Willamette Zone

Dec. 18, 2024‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

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

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

Best bets for weekend fishing:

• Winter steelhead are starting to enter the Clackamas. It's early but there are fish throughout the system.
• There are reports of early winter steelhead in the lower Sandy.
• There is a good possibility of hooking some steelhead on the McKenzie River upstream of Leaburg Dam!
• Brood trout and summer steelhead are being released into Row River Nature Park Pond as they become available.
• Timber Linn Pond was stocked this week with 40 excess steelhead.

Trout stocking

No stocking scheduled the week of Dec. 16.

Scheduled to be stocked the week of Dec. 23:
Junction City Pond, Waverly Lake, Walter Wirth Lake, Timber Linn Lake.

Check out the 2024 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

Recreation Report holiday break

Due to the upcoming holidays, we'll be taking a break from the Recreation Report the weeks of Dec. 23 and 30. The Rec Report will resume publication the week of Jan. 6, 2025.

Ice fishing safety

With several water bodies beginning to ice over, anglers need to be cautious during first-ice conditions. Take the following precautions: use the "buddy system," wear a PFD in case of thin ice, carry a throw-rope, and use a heavy metal staff to check for thin-ice. The Minnesota DNR has developed guidelines for ice thickness and other safety tips. Remember that any hole cut in the ice for fishing can't be larger than 12 inches in diameter.

If your favorite fishing spot is no longer listed

It's probably because that river, lake or reservoir is closed for the season, inaccessible due to snow and bad roads, or offers limited fishing opportunities during the winter months. These waterbodies will re-appear in the Recreation Report when they re-open next spring, or when access and/or opportunity improves.

Dexter Pond road closure

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

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

The Canal was last stocked for the season the week of Nov. 18. Stocking will resume next spring.

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 11/27/2024.

BLUE RIVER: trout

Stocking will resume in the spring of 2025.

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 11/2t/24.

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Stocking will resume in the spring of 2025.

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 11/27/24.

CARMEN RESERVOIR:

Latest estimates for when access and fish stocking will resume are now 2026 at the earliest. Public access to Carmen Reservoir is prohibited until further notice. Closure is due to operations required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) resulting in reservoir drawdown over the summer.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: steelhead, coho

Winter steelhead are starting to enter the Clackamas and while it is early in the season, the early component of the run can be found throughout the system. Reports of fish being caught are coming in and numbers can only be expected to increase with each passing rain event.

Hatchery coho are very unlikely to be found this late in the season, but there is still a healthy number of wild fish in the river, which can make for some exciting bycatch while targeting winter steelhead. As a reminder, always avoid disturbing spawning fish/beds while on the water. Their success determines the health of our runs in the future.

Check out 10 tips for catching coho.

The mouth of Eagle Creek is a popular and crowded location for targeting fish on the Clackamas. OSP keeps a close eye on this area and writes many citations for snagging and other fishing violations.

To report poaching or other violations: Call *OSP or *677 (OSP on keypad). You also can call 800-452-7888, or send an email to 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 12/4/24.

CLEAR LAKE: trout

Stocking will resume in spring 2025. 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 11/27/24.

COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout

Stocking will resume in spring 2025. 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 11/27/24.

COTTAGE GROVE POND: See Row River Nature Park Pond

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

Stocking will resume in spring 2025.

Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year. Updated 11/27/24.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout

The water level in Detroit is down to its prescribed low level for December. All boat ramps are out of the water, even Mongold. They will begin to fill the reservoir starting in late January.

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. Now that fall is here, activity on the lake will be quieter. Fishing can be surprisingly good, even during mid-day.

The reservoir gets stocked with trout during the spring and summer with many of these fish still available throughout the fall and winter and into next year. As a reminder, anglers are allowed to keep up to five trout, with an additional five fish kokanee bag limit. Kokanee fishing is mostly done for the year as the adults are moving up into the tributaries to spawn.

Also, 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. Make sure you can tell the difference between a Chinook and a kokanee before you get out on the water.

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.

Anglers are encouraged to report their catch on 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 12/11/24.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Stocking will resume in spring 2025. Dexter Reservoir near Lowell is visible from Hwy. 58. Boat and bank access is available through state and county parks. Parking and bank access are also available from the causeway near Lowell. Largemouth bass and some smallmouth are also available to anglers in this reservoir. Last updated 11/27/24.

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

Stocking will resume in spring 2025. Dorena Reservoir is east of Cottage Grove on Row River Road and is open to fishing all year. Trout and warmwater fish are available. Baker Bay Park (Lane County) is open seasonally from April – October. The park has a boat ramp, ADA restrooms, showers, picnic and camp spots. Last update 11/25/24.

EE WILSON POND: warmwater species, trout

The pond is stocked with trout from February through May. The parking lot to the pond will be closed starting Dec. 16 for repairs and improvements. It will be re-opened in time for the first trout stocking of 2025. The pond itself will remain open throughout the construction period and visitors can park at the archery range.

As a reminder, only one trout 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 along an ADA path from the parking area. It has three newly installed fishing piers including one that is ADA compliant.

A parking permit is required, and one can be purchased online or at any ODFW office. Last updated 12/18/24.

FALL CREEK: trout

The Bedrock Fire burned the upper portions of the drainage, access will be challenging and water temperatures in this sub-basin will likely be elevated in the river during the summer months. For these reasons, ODFW will not be stocking Fall Cr. in 2024 and will instead focus stocking in Fall Creek Reservoir.

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 3/28/24.

FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

Stocking will resume in the spring of 2025. Fall Creek Reservoir is currently being held down and will be held at winter low level until early May to allow passage of juvenile spring Chinook salmon. Last updated 11/27/24.

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.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish

This reservoir near Sweet Home is usually stocked several times in the spring and early fall with over 28,000 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.

Right now, the reservoir looks muddier than usual because of the deep drawdown of Green Peter Reservoir upstream, which has exposed lots of sediments to erosion and run-off. It should begin to clear up later this winter when reservoirs begin to fill up again.

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.

They have released water out of the reservoir and the water level has dropped below the toe-slope at Calkins Park and Gedney boat ramps making them unusable. However, Sunnyside boat ramp will be available throughout the fall and winter. Bank fishing access is available at several access points including at Caulkins, Sunnyside, Gedney and Lewis Creek parks.

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 11/20/24.

GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout

Gold Lake is open for fishing May 22 to Oct. 31. For access inquiries call the USFS Willamette Nat'l 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 (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 10/30/24.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: trout, bass

The reservoir is slowly refilling but is still below the normal winter storage level. Until the reservoir fills up again this winter the reservoir will be unsafe to fish and loaded with suspended sediment. The outflow and the river downstream will be similarly off-color for the next few months.

The reservoir is usually stocked with trout in the spring. In the summer they retreat to deeper water where it is cooler. Also, as a reminder to anglers, fishing for and harvesting Chinook in the lake and the rivers above is prohibited. Any Chinook caught in Green Peter reservoir must be released unharmed.

For the latest information on water levels at Green Peter Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers' website for more information. Last updated 12/18/24.

HARRIET LAKE: trout

Harriet has been stocked with trout. The lake will have to accessed from 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 campground. Last updated 6/19/24.

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

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 level 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 10/14/24.

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass

Stocking will resume in the spring of 2025. Don't forget that you can keep hatchery Chinook in the reservoir as mentioned below.

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

Trout and salmon must be adipose fin-clipped to be harvested. Large native trout are available for catch-and-release fishing. Packard Boat Ramp (USFS) generally remains accessible at all normal reservoir elevation. Last updated 11/27/24.

JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, bluegill

This pond was stocked recently with about 1,000 legal size hatchery trout and about 100 extra-large brood trout. The next scheduled stocking is right before Christmas. Anglers can keep only one of these larger fish per day as part of your 5-trout bag limit. Last updated 12/18/24.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

Stocking will resume in the spring of 2025.

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 11/27/24.

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

ODFW has instated a temporary rule to open the McKenzie River downstream of Leaburg Dam to coho fishing from Oct. 1 – Dec. 31. You can harvest clipped or unclipped coho. Limit of a combination of 2 coho or steelhead per person per day. A single coho was observed at Leaburg Dam on Nov. 8. Steelhead fishing should still be productive above and below the dam.

CLOSED to Chinook salmon fishing until Dec. 31, 2024. Low numbers of both hatchery and unclipped Chinook returning to Leaburg Dam led to the decision to close the fishery to meet conservation and broodstock goals for next year's juvenile releases. Fishing for summer steelhead remains open throughout the river and has been very productive.

Was last stocked the week of Sept 2, with 2,000 rainbow trout. Bait can be used from April 22 – Oct. 31, but beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies.

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Check the 2024 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 11/27/24.

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

Stocking will resume in the spring of 2025. There is a good possibility of hooking some steelhead upstream of Leaburg Dam!

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Bait is allowed from Leaburg Dam to Forest Glen Boat Ramp from April 22 – Oct 31. Last updated 11/27/24.

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

Water turbidity will likely continue to increase as we get closer to November due to the deep drawdown of Lookout Point Reservoir. 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.

ODFW has instated a temporary rule to open the Middle Fork Willamette to coho fishing from Oct. 1 – Dec. 31. You can harvest clipped or unclipped coho. Limit of a combination of 2 coho or steelhead per person per day.

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 10/30/24.

NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: trout

Trout stocking will resume this spring in time for trout season, which opens May 22.

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 1/10/24.

QUARTZVILLE CREEK: trout

This river above Green Peter Reservoir gets stocked from late spring through the summer.

Flows are currently around 3,400 cfs. Best conditions for fishing are below 300 cfs. With more rain in the forecast, it will be a while before this river becomes fishable. Light tackle including flies works best, but bait is allowed.

Trout are active year-round, and anglers are allowed to keep up to five fish daily. Last updated 12/18/24.

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

Brood trout and summer steelhead are being released as they become available from hatcheries, along with the regular releases of catchable trout. Fishing should be productive. Anglers can keep only one fish larger than 20 inches per day.

The pond is open to year-round fishing and are accessible via an asphalt pathway behind the truck scales on Row River Rd. In addition to fishing, these ponds also offer wildlife viewing opportunities. Last updated 11/27/24.

SALMON CREEK: trout

Stocking will resume in the spring of 2025.

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 11/27/24.

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. Bait can be used from April 22 – Oct. 31, but beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Two wild trout may be kept per day, 8-inch minimum length. Last updated 5/19/20.

SANDY RIVER: steelhead

Coho fishing has largely ended on the Sandy. Most coho in the system now are likely spawning, or about to spawn and should be left undisturbed.

Winter steelhead have been reported in the lower river. While it is early in the season, more fish can be expected in the coming months and with each passing rain event.

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

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

USGS hydrological data for the Sandy near bull run. Last updated 12/4/24.

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

River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at around 6,100 cfs at the gage in Mehama.

The historic coho salmon run is done. There are still a few summer steelhead in the upper sections of the river. Fishing for steelhead is open year-round, but the use of bait is not allowed between Nov. 1 and April 21. Last updated 12/18/24.

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

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK) above DETROIT: trout

This river is open year-round to fishing, but ideal conditions usually begin after snowmelt recedes in late June and continues through early October. In winter, fishing conditions can be challenging, but trout are opportunistic, and anglers can find success even in cold weather. Dead-drifting a nymph fly or slow retrieving a small spinner can sometimes coax larger trout to bite. The river is usually stocked between May and August. Last updated 11/27/24.

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

Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs. Flows are at 3,500 cfs at the gage in Waterloo. Rain is in the forecast for the next week so this is likely to change.

There are still some scattered summer steelhead in the river, but everything else is catch-and-release. Spring chinook and the next run of summer steelhead will begin to arrive in April. Last updated 12/18/24.

SMITH RESERVOIR: trout

Latest estimates for when access and fish stocking will resume are now 2026 at the earliest. The Eugene Water & Electric Board is enveloped in a construction project to retrofit, refurbish and upgrade capital equipment at its Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project.

In order to keep the public and construction personnel safe during the five-year project, Forest Road 730 is closed at the Powerhouse, cutting off access to Trail Bridge Campground, Smith Reservoir and Lake's End Campground. The road closure will continue through 2026.

TIMBER LINN POND: trout

This pond is usually stocked from November through May with hatchery trout. It was stocked this week with about 40 excess steelhead and will also be stocked right before Christmas with 900 hatchery 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 12/18/24.

TIMOTHY LAKE: trout, kokanee, crayfish

Timothy lake is accessible, however only via Skyline Rd until the remainder of the hazard trees are cleared.

Timothy lake is a great summer destination for fishing and recreating on the water. Anglers should keep in mind this is a very popular destination. Trout fishing is often best at the head of the reservoir. Check the Mt Hood National Forest website for access updates. Last updated 5/29/24.

TRAIL BRIDGE RESERVOIR: trout

The Eugene Water & Electric Board is implementing a construction project to retrofit, refurbish and upgrade capital equipment at its Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project. Latest estimates for when access and fish stocking will resume are now 2025 at the earliest. The capital construction projects planned for the 2017-2024 timeframe will create significant public access constraints due primarily to safety concerns. In order to keep the public and construction personnel safe during the project, EWEB and the Forest Service agreed to close access to Forest Road 730 at the Powerhouse.

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

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

TRILLIUM LAKE: trout

The lake is now accessible and has been stocked with trout. Last updated 5/29/24.

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. 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 in the southwest corner of the lake. It was last stocked the week of Nov 11 with 1,000 rainbow trout. This waterbody should produce fish 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 11/20/24.

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 right before Christmas with another 1,500 hatchery trout. 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 12/18/24.

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 will be stocked right before Christmas with about 800 hatchery trout. 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 12/18/24.

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

The Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, fairly 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.

North Willamette – From the mouth upstream to Keizer Rapids Park

Anglers can monitor the Willamette Falls fish counts at the link below for a more up to date understanding of what salmon and steelhead are doing in the system. Last updated 12/03/24.

Mid-Willamette – From Keizer Rapids Park upstream to the mouth of the McKenzie River

The coho run is over but we are seeing the beginnings of the winter steelhead run. While the majority of these fish are wild, there are some hatchery fish mixed in as well that anglers are allowed to keep. Most of these fish are headed to the Santiams.

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 the spring and summer. Trout prefer the cooler temperatures upstream of Corvallis. From Salem downstream there are plenty of largemouth bass in the deeper, quieter sections. Last updated 12/11/24.

South Willamette – from the mouth of the McKenzie River upstream to the headwaters of the Willamette River.

Summer steelhead can be caught almost any month of the year. Trout fishing is open all year fishing with flies and lures – cutthroat fishing should be good when the river is not blown out. Sturgeon fishing is open – 1 per day and 2 per year (38 inch minimum, 54 inch maximum). Last updated 11/27/24.