Willamette Zone

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Submit your fishing photo  to ODFW and we might use it here or elsewhere on MyODFW.com.

Send us your fishing report

We’d love to hear about your recent fishing experience. Send us your own fishing report through ODFW Fishing Reports―the information will be forwarded to the local biologist who may use it to update various ODFW resources such as the weekly Recreation Report.
 

BEST BETS FOR WEEKEND FISHING

• Anglers should keep an eye on water levels in the Sandy and Clackamas rivers. There are steelhead around, and anglers should be ready to hit the water once high flows start to drop.
• Eagle Creek can be a great option when the Clackamas is high and dirty.
• Several area lakes and ponds have been stocked with one-pound trout just in time for some holiday fishing. And some of these fish might still be around. Look for them in Alton Baker Canoe Canal, Cottage Grove Pond, Junction City Pond, Walling Pond and Waverly Lake.

RECENTLY STOCKED

Refer to waterbody listings for stocking information.

Check out the 2022 trout stocking schedule.

TROUT STOCKING MAPS: Find your place to fish

Check out the ODFW fishing and trout stocking maps to find nearby fishing locations (including high mountain lakes), driving directions and descriptions of amenities.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: closures, special events, etc.

If your favorite fishing spot is no longer listed

It’s probably because that river, lake or reservoir is closed for the season, inaccessible due to snow and bad roads, or offers limited fishing opportunities during the winter months. These waterbodies will re-appear in the Recreation Report when they re-open next spring, or when access and/or opportunity improves.

UPDATES BY WATERBODY

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL (ABCC): trout

Will be stocked again this week with 500 one-pound (pounders) rainbow trout.

The canoe canal is open to fishing all year and is located within Alton Baker Park. A 4-acre pond at the midpoint of the canal is a good spot, as is directly behind Kowloon Restaurant. However, the canal can be fished all along its two-mile length from Day Island Road in Eugene to Aspen Street in Springfield. Last updated 1/12/22.

BLUE RIVER: trout

Trout stocking will resume in the spring. 

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. Last updated 6/2/21.

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Trout stocking will resume in the spring.

Blue River Reservoir is located east of Eugene near the town of Blue River, north of Hwy. 126 and is open to year-round fishing. Last updated 06/01/21.

BREITENBUSH RIVER: trout

The Forest Service Road up the Breitenbush River is closed due to wildfire related damage and safety concerns. The road will be closed through the end of the year. ODFW therefore has decided not to stock this river this year. Last updated 10/20/21.

CARMEN RESERVOIR:

Latest estimates for when access and fish stocking will resume are now 2024 at the earliest. Public access to Carmen Reservoir is prohibited until further notice. Closure is due to operations required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) resulting in reservoir drawdown over the summer. Last updated 3/3/21.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: winter steelhead

Winter steelhead can now be found throughout the Clackamas River. Current high water and poor visibility may limit opportunities, especially in the lower river. Anglers would do best to check river levels before heading to the river. Fresh fish should be entering the system with each passing rain event for the next several months. 

Flow and visibility on the Clackamas will be affected by each passing front and change in snow levels.

USGS hydrological data readings from the Estacada gauge near Milo McIver State Park. Hydrologic data and river forecasts can also be accessed on the NOAA/National Weather Service NW River Forecast Center -- NW River Forecast Center. Last updated 1/5/22.

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

CLEAR LAKE: trout

Was last stocked in mid-August. Stocking will resume next spring.

Clear Lake is accessed from Hwy. 126 approximately Clear Lake is accessed from Hwy. 126 approximately 70 miles east of Springfield. Linn County’s Clear Lake Resort rents cabins and boats. Last updated 9/1/21.

COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout

The river is open to fishing all year for trout, hatchery Chinook salmon, hatchery steelhead, and wild steelhead over 24 inches. Use of bait allowed April 22 – Oct 31, but beginning Nov. 1 anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. In addition to five hatchery trout, two wild trout may be kept daily. Last updated 7/7/21.

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

Was last stocked the week of Jan. 3 with 125 large brood 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. Last updated 1/12/22.

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

Will be stocked again next spring. Until then, anglers can target the warmwater species listed above and holdover trout in the cooler pockets of the reservoir.

Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year. Updated 8/18/21.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout

The reservoir is stocked regularly in the spring and summer with tens of thousands of one-pound hatchery trout. Recent rains have brought up the water elevation in the reservoir and so for the next week or so it will be possible to launch a boat at Mongold boat ramp. Storage season lasts through the end of January, after which water elevation will slowly rise and the boat ramps will be safer to use.  

For the latest information on water levels at Detroit Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers’ website for more information.

Pretty much all techniques will catch fish, but it might take some experimenting to find out what is most effective on the day you’re out there. You will vastly improve your chances of catching a fish if you fish early or late in the day when light-levels are low and fish are less wary. 

Anglers have reported catching lots of small Chinook salmon in pursuit of kokanee and trout. Please take extra care in releasing these fish back into the water unharmed, as they are listed species and are only in the reservoir temporarily before they migrate downstream and out to the ocean.   

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

Anglers are encouraged to report their catch on forms available at signs and kiosks which have been installed at key locations around the lake. Simply fill out the form and return in the designated drop boxes. There is also an on-line form. Remember to indicate whether the fish you catch have their adipose fin or not. This information will allow ODFW to manage the fishery for the benefit of both recreational anglers and the resource. Last updated 1/12/22.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Will be stocked again next spring. Until then, anglers can target the warmwater species listed above and holdover trout in the cooler pockets of the reservoir.

Dexter Reservoir near Lowell is visible from Hwy. 58. Boat and bank access is available through state and county parks. Parking and bank access are also available from the causeway near Lowell. Largemouth bass and some smallmouth are also available to anglers in this reservoir. Last updated 8/18/21.

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

Will be stocked again next spring. Until then, anglers can target the warmwater species listed above and holdover trout in the cooler pockets of the reservoir.

Dorena Reservoir is east of Cottage Grove on Row River Road and is open to fishing all year. Trout and warmwater fish are available. Baker Bay Park (Lane County) is open seasonally from April – October. The park has a boat ramp, ADA restrooms, showers, picnic and camp spots. Last update 10/13/21.

EAGLE CREEK:  winter steelhead

With the first of the season’s steelhead now in the Clackamas, fish will likely be arriving in Eagle Creek soon, if they are not already present. Eagle Creek is a great option for anglers when the Clackamas River is high and dirty.

Bonnie Lure State Recreation Area has reopened but visitors are advised to watch for hazardous trees.

Keep in mind that long stretches of Eagle Creek do run through private property, 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. Last updated 1/5/22.

FALL CREEK: trout

Trout stocking will resume next spring.

Fall Creek is open all year for trout. Bait is allowed from April 22 through Oct. 31; however, beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Five hatchery trout and an additional two wild trout may be harvested daily in the river.

Fishing for salmon upstream of Fall Creek Dam is prohibited. Below Fall Creek Dam the creek is open all year for hatchery Chinook, hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead greater than 24 inches. Last updated 8/18/21.

FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

Was last stocked at the beginning of April with 4,667 legal-size and 667 pound-size rainbow trout. Will be stocked again next spring. Until then, anglers can target holdover trout in the cooler pockets of the reservoir. Last updated 8/18/21.

FARADAY LAKE: trout

Faraday Lake is now closed while PGE updates its powerhouse at Rivermill Dam. This closure is expected to continue until spring 2022. For more information, visit PGE’s Parks and Recreation webpage.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish

The reservoir gets stocked in the spring and fall with hatchery trout. It was stocked for the last time this year in late September with 3,300 trout. 

Besides trout, look for smallmouth bass and yellow perch near underwater structure and drop-offs. Please remember that only kokanee and adipose fin-clipped trout may be kept as part of the trout bag limit, but there are no limits on size or number of bass. Retention of warmwater fish species such as bluegill, catfish, crappie, and yellow perch is also allowed -- no limit on size or number. Anglers report good success in the two arms of the reservoir, as well as the shoreline in between. 

The water level in the reservoir is currently low in order to provide winter storage. Calkins Park and Gedney boat ramps are no longer usable. That leaves Sunnyside Park boat ramp as the best option during the rest of the fall.

This scenic 1,200-acre reservoir on the South Santiam River is located just 30 minutes from Interstate 5. There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps. Last updated 1/12/22.

GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout

Gold Lake is now closed for the season and will not open until May 22. The last day for fishing Gold Lake this season was Oct. 31.

Gold lake is open for fishing from May 22 – Oct 31 annually. Gold lake has special fishing regulations in place that include no retention of rainbow trout, no limit on brook trout, fly-fishing only (has to be a fly rod, no spinning rigs) and barbless hooks. Oregon State Marine Board passed a new regulation in 2020 that allows ELECTRIC motors only on Gold Lake.

Gold Lake is a 100-acre lake located north of the Willamette Pass summit off Hwy. 58 approximately 23 miles southeast of Oakridge. Last updated 11/24/21.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, trout, bass

The water level in the reservoir is at the winter storage level which means both boat ramps are no longer usable. Water level is expected to be maintained at this level through the end of January, at least. For the latest information on water levels at Green Peter Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers’ website for more information. Reservoir levels will continue to drop throughout the early winter and will begin refilling starting Feb. 1. 

This large reservoir gets stocked annually with 20,000 hatchery trout. Look for them in cooler, deeper water and around ledges, drop-offs and underwater structure. Smallmouth bass also like to hang out near underwater structure and tend to be found in shallower water. Also look for them near rocky outcrops.

Kokanee, trout and smallmouth bass are the main targets in this reservoir. Anglers may keep up to 25 kokanee per day in addition to the 5-trout limit.

Best bet for anglers without a boat is to drive to the top of the reservoir where Quartzville Creek enters the reservoir. Large trout will sometimes forage where the river brings in food swept down from upstream. Last updated 12/8/21.

HARRIET LAKE: trout

Lake Harriet is now open, as is FR 57 between Harriet and Timothy Lake. Trout fishing has been good. Harriet Lake received 1,400 trophies the last week of May. For more information, visit PGE’s Parks and Recreation webpage.

Harriet Lake is a 23-acre reservoir on the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River in the Mount Hood National Forest. Boat ramp is just past campground. Last updated 7/14/21.

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

Hagg Lake continues to receive regular stockings of catchable-size trout with some trophies mixed in. The bite for other species (bass, panfish, etc.) has picked up as water temperatures warm. Shallow bays and creek arms are responding more quickly to sunny weather than the main lake.

Located near Forest Grove (7 miles SW), Hagg Lake is one of western Oregon’s largest lakes (1,110-acre) and one of its premier warmwater fishing locations, with populations of record-class largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie and bullhead.

Maintained and operated by Washington County, the park features numerous picnic areas, two boat launching facilities, more than 15 miles of hiking trails, and observation decks for wildlife and bird watching. The lake and lake park are currently open, although users are encouraged to check the Hagg Lake Park website, as conditions can change. Last updated 5/5/21.

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass

Hills Creek Reservoir was stocked with 9,555 big hatchery rainbow trout Nov. 23 and will also be stocked again next spring. Don’t forget that you can keep hatchery Chinook in the reservoir as mentioned below. 

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

Trout and salmon must be adipose fin-clipped to be harvested. Large native trout are available for catch-and-release fishing. Packard Boat Ramp (USFS) remains accessible at current reservoir elevation. Last updated 11/24/21.

JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, crappie

This week’s scheduled stocking of trout will be delayed until next week due to illness. The pond was last stocked in late December with about 1,000 one-pound hatchery trout. As a reminder, anglers are allowed to keep only one trout over 20 inches as part of the five fish bag limit. This pond is stocked regularly throughout the winter and spring. This popular pond is located off of Hwy 99 south of Junction City. Last updated 1/12/22.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

Was last stocked the week of Aug. 23 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. Last updated 9/1/21.

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

Will be stocked again next spring. Bait is not allowed after Oct. 31.  

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

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Check page 46 of the 2021 Sport Fishing Regulations for bait restrictions in the segment you plan to fish. Beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies.

The lower McKenzie River is open to retention of adipose fin-clipped salmon and steelhead and non-adipose fin-clipped steelhead greater than 24 inches long. A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead in the McKenzie. Last updated 11/3/21.

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

Will be stocked again next spring. Bait is not allowed after Oct 31. 

Important reminder: When boating, treat this section of river like it is the first time you have been on it! Currently, there are still considerable fire-related cleanup efforts being conducted in this area.

Status of boat ramps in the upper McKenzie:

• Forest Glen Boat Ramp – Open.
• Finn Rock Boat Ramp – Open.
• Silver Creek – Open. TAKE OUT! Or you have to go through Martin Rapids.
• Rennie – Not open, but could pull out in an emergency.
• Marten Rapids class III rapids. Take out at Silver Creek.
• Helfrich Landing-Open.

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Bait is allowed from Leaburg Dam to Forest Glen Boat Ramp from April 22 – Oct 31. Last updated 11/3/21.

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. Last updated 6/2/21.

NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: trout

Trout fishing has been good in the North Fork Reservoir. Anglers have done best by trolling from a boat with spinners. For more information, visit PGE’s Parks and Recreation webpage.

North Fork Reservoir is a 350-acre reservoir of the Clackamas River behind North Fork Dam approximately 5.2 miles east of Estacada, Ore. This reservoir has two boat ramps, boat moorage, 50 campsites, picnic areas, boat rentals, grocery story, fueling station, and ADA-accessible fishing platforms. It is big and deep enough, and is fed by the upper Clackamas River, to stay cool longer into the summer than most of the other lakes and ponds. Last updated 9/9/21.

QUARTZVILLE CREEK: trout

This river above Green Peter Reservoir gets stocked from late spring through the summer. The river is currently running very high at around 1,200 cfs. Under these conditions fishing becomes difficult. This river is open to trout fishing year-round, but it might be best to wait until flows have settled down, ideally below 300 cfs. 

Light tackle including flies works best, but bait is allowed. 

Trout are active year-round, and anglers are allowed to keep up to five fish daily. Last updated 1/12/22.

SALMON CREEK: trout

Was last stocked the week of Aug. 23 with 667 legal-size rainbow trout.

Salmon Creek is open to fishing all year. Bait can be used from April 22 – Oct. 31, but beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Trout are released at multiple locations upstream to Black Creek. Two wild trout per day, 8-inch minimum length, may be kept in addition to five hatchery trout. Last updated 9/1/21.

SALT CREEK: trout

No recent fishing reports. Salt Creek is an unstocked tributary to the Middle Fork Willamette River east of Oakridge. Salt Creek and its tributaries are open to fishing all year. Bait can be used from April 22 – Oct. 31, but beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Two wild trout may be kept per day, 8-inch minimum length. Last updated 5/19/20.

SANDY RIVER: winter steelhead                     

Anglers have been successfully catching fish in the Sandy since before Christmas day. Winter steelhead can now be found throughout the Sandy River, though they are still largely in the lower river. Current high water and poor visibility may limit opportunities. Anglers would do best to check river levels before heading to the river. Fresh fish should be entering the system with each passing rain event for the next several months. 

Flow and visibility on the Sandy are greatly influenced by each passing front and change in snow levels. Colder temperatures, as well as less precipitation means this glacially fed system will not only be on the drop, but will also clear up much more quickly.

Anglers should confirm access before they go. All Metro Parks and boat ramps (including Dabney and Lewis and Clark) are now open, but may have modified operations. Check conditions at individual parks on Metro’s website. State parks and recreation areas appear open.

USGS hydrological data for the Sandy near bull run. Last updated 1/5/21.

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

Many public access points along the river are still closed from last year’s wildfires, including Fisherman’s Bend, and all recreation areas along the Little North Fork. But Packsaddle Park has recently re-opened, which is just below Minto Dam. Anglers can still access the river from Stayton downstream and in a few places above such as the Mehama bridge and North Santiam State Park.

No recent fishing reports. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at over 9,000 cfs at the gage in Mehama. A lot of this water is coming out of Detroit Reservoir which currently being drawn down to provide flood storage for winter. Water clarity is fair. It is likely that flows will stay high throughout the week. Fishing can be difficult in these conditions.

Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round but the run numbers were disappointingly low this year. Trout season has ended for the year and will start back up again on May 22.

The coho salmon run is now over and for the next few months things are going to be fairly quiet as far as fishing on the river goes. There are still a few summer steelhead around, but the next run of spring chinook and summer steelhead won’t arrive until late April/early May.  Until then, catch-and-release for trout and winter steelhead are available. Anglers should be aware, however, that bait is no longer allowed after Oct. 31 and until April 22. Last updated 1/12/22.

NOTICE: Fishermen’s Bend, Niagara County Park and Minto County Park are still closed due to wildfire damage. There are also sporadic traffic delays due to road repair and hazard tree removal along Hwy 22.

WARNING: There are several large, downed trees in the river creating some dangerous hazards for boaters. For more information check out the Oregon State Marine Board website.

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

Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs. Currently flows are around 7,000 cfs at the Waterloo gage. Fishing under these conditions is extremely difficult. 

Steelhead fishing is open year-round. The run this year is disappointing, but fish are still around, primarily from Waterloo Park upstream to the dam.   

Trout harvest is now closed until May 22. Fishing with bait is only allowed between April 22 and Oct 31. Anglers are reminded that only fin-clipped trout may be kept. Last updated 1/12/22.

SMITH RESERVOIR: trout

Latest estimates for when access and fish stocking will resume are now 2024 at the earliest. The Eugene Water & Electric Board is enveloped in a construction project to retrofit, refurbish and upgrade capital equipment at its Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project.

The capital construction projects planned for the 2017-2024 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 2024. Last updated 8/18/21.

TIMBER LINN LAKE: rainbow trout

Was stocked in late December with around 1,000 hatchery trout. This week’s scheduled stocking of trout will be delayed until the week of Jan. 24 due to illness. 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. Last updated 1/5/22.

TIMOTHY LAKE: trout

Trout fishing has been good and there is an abundance of crayfish in the lake.

Timothy lake is currently only accessible via US-26 for drive in access. The Timothy Lake campground is currently open. Check the Mt Hood National Forest website for updates. Last updated 8/11/21

TRAIL BRIDGE RESERVOIR: trout

The Eugene Water & Electric Board is implementing a construction project to retrofit, refurbish and upgrade capital equipment at its Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project. Latest estimates for when access and fish stocking will resume are now 2024 at the earliest. The capital construction projects planned for the 2017-2024 timeframe will create significant public access constraints due primarily to safety concerns. In order to keep the public and construction personnel safe during the project, EWEB and the Forest Service agreed to close access to Forest Road 730 at the Powerhouse.

The closure will deny public access to Trail Bridge Campground, Smith Reservoir and Lake’s End Campground. The closure of the road to the public started in March 2017 and will continue at least through 2024.

ODFW has discontinued stocking of Trail Bridge reservoir for the duration of the closure – hatchery fish allocated to the reservoir are being redistributed to other stocked waterbodies. Only adipose fin-clipped trout may be harvested from Trail Bridge Reservoir. Only flies and lures may be used. Last updated 8/18/21.

TRILLIUM LAKE: trout

This is a very popular lake, close to the Portland metro. Anglers should plan to arrive early to avoid the worst of the crowds. Last updated 8/11/21.

TURNER LAKE: bass, panfish, some trout

Some hatchery trout became available this past fall and so this lake was stocked for the first time with about 2,500 trout.  

This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to public fishing along the southern half. It is an old borrow pit and features largemouth bass, panfish such as bluegill, and a few trout. There’s a boat ramp in the southwest corner of the lake. This waterbody should produce fish year-round.  To get there take Turner Rd south from Salem and take a left onto Holly St before you get to downtown Turner. No gas-powered motors are allowed. A good way to cover the water is to use an electric trolling motor and troll a spoon or spinning lure. On calm days a float tube or kayak can be a good way to get out as well. Last updated 1/5/22.

WALLING POND: trout, crappie, bass

This week’s scheduled stocking of trout will be delayed until next week due to illness. The pond was last stocked in late December with about 1,000 hatchery trout. This pond is regularly stocked throughout the winter and spring. About 100 or so extra-large brood trout became available a few weeks ago and were released into Walling. Some of these 10-pound fish are likely still in there. As a reminder, only one fish over 20 inches is allowed as part of a five trout daily 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. There is no trash service out there so please pack out what you packed in. Last updated 1/12/22.

WAVERLY LAKE: trout, bluegill, catfish

This lake was stocked in late December with about 800 legal-size and larger trout. About 150 or so extra-large brood trout also became available a few weeks ago and were released into this pond. These fish average 10 pounds each and a few of them are likely still in there. Anglers may keep only one fish over 20 inches as part of their 5 trout bag limit.

From I-5 take exit 234 west towards Albany. The pond is located a quarter mile down Pacific Boulevard on the right. A paved ADA-accessible path runs all the way around the pond. Last updated 1/5/22.

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

Anglers should confirm access before they go. All Metro Parks and boat ramps are now open but may have modified operations. Check conditions at individual parks on Metro’s website. State parks and recreation areas appear open.

The upstream 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 also can be a lot of fun to catch and are plentiful between Salem and Corvallis. From Salem downstream there are plenty of largemouth bass in the deeper, quieter sections.

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

The Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, fairly good access and variety. Last updated 10/6/21.