Willamette Zone

Jan. 25, 2023

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Best bets for weekend fishing

• Water levels have come up enough on Detroit and Green Peter reservoirs that at least one boat on each is available to launch boats.
• With flows coming down, look for fishing to pick up on Quartzville Creek.
• More fish being caught on the Clackamas is a good clue that steelhead have arrived in Eagle Creek as well.
• Winter steelhead are being caught throughout the Sandy River, with returns to the hatchery increasing over the last couple of weeks.

Recently stocked

Scheduled to be stocked this week:

No stocking scheduled for this week.

Recently stocked:

Turner Lake

Check out the 2022 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Updates by waterbody

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL (ABCC): trout

Will be stocked the week of Feb. 7, 2023 with 1,250 rainbow trout.

The canoe canal is open to fishing all year and is located within Alton Baker Park. A 4-acre pond at the midpoint of the canal is a good spot, as is directly behind Kowloon Restaurant. However, the canal can be fished all along its two-mile length from Day Island Road in Eugene to Aspen Street in Springfield. Last updated 1/17/23.

BLUE RIVER: trout

Will be stocked the week of March 13, 2023 with 1,500 rainbow trout. 

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 1/18/23.

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Was last stocked in June with 1,200 rainbow trout.

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 7/31/22.

BREITENBUSH RIVER: trout

The Forest Service Road (FR 46) up the Breitenbush River has re-opened.  No trout were stocked over the past two summers but there are resident trout available. Hardy anglers can fish this river in the winter when flows are cooperating. Fly-fishing techniques such as nymphing are likely to produce more action than other methods. Last updated 11/16/22.

CARMEN RESERVOIR:

Latest estimates for when access and fish stocking will resume are now 2024 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: winter steelhead

Winter steelhead can be found throughout the river and steady rains over the next ten days should continue to bring more fish into the system. Angler success is only expected to increase in the coming weeks and months as river conditions allow.

It may still be early in the season, but in many ways now is a great time to get out and fish. The rivers are not crowded and most winter steelhead you catch will likely be bright and fresh from the ocean, a better eating and better fighting specimen. No matter what the report or river condition might be, you can’t catch fish at home and time spent on the water will always lead to greater success. 

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 1/4/23.

Fishing for steelhead on the Clackamas River – check out this video.

CLEAR LAKE: trout

Was last stocked the week of Aug. 22 with 3,000 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 9/7/22.

COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout

Was last stocked in July with 740 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. Last updated 7/13/22.

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

Will be stocked the week of Feb. 7 with 1,188 rainbow trout.

Cottage Grove Ponds are 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, and a fishing dock is available on-site. Last updated 1/18/23.

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

Will be stocked the week of Feb. 27, 2023 with 3,000 hatchery rainbow trout.

Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year. Updated 1/18/23.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout

The reservoir is stocked regularly in the spring and summer with tens of thousands of one-pound hatchery trout.  Currently the water level is back down at its lowest level to maximize flood storage, which means that there are no boat ramps available to launch boats from trailers. 

In general, water levels are kept low this time of year to provide flood storage capacity. 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. 

Detroit Reservoir is one of the premier kokanee fisheries in the state. But this is the time of year when the adults have already spawned and died. Kokanee fishing for the next generation usually heats up in March or April and continues through the summer. 

Trout fishing can be good all year. Pretty much all techniques will catch fish, but it might take some experimenting to find out what is most effective on the day you’re out there. This time of year, trout fishing can be excellent, and with the crowds thinned out, anglers can find solitude as well.

As a reminder to anglers, fishing for and harvesting Chinook in the lake and the rivers above is prohibited. Any Chinook caught in Detroit must be released unharmed.

Anglers are encouraged to report their catch on forms available at signs and kiosks which have been installed at key locations around the lake. Simply fill out the form and return in the designated drop boxes. There is also an on-line form. Remember to indicate whether the fish you catch have their adipose fin or not. This information will allow ODFW to manage the fishery for the benefit of both recreational anglers and the resource. Last updated 1/18/23.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Will be stocked the week of Feb. 27, 2023 with 2,000 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. Largemouth bass and some smallmouth are also available to anglers in this reservoir. Last updated 1/18/23.

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

Will be stocked the week of March 6, 2023 with 4,000 hatchery rainbow trout.  

Dorena Reservoir is east of Cottage Grove on Row River Road and is open to fishing all year. Trout and warmwater fish are available. Baker Bay Park (Lane County) is open seasonally from April – October. The park has a boat ramp, ADA restrooms, showers, picnic and camp spots. Last update 1/18/23.

EAGLE CREEK:  winter steelhead

With more fish being caught in the Clackamas, it is expected that steelhead can now be found in Eagle Creek in better numbers, when conditions allow. This system flashy is a great option when the Clackamas is running high and dirty.

Anglers have found the most success fishing the mouth of the Creek at its confluence with the Clackamas. Bonnie Lure State Recreation Area has reopened, but visitors are advised to watch for hazardous trees.

Keep in mind that long stretches of Eagle Creek do run through private property. Anglers are advised to pay close attention to where they fish. Always ask permission prior to accessing or crossing private lands on your way to your favorite fishing spot. Last updated 1/4/23.

EE WILSON POND: warmwater species, trout

The pond is stocked with trout from February through May. It will be stocked next week for the first time this year with about 1,250 trout. 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 hike 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 1/25/23.

FALL CREEK: trout

Was last stocked in June with 1,200 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 7/13/22.

FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

Will be stocked the week of March 20, 2023 with 3,000 rainbow trout.

Fall Creek Reservoir is currently being drawn down and will be empty by early to mid-November to allow passage of juvenile spring Chinook salmon. Last updated 1/18/23.

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

The reservoir was stocked twice in September with about 6,000 hatchery trout.

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 trout bag limit, but there are no limits on size or number of bass.

Retention of warmwater fish species such as bluegill, catfish, crappie, and yellow perch is also allowed -- no limit on size or number. Anglers report good success in the two arms of the reservoir, as well as the shoreline in between. Fishing is best when light levels are low, either early morning or late evening.

The drawdown of the reservoir for winter storage is now complete and the only boat ramp available is at Sunnyside County Park.

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 11/30/22.

GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout

The lake closed to fishing Oct. 31 and will reopen May 22, 2023.

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 12/12/22.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, trout, bass

The water level is back down to its lowest level to maximize storage capacity, which means boats can no longer be launched from trailers. For the latest information on water levels at Green Peter Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers’ website for more information.

This large reservoir gets stocked annually with 20,000 hatchery trout. Look for them in cooler, deeper water and around ledges, drop-offs, and underwater structure.  Trout can be active year-round, but anglers may want to troll and retrieve a little slower than normal.

Smallmouth bass also like to hang out near underwater structure and tend to be found in shallower water. Also look for them near rocky outcrops. Recent fishing reports are that the bass fishing is good with fish weighing in around 5 lbs being caught.

Kokanee anglers may keep up to 25 fish per day in addition to the 5-trout bag limit.  Best times for catching them is April through July, but anglers may fish year-round.

Best bet for anglers without a boat is to drive to the top of the reservoir where Quartzville Creek enters the reservoir. Large trout will sometimes forage where the river brings in food swept down from upstream. Last updated 1/18/23.

HARRIET LAKE: trout

The road to Ripplebrook remains closed, but the lake is accessible from the Hwy 26 side. 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 7/13/22.

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

Bass fishing has slowed down as winter sets in, however fish can still be found with a little patience and modified tactics. Try fishing deeper locations near submerged structure between 20-40 feet of water using smaller baits and a slowed-down presentation for a chance at finding these fish. 

Current reservoir level can be found here. 

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.

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 12/7/22.

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass

Will be stocked the week of Feb. 23, 2023 with 2,840 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 and 100,000 adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook salmon fingerlings annually to provide a harvest fishery the following year.

Trout and salmon must be adipose fin-clipped to be harvested. Large native trout are available for catch-and-release fishing. Packard Boat Ramp (USFS) remains accessible at current reservoir elevation. Last updated 11/18/23.

JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, bluegill

This pond was stocked recently with 1,250 hatchery trout. About 75 extra-large hatchery trout were recently put into Junction City Pond as well. As a reminder to anglers, only one fish over 20 inches may be retained as part of a 5-fish bag limit.

The fishing dock upgrades are complete and is now open for use. Last updated 1/25/23.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

Leaburg Lake was stocked the week of Sept. 6 with 1,000 rainbow trout.

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 9/14/22.

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

Was last stocked the week of Sept. 12 with 2,000 hatchery rainbow trout. Bait can be used from April 22 – Oct. 31, but beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies.

The Leaburg Dam fish counts are a great spring salmon and summer steelhead resource, and information is back online. Counts are updated by the Corps of Engineers weekly. These resources are most useful to anglers from May – September.

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Check page 46 of the 2022 Sport Fishing Regulations for bait restrictions in the segment you plan to fish. Beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies.

The lower McKenzie River is open to retention of adipose fin-clipped salmon and steelhead and non-adipose fin-clipped steelhead greater than 24 inches long. A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead in the McKenzie. Last updated 9/14/22.

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

Was last stocked the week of Sept. 13 with 1,833 rainbow trout. 

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 9/21/22.

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

No recent fishing reports. 

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

A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead in the Middle Fork Willamette below Dexter Dam.

The Middle Fork Willamette above Lookout Point and Hills Creek reservoirs is open to fishing using lures and artificial flies. All wild trout must be released upstream of Lookout Point Reservoir. The Middle Fork Willamette River is not stocked with hatchery trout. Last updated 9/7/22.

NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: trout

Trout fishing has been good in the North Fork Reservoir and it’s a popular destination for both anglers and recreators of all kinds. Fishing should remain productive for some time as this system will continue to be stocked in the coming weeks.

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 8/24/22.

QUARTZVILLE CREEK: trout

This river above Green Peter Reservoir gets stocked from late spring through the summer. The creek was last stocked in late July with about 2,200 trout. 

Flows have been coming down and will likely continue to slowly drop over the next week as we enter a dry period. Currently the river is at 400 cfs. Conditions best for fishing are below 300 cfs. Trout fishing is open year-round, but fishing tactics may have to change for the winter months. Drifting nymph patterns on a fly rod, or slowly retrieving lures sometimes work best in the colder months when fish try to conserve energy. 

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 1/25/23.

SALMON CREEK: trout

Was last stocked the week of Aug. 15 with 667 rainbow trout, however, most of Salmon Creek is in the Cedar Creek Fire Closure Area and is not accessible for the public.

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 10/12/22.

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: winter steelhead

Anglers are catching winter steelhead throughout the system and catch rates should only increase in the coming weeks and months as river conditions allow. Traditional methods seem to work best when stage flow heights are below 13 ft.

Winter steelhead returns to the hatchery have been increasing the last couple weeks. Healthy hatchery steelhead are given a right gill plate hole punch and recycled to the lower river, so anglers can have another chance at catching them.

It's early in the season, but in many ways now is a great time to get out and fish. The rivers are not crowded and any winter steelhead you catch will likely be bright and fresh from the ocean. Truly a better eating and better fighting specimen. No matter what the report or river condition might be, you can’t catch fish at home and time spent on the water will always lead to greater success. 

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 1/4/23.

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

No recent fishing reports. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running around 1,730 cfs at the gauge in Mehama. Flows have come down significantly during the recent dry spell and should remain in good shape for the next week. There are very few fish available for harvest this time of year. The spring Chinook run is the next big opportunity for anglers and will start to show up in late April.

Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round. Trout season below Big Cliff dam closed on Nov. 1. Bait is not allowed from Nov. 1 through April 21. Any unclipped (wild) steelhead or trout that are caught must be released unharmed. Last updated 1/25/23.

WARNING: 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 (SOUTH FORK): bass, trout, steelhead, Chinook

Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs. Currently flows are around 1,300 cfs at the Waterloo gauge as of Jan. 25. A few late summer steelhead are all that is available for anglers at this time of year. Hatchery chinook should begin arriving in April.

Hatchery trout harvest season closes Nov. 1. Fishing with bait is only allowed between April 22 and Oct. 31. Anglers are reminded that only fin-clipped trout may be kept. Last updated 1/25/23.

SMITH RESERVOIR: trout

Latest estimates for when access and fish stocking will resume are now 2024 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 2024.

TIMBER LINN POND: trout

This pond is usually stocked from November through May with hatchery trout. It was stocked in late December with about 800 hatchery trout.

This is a family-friendly fishing pond located within Timber-Linn Memorial Park in Albany. Timber-Linn Lake can be reached by turning east off I-5 onto the Santiam Highway (Hwy. 20), then immediately turning north onto Price Road and proceeding to the park entrance. Last updated 1/11/23.

TIMOTHY LAKE: trout, kokanee, crayfish

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 and anglers report kokanee have been a little smaller this season. Check the Mt Hood National Forest website for access updates. Last updated 8/24/22.

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 2024 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

No recent fishing reports. Last updated 8/24/22.

TURNER LAKE: bass, panfish, some trout

This lake was stocked last week with about 1,000 trout. No recent fishing reports.

This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to public fishing along the southern half. It is an old borrow pit and features largemouth bass, panfish such as bluegill, and a few trout. There’s a boat ramp in the southwest corner of the lake. This waterbody should produce fish year-round.

To get there take Turner Rd south from Salem and take a left onto Holly St before you get to downtown Turner. No gas-powered motors are allowed. A good way to cover the water is to use an electric trolling motor and troll a spoon or spinning lure. On calm days a float tube or kayak can be a good way to get out as well. Last updated 1/25/23.

WALLING POND: trout, panfish

This pond is usually stocked from Thanksgiving through the winter and spring. The rest of the year, this pond offers warmwater game fish such as bass and bluegill. It was stocked recently with about 800 hatchery trout. As a reminder, the daily trout bag limit is 5 fish per day, only one of which may be greater than 20 inches.

This is an eight-acre privately-owned pond with public access in Salem at the northeast corner of McGilchrist and 16th Streets, S.E. There is no trash service out there so please pack out what you packed in. Last updated 1/25/23.

WALTER WIRTH LAKE: trout, bass, panfish

This urban lake usually gets stocked from about Thanksgiving through May. It was stocked recently with about 1,250 trout. As a reminder, 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. Last updated 1/25/23.

WAVERLY LAKE: trout, bluegill, catfish

This lake was stocked recently with about 1,000 one-pound hatchery trout. Anglers may keep only one fish over 20 inches as part of their 5 trout bag limit.

From I-5 take exit 234 west towards Albany. The pond is located a quarter mile down Pacific Boulevard on the right. A paved ADA-accessible path runs all the way around the pond. Last updated 1/25/23.  

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

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.

The river is ideal for small boats such as canoes and kayaks, but there are enough public access points for bank anglers as well. Consult Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for specific locations. 

The Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, fairly good access and variety. Last updated 12/21/22.