Willamette Zone

Weekend fishing opportunities

• This weekend (Feb. 16-17) is FREE FISHING WEEKEND IN OREGON! That means you don’t need a license to fish, clam or crab in Oregon.
• Trophy trout weighing 2 pounds or better were released this week at Alton Baker Canal, EE Wilson Pond,Cottage Grove Pond, Junction City Pond, Salish Pond, Walling Pond, Huddleston Pond, and Walter Wirth Lake.
• The first hatchery spring  Chinook has been caught on the Willamette River, marking the beginning of this popular fishery.
• The bag limit on trout has been lifted at Faraday Lake near Estacada through the end of March while PGE prepares to close the reservoir at the end of March so the company can update the powerhouses at Faraday Dam.
• Trout fishing on the upper Willamette between Albany and Harrisburg can be very good this time of year, when flows cooperate.
• Anglers have been catching winter steelhead on the Sandy, both upstream and downstream of its confluence with Cedar Creek, when the weather cooperates.

2019 STOCKING SCHEDULE AND STOCKING MAP

2019 trout stocking schedule

Get a jump on planning your 2019 trout fishing adventures. The 2019 weekly trout stocking schedule is now posted on MyODFW.com.

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: trout

Will be stocked this week with 1,250 pounder-sized hatchery rainbow trout.

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

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

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

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

Stocked Nov. 12 with 70 brood trout weighing from five to 15 pounds. These fish were part of the trout rearing program

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 in June with 650 legal-size and 100 trophy hatchery rainbow trout.

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

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Was last stocked in June with 3,000 legal-size and 350 trophy hatchery 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

Was stocked the week of Aug. 7 with 1,800 hatchery trout.

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

CANBY POND: trout, bass, crappie, bluegill

Stocked Nov. 15 with 800 “larger” trout.

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

Carmen Reservoir is accessed via USFS Road 750 off Hwy. 126, about two miles south of Clear Lake. It is open to fishing all year. Motor boats are prohibited.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: winter steelhead

Winter steelhead fishing is slow, although a few hatchery winters that are being picked up in the lower reaches, from Feldheimer’s to the mouth, at the usual spots – Carver, Riverside, Meldrum, and Clackamette.

The river has been running clear and cold, making fishing challenging. Conditions should improve with the recent rains and warmer temperatures, which may trigger fish movement. Watch river flows and look for the “sweet spot” after the river peaks and flows start trending downward. An uptick in the water temperature would be a positive indicator.

USGS hydrological data for Feb. 12 shows river flows at 2,130 cfs water temperature at 38°F, and the gage at 12.13 ft. All of the readings come from the Estacada gauge near Milo McIver State Park. Hydrologic data and river forecasts can also be accessed on the NOAA/National Weather Service NW River Forecast Center -- NW River Forecast Center.

CLEAR LAKE: trout

Will be stocked again in April 2019.

Some of the fish were tagged as part of ODFW’s tag reward program, and you can still can still catch a fish with a tag that could win you a $50 gift card! 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

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

Will be stocked again in March 2019.

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 this week with 1,000 pounder-sized hatchery 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

Will be stocked this week with 4,500 large hatchery rainbow trout.

In Cottage Grove Reservoir, you could catch a fish with a tag that could win you a $50 gift card as part of ODFW’s tag reward program. Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year. Lakeside boat ramp remains closed.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout, kokanee

Was stocked in September with more than 15,000 legal- and trophy-size hatchery rainbow trout. Fishing in winter can be good because fish such as kokanee and rainbow trout are still active in the colder months. As an added bonus, there’s usually no line at the boat ramps. Reducing your trolling speed can be an effective technique if the bite is not on.

Winter storage started Feb. 1, which means the reservoir water levels will mostly rise from here to the end of spring. Currently, the water elevation is about 20 feet above the foot of Mongold boat ramp, which means boats can be launched at this time. Check the US Army Corps of Engineer’s website for more information.

NOTICE: 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 stocked the week of Feb. 4 with 1,500 large hatchery rainbow trout.

Dexter Reservoir is also a location where ODFW released tag reward fish last fall, so you could still potentially catch a fish with a tag that could win you a $50 gift card. Dexter Reservoir near Lowell is visible from Hwy. 58. Boat and bank access is available from state and county parks. Parking and bank access are also available from the causeway near Lowell. Largemouth bass and some smallmouth are also available to anglers in this reservoir.

DORENA RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater

Will be stocked this week with 5,500 large hatchery rainbow trout. Dorena Reservoir is a location where ODFW released tag reward fish last fall, so you could still potentially catch a fish with a tag that could win you a $50 gift card.

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

DORMAN POND - trout

Stocked in May with 2,000 legal-size rainbow trout.

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

EAGLE CREEK: steelhead

Eagle Creek should be worth a try when conditions allow because the first crop of hatchery late-arriving winter steelhead is due back at Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchey anytime now. ODFW switched the Eagle Creek releases from early to late returns three years ago, and those efforts should bear fruit this year. Keep in mind that long stretches of Eagle Creek do run through private property, particularly up near the hatchery and from an area below the lower ladder on down near Bonnie Lure to the mouth. Anglers are advised to pay close attention to where you fish and we encourage you to ask permission prior to accessing or crossing private lands on your way to your favorite fishing hole. See Page 15 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulation pamphlet for more information on “Your Rights to Use the Surface, Bed, and Banks of Oregon’s Rivers and Lakes.”

EE WILSON POND: warmwater species, trout

This pond is located inside EE Wilson Wildlife Area. To get to it requires a 1/3 mile hike from the parking area. It was stocked last week with about 1,000 legal-size hatchery trout. A few extra trophy trout have become available as well, of which about 200 fish will go into this pond this week. These fish are in the 14-18 inch range and will be a lot of fun to catch. 

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

ESTACADA LAKE: trout, steelhead

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

FALL CREEK: trout

Stocked in June with 2,000 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

Fall Creek Reservoir was last stocked the week of June 18 with 2,000 legal-size and 250 trophy-size hatchery trout.

FARADAY LAKE: trout

The bag limit on hatchery trout has been lifted at Faraday Lake, effective Feb. 1 through March 31 while PGE prepares the reservoir for a closure so the company can update its powerhouses. Biologists are encouraging anglers to take as many trout as possible during this period.

This is a 25-acre reservoir located 1.1 miles southeast of Estacada on Hwy. 224 next to a PGE hydro plant. No boats, walk-in only.

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. Fall drawdown of the reservoir has begun, and the boat ramps are no longer available to launch boats. For local information regarding the lake and available boat ramps, contact the Lane County Parks Department at 541-682-2000. Bass and crappie fishing usually gets going around mid-April with peak months being May and June.

There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps. The reservoir is currently about 16 feet below full pool. There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps. The reservoir is currently over 20 feet below full pool.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish

It was stocked the week of Sept. 17 with 10,500 legal- and trophy-size trout, but water levels are down for winter storage. Only Sunnyside Park boat ramp is available to launch boats.

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.

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. This reservoir receives hatchery trout in the spring and fall.

FREEWAY LAKE, EAST: trout, bass bluegill crappie

Trout stocking will resume this spring. In the meantime, fishing for warmwater gamefish such as bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish can be very good, especially early and late in the day in spring and summer. This is one of the best places in the Valley to fish for large crappie.

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

GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout

Open to fishing through Oct. 31. Gold Lake has special fishing regulations in place which include no retention of rainbow trout, no limit on brook trout, no motorboats, fly-fishing only (has to be a fly rod, no spinning rigs) and barbless hooks.

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

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, trout, bass

Water levels are above the footing of Thistle Creek boat ramp, so it is still possible at this time to launch a boat. Storage of water has begun which means that water elevations will slowly rise over the next few months. Best bet for anglers without a boat is to drive to the top of the reservoir where Quartzville Creek enters the reservoir. Large trout will sometimes forage where the river brings in food swept down from upstream. Check the US Army Corps of Engineer’s website for more information.

Trout as well as bass are good options for anglers this time of year. Look for them near ledges and drop-offs as well as near underwater structure. Kokanee fishing is a bit slow at the moment but should pick up once water temperatures get into the 50s.

HALDEMAN POND: trout

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

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 in the fall with 3,300 rainbow trout, including 700 trophy 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 recently with several batches of large brood trout, which can over-winter and become even larger in this productive reservoir.

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 hatchery trout.

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

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

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater fish

Was stocked the week of Feb. 4 with 4,000 legal-size hatchery rainbow trout.

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

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

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

HUDDLESTON POND: trout, bass, bluegill

Stocked the week of Jan. 28 with 232 legal-size rainbow trout.

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

Will be stocked again this week with about 1,000 hatchery trout. It has been stocked several times this winter and should have plenty of fish for anglers to catch. Anglers are reminded that you are allowed to keep one fish over 20-inches as part of the five fish bag limit.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

Was last stocked the week of Aug. 20 with 2,000 legal-size and 150 trophy hatchery rainbow trout.

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

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

Was last stocked the week of September 3 with 3,000 legal hatchery rainbow trout.

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

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

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

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

The McKenzie River above Leaburg Lake was last stocked the week of Sept. 10 with 3,850 legal-size hatchery 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 (pg 44 in regulations). This river reach is open to retention of adipose fin-clipped salmon and steelhead and non-adipose fin-clipped steelhead greater than 24-inches long. A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead in the Middle Fork Willamette below Dexter Dam.

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

MOLALLA RIVER: winter steelhead, spring  Chinook,steelhead

It is too early for steelhead and Spring  Chinook on the Molalla but not too early to watch fish passage data and the weather for an entry point. Use ODFW fish crossing information from Willamette Falls as an indicator of fish movement in the Molalla and Santiam systems. As of Feb. 12, neither species had crossed the falls into the upper Willamette.

USGS hydrological data for the Molalla as of Feb. 13 shows flows increasing to 1,020 cfs, with a gauge measurement of 12.06 feet. All of the readings come from the Canby gauge.

MT HOOD POND: trout, crappie, bluegill

Stocked the week of Jan. 28 with 500 trophy-size rainbow trout.

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

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

NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: trout, steelhead, salmon

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

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

OLALLIE LAKE: trout

Stocked in May with legal- and trophy-size trout.

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

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

PROGRESS LAKE – rainbow trout, brown bullhead

Stocked Nov. 15 with 750 “larger” trout.

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. Was last stocked in July with 2,400 hatchery trout. This river is still a bit too high for comfort, around 450 cfs as of Feb. 4 (best conditions for fishing are below 300 cfs).

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

SALISH POND: trout, warm water species

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

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

SALMON CREEK: trout

Salmon Creek was last stocked the week of Aug. 6 with 1,801 legal-size and 300 trophy hatchery 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

Stocked in April with legal- and trophy-size 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: winter steelhead, summer steelhead, coho, fall  Chinook                    

Fishing on the Sandy has been fair to slow overall this winter, although there have been a few good days of catching when flows and temperatures improved. The river level is low and clear right now,although the recent precipitation and warming trend should help. Look for fish to hold in the deeper pools where they can save their energy, and use small presentations like beads or jigs under a bobber. Don’t be afraid to try to entice them with bait, either. Try fishing in the afternoon when a slight rise in the temperature can trigger bites. Some anglers are landing fish both upstream and downstream of its confluence with Cedar Creek.

On Monday, Feb. 5, the Sandy Hatchery staff removed 32 winter steelhead from their trap and “recycled” them back downstream at Lewis and Clark State Park. These fish were marked with a hole punch in their right gill plate before release, for identification.

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

USGS hydrological data for Feb. 12 shows Sandy flows increasing to 1,430 cfs, with a gauge reading of 9.11 feet and the water temperature on the Little Sandy at Bull Run down to a chilly 35° F.

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK): steelhead,  Chinook

As of Feb. 12, flows were around 2,000 cfs at the Mehama gauge. These moderate flows will likely continue for a few days at least. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs.

Most anglers are targeting the few remaining summer steelhead that have not yet spawned. The coho run is over for this year, but a few winter steelhead are beginning to move into the river.

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

Anglers can keep up to 2 adult coho below the Stayton-Scio Bridge any time of year and above the bridge after Oct. 15.

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

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK) above DETROIT: trout

This section of the river is open year-round for trout. It was stocked the week of July 30 with 3,000 legal-size hatchery trout. Most of these hatchery trout can be found from Marion Forks down to the mouth and are fairly well distributed.

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

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

Currently flows have dropped to around 1,300 cfs as of Feb. 12 and should stay in fairly good shape all week. There are still a few summer steelhead in the river at the moment, most of these above Waterloo. Over 9,000 fish have navigated up Willamette Falls and a fair number of these have made it into the South Santiam. Just over 1,390 summer steelhead have entered the ladder at Foster as of Nov. 19.

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

The entire river is now closed to trout fishing. It will re-open on May 22.

SHERIDAN POND: trout

Stocked the week of Jan. 28 with 332 legal-size rainbow trout.

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

Stocked in June with 3,900 legals and 350 trophy-sized rainbow trout.

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

SMITH RESERVOIR: trout

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

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

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

Stocked the week of Dec. 3 with 67 brood trout ranging in size from 5 to 5 pounds.

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

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

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

SUNNYSIDE PARK POND: trout, bass, bluegill

The pond is regularly stocked in late winter through spring with hatchery trout.

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

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

TIMBER LINN LAKE: rainbow trout

This waterbody will be stocked this week with about 400 two-pound trophy 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.

TRAIL BRIDGE RESERVOIR: trout

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

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

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

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

TROJAN POND – trout, panfish

Stocked in the spring with 2,000 legal-size and 1,450 trophy trout. 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.

WALLING POND: trout, crappie, bass

Stocked this week with 600 hatchery trout. Anglers may keep only one fish over 20-inches as part of a 5 fish bag limit.

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

WALTER WIRTH LAKE: trout, crappie, bass

This urban lake has been stocked often of late with hatchery trout. It will be stocked this week with about 900 hatchery trout. Anglers may keep only one fish over 20-inches as part of their 5 trout bag limit.

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

WAVERLY LAKE: trout, bluegill, catfish

This urban lake will be stocked this week with about 350 two-pound trophy 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.

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

Still no hatchery steelhead Spring  Chinook in the counts at Willamette Falls but 482 wild steelhead have made the crossing since Jan. 1. Spring  Chinook likewise have yet to make an appearance, though there is one confirmed catch of a hatchery spring  Chinook.

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

Warmwater fishing can also be a viable alternative in the lower Willamette, Multnomah Channel and surrounding sloughs. Successful warmwater anglers tend to fish around bridges, pilings, wing dams, and other structures, which can be good spots to find warmwater fish, including walleye, crappie, and bass.

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

Hydrological data for the Willamette at Willamette Falls on Feb. 11 showed flows at 15,800 cfs, the water temperature at 39° F, and visibility at 3 ft.

YAMHILL RIVER and tributaries: trout

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