained by Tualatin Hills Park and Rec. Amenities include picnic tables, restrooms, and a paved, ADA accessible trail.

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

Will be stocked with rainbow trout the week of April 15.

Try fishing from the docks or along the bank near the boat ramp. From October to April private boats are also allowed if under 14 ft. with motors of less than 3.0 horsepower.

This 64-acre lake is located in Blue Lake Regional Park three miles west of Troutdale. Amenities include picnic areas, restrooms, walking trail, and ramp for small boats. Park is maintained by Metro. The cost to enter is $5/car and there is ample parking once inside the park. The park is open from 8 a.m. until legal sunset. For further information call 503-661-6087.

BLUE RIVER: trout

Will be stocked the week of April 22 with 733 legal-size rainbow trout.

Two wild trout may be harvested per day above Blue River Reservoir only. Otherwise, anglers may keep five hatchery trout per day. Use of bait is allowed April 22 through Oct. 31. Beginning Nov. 1 through April 21, only flies and lures are allowed.

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Will be stocked the week of April 1 with 1,467 legal-size and 50 trophy rainbow trout. Fishing should be good, there were also 1,500 fish stocked last week!

Blue River Reservoir is located east of Eugene near the town of Blue River, north of Hwy. 126 and is open to year-round fishing. Blue River Reservoir boat ramps are no longer accessible.

BREITENBUSH RIVER: trout

Scheduled to be stocked the last week of May.

This river flows through mostly U.S. Forest Service land into Detroit Lake and is open year-round. Salmon fishing is prohibited. During the summer it is stocked fairly regularly with trout. Anglers may keep up to five trout per day.

CANBY POND: trout, bass, crappie, bluegill

This popular pond will be stocked the week of April 15.

Canby Pond is a one-acre pond located on the south end of Canby, in Canby City Park. This pond is open only to youth 17 years old and under, as well as persons who have an ODFW Disabled Hunting and Fishing Permit.

CARMEN RESERVOIR: trout

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

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

CLACKAMAS RIVER: winter steelhead

Winter steelhead fishing conditions saw further improvement in past weeks during the pleasant spring-like temperatures and decent flows, but heavy rains early last week elevated the river to near flood stage. Despite the seemingly slow start in getting back from the ocean, winter steelhead numbers saw a nice spike upward two weeks ago when the Clackamas hatchery crew opened their trap and 151 winters collected on one day, and we’re expecting a similar number in the trap next day. As of now, Clackamas Hatchery has seen 771 adult winter steelhead swim-ins. The river is currently on the mend and will be fishable by late this week. Expect to find winter steelhead still around as well as the first numbers of summer steelhead in the mix.

Following the extremely high river conditions we saw last week, the level of the river is now holding up at 14.38ft. at the Estacada Gauge, and is on a steady drop. The color of the river is looking classic “steelhead green” and will only continue to improve for fishing opportunity.

USGS hydrological data for April 17 shows river flows at 5,920cfs water temperature up a several degrees to 42° F, and the gauge at 14.38 ft. All of the readings come from the Estacada gauge near Milo McIver State Park. Hydrologic data and river forecasts can also be accessed on the NOAA/National Weather Service NW River Forecast Center -- NW River Forecast Center.

CLEAR LAKE: trout

Will be stocked again the week of April 15, 2019 with 2,934 legal and 250 trophy-size trout.

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

COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: trout

Will be stocked the week of April 15 with 1,566 legal-size rainbow trout. The river is open to fishing all year for trout, hatchery Chinook salmon, hatchery steelhead, and wild steelhead over 24-inches. Use of bait allowed April 22 – Oct 31, but beginning Nov. 1 anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. In addition to five hatchery trout, two wild trout may be kept daily.

COMMONWEALTH LAKE: rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, crappie

Stocked with rainbow trout the week of April 8.

This is a three-acre stocked lake within the Commonwealth Lake Park in Beaverton, Oregon. Commonwealth Park is maintained by Tualatin Hills Park and Rec. Amenities include ADA accessible trail, picnic tables, playground, and restrooms.

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

Scheduled to be stocked the week of April 10.

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

COTTAGE GROVE RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Will be stocked the week of April 15 with 5,000 trophy-size rainbow trout.

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

DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout, kokanee

This large reservoir will be stocked the week of April 15 with over 5,000 larger trout. Early season fishing can be good because fish such as kokanee and rainbow trout remain active in the colder months. As an added bonus, there’s usually no line at the boat ramps. Reducing your trolling speed can be an effective technique if the bite is not on.

With all the rain that has fallen in recent days the reservoir water elevation is above normal for this time of year.  Currently, the reservoir is completely full, which means the fishing conditions will be very good this entire year. The Mongold State Park boat ramp is available to launch boats, as well as those in Detroit Lake State Park, but most other boat ramps are still closed. Check the US Army Corps of Engineer’s website for more information.

NOTICE: Regular anglers of Detroit Lake may notice that this year’s hatchery trout are averaging a bit bigger this year than in past years. This is because ODFW has decided to stock fewer but larger fish this year. Anglers are encouraged to report their catch on forms available at signs and kiosks which have been installed at key locations around the lake. Simply fill out the form and return in the designated drop boxes. There is also an on-line form. Remember to indicate whether the fish you catch have their adipose fin or not. This information will allow ODFW to manage the fishery for the benefit of both recreational anglers and the resource.  

DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout

Will be stocked the week of April 15 with 5,000 trophy-size rainbow trout.

Dexter Reservoir near Lowell is visible from Hwy. 58. Boat and bank access is available from state and county parks. Parking and bank access are also available from the causeway near Lowell. Largemouth bass and some smallmouth are also available to anglers in this reservoir.

DORENA RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater

Will be stocked the week of April 15 with 5,000 trophy-size rainbow trout.  

Dorena Reservoir is east of Cottage Grove on Row River Road and is open to fishing all year. Trout and warmwater fish are available. Baker Bay boat ramp is accessible at the current reservoir elevation.

DORMAN POND - trout

Stocked the first week of April with 1,000 legals.

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

EAGLE CREEK: steelhead

Eagle Creek should be worth a try when conditions allow because the first crop of hatchery late-arriving winter steelhead is due back at Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery. In the past couple weeks some anglers have caught a few winter steelhead throughout the creek and fish have been arriving at the hatchery trap as well. ODFW switched the Eagle Creek releases from early to late returns three years ago, and those efforts should bear fruit this year.

Keep in mind that long stretches of Eagle Creek do run through private property, particularly up near the hatchery and from an area below the lower ladder on down near Bonnie Lure to the mouth. Anglers are advised to pay close attention to where you fish and we encourage you to ask permission prior to accessing or crossing private lands on your way to your favorite fishing hole. See Page 15 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulation pamphlet for more information on “Your Rights to Use the Surface, Bed, and Banks of Oregon’s Rivers and Lakes.”

EE WILSON POND: warmwater species, trout

The pond has been stocked several times in 2019. It will be stocked again the week of April 15 with about 2,300 trout. 

This pond is located inside EE Wilson Wildlife Area. To get to it requires a 1/3 mile hike from the parking area. It was stocked the week of March 4 with about 900 hatchery trout. The daily bag limit is 5 trout per day, with only one fish over 20-inches allowed.

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

ESTACADA LAKE: trout, steelhead

The lake is currently closed to trout fishing. Open year around for hatchery salmon and hatchery steelhead.

FALL CREEK: trout

Will be stocked the week of April 15 with 1,333 legal-size rainbow trout.

Fall Creek is open all year for trout. Beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Five hatchery trout and an additional two wild trout may be harvested daily in the river.

Below Fall Creek Dam the creek is open all year for hatchery Chinook, hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead greater than 24-inches.

FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

Will receive its first stocking of the year the week of April 1 -- 4,667 legal and 667 trophy-size rainbow trout.

FARADAY LAKE: trout

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

Stocking will resume when the lake reopens.

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

This 9,000-acre lake just 12 miles west of Eugene is the Willamette Basin’s largest water body. Spring filling of the reservoir has begun, and the three main public boat ramps are available to launch boats. For local information regarding the lake and available boat ramps, contact the Lane County Parks Department at 541-682-2000. Bass and crappie fishing usually gets going around mid-April with peak months being May and June.

There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps. The reservoir is currently at full pool. There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish

The reservoir is stocked with trout several times in spring and fall. It was stocked in early April with another 2,700 trout. The reservoir is in excellent shape at the moment and the fishing should be fairly good. The scheduled stocking for the week of April 15 has been postponed to later in April due to flooding issues at the hatchery. 

This scenic 1,200-acre reservoir on the South Santiam River is located just 30 minutes from Interstate 5. There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps. The reservoir is slowly getting filled for the summer recreation season. Currently, boaters can launch at both Sunnyside and Gedney boat ramps.

Look for smallmouth bass and yellow perch near underwater structure and drop-offs. Please remember that only kokanee and adipose fin-clipped trout may be kept as part of the trout bag limit, but there are no limits on size or number of bass. Retention of warmwater fish species such as bluegill, catfish, crappie, and yellow perch is also allowed; no limit on size or number.

FREEWAY LAKE, EAST: trout, bass bluegill crappie

The lake was stocked the week of March 25 with 600 trout. Fishing for warmwater gamefish such as bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish can be very good, especially early and late in the day in spring and summer. This is one of the best places in the Valley to fish for large crappie.

This water-body actually consists of three interconnected ponds and features some good size bass and crappie. A boat ramp is available at East Freeway Lake, and there is good bank access around Middle Freeway Lake.

GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout

Opens to fishing May 22. Gold Lake has special fishing regulations in place which include no retention of rainbow trout, no limit on brook trout, no motorboats, fly-fishing only (has to be a fly rod, no spinning rigs) and barbless hooks.

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

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, trout, bass

Stocking scheduled for the week of April 10 has been postponed due to water conditions.  Fish will be released at a later time as yet to be determined.

The water elevation in the reservoir has been increasing over the last few weeks and is now completely full.  Both Whitcomb Island and Thistle Creek boat ramps are available now for anglers to launch boats. Best bet for anglers without a boat is to drive to the top of the reservoir where Quartzville Creek enters the reservoir. Large trout will sometimes forage where the river brings in food swept down from upstream. Check the US Army Corps of Engineer’s website for more information.

Trout as well as bass are good options for anglers this time of year. Look for them near ledges and drop-offs as well as near underwater structure. Kokanee fishing is heating up with most fish in the 8- to 9-inch range. The bag limit for kokanee is 25 fish per day in addition to the 5 trout daily limit.

HALDEMAN POND: trout

The pond is scheduled to be stocked the week of April 15. This is a two-acre pond on the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area that offers good bank access. This site is ideal for kids. A parking permit is required while on the wildlife area. Permits are available from all ODFW license vendors.

HARTMAN POND: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

Scheduled to be stocked with rainbow trout the week of April 15.

This is a year-round warmwater and spring trout fishing pond in the Columbia River Gorge, with easy access for non-boating anglers just off Interstate 84. It is stocked with legal- and trophy-size trout in the spring and also supports year-round populations of crappie, bass and catfish. From I-84, take the Benson State Park exit. The pond is adjacent to the Columbia River adjoining Benson State Recreation Area.

HARRIET LAKE: trout

This lake will next be stocked the week of April 10 when it will get 4,000 trout.

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

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

Scheduled to be stocked with 7,000 legal rainbows the week of April 15. Both boat ramps are open, but bank fishing can be good this time of year as trout often forage near the shore in spring.

Located near Forest Grove, Hagg Lake is one of Oregon’s premier warmwater fishing locations, with populations of record-class largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie and bullhead. It also supports a resident population of native cutthroat trout and is frequently stocked with trout.

The lake is now open year-round and is stocked regularly throughout the spring and fall. Henry Hagg is a 1,110-acre lake waterbody located seven miles southwest of Forest Grove.

Maintained and operated by Washington County, the park features numerous picnic areas, two boat launching facilities, more than 15 miles of hiking trails, and observation decks for wildlife and bird watching.

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater fish

Good fishing in the reservoir should get even better this week with the addition of 3,200 legal-size rainbow trout!

February – April is the time of year when the trout fishery in the reservoir really heats up. The past three years lots of 14- to 16-inch rainbow trout have been caught trolling or bank fishing during this period.

Hills Creek Reservoir is located about four miles southeast of Oakridge and is open to year-round fishing. In addition to catchable-size trout, the reservoir is stocked with 60,000 adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout fingerlings and 100,000 adipose fin-clipped spring  Chinook salmon fingerlings annually to provide a harvest fishery the following year.

Trout and salmon must be adipose-fin clipped to be harvested. Large native trout are available for catch-and-release fishing. Packard Boat Ramp remains accessible at current reservoir elevation.

HUDDLESTON POND: trout, bass, bluegill

Stocked the first week of April with 800 legals and 350 trophies.

This is a 5-acre pond located within Huddleston Pond Park in the city of Willamina, Ore. A former mill pond, this venue has "kid-friendly" edges, is ADA accessible in places, with a restroom and picnic areas nearby.

JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, crappie

It will be stocked again the week of April 15 with about 1,400 trout. It has been stocked several times this winter and spring and should have plenty of holdover fish for anglers to catch. Anglers are reminded that you are allowed to keep one fish over 20-inches as part of the five fish bag limit.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

The stocking of 1,833 legal-size rainbow trout scheduled in the reservoir the week of April 15 has been canceled but will be moved to the week of April 24.

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

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

The stocking of 6,000 legal-size hatchery rainbow trout scheduled for the week of April 15 has been canceled in this section but will be moved to the week of April 24. Scheduled to be stocked in mid-April.

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Check page 46 of the 2018 Sport Fishing Regulations for bait restrictions in the segment you plan to fish. Beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies.

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

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

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

Scheduled to be stocked in mid-April.

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Bait is allowed from Leaburg Dam to Forest Glen Boat Ramp from April 22 – Oct 31. As of Nov. 1, anglers may use only lures and artificial flies.

MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: trout, salmon, steelhead

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

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

MOLALLA RIVER: winter steelhead, spring Chinook, steelhead

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

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

MT HOOD POND: trout, crappie, bluegill

Stocked the week of March 11 with 1,000 legal-size rainbow trout.

Mt. Hood Pond is located on the Mt. Hood Community College campus in Gresham, at 26000 SE Stark St.

Fishing at this location is restricted to youths age 17 and under and Disabled Angler licensees from April 1 - Aug. 31.

NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: trout, steelhead, salmon

North Fork Reservoir is closed to trout fishing until May 22, 2019.

North Fork Reservoir is a 350-acre reservoir of the Clackamas River behind North Fork Dam approximately 5.2 miles east of Estacada, Ore. This reservoir has two boat ramps, boat moorage, 50 campsites, picnic areas, boat rentals, grocery story, fueling station, and ADA-accessible fishing platforms.

OLALLIE LAKE: trout

Scheduled to be stocked in late May with legal- and trophy-size trout.

This is the largest of more than 200 lakes within the Olallie Lake Scenic Area. Located on the southern edge of the Mt. Hood National Forest it is a popular summer recreational destination for people from Portland and Salem, Ore. There are three campgrounds and a rustic cabin resort on this lake as well as a hiking trail that encircles the perimeter. Yurts, cabins, and boat rentals are available at Olallie Lake Resort.

There is a boat ramp at Peninsula Campground on the southwest shore of the lake. Camping is also available at Olallie Meadows Campground and Paul Dennis Campground. Olallie Lake is also a popular jumping off point for backpackers who want to fish the surrounding high lakes or access the Pacific Crest Trail.

PROGRESS LAKE – rainbow trout, brown bullhead

Scheduled to be stocked the week of April 15.

This is a 4-acre pond next to the Progress Ridge Town Center in Beaverton. The pond is an old rock pit and has a maximum depth of 54 feet. There is a sidewalk, fishing platform and viewing platform on one side of the lake. It is deeper than many Willamette Valley ponds and thus stays cool and “fishable” longer into the summer than shallower ponds.

QUARTZVILLE CREEK: trout

This river above Green Peter Reservoir is usually stocked between May and July. With all the recent rains this river is still very high and should remain a challenge to fish for a while. Once flows drop back down to manageable levels it should be in great shape for some early season trout fishing.  Flows are now around 940 cfs as of April 17 (best conditions for fishing are below 300 cfs).

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

SALISH POND: trout, warm water species

Stocked the week of Feb. 11 with 900 trophy trout.

Parking is available at the school after 5 p.m. weekdays and all weekend. Parking is no longer available adjacent to the pond along Glisan St. Informational signs regarding use of the area have been posted by the City of Fairview around the pond’s shoreline.

SALMON CREEK: trout

Scheduled to be stocked the week of April 15.

Salmon Creek is open to fishing all year. As of Nov. 1 anglers may use only lures and artificial flies. Trout are released at multiple locations upstream to Black Creek. Two wild trout per day, 8-inch minimum length, may be kept in addition to five hatchery trout.

SALMONBERRY LAKE: trout, sunfish

Scheduled with rainbow trout the week of April 15.

Salmonberry Lake is owned by the city of St. Helens and is about three acres in size. It is a former municipal water supply secluded in the woods off Pittsburgh Road. The road to the pond is gated and anglers must walk about 1/3 mile to access this pond.

SALT CREEK: trout

Salt Creek is an unstocked tributary to the Middle Fork Willamette River east of Oakridge. Salt Creek and its tributaries are open to fishing all year. As of Nov. 1 anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Two wild trout may be kept per day, 8-inch minimum length.

SANDY RIVER: winter steelhead, summer steelhead, coho, fall  Chinook                    

Fishing on the Sandy for winter steelhead was picking back up with the recent warm weather and subsequent low level snow melt. The heavy rains from more than a week ago had elevated the river to unfishable levels for an extended period of time. However, the river is back on the mend and should fish well by the latter portion of this week with the river on a nice steady drop.

Fishing pressure had been heavier at the hatchery recently with quite a few hatchery winter steelhead being brought out each day, prior to recent high water. Also the first few summer steelhead of the season have been caught on the Sandy. A significant number of new hatchery fish made their way up the creek and into the trap over the past couple weeks.

So far this year, the Sandy Hatchery staff has collected over 713 winter steelhead from their trap and “recycled” some of them back downstream at Lewis and Clark State Park. These fish were marked with a hole-punch in their right gill plate before release, for identification as fish of Sandy Hatchery origin.

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

USGS hydrological data for April 16 shows Sandy flows at 4,700 cfs, with a gauge reading of 11.13 feet and the water temperature on the Little Sandy at Bull Run holding at a still chilly 42° F.

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK): steelhead, Chinook

As of April 17, flows were around 10,000 cfs at the Mehama gauge, making this river practically unfishable. These high flows will slowly begin to recede through the rest of the week. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs.

This year’s returning crop of summer steelhead and spring Chinook are starting to arrive at Willamette Falls, but it will take a couple of weeks for the bulk of these fish to make into the Santiam basin. So far they have counted 317 summer steelhead and 127 spring Chinook migrating over the Falls as of April 15. Their numbers in the river will increase significantly starting next month. 

The river is now closed to trout. It will reopen on May 22.

NOTICE: Oregon State Marine Board Reports a fallen tree blocking a portion of the river just upstream from the confluence with the South Santiam. Boaters are urged to avoid the area. For more information visit the Marine Board website.    

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK) above DETROIT: trout

This section of the river is open year-round for trout. It was stocked the week of July 30 with 3,000 legal-size trout. Most of these trout can be found from Marion Forks down to the mouth and are fairly well distributed. It will be some time before flows drop down far enough for fishing to be productive.

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

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

Currently flows are at very high levels, around 8,000 cfs as of April 17. It’s going to be a while before this river becomes fishable again. The summer steelhead run for this year has begun, although we are still only in the very early stages and it will take a few more weeks until these fish arrive in the basin in numbers. The latest counts at Willamette Falls are 317  summer steelhead as of April 15. Many of these fish are destined for the South Santiam. The first spring Chinook have also arrived but their numbers are still very low. 

Summer steelhead can generally be found throughout the upper basin below Foster Reservoir, especially above Waterloo Park. Fishing is generally best below 3,000 cfs.

The entire river is now closed to trout fishing. It will re-open on May 22 and continue through Oct. 31.

SHERIDAN POND: trout

Stocked the first week of April with 766 legals and 300 trophies.

Sheridan Pond is a 2 1/2-acre pond located on the edge of town. It provides excellent access for families and kids. Good parking. There is an outhouse provided. To get to Sheridan Pond, take Hwy. 18 to Exit 33 onto Balston Rd. Go south on Balston Rd. approximately half a mile and turn left onto a gravel road leading about a quarter mile to the pond.

SILVER CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, catfish

Scheduled to be stocked in mid-April.

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

SMITH RESERVOIR: trout

The Eugene Water & Electric Board has begun a five-year construction project to retrofit, refurbish and upgrade capital equipment at its Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project. The work is being conducted in anticipation of a new federal operating license for the project.

The capital construction projects planned for the 2017-2021 time frame will create significant public access constraints due primarily to safety concerns. In order to keep the public and construction personnel safe during the five-year project, EWEB and the Forest Service agreed to close access to Forest Road 730 at the Powerhouse. The closure will deny public access to Trail Bridge Campground, Smith Reservoir and Lake’s End Campground. The closure of the road to the public will begin in March 2017 and continue through 2021.

ST. LOUIS PONDS: trout, bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, channel catfish

Scheduled to be stocked with rainbow trout the week of April 15.

St. Louis Ponds is a 240-acre fishing complex of seven ponds owned and managed jointly by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Marion County Parks Department. The site has a 2,300-foot paved ADA footpath with turnouts, fishing platforms, restrooms and picnic tables. It is stocked throughout the year with trout and has many other species of warmwater fish.

A gate providing access to the last mile of dirt road to the complex is open March 1-Sept. 30, although anglers are still permitted to walk in to fish during the seasonal gate closure. March/April hours are 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

St. Louis Ponds is located 13 miles north of Salem and west of I-5. To get to there from the north, take the Woodburn exit off I-5. Then go east to Hwy. 99E. At Hwy. 99E, head south to the town of Gervais. At the light, go west on Gervais Rd. through Gervais. Gervais Rd. changes to St Louis Rd. Continue west on St Louis Rd. as it crosses over I-5 to Tesch Lane, at the railroad crossing. Go left on Tesch Lane and follow the signs to the ponds, about a mile to the main parking lot.

SUNNYSIDE PARK POND: trout, bass, bluegill

Scheduled to be stocked with 800 legal-size rainbow trout the week of April 15.

This 4-acre pond is located two miles above the upper end of Foster Reservoir. The pond also offers bluegill and largemouth bass year round. The park has a campground and picnic area and is a great place to take kids fishing. There is also boat ramp access to the Middle Fork arm of Foster Reservoir. Please keep in mind that only one fish over 20-inches may be kept per day.

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

TIMBER LINN LAKE: rainbow trout

This waterbody was stocked the week of April 10. This week’s scheduled stocking has been postponed due to high water at the hatchery. It will get stocked at another time as yet to be determined. As a reminder to anglers, only one fish over 20 inches is allowed as part of the 5 fish bag limit.

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.

TRAIL BRIDGE RESERVOIR: trout

The Eugene Water & Electric Board has begun a five-year construction project to retrofit, refurbish and upgrade capital equipment at its Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project. The work is being conducted in anticipation of a new federal operating license for the project.

The capital construction projects planned for the 2017-2021 timeframe will create significant public access constraints due primarily to safety concerns. In order to keep the public and construction personnel safe during the five-year project, EWEB and the Forest Service agreed to close access to Forest Road 730 at the Powerhouse.

The closure will deny public access to Trail Bridge Campground, Smith Reservoir and Lake’s End Campground. The closure of the road to the public started in March 2017 and will continue through 2021.

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

TROJAN POND – trout, panfish

Scheduled to be stocked with rainbow trout the week of April 15. Warmwater fishing should be good this time of year.

Trojan Pond is a 15-acre pond located approximately 4.5 miles southeast of Rainier on the north side of Hwy. 30 at the old Trojan nuclear facility site. The pond is located on the right side of the road as soon as you turn onto the Trojan Access Road.

TUALATIN RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES: trout

The Tualatin  and its tributaries are now open year-round for trout under the 2017 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. Fishing shifts to catch-and-release for trout from Nov. 1 to May 21. Fishing and harvest of warmwater fish is also allowed during this period.

WALLING POND: trout, crappie, bass

It was stocked in early April with 450 trout. Anglers may keep only one fish over 20-inches as part of a 5 fish bag limit.

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

WALTER WIRTH LAKE: trout, crappie, bass

There will be a free Family Fishing Event at Waverly Lake on Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ODFW staff and volunteers will show you everything you need to know to go fishing – from baiting the hook to landing you catch. We’ll even loan you the gear you need.

This urban lake has been stocked often of late with trout. It will be stocked the week of April 15 with about 2,000 trout. Anglers may keep only one fish over 20-inches as part of their 5 trout bag limit.

Walter Wirth is a 20-acre lake located within the City of Salem’s Cascades Gateway Park with good access all the way around.

WAVERLY LAKE: trout, bluegill, catfish

Scheduled to be stocked with 750 rainbow trout the week of April 15. 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.

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

Spring Chinook fishing is in full swing on the lower Willamette, and Springers are being caught throughout. In the past week, anglers caught and kept 228 hatchery spring Chinook and four hatchery winter steelhead between Willamette Falls and the river mouth. Effort decreased this past week to just over 3,600 angler trips.

The lower Multnomah Channel by boat was again the best area for Chinook kept.

Steelhead fishing continued to be challenging,with only four hatchery winter steelhead kept in the past week, which isn’t all that surprising given that only four hatchery winters have crossed Willamette Falls. The good news is wild steelhead counts are doing fairly well, as evidenced by the more than 2,400 wild winters that have crossed into the upper river, in what biologists believe is partly a positive response to the removal of sea lions at Willamette Falls. Eighteen California sea lions have been removed from the lower Willamette since mid-November, and preliminary analysis suggests this is helping the steelhead population by reducing sea lion related harassment and mortality.

Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is a good option on the lower Willamette and can be productive this time of year. The ODFW fishing dock on the river bank below the old West Linn Police Station is a good prospect for those who want to try catch-and-release sturgeon fishing from the shore. Kelly Point Park is another popular spot on the lower Willamette for some good catch-and-release sturgeon fishing. Remember to use single, barbless hooks.

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

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

Hydrological data for the Willamette at Willamette Falls on April 10 showed flows down at 143,000 cfs and the water temperature at 49° F.

YAMHILL RIVER and tributaries: trout

The Yamhill and its tributaries are now open year-round for trout under the 2017 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. Fishing shifts to catch-and-release for trout from Nov. 1 to May 21. Fishing and harvest of warmwater fish is also allowed during this period.