Willamette Zone

Will be stocked each week in July with 1,000 hatchery 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 to fish and behind the old Kowloon Restaurant. The canal can be fished all along its two-mile length from Day Island Road in Eugene to Aspen Street in Springfield. Last updated 7/7//25.

BLUE RIVER: Trout

Was last stocked the week of June 23^rd, with 600 hatchery rainbow trout.

Blue River is located east of Eugene near the town of Blue River, north of Hwy. 126 and is open to year-round fishing. Last updated 7/7/2025.

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: Trout, warmwater species

Was last stocked the week of June 23^rd, with 1,200 hatchery rainbow trout.

The USFS has hired a concessionaire company to maintain the boat ramps and parking areas and they are charging $9 to park at the Saddle Dam or Lookout Campground/boat launch parking area. For details people can call the USFS McKenzie Ranger District 541-822-3381.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 7/7/25.

BREITENBUSH RIVER:

Access to the upper Breitenbush River has been re-opened. The river will be stocked again in several locations this week with 2,000 hatchery trout. Last updated 7/7/25

CARMEN RESERVOIR:

Latest estimates for when access and fish stocking will resume are now 2026 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.

CASCADE HIKE-IN LAKES: trout

High in the Cascade mountains there are hundreds of lakes of all sizes that offer beautiful scenery, seclusion and excellent fishing. These small, backcountry lakes will remain fishable until they get snowed in this fall. Check with the U.S Forest Service Willamette National Forest for the latest info on wildfire-related closures. To see a map of high mountain lakes where fish are available, last year stocked and species available click here. Zoom in on the map to see the lake name. Click on the lake to find the information. Learn more about fishing in the high lakes.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: Winter/summer steelhead, spring Chinook

Winter steelhead fishing has been slow, but fish are still being caught throughout the system. Summer steelhead can now be found in the river and have been caught from the mouth all the way to Dog Cr. at the Hatchery. As an added bonus, some bright spring Chinook have been caught near the mouth and could also be found throughout the river.

The mouth of Eagle Creek is a popular and crowded location for targeting fish on the Clackamas. OSP keeps a close eye on this area and writes many citations for snagging and other fishing violations.

To report poaching or other violations: Call *OSP or *677 (OSP on keypad). You also can call 800-452-7888, or send an email to TIP@osp.oregon.gov between the hours of 8-5, Monday-Friday. Take photos if it is safe to do so.

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 4/3/25.

CLEAR LAKE: Trout

Will be stocked the week of July 7th and again the week of July 22nd with 3,000 hatchery rainbow trout. 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 7/7/2025.

COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout

Will be stocked the week of July 7th, with 800 hatchery 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. Last updated 7/7/25.

COTTAGE GROVE POND: See Row River Nature Park Pond

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

Was last stocked the week of April 14^th, with 2,500 hatchery rainbow trout.

Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year. Updated 7/7/25.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: Trout

The reservoir is now completely full, just in time for the busy recreation season. All boat ramps are available including Mongold. Pretty much any technique will catch fish, but it might take some experimenting to find out what is most effective on the day you're out there. For those anglers without a boat, there are recreation areas in both upper arms of the reservoir that allow for easy bank angling.

The reservoir gets stocked with trout during the late spring and summer. It was stocked recently with about 4,000 trophy-sized hatchery trout. As a reminder, anglers are allowed to keep up to five trout, with an additional five fish kokanee bag limit.

It's always a good idea to check the water levels at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website before using the boat ramps. For the latest information on water levels at Detroit Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers' website for more information.

Last updated 7/7/25.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: Trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Was last stocked the week of April 21, with 3,000 hatchery rainbow trout.

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. Last updated 7/7/25.

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

Was last stocked the week of April 14, with 5,500 hatchery rainbow trout.

Dorena Reservoir is east of Cottage Grove on Row River Road and is open to fishing all year. 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 7/7/25.

FALL CREEK: Trout

Was stocked the week of June 16^th with 1,400 hatchery rainbow trout.

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 6/17/25.

FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: Trout

Was last stocked the week of April 13, with 3,000 hatchery rainbow trout.

Fall Creek Reservoir is currently being held down and will be held at winter low level until early May to allow passage of juvenile spring Chinook salmon. Cascara, Winberry and Norh Shore boat ramps should all be accessible in June. Last updated 7/7/25.

FARADAY LAKE: Trout

Faraday Lake is now closed while PGE updates its powerhouse at Rivermill Dam. For more information, visit PGE's Parks and Recreation webpage.

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 waterbody. The reservoir is full and should be in good shape for most of the summer. All boat ramps and recreation sites are currently open. For 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 through July. 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. Last updated 7/2/25.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: Trout, bass, perch, catfish

This reservoir near Sweet Home was stocked several times in May with hatchery 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 5-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 reservoir is now full and all three boat ramps are available to launch boats, including Caulkins.

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 6/25/25.

FREEWAY LAKE, EAST: Trout, bass bluegill crappie

Fishing for warmwater gamefish such as bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish can be very good, especially early and late in the day in spring and summer. This is one of the best places in the Valley to fish for large crappie.

This waterbody 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. Last updated 4/10/25.

GOLD LAKE: Brook trout, rainbow trout

Gold Lake is open for fishing May 22 to Oct. 31. For access inquiries call the USFS Willamette Nat'l Forest 541-782-2283 for updates.

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 7/7/25.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: Trout, bass

The water level in the reservoir is slowly drawing down as it does every summer. The boat ramp at Thistle Creek is available to launch boats, but Whitcomb boat ramp is now high and dry.

The reservoir is usually stocked with trout in the spring. It was stocked several times in April and May with about 24,000 hatchery trout. Also, as a reminder to anglers, fishing for and harvesting Chinook in the lake and the rivers above is prohibited. Any Chinook caught in Green Peter reservoir must be released unharmed.

For the latest information on water levels at Green Peter Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers' website for more information. Last updated 7/7/25.

HARRIET LAKE: Trout

Harriet Lake access is via the Skyline route until hazard trees are cleared. 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 6/19/24.

HENRY HAGG LAKE: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, bullhead catfish

In summertime, target rainbow trout in deeper, cooler waters near the dam and channels with bait. Bass and other warmwater fish are active in shallow coves during early mornings and evenings.

Hagg Lake is one of western Oregon's largest lakes and is a premier warmwater fishing destination. The lake is home to both the state record smallmouth bass and bullhead catfish.

Current reservoir level can be found here. 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 7/07/25.

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: Trout, crappie, bass

Will be stocked again the week of September 30^th, with 3,000 rainbow trout. The previous stocking was week of April 28(3,500). 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 annually and 100,000 adipose fin-clipped spring Chinook salmon fingerlings (when available) to provide a harvest fishery the following year. This makes for a great early-spring fishery on large fish.

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) generally remains accessible at all normal reservoir elevation. Last updated 7/7/25

LEABURG LAKE: Trout

Will be stocked each week in July with 1,000 hatchery 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 7/7/25.

MCKENZIE RIVER below Leaburg Lake (R1): Trout, steelhead

Will be stocked the week of July 21st, with 2,000 hatchery rainbow trout.

Bait can be used from April 22 – Oct. 31, but beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Fishing for summer steelhead remains open throughout the river.

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Check the 2024 Sport Fishing Regulations for bait restrictions in the segment you plan to fish.

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 7/7/25.

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

Will be stocked each week in July with 850 - 5,500 hatchery rainbow trout.

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Bait is allowed from Leaburg Dam to Forest Glen Boat Ramp from April 22 – Oct 31. Last updated 7/7/2025.

MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Trout, steelhead

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers refurbished the boat ramp on the south side of the Middle Fork Willamette just below Dexter Dam allowing drift boat and raft access. Chinook and summer steelhead fishing should be good June – July downstream of Dexter Dam.

A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead.

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 7/7/2025.

NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: Trout

Trout stocking will resume this spring in time for trout season, which opens May 22.

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 1/10/24.

QUARTZVILLE CREEK: Trout

This river above Green Peter Reservoir gets stocked regularly from late spring through the summer. It will be stocked again this week with about 2,200 hatchery trout. The river is currently running at 40 cfs. Best conditions for fishing are below 300 cfs. Light tackle including flies works best, but bait is allowed. On hot sunny days it is better to fish early in the morning before 10:00am when the water is coolest and the fish are less wary.

Trout are active year-round, and anglers are allowed to keep up to five fish daily. Last updated 7/7/25.

ROW RIVER NATURE PARK POND (formerly Cottage Grove Pond): Trout, bass, bluegill

Was last stocked the week of April 7, with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout. Currently the fishing dock has been removed and will be replaced this spring/summer, but the bank is still accessible.

Cottage Grove Pond is open to year-round fishing and are accessible via an asphalt pathway behind the truck scales on Row River Rd. In addition to fishing, these ponds also offer wildlife viewing opportunities. Last updated 7/7/2025.

SALMON CREEK: Trout

Will be stocked the week of July 7^th and the week of July 28^th with 400 - 800 hatchery 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 7/7/2025.

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. 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 7/7/2025.

SANDY RIVER: Winter/summer steelhead, spring Chinook

Winter steelhead are still being caught throughout the system, though the majority of the pressure has been near the hatchery, at Cedar Cr. Summer steelhead and spring Chinook can also be found in the system, though mostly in the lower river. It is still early in the season, however anglers wanting to target Chinook specifically would do best in the waters from Dodge Park downstream to the mouth.

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. Last updated 3/12/25.

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK): Steelhead, trout, Chinook, coho

River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at around 1,200 cfs at the gage in Mahama. Both the summer steelhead and spring chinook runs are in full swing. About 4,100 summer steelhead have passed above Willamette Falls as of June 29. Hundreds of adult spring chinook are navigating the ladder at Willamette Falls every day. Counts at the falls are about 2,000 adults so far. Many of these fish have already arrived in the North Santiam basin with more arriving every day. A bobber and jig set-up or drifting a cluster of salmon eggs is the usual technique, but flies and spinning lures will work as well, depending on flow conditions.

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

Fishing for steelhead is open year-round, but the use of bait is not allowed between Nov. 1 and April 21. Last updated 7/7/25.

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK) above DETROIT: Trout

This river is open year-round to fishing, but ideal conditions usually begin after snowmelt recedes in late June and continues through early October. Currently, flows are at 475 cfs. Dead-drifting a nymph fly or slow retrieving a small spinner can sometimes coax larger trout to bite. The river is usually stocked between May and August. It will be stocked again this week with about 2,200 hatchery trout. Last updated 7/7/25.

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

Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs. Now that the dry season has arrived, flows are being consistently held at around 850 cfs at the gage in Waterloo. Counts of newly arrived summer steelhead and spring chinook have started to take off at Willamette Falls, and many of them have already moved into the basin. About 27,000 adult chinook have been counted at Willamette Falls so far, with many more on the way. Summer steelhead numbers are lagging somewhat behind, but each day sees several dozen more fish entering the upper basin. About 520 summer steelhead and over 920 spring chinook have entered the ladder at Foster Dam. Fish can be found throughout river, including at Lebanon, Waterloo, and below the deadline at Wiley Creek Park. Last updated 7/7/25.

SMITH RESERVOIR: Trout

Latest estimates for when access and fish stocking will resume are now 2026 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.

In order to keep the public and construction personnel safe during the five-year project, Forest Road 730 is closed at the Powerhouse, cutting off access to Trail Bridge Campground, Smith Reservoir and Lake's End Campground. The road closure will continue through 2026.

SUNNYSIDE PARK POND: Trout, bass, bluegill

This pond was stocked recently with 1,100 trout.

This 4-acre pond is located two miles above the upper end of Foster Reservoir. The pond also offers bluegill and largemouth bass year-round. The park has a campground and picnic area and is a great place to take kids fishing. There is also boat ramp access to the Middle Fork arm of Foster Reservoir. Please keep in mind that only one fish over 20 inches may be kept per day as part of a 5-fish daily bag limit.

To get there from I-5, take US 20 through the town of Sweet Home and continue around Foster Reservoir to Quartzville Creek Rd. Take a left and follow this road for two miles to the park. Last update 6/10/25.

TIMOTHY LAKE: Trout, kokanee, crayfish

Timothy lake is accessible, however only via Skyline Rd until the remainder of the hazard trees are cleared.

Timothy lake is a great summer destination for fishing and recreating on the water. Anglers should keep in mind this is a very popular destination. Trout fishing is often best at the head of the reservoir. Check the Mt Hood National Forest website for access updates. Last updated 5/29/24.

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 2026. 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 to 2026.

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

The lake is now accessible and has been stocked with trout. Last updated 5/29/24.

TURNER LAKE: Bass, panfish, some trout

This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to public fishing along the southern half where the boat ramp is. It is an old borrow pit and features largemouth bass, panfish such as bluegill, and trout in the cooler months. There's a boat ramp in the southwest corner of the lake. It was stocked this spring with 1,500 hatchery trout and about 120 surplus summer steelhead.

As a reminder, only one trout over 20 inches is allowed as part of a five-fish per day bag limit. Last updated 6/10/25

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

Poor river conditions last week and not much effort.

Preliminary estimates for the week of May 5^th- May 11th:

• Boats: 2,685 anglers – Chinook 247 kept, 54 released - Steelhead 0 kept, 0 released
• Bank: 207 anglers – Chinook 0 kept, 0 released - Steelhead 0 kept , 0 released

See summaries for more details.

• Spring Chinook
• Steelhead

River conditions and fish counts:

• May 19, Willamette River Portland-Temperature/Visibility: 59F, Visibility: 8.5 ft
• Link to: Willamette Falls Counts
• Link to Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro Data
• Link to NOAA-Willamette River Forecast (Salem)

The Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, good access and variety.

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 upstream section between Albany and Harrisburg is open year-round for trout fishing, which can be very good when flows are cooperating. Look for deep slot pools and the tail-end of long riffles and the head of pools where the fish are likely stacked up in feeding lanes.

Smallmouth bass can be a lot of fun to catch and are plentiful between Salem and Corvallis during the spring and summer. Anglers also report the occasional walleye up to 20 inches. Trout prefer the cooler water temperatures upstream of Corvallis. From Salem downstream there are plenty of largemouth bass in the deeper, quieter sections. Trout can be kept in some sections, but not in others. Consult the regulation booklet for details. Last updated 7/7/25.