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

• This weekend is the perfect time to take a friend or family member fishing. It’s Free Fishing Weekend, Aug. 17-18, which means they won’t need a license, tag or endorsement to fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon (that’s open to fishing, crabbing or clamming).
• Trout and kokanee fishing in Detroit Reservoir continues to be good.
• If you want to escape the crowded conditions at many lakes, consider hiking into one of area’s many high elevation, hike-in lakes. Water stays cooler in these higher elevations and fishing should be good until the snow flies this fall. Find more information on planning your hike-in fishing trip.
• This time of year, anglers should be targeting bass and other warmwater fish in valley ponds and lakes. See a list of options below.
• Several locations in the Willamette Zone are scheduled to be stocked with trout this week: Salmon Creek, Leaburg Lake, McKenzie River above and below Leaburg, Alton Baker Canoe Canal.

2019 STOCKING SCHEDULE AND STOCKING MAP

Practice good catch-and-release techniques in late summer conditions

When water conditions are low, clear and warm, like they are now, be sure to practice good catch-and-release techniques when releasing fish.

• Fish early in the day when water and air temperatures are at their coolest.
• Land fish quickly. Playing a fish too long reduces its chances to recover.
• Keep the fish in the water while landing and releasing it.
• If you can’t remove the hook easily, cut the leader near the hook, which will eventually dissolve.
• Revive the fish in moving water before releasing it.

Summer is a good time for warmwater fishing

With water temperatures on the rise throughout the region, now might be a good time to check out these warmwater fishing venues:

BENTON COUNTY

Adair Pond – 6 acres; Hwy. 99W south of Adair Village at ODFW regional office. Largemouth bass, redear sunfish, bluegill, channel catfish.

E.E. Wilson Pond – 8 acres on E.E. Wilson Wildlife Management Area east of Hwy. 99 W between Corvallis and Monmouth. Redear sunfish, stocked trout.

CLACKAMAS COUNTY

Wilsonville Pond – 6 acres; on west side of I-5, 1 mile south of the Wilsonville Rest Area. Take Exit 282 from I-5, west on Butteville Road to Boones Ferry Road, south on Boones Ferry Road 0.5 miles. Largemouth bass, bluegill, brown bullhead.

Bluegill Lake – 7 acres; Cascade Gateway Park in Salem off Hwy. 22. Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie.

Goose Lake – 9 acres; 7 miles north of Salem. White crappie, largemouth bass.

MARION COUNTY

Mission Lake – 40 acres; about 5 miles north of Keizer in Willamette Mission State Park. White crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, black crappie.

Santiam River – From confluence with Willamette River upstream to Jefferson. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass.

St. Louis Ponds – 7 ponds comprising 54 acres; 2 miles west of Gervais on the west side of I-5 freeway. No boats allowed. Special regulations apply. Bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, redear sunfish, green sunfish, white crappie, black crappie. St. Louis Ponds has the added benefit of more than 3,000 linear feet of paved trail that meanders through the fishing park that is suitable for wheelchairs. This, coupled with several ADA compliant fishing platforms, makes St. Louis Pond an excellent venue for anglers with disabilities.

Walling Pond – 8 acres; 16^th and McGilchrist Streets in Salem. Largemouth bass, stocked rainbow trout.

Walter Wirth Lake – 20 acres; Cascade Gateway Park in Salem. Largemouth bass, bluegill, brown bullhead, channel catfish.

Woodburn Pond – 14 acres; east of I-5 from Woodburn north on Boones Ferry Road to Crosby Road, then north on Edwin Road to the pond. Largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, white crappie, channel catfish.

MULTNOMAH COUNTY

Benson Lake – 40 acres; Multnomah Falls. White crappie, largemouth bass, brown bullhead.

Blue Lake – 64 acres; 3 miles northeast of Troutdale off Marine Drive. Largemouth bass, brown bullhead, black crappie, bluegill.

Bybee Lake – 275 acres; north Portland Road, Portland. White crappie, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, yellow perch

Delta Park Ponds – 100 acres; north Portland in west Delta Park. Brown bullhead, bluegill, largemouth bass.

Multnomah Channel – Adjacent to Hwy. 30 between Portland St. Helens. Access off Hwy. 30 and off the dike road on Sauvie Island. Crappie, yellow perch, walleye, bullhead, bluegill, largemouth bass.

COLUMBIA COUNTY

Clatskanie Slough – north of Clatskanie off Hwy. 30. White crappie, yellow bullhead, yellow perch, bluegill, largemouth bass, black crappie.

Deer island Slough – 68 acres; northwest of Columbia City off Hwy. 30 at Riechold Chemical (access only at the south end). White crappie, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch.

Scappoose Bay – 600 acres; south end of St. Helens, off Multnomah Channel. Brown bullhead, white crappie, black crappie, yellow perch, largemouth bass.

Vernonia Lake – 45 acres; southeast part of Vernonia off Hwy. 47. Bluegill, yellow perch, largemouth bass. Excellent bank access, improved boat launch

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: trout

Will be stocked this week with 1,600 legal-size and 50 trophy 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

Was stocked the week of May 27 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 the week of May 13 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

Was last stocked the week of July 3 with 733 legal-size 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 the week of June 24 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 last stocked in late July with about 2,700 rainbow trout. It has been stocked several time over the last month 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. Salmon fishing is prohibited. During the summer it is stocked fairly regularly with trout. Anglers may keep up to five trout per day. Flies and small spinners work well, but bait also is allowed. 

CANBY POND: trout, bass, crappie, bluegill

This pond was last stocked the week of April 29.

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: spring Chinook, summer steelhead

Fishing remains very slow on the Clackamas River due to a combination of poor returns, low flows and high water temperatures. Seasons are open for hatchery steelhead and spring Chinook but fish are few and far between. Soon it will be time to start thinking about targeting coho, which are just beginning to enter the mouth of the Columbia on the heels of a successful ocean coho season, which is currently underway.

The first coho in the Clackmas are usually found in the lower river, between Riverside Park and the mouth, or at the mouth of Eagle Creek as the fish make their way toward Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery. The reality is those fish are probably still at least month away so plan any fishing expeditions in this area accordingly.

USGS hydrological data for Aug. 14 shows river flows at 853 cfs water temperature declining slightly at 64° F, and the gauge height once again virtually unchanged from a week ago at 10.66 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 July 22 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 the week of July 8 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

Was last stocked the week of April 8 with 1,500 legal-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 April 29 with 5,000 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 stocked in mid-July with about 5,000 larger trophy-size rainbow trout. Fishing has been very good of late   for both trout and kokanee with warmer temperatures and more food available. Anglers are catching most trout between the surface and 40 feet down, kokanee below that. 

Currently, the reservoir is down only about 17 feet, which means the fishing conditions will be very good this entire year. All boat ramps, except for State Park D, should be available to launch boats at this time. Check the US Army Corps of Engineer’s website for more information.

NOTICE: Regular anglers of Detroit Lake may notice that this year’s hatchery trout are averaging a bit bigger this year than in past years. This is because ODFW has decided to stock fewer but larger fish. 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 April 29 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: spring Chinook

A couple spring Chinook may be available in the creek now from the lower ladder up to the reach below the hatchery, although those fish will likely be dark and stream flows are minimal.

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

Stocking at this pond is done for the season. The pond will be temporarily closed while access improvements are being built. At this point we expect it to re-open sometime in August or as soon as construction is completed.

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

Received an unscheduled stocking of rainbow trout last week. Access this reservoir from Timber Park in Estacada or from McIver Park a few miles away, which also has an ADA accessible fishing platform.

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 the week of July 15 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 the week of April 29 with 1,800 legal and 150 trophy-size rainbow trout. This stocking is not on the main stocking schedule, so you only get this information from the Recreation Report. Fishing should be really good!

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. Currently, the reservoir is completely full and the three main public boat ramps are 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. 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 last stocked the week of May 20 with about 4,000 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 reservoir is full.  Currently, boaters can launch at all three 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.

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

Is open for fishing, and the fishing has been very productive! The lake opened to fishing on May 22 through will remain open until Oct. 31. 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 48 feet below full pool at the moment and dropping slowly. Whitcomb boat ramp is no longer usable to launch boats as it is no longer in the water. Thistle Creek boat ramp, however, is still usable through the summer. 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 such as submerged logs. Kokanee fishing is heating up with most fish in the 8- to 9-inch range. Reports of kokanee fishing over the weekend had fish biting in the morning hours at depths of 30-50 feet.  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 with 2,664 rainbow 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

Was last stocked in late May with 1,250 legal-size trout.

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

Received an unscheduled stocking of rainbow trout this week.

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

This lake was last stocked in late May with 4,000 legal-size trout. Both boat ramps are open, and bank fishing can be good this time of year as trout often forage near the shore.

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

Was last stocked in late April 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 stocked the week of May 27 with 1,100 trout. Now that summer has started anglers are likely to catch bass, bluegill or bullhead catfish. 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

Will be stocked again this week 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

Will be stocked again this week 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

Will be stocked again this week with 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 down to a trickle, which is to be expected, and too low to provide much of a fishery. The best prospects, if there are any, are at its confluence with the Willamette, which is still seeing both Chinook and steelhead crossings of late.

USGS hydrological data for the Molalla as of Aug. 14 shows flows down to just a trickle at 51.6 cfs, with a gauge height of 9.51 feet. All of the readings come from the Canby gauge.

MT HOOD POND: trout, crappie, bluegill

Last stocked the week of April 29 with 1,000 legal-size rainbow trout. Some of these fish may still be around, although aquatic vegetation this time of year is common and can make fishing challenging.

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

Received an unscheduled stocking of rainbow trout last week.

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 the week of April 29.

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. Flows are down for the summer, about 25 cfs as of Aug. 12. (Best conditions for fishing are below 300 cfs.) Best times to fish are early in the morning and late evening.

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

SALISH POND: trout, warm water species

Last stocked the week of May 27 with 1,500 legal and 125 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

Will be stocked this week with 917 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 with 1,000 rainbow trout the week of April 22.

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: spring Chinook, summer steelhead                    

Spring Chinook are still being caught in the Sandy River downstream from its confluence with the Bull Run River at Dodge Park and upstream of Oxbow Regional Park, although fishing is slow. Summer steelhead may still be present but are few and far between. Coho have yet to make an appearance in the Sandy for 2019 but that usually happens in the fall. When it does, the mouth of Cedar Creek is a good place to target these fish.

USGS hydrological data for Aug. 14 shows Sandy flows at 370 cfs, with a gauge reading of 7.75 feet and the water temperature on the Little Sandy at Bull Run holding to around 64° F.

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

Flows have dropped down to 1,240 cfs at the Mehama gauge with good fishing conditions. These flows are not expected to change much over the rest of the summer. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs.

The spring Chinook migration has pretty much run its course for the year. Fish are still available through the end of the month. The fishery will be closed from Sept. 1 through Oct 15.

Summer steelhead will continue to trickle in throughout the next few weeks, but most fish are already in the basin. Best bets for anglers are in the middle and upper sections of river where the fish are thickest, such as between Stayton to the take out at Shelburn and from Packsaddle Park down to Fisherman’s Bend. 

So far they have counted around 5,100 summer steelhead and over 20,000 spring Chinook at Willamette Falls. As of Aug. 11, 3,093 adult hatchery Chinook and 674 summer steelhead have been counted at the Bennett ladders.

Meanwhile, the river is now open for trout through the end of October. Anglers can keep up to 5 hatchery trout per day, but any wild trout must be released unharmed.

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 450 cfs where it comes into Detroit Lake, which is about average for this time of year.

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 are holding steady around 870 cfs and should remain so over the next few weeks.  The counts at Willamette Falls as of Aug. 3 are around 5,100 summer steelhead and over 20,000 spring Chinook. Many of these fish are destined for the South Santiam, but so far only 188 hatchery Chinook and about 451 summer steelhead have entered the ladder at Foster Dam. There are many more immediately below the tailrace and in the pools below Wiley Creek Park.

Summer steelhead can generally be found throughout the upper basin below Foster Reservoir, especially above Waterloo Park. But this time of year new fish are migrating through the lower sections as well.  Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs.

The entire river is now open to trout fishing through the end of October. Below Foster Reservoir, anglers may keep up to 5 hatchery trout per day, but any wild trout must be released unharmed. Above Foster, trout fishing is catch-and-release with no bait allowed.  

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 the week of June 17 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

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 was recently stocked with 300 legal-sized trout. 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.

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 pond was last stocked with rainbow trout the week of May 20.

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 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 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.

TIMOTHY LAKE: trout

Received an unscheduled stocking of rainbow trout on Aug. 7.

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

Received an unscheduled stocking of rainbow trout on Aug. 7.

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 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.

WALLING POND: trout, crappie, bass

This pond received its final spring trout stocking in May, but anglers can target bass and panfish during the summer. 

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 was last stocked in May, but anglers can target bass and panfish during the summer. 

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 last stocked in May with 180 trout. Trout stocking will begin again in the fall. Anglers may keep only one fish over 20-inches as part of their 5 trout bag limit. Once trout fishing dies down in the summer, there are still bass, bluegill and bullhead catfish for anglers to chase.   

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, bass, walleye, other warmwater species

The Willamette is open for hatchery spring Chinook and summer steelhead but fishing for these species is slow. During the month of July, there were 1,307 summer steelhead and 611 spring Chinook crossings counted at Willamette Falls. Coho have yet to make an appearance at the falls.

Warmwater fishing remains the only viable option for anglers in the lower Willamette at this time of year. Look for warmwater species around bridges, pilings, wing dams, and other structures, which can be good spots to find walleye, crappie and bass, which are plentiful in the Willamette.

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 may 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 Aug. 14 showed flows up slightly from a week ago at 7,420 cfs, visibility at 8.8 ft., and a water temperature holding around 75 degrees.