Willamette Zone

If there's not a photo, it didn't happen

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

Best bets for weekend fishing

• In Detroit and Green Peter reservoirs, the kokanee are turning pink for the start of their spawning run.
• Look for some early coho in the Clackamas and Sandy, and some really early coho in the North Santiam below Stayton.
• Coho salmon have arrived in the Willamette River. While the river is still low, these fish will tend to concentrate at the mouths of tributary rivers such as the Yamhill, Mollala, Rickreall, Luckiamute and the Santiam, waiting for the fall rains.

Recently stocked

Scheduled to be stocked this week:

Mt Hood Pond, Alton Baker Canoe Canal, Foster Reservoir.

Recently stocked:

Henry Hagg Lake, Alton Baker Canoe Canal, Mt. Hood Pond, Small Fry Lake, McKenzie River below Leaburg, North Fork Reservoir, Foster Reservoir.

Check out the 2022 trout stocking schedule.

Trout stocking maps

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

Sign up for the latest information on boater access

Marine Board’s Opportunities and Access Report incorporates information from federal and state agencies, local facility operators and fellow boaters to provide up-to-date information so boaters can decide where to recreate and what to expect this season. Subscribe to receive email updates.

Willamette River boat ramp closure

The Buena Vista boat ramp between Albany and Independence will be closed to all public use starting May 23 and continuing through the end of September.  The closure is due to repair and improvement work at the park, including expansion of the parking lot and restrooms, re-aligning the boat ramp, and adding a floating dock. The next downstream boat ramp is at Independence on the west side of the river, about 10 miles downstream.   

Dexter Pond road closure

Beginning Friday, April 1, the public will not be able to drive into the Dexter Ponds Hatchery due to bridge inspection by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Please call the USACE Park Ranger Office at 541-942-5631 with questions.

Updates by waterbody

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL (ABCC): trout

Will be stocked again this week with 969 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 9/28/22.

BLUE RIVER: trout

Was last stocked the week of June 13 with 600 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. Last updated 7/13/22.

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Was last stocked the week of June 27 with 1,200 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. Last updated 7/31/22.

BREITENBUSH RIVER: trout

The Forest Service Road (FR 46) up the Breitenbush River is still closed due to wildfire related damage and safety concerns. No trout will be stocked while recreational access is closed. Trout stocking will resume once the general public is able to access this area. At this time, we have no information as to when this area will re-open to recreation. Last updated 6/1/22.

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.

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. 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 this fishery.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: summer steelhead, spring Chinook

Summer steelhead and spring Chinook can now be found throughout the river. Spring Chinook fishing has been decent as of late. Anglers have been finding the majority of the fish in stretches nearest to the hatchery.

Successful fishing is best done early, or late in the day on the Clackamas. Typically, fish bite best at these times and anglers are less likely to have to compete with other recreators, such as swimmers and rafters for space on the water.

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.

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 8/24/22.

CLEAR LAKE: trout

Was last stocked the week of Aug. 22 with 3,000 hatchery rainbow trout. 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 9/7/22.

COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout

Was last stocked the week of July 11 with 740 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 7/13/22.

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

Cottage Grove Ponds are 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, and a fishing dock is available on-site. Last updated 4/27/22.

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

Was last stocked the week of April 18, with 2,500 rainbow trout. 

Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year. Updated 4/27/22.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout

The reservoir is stocked regularly in the spring and summer with tens of thousands of one-pound hatchery trout. It was last stocked in late June with about 4,000 trout. The reservoir’s water elevation is dropping slowly and will continue to do so through the fall. The main boat ramp, Mongold, is currently available, as is boat ramp G at Detroit Lake State Park. 

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

Detroit Reservoir is one of the premier kokanee fisheries in the state. Most kokanee are bring caught at depths below 40 feet. The mature adults are beginning to turn pink in preparation for their spawning run in October. 

Trout fishing also has been good. 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. 

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 9/28/22.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Was last stocked the week of May 2, with 2,000 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. Largemouth bass and some smallmouth are also available to anglers in this reservoir. Last updated 5/18/22.

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

Was last stocked the week of April 18, with 3,780 hatchery 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 Park (Lane County) is open seasonally from April – October. The park has a boat ramp, ADA restrooms, showers, picnic and camp spots. Last update 4/27/22.

EAGLE CREEK:  steelhead spring Chinook

Some fish are present, though not in great numbers. Eagle Creek is currently low and clear, however can be a great option for anglers when the Clackamas is too high or dirty to fish. 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 8/24/22.

FALL CREEK: trout

Was last stocked the week of June 20 with 1,200 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 7/13/22.

FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

Was last stocked the week of April 18 with 3,000 rainbow trout. Last updated 4/27/22.

FARADAY LAKE: trout

Faraday Lake is now closed while PGE updates its powerhouse at Rivermill Dam. This closure is expected to continue until 2023. 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 water body. The reservoir water level is in good shape and dropping slowly, but all boat ramps including Orchard Park and Richardson Park remain 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 are available throughout the spring and summer. 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. Fishing is best when light levels are low, either early morning or late evening.

There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps. Last updated 8/17/22.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish

The reservoir will be stocked again this week with 3,000 trout.

This reservoir near Sweet Home is usually stocked several times in the spring and early fall with over 28,000 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 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. Fishing is best when light levels are low, either early morning or late evening.

The drawdown of the reservoir for winter storage capacity has started. It is now about 8 feet below full pool and dropping slowly. Calkins boat ramp is already no longer usable, but Gedney and Sunnyside Park remain in good shape for now.

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 9/28/22.

GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout

Open for fishing, no new fishing reports. 

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 9/7/22.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, trout, bass

The water level in this reservoir is slowly beginning to drop and is now about 40 feet below full pool. However, Thistle Creek boat ramp is still usable. For the latest information on water levels at Green Peter Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers’ website for more information.

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. Recent fishing reports are that the bass fishing is good with fish weighing in around 5 lbs being caught.

Kokanee average around 9-10 inches, but anglers may keep up to 25 fish per day in addition to the 5-trout bag limit. They are usually found in deeper water below depths of 50 feet.  At this time of year, the mature adults are turning pink as they get ready for their spawning run

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 9/28/22.

HARRIET LAKE: trout

The road to Ripplebrook remains closed, but the lake is accessible from the Hwy 26 side. 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 7/13/22.

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

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 with the arrival of fall. Fishing near submerged structure between 20-40 feet of water should offer a good chance at finding these fish. 

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.

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 9/28/22.

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass

Hills Creek Reservoir was last stocked the week of May 2, with 2,840 rainbow trout. 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 5/11/22.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

Leaburg Lake was stocked the week of Sept. 6 with 1,000 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 9/14/22.

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

Was last stocked the week of Sept. 12 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.

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 9/14/22.

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

Was last stocked the week of Sept. 13 with 1,833 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 9/21/22.

MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: trout, salmon, steelhead, Chinook

No recent fishing reports. 

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 9/7/22.

NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: trout

Trout fishing has been good in the North Fork Reservoir and it’s a popular destination for both anglers and recreators of all kinds. Fishing should remain productive for some time as this system will continue to be stocked in the coming weeks.

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 8/24/22.

QUARTZVILLE CREEK: trout

This river above Green Peter Reservoir gets stocked from late spring through the summer. The creek was last stocked in late July with about 2,200 trout. 

The river is currently running at 20 cfs. Adult chinook salmon have been recently released into this river to allow them to spawn naturally and establish a population above Green Peter dam. Anglers are reminded that fishing for salmon in Quartzville Creek as well as the Middle Santiam is prohibited.

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 8/31/22.

SALMON CREEK: trout

Was last stocked the week of Aug. 15 with 667 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 8/23/22.

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 5/19/20.

SANDY RIVER: summer steelhead, spring Chinook                     

Summer steelhead and spring Chinook fishing has been good on the Sandy. Anglers can expect to find both summer steelhead and spring chinook throughout the river, with most of the springers below Dodge Park. Anglers would do best to check river levels before heading to the river. The first of the season’s coho should be expected in the system any day now.

Be ready when coho arrive. Check out 10 tips for targeting coho.

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 8/24/22.

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

No recent fishing reports. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at around 1,620 cfs at the gauge in Mehama. These flows should hold steady for the next few weeks.

Fishing for Chinook is now closed through Oct.15, but summer steelhead are still available. Summer steelhead counts were much improved over last year with the count now up to 5,900 fish, with the run not quite over yet. Counts at Stayton show over 870 summer steelhead have entered the upper river.

The coho salmon run has begun, and so far they have counted over 2,200 adults at the Willamette Falls fish ladder as of Sept 21. Most of the fish destined for the North Santiam have not arrived yet, but there are a few already in the river below Stayton. Best opportunities to catch these fish are in the lower sections of the river below Mehama. Expectations are for another good run this year.

Anglers may see salmon actively spawning along the river. Please keep your distance and do not disturb them during this time so they can complete this vital step in their life cycle. Also, please keep your dog away from salmon carcasses as they can make dogs very ill, even fatally so, if they are consumed.

Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round. Trout season opened on May 22, which means that anglers may keep up to five clipped trout per day. Bait is now allowed until Oct. 31. Any unclipped (wild) steelhead or trout that are caught must be released unharmed.

The gate at Green’s Bridge is now open. Last updated 9/28/22.

WARNING: 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.

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. Flows are currently around 450 cfs where it flows into Detroit Reservoir and dropping. Trout are stocked throughout the summer months. 

Anglers may see salmon actively spawning along the river. Please keep your distance and do not disturb them during this time so they can complete this vital step in their life cycle. Also, please keep your dog away from salmon carcasses as they can make dogs very ill, even fatally so, if they are consumed.

For the next few weeks extra carcasses are being placed at various access points to boost the river’s food web.

Anglers may keep up to five trout per day. Remember, this section of river is closed to salmon fishing. Last updated 9/28/22.

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

Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs. Currently flows are around 1,200 cfs at the Waterloo gauge.

Summer steelhead returns are improved this year. Best sections to fish are from Waterloo upstream to just below Foster Dam. Over 1,500 summer steelhead have already entered the ladder at Foster as of Aug. 8.  As a reminder, fishing for chinook is closed from Aug. 31 to Oct 15. to protect spawning fish. 

Anglers may see salmon actively spawning along the river. Please keep your distance and do not disturb them during this time so they can complete this vital step in their life cycle. Also, please keep your dog away from salmon carcasses as they can make dogs very ill, even fatally so, if they are consumed.  

For the next few weeks extra carcasses are being placed at various access points to boost the river’s food web.

Hatchery trout harvest season reopened on 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 9/21/22.

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.

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 2024. Last updated 8/18/21.

SUNNYSIDE PARK POND: trout, bass, bluegill

It was stocked in early June with about 1,100 legal and larger 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 updated 6/15/22.

TIMOTHY LAKE: trout, kokanee, crayfish

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 and anglers report kokanee have been a little smaller this season. Check the Mt Hood National Forest website for access updates. Last updated 8/24/22.

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

No recent fishing reports. Last updated 8/24/22.

TURNER LAKE: bass, panfish, some trout

This lake was stocked in late April with about 2,900 trout. This time of year, your target should be bass. Fishing can be very good early or late in the day. 

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 8/17/22.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead, spring Chinook, coho, 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.

Coho salmon have arrived and are now available to anglers. As of Sept 21, over 2,200 adults have been counted at the Willamette Falls fish ladder. While the river is still low, these fish tend to concentrate at the mouths of tributary rivers such as the Yamhill, Mollala, Rickreall, Luckiamute, and the Santiam, waiting for the fall rains. Anglers who can get out on a boat will have the advantage, but they can also be caught from the bank. Daily bag limit is 2 adult fish per day.

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. Trout prefer the cooler temperatures upstream of 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 9/28/22.

Notice for Boaters: Buena Vista Park boat ramp between Albany and Independence will be closed to all access starting May 23 and continuing through the end of September. This will affect boaters floating down from Albany, and the I-5 rest stop boat ramp on the Santiam. The next take out downstream is at the city of Independence about 10 miles downstream.