Willamette Zone

Attention anglers – we want your photos!

Whether you’re out after trout or bass, steelhead or salmon, surfperch or rockfish, we’d love to see photos of your adventure. When you submit your photos to ODFW they could appear on our website or signs, or in social or brochures. What a great way to share your experience with others!

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Weekend fishing opportunities

• Trout fishing conditions on Quartzville Creek continue to be good for now, but this week’s rain could increase flows.
• An additional 133 extra-large rainbow brood trout were released this week at the following locations: Walter Wirth Lake (45), Junction City Pond (45) and Timber Linn Lake (43). These are in addition to releases the previous week as follows: Canby Pond (40), St. Louis Ponds (45), Salish Pond (50), Row River Nature Park Pond, and Henry Hagg Lake (96). These fish range in size from five to 15 pounds. Keep in mind the daily bag limit on trout over 20 inches in length is one fish. Additional brood trout will likely be released into January, and these releases will be first announced in this column, so stay tuned!
• The first confirmed winter steelhead catch was recorded over the weekend on the Sandy River in Troutdale’s Glen Otto Park. This was a wild fish and had to be released unharmed but is a harbinger of more to come. The river is low so look for the first major rain event to trigger early arrivals and the beginning of the winter steelhead season from now until mid March.

2019 STOCKING SCHEDULE AND STOCKING MAP

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.

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: trout

Will be stocked again this week with 500 trophy-size rainbow trout.

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

Was stocked last spring with 4,000 legal-size trout.

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

Last stocked in mid-April.

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

Last stocked in May with 1,500 legals.

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

Stocked Dec. 2 with 60 rainbow brood trout ranging in size from five to 15 pounds. Keep in mind the daily bag limit on trout more than 20 inches in length is one fish.

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

Was last stocked in late June with 1,467 legal-size and 50 trophy 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. Blue River Reservoir boat ramps are no longer accessible.

BREITENBUSH RIVER: trout

This river was stocked many times over the summer and should have plenty of fish for anglers to catch.  

This river flows through mostly U.S. Forest Service land into Detroit Lake and is open year-round. Anglers may keep up to five trout per day. Flies and small spinners work well, but bait also is allowed.

As a reminder, salmon fishing is prohibited. If you see salmon spawning or holding in a pool, please keep your distance so as not to disturb them.

CANBY POND: trout, bass, crappie, bluegill

Stocked Dec. 2 with 40 brood trout ranging in size from five to 15 pounds. Keep in mind the daily bag limit on trout over 20 inches in length is one fish.

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: coho, summer steelhead

Coho are now distributed throughout the lower part of the river, the bulk of the hatchery run is over. Coho are now mostly done spawning and generally are no longer good table fare. Fishing effort has slowed down.

It’s now time to start focusing on winter steelhead, which could start showing up any time now.

USGS hydrological data for Dec/ 10 shows river flows increasing slightly to 1,150 cfs water temperature holding at 40° F, and the gauge height unchanged at 10.84 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

Was last stocked the week of Aug. 19 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

Was last stocked in July with 1,400 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 in late April.

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

Will be stocked again this week with 400 trophy-size rainbow trout.

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

Was last stocked the week of Sept. 30 with 1,833 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 was last stocked the week of Oct. 7 with about 3,250 trophy-size trout. Fishing for kokanee is done for the year. Trout are still active and can be found throughout the lake.

Currently, the reservoir is down about 130 feet from summertime full pool. At this low level, even the Mongold State Park low-water boat ramp becomes unavailable for use. Hopefully, this is just a temporary condition and anglers will be able to use the boat ramp again soon.  Check the US Army Corps of Engineer’s website for more information.

NOTICE:
Fishing off Detroit Dam is temporarily closed while repairs are being made.  We have been told that this will be the case through Feb. 15. 

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

Was last stocked in mid-April 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

Was last stocked the week of Oct. 7 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

Was last stocked in late April.

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

EAGLE CREEK: coho

It’s time to start thinking about coho.

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

Trout stocking at this pond is done for the season. During the summer and fall, the main quarry switches to bass and panfish such as bluegill and crappie.

The pond was recently re-opened to fishing but the newly installed fishing docks are not usable yet. So please stay off the not-yet-completed fishing docks as well as those sections of the berm that are flagged to allow vegetation to become established. 

This pond is located inside EE Wilson Wildlife Area. To get to it requires a 1/3 mile hike from the parking area.

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

ESTACADA LAKE: trout, steelhead

Reopens to trout fishing May 22, 2020. Open year-round for hatchery salmon and steelhead.

At Estacada Lake, anglers also have the possibility of catching larger fare, as both the Clackamas hatchery and PGE recycle steelhead and salmon into this water body.

FALL CREEK: trout

Was last stocked in July with 1,200 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

Was last stocked in April with 1,800 legal and 150 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. As of Oct. 28, all three public boat ramps are out of the water making them unsafe for launching boats. The reservoir level is currently about 21 feet below full pool.   

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. Look for crappie along the weedy edges on the south side of the reservoir. The south shore around Perkins Peninsula as well as along the face of the dam are good spots.

There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish

The reservoir is stocked with trout several times in spring and fall. It was stocked twice in September with about 6,700 rainbow trout. The reservoir is in excellent shape at the moment and the fishing should be fairly good.

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 water elevation in the reservoir is down to the level of winter low storage, which means the only available boat ramp is at Sunnyside Park.

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.

FREEWAY LAKE, EAST: trout, bass bluegill crappie

The lake was last stocked in late May with about 1,000 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. Look for them near downed wood and along the edges of weed. This is one of the best places in the Valley to fish for large crappie.

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

CLOSED TO FISHING from Nov. 1 to May 22. Gold Lake has special fishing regulations in place that 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

This waterbody was last stocked in late May with about 3,300 trout. 

The water elevation in the reservoir is about 105 feet below full pool at the moment and dropping slowly. Neither Thistle Creek nor Whitcomb boat ramp are usable to launch boats. Check the US Army Corps of Engineer’s website for more information.

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.

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 such as submerged logs. Kokanee fishing is done for the season as the older, larger fish have moved up into the tributaries to spawn. The bag limit for kokanee is 25 fish per day in addition to the 5 trout daily limit.

HALDEMAN POND: trout

The pond was last stocked in late April. 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

Was last stocked in late May.

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

Stocked the first week of September with 2,000 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

Stocked on Dec. 2 with 96 rainbow brood trout ranging in size from five to 15 pounds. Keep in mind the daily bag limit on trout over 20 inches in length is one fish.

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. Record-class largemouth bass and brown bullhead can be caught here.

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

Last stocked the week of Sept. 23 with 3,200 legal-size rainbow trout.

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

Was last stocked with rainbow trout in May.

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

The pond was last stocked the week of Nov. 25 with about 1,000 trophy-size trout. In recent weeks it has also received some extra-large brood trout weighing in excess of 5 pounds. It will be stocked semi-regularly throughout the winter. Anglers are reminded that you are allowed to keep one trout over 20-inches as part of the five fish bag limit.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

Was last stocked the week of August 12 with 933 legal-size 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.

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

Was last stocked the week of Sept. 2 with 2,000 legal-size rainbow trout. River levels have remained consistent and fishing should remain productive.

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

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

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

Was last stocked the week of Sept. 9 with 1,833 legal-size 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. 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 (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.

MOLALLA RIVER: winter steelhead, spring Chinook, steelhead

The Molalla is still too low but with winter steelhead starting to show up at Willamette Falls it is not to0 early to start targeting this popular winter species, most likely around the  around the mouth of the river.

USGS hydrological data for the Molalla as of Dec. 10 shows flows at 278 cfs, with a gauge height of 10.44 feet. All of the readings come from the Canby gauge.

MT HOOD POND: trout, crappie, bluegill

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: hatchery salmon, hatchery steelhead.

Reopens to trout fishing May 22, 2020.

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.

OLALLIE LAKE: 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

Last stocked in April.

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. It was stocked for the last time this year in late July with about 1,700 trout. Recent dry weather have brought river levels down to around 120 cfs. With some rain in the forecast these conditions are likely to change. At the moment, fishing conditions are good.

Anglers should take advantage of these conditions before the rains swell the river and make fishing difficult. (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 on Dec. 2 with 50 rainbow brood trout ranging in size from five to 15 pounds. Keep in mind the daily bag limit on trout over 20 inches in length is one fish.

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

Was last stocked in August with 250 legal-size rainbow trout.

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

The lake was last stocked in April with 1,000 rainbow trout.

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: coho, steelhead                    

The river is running low and cold, making fishing conditions challenging. There are still some coho and fall Chinook to be had but the food quality of these fish is marginal at best.

Steelhead are starting to show up albeit in small numbers. The first major rain event could drive steelhead migration, however, so dust off those steelhead rigs and get ready for one of the most popular fishing seasons in this corner of the state, which should only get better as winter progresses.

USGS hydrological data for Dec. 10 shows Sandy flows still low and receding due to the absence of precipitation, with a current discharge of 761 cfs, a gauge reading of 8.37 feet and the water temperature on the Little Sandy at Bull Run still running chilly at 40° F.

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

Flows have come back down since last week, currently around 1,600 cfs at the Mehama gage. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs.

There are still a fair number of summer steelhead in the river, mostly in the upper part of the basin.

The main quarry for anglers this time of year is coho salmon. Over 8,700 adults have migrated above Willamette Falls so far this fall with a good proportion of these fish headed to the North Santiam. About 300 or so have migrated upstream of Stayton, which means there are many more downstream. Best bet for anglers is to concentrate their efforts in the sections between Mehama and Shelburn. 

The bag limit for coho is 2 fish per day.

Meanwhile, the river is now closed to trout harvest until May 22 of next year. 

Notice:
The counting station at Bennett Dam is currently funded through December of this year.   

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK) above DETROIT: trout

This section of the river is open year-round for trout. It was last stocked in late July with about 3,000 trout. Most trout can be found from Marion Forks down to the mouth and are fairly well distributed. Flies and spinners work best, but bait is allowed. The river is flowing at around 400 cfs where it comes into Detroit Lake.

This time of year, the fishing can be hit or miss. Try drifting small nymphs or egg patterns along the edges of fishing lanes. The crowds have also vanished giving the intrepid angler more solitude.

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

Flows have been pretty stable over the last few weeks, currently around 1,240 cfs and should remain so over the next few weeks. Most of the fish destined for the South Santiam have already arrived. They can be found for the most part below the deadline at Wiley Creek Park and in sections downstream. 

Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs.

The entire river is now closed to trout fishing.

SHERIDAN POND: trout

The pond was last stocked in early June with 1,000 legal trout.

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

The reservoir was last stocked in June with 2,600 trout, including 250 trophies.

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

SMALL FRY LAKE: trout

Stocked the week of Sept. 16 with 300 trout. This is small pond next to Promontory Park and North Fork Reservoir near Estacada. Fishing restricted to youths 17 and under. Cleaning station, restroom nearby. It is small and shallow and therefore subject to aquatic vegetation, so bear that in mind before venturing out to this location for a day of fishing with the kids.

North Fork Reservoir is located just a few steps away and offers a decent back-up plan for those times when aquatic vegetation makes fishing at Small Fry difficult or impossible. However, North Fork is closed to trout fishing from now until May 22, 2020 but open year-around for hatchery steelhead and hatchery salmon.

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

Stocked on Dec. 2 with 45 rainbow brood trout ranging in size from five to 15 pounds. Keep in mind the daily bag limit on trout over 20 inches in length is one fish. Fish from earlier stockings could still be around, although there has been a lot of fishing pressure.

The gate at the entrance to the ponds is now closed until spring, although the ponds themselves remain open during daylight hours to those who are willing to park at the gate and walk in.

St. Louis Ponds is a 54-acre complex of seven ponds jointly owned and managed by ODFW and Marion County Parks. ODFW has made a number of improvements at the ponds in recent years, including a paved ADA accessible trail and a couple of ADA accessible fishing platforms. In addition to stocked trout, the ponds contain several species of warmwater fish, including largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie and sunfish.

St. Louis Ponds is located 13 miles north of Salem and west of I-5. To get to there from I-5, take the Woodburn exit. Then go east to Hwy. 99E. At Hwy. 99E, head south to Gervais Road. Go west on Gervais Road through the town of Gervais. The road eventually changes to St Louis Road. Continue west on St Louis Road as it crosses over I-5 to Tesch Road, at the railroad crossing. Go left on Tesch Road and follow the signs to the ponds.

SUNNYSIDE PARK POND: trout, bass, bluegill

The final spring trout stocking for this waterbody took place in June.   

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

The lake was last stocked the week of Nov. 25 with 500 trophy trout. This waterbody also was stocked the week of Nov. 18 with about 40 extra-large brood trout. 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.

TIMOTHY LAKE: trout

Was last stocked in early August.

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.

TRILLIUM LAKE: trout     

Stocked with 3,850 hatchery rainbows, including 250 trophies, the week of Sept. 23.

TROJAN POND: trout, panfish

The pond was last stocked in late April. 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 2019 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

This pond was stocked the week of Nov. 11 with about 400 legal and trophy-size trout.

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

This water body has been stocked several times this fall, including 38 large brood trout that were released on Tuesday, Nov. 12. It was last stocked the week of Nov. 25 with 1,300 trophy size fish. 

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

This lake was stocked the week of Nov. 25 with 700 trophy-size trout. It has been stocked several times this fall including about 40 extra-large brood trout that were released a few weeks ago. Anglers may keep only one fish over 20-inches as part of their 5 trout bag limit.

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

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

WILLAMETTE RIVER: catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead

Coho and Chinook salmon passage is done for the year.

The next big move for the Willamette will be the arrival of winter steelhead, which are just beginning now, with daily crossings in the low single digits. Look for those numbers to increase over the next couple of months.

Warmwater fishing remains as a viable option for anglers in the lower Willamette as does catch-and-release white sturgeon fishing, which can be good this time of year.

Farther upstream, the section between Albany and Harrisburg is open year-round for trout fishing, which can be very good when flows are cooperating. Anglers may keep two trout per day.

Hydrological data for the Willamette at Willamette Falls on Dec. 10 showed flows at 7,720 cfs, visibility at 7.3 ft., and a water temperature at 42 degrees.