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!

Photo submission form

Weekend fishing opportunities

• To help protect you and others during the COVID-19 pandemic, take the following precautions when fishing: follow social distancing guidelines when bank fishing, only fish from a boat with other members of your household, carry your own hand sanitizer or soap/water, and, if a place is crowded, go somewhere else.
• Spring Chinook fishing continues on the lower Willamette, although total harvest and total number of angler trips declined during the previous week. A total of 63 Chinook were kept, which is down from 90 fish the previous week. Angler trips also declined to 2,704 from 4,048 the previous week. Multnomah Channe once again provided the best fishing, with 1,316 angler trips producing 42 kept Chinook and 15 releases. The Oregon City stretch from the Oak Grove railroad bridge to Willamette Falls, also produced some decent fishing, with 748 angler trips yielding 11 kept Chinook. Anglers also picked up a few steelhead, mostly in the Oregon City area, where 10 kept steelhead were caught for the week.
• For bank anglers wanting to stretch their casting muscles, the Clackamas, Sandy and Eagle Creek offer some chance of catching a winter steelhead.

TROUT STOCKING MAP

Fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing remain open

Access may be tricky – know before you go

Fishing and hunting remain open. However, access to fishing and hunting opportunities (including boat launches and campgrounds) is managed by a variety of local, state and federal land management agencies. We encourage you to check on access before you go.

City and county parks
Check the website of the local parks department for access information.

State agencies
Oregon State Parks have closed all parks and recreation areas. This does not include the ocean shore.
Oregon Department of Forestry manages Oregon state forests.
Oregon State Marine Board has an interactive map showing the locations of boat launches/ramps and who owns them. Use this information to contact the owner about access.

Federal agencies 
US Forest Service has shut down developed recreation sites, but lands remain open.
BLM has closed developed recreation sites, but lands remain open.
US Army Corps of Engineers has closed access, trailheads and improved recreation sites in several locations.

Trout stocking schedule offline

We have taken down the online trout stocking schedule in order to prevent public crowding at waterbodies when we deliver hatchery fish. We will continue stocking trout but we will deliver on a slightly different schedule and at some different locations to avoid a rush of anglers showing up along with the hatchery truck.

NOTE: Local ODFW offices do not have access to the trout stocking schedule either.

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: trout

Alton Baker has been stocked several times this spring.

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

Oregon State Parks has temporarily closed access to Benson Lake. Scheduled to be stocked later this spring.

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 recently with 80 brood trout weighing from 5 to 15 pounds.

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

Scheduled to be stocked this spring/early summer.

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

This reservoir has been stocked twice in March.

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 is stocked regularly in late spring and summer when there are plenty of fish for anglers to catch. At other times of the year fishing is difficult due to high flows and colder temperatures. 

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 the week of March 16 with 400 legals and 50 trophies

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

CARMEN RESERVOIR: trout

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

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

CLACKAMAS RIVER: winter steelhead

Winter steelhead are distributed through the Clackamas, although effort and catch rates are fairly low, and state and county boat ramps are currently closed.

USGS hydrological data for April 1 shows river flows at3,350 cfs, water temperature hovering around  42° F, and the gauge height at 13.32 ft., which is ideal for winter steelhead fishing. 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

Scheduled to be stocked again this spring.  

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

This river has been stocked this spring. 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

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

This pond was stocked a few times in March. The fishing event scheduled for free fishing day on April 4 has been canceled due to Covid19 concerns.

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

Scheduled to be stocked this spring.  

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

Please Note: All state park boat ramps are closed. This includes Mongold and State Park’s G loop boat ramp. We are not aware of any boat ramps that are currently available at Detroit Reservoir. 

This large reservoir was stocked last fall, but trout are still active and can be found throughout the lake. It will get stocked with plenty of trout starting in April. Leftover trout from last year are still plentiful in the lake as are kokanee.  

Currently, the reservoir is down about 60 feet from summertime full pool. Expect water levels to slowly rise through the spring as the reservoir stores run-off in anticipation of summer. Check the US Army Corps of Engineer’s website for more information.

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.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout

Scheduled to be stocked this spring.

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

The reservoir has been stocked this spring.    

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

Scheduled to be stocked this spring.

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

EAGLE CREEK: winter steelhead

Eagle Creek winter steelhead should be fair to good with flows and temperatures picking up over the past week.

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.

EE WILSON POND: warmwater species, trout

The pond has been stocked several times this year. Besides trout there are bluegill and largemouth bass available year-round.  

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

The new ADA fishing dock has been deemed unsafe for wheelchairs due to a construction error. Fixes are underway. We hope to be able to re-open it for wheelchair-bound anglers by April, but repairs have been slowed under the current social distancing guidelines.  

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

ESTACADA LAKE: trout, steelhead

May reopen to trout fishing in May. Access to the lake through McIver State Park is now closed due to the Oregon State Parks closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to the lake through Portland General Electric’s Timber Park is also closed. Check PGE’s Parks and Recreation website for updates.

FALL CREEK: 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

The reservoir has been stocked this spring.

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. The Orchard Point boat ramp is watered but we recommend calling Lane County Parks (number below) to make sure it is open. The reservoir level is currently about 10 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. 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 slowly rising as it begins to store water for use in summer. Sunnyside Park and Gedney Creek boat ramps are currently available to launch boats but we recommend checking the Linn County Parks and Recreation webpage before going since that status could change.

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: trout, bass bluegill crappie

The lake has been stocked recently with about 900 trout. Fishing for warmwater gamefish such as bass, bluegill, and crappie 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

Scheduled to be stocked again later this spring. 

The water elevation in the reservoir is about 40 feet below full pool at the moment. Expect the water level to slowly rise through the spring as it begins to store run-off for the upcoming summer.

Water levels have risen enough that it’s possible to launch boats at Thistle Creek boat ramp.  We recommend checking the Linn County Parks and Recreation webpage before leaving home to ensure the boat ramp is open. 

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 is a good option 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 slow at the moment but anglers are reporting some activity around 40-50 feet down. It should pick up in a month or so when temperatures increase, the days get a little longer and food becomes more plentiful. The bag limit for kokanee is 25 fish per day in addition to the 5 trout daily limit.

HALDEMAN POND: trout

The pond is located on the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area, which is closed until April 16.

HARTMAN POND: trout, crappie, bass, catfish

Oregon State Parks has currently closed access to the Benson Lake Recreation area, the access point for Hartman Pond. Will be stocked again in spring.

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

PGE has closed the lake park until further notice due to concerns about the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 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.

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

One of western Oregon’s largest lakes, Henry Hagg is stocked periodically with trout throughout the spring and summer. The lake and lake park are currently open, although users are encouraged to check the Hagg Lake Park website, as conditions can change.

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.

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

The reservoir was stocked twice in March. Reports are in and anglers from the bank and boats are catching a healthy number of fish in this early-spring fishery. Some of the trout being caught are 14-16 inches. 

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

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

This pond has been stocked regularly throughout the winter and spring. Anglers are allowed to keep only one trout over 20 inches as part of the five fish bag limit.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

Will be stocked this spring.

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

Will be stocked this spring. 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

Will be stocked this spring. 

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

The Molalla is open for spring Chinook and steelhead but fishing is slow.

USGS hydrological data for the Molalla as of April 1 shows flows improving to, at 2,430 cfs, with a gauge height of 13.63 feet. All of the readings come from the Canby gauge.

MT HOOD POND: trout, crappie, bluegill

Recently stocked with 666 legal-size rainbow trout.

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.

PGE has closed Promontory Park until further notice due to concerns about the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 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.

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 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

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. The river level is very high, flowing at around 2,000 cfs. Best conditions for fishing are below 300 cfs. 

When flows are cooperating trout fishing can be good year-round, especially in spring when the river begins to warm up a little.

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

SALISH POND: trout, warm water species

Scheduled to be stocked this spring,

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

SALMON CREEK: trout

Scheduled to be stocked this spring.

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

Will be stocked again this spring.

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: steelhead                    

The river is open for salmon and steelhead but fishing is slow.

USGS hydrological data for April 1 shows Sandy flows increasing significantly the past week to 3,700 cfs, a gauge reading of10.65 feet and the water temperature on the Little Sandy at Bull Run warming to 48° F.

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK): steelhead

Flows increased significantly from recent rains, currently around 5,300 cfs at the Mehama gage. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs.

The first few dozen chinook and summer steelhead have arrived at Willamette Falls, although it will take some time before many of these fish migrate up into in the North Santiam. Expect some to arrive in the basin in mid-April. 

Meanwhile, the river is now closed to trout harvest until May 22 of next 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 1,100 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, bass

The river has come up quite a bit thanks to our recent rainy weather and is currently running at around 3,000 cfs at Waterloo. Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs.

About 130 summer steelhead have crossed above Willamette Falls on their way to the upper basin. The main run of steelhead and salmon are still a few weeks away. Expect summer steelhead and spring chinook to begin to arrive in mid-April. 

The entire river is now closed to trout fishing until May 22.

SHERIDAN POND: trout

The pond is currently closed in accordance with CDC & OHA recommendations. Check the City of Sheridan website for updates.

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

Will be stocked again in early summer.

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

SMALL FRY LAKE: trout

Promontory Park is now closed due to concerns about spreading ghe COVID-19 virus. For more information, visit PGE’s Parks and Recreation webpage.

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.

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

The gate to the ponds was closed, effective Tuesday March 24, to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The gate will remain closed until further notice. People will still be allowed to walk in as long as they maintain social distancing standards.

ODFW and Marion County Parks, which jointly manage the fishing park, will monitor the area and re-evaluate public access if social distancing standards (6 ft. between people) are not being met. For more information, visit the Marion County Parks website.

The pond has been stocked twice in March.

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

Has been stocked this month.

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

Stocked recently with about 1,040 legal and larger-size trout. As a reminder to anglers, only one fish over 20 inches is allowed as part of the 5 fish bag limit. Downstream of the pond, anglers are allowed to fish for trout in Cox Creek within the boundaries of Timber Linn Park. 

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

Schedule to be stocked this summer.

PGE has closed the lake park until further notice due to concerns about the spread of the COVID-19 virus. For more information, visit PGE’s Parks and Recreation webpage.

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     

Scheduled to be stocked again this summer.

TROJAN POND: trout, panfish

PGE has closed the fishing park until further notice due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, and ODFW has suspended trout stocking at this location. For more information visit the PGE Parks and Recreation website.

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 2020 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 recently with about 450 trout. As a reminder, only one trout over 20 inches may be kept as part of a five trout 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 waterbody has been stocked several times this winter and spring. Anglers are allowed to only keep one trout over 20 inches as part of a five 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 lake has been stocked several times in March. 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, spring Chinook

Spring Chinook and steelhead fishing continue in the lower Willamette, from Willamette Falls to the mouth, including the Multnomah Channel. Best fishing the past couple of weeks has been the in the Multnomah Channel, although some are also being caught by boat anglers between the railroad bridge and the falls. Anglers are reminded to help reduce the spread of Covid-19 by maintaining social distancing and eliminating unnecessary travel.

For the week of March 23-29, effort fell from 2,088 to 2,706 angler trips while catchdeclined  from 90 to 63 Chinook and10 steelhead. These results were buoyed by ideal fishing conditions, including water temperature hovering around 49°F, and water clarity improving to 7 ft.

Fish passage has been slow, with just 132 adult springers crossing over the falls in the past month, and a few hatchery summer steelhead starting to show up.

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.