Willamette Zone

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LAKES, PONDS, RESERVOIRS

With the onset of summer-like temperatures, trout stocking in most valley-level lakes and ponds has ended for the season. Water temperatures have gotten too warm to support a trout fishing, but also warm enough to support excessive aquatic vegetation.

However, trout anglers can continue to find good fishing:

• At places like Henry Hagg Lake, Detroit Reservoir and Foster Lake that have deeper, cooler waters for trout to retreat to during the warmer parts of the day. 6/24/20
• In higher elevation lakes in the Cascades. This include popular drive-to locations like Trillium and Harriet lakes, as well as hike-in opportunities. where water temperatures are cooler. 6/24/20

5 places to fish for trout this week:

• Henry Hagg Lake. Rainbow trout are moving to deeper cooler water during the summer months. Anglers looking for catchable and trophy trout will have their best luck on the face of the dam and along the flooded river channel. 6/24/20
• Gales Creek (Tualatin River). This small tributary has access from Oregon Department of Forestsy lands. Native cutthroat trout are abundant. Artificial lures and flies only. 7/1/20
• Detroit Lake. Forest Service boat ramps are open and fishing can be good throughout the summer. 6/24/20
• Foster Lake. Water conditions are excellent for trout fishing. 6/24/20
• High mountain lakes. These small, backcountry lakes will remain fishable until they get snowed in this fall. Learn more about this fishery. 6/24/20

Fishing for bass and other warmwater species is in full summertime-swing.

4 places to fish for bass this week:

• Tualatin River. Smallmouth bass, largemouth band panfish are spread throughout the Tualatin River. Cook and Willamette Parks are great places to bank fish and launch non-motorized boats. Lures resembling crayfish or night crawlers on the bottom are good bets for terminal gear. See the Tualatin Riverkeeper’s water trail map on their website for a list of boat launch sites. 6/24/20
• Henry Hagg Lake. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and panfish can be caught this time of year. The state record for Smallmouth Bass is from Hagg Lake. Best bet for smallies this time of year is to fish the rocks of the face of the dam.  Lures, crank baits and night crawlers are all effective this time of year. 6/24/20
• Willamette River from Albany down to Salem for smallmouth and largemouth bass, fish with lures or streamer flies especially early or late in the day. 6/24/20
• Adair pond, Waverly Lake in Albany, Cheadle Lake in Lebanon all offer good warmwater fishing right now. 6/24/20

RIVERS AND STREAMS

All rivers and streams in the northwest part of the zone are near summer low levels. Trout anglers will want to head to upper tributaries or headwaters in search of cooler water, or swith their attention to warmwater species. 

In the mid-Valley, rivers and streams are in great shape. With recent rains and higher than normal flows, river temperatures are currently very good for fish, which means they will be actively feeding. Trout fishing should be very good pretty much anywhere, including the Willamette River starting at Corvallis and further upstream.

There has been an uptick in the number of Chinook salmon headed for the Santiams this year compared with last year, but still only 2,400 summer steelhead have arrived so far above Willamette Falls. 

In the north Willamette, local streams and rivers are currently near average flows for this time of the year; however, they are on the drop as we enter a period of dryer warmer weather. Meldrum Bar and boat launch, located at the mouth of the Clackamas and Willamette River will be closed July 6-15 for channel maintenace.

There are summer steelhead throughout the Sandy and Clackamas basin and fair numbers of spring Chinook being caught in the Sandy. The Sandy is glacially fed, and can get off color after several days of warm weather.

5 rivers and streams to fish this week:

• Little Clatskanie River. This small tributary has access from state lands. Native cutthroat trout are abundant but small. Find a pool with some depth and you may catch a larger fish, as in one over 8 inches. Artificial lures and flies only. Spinners are most effective with a short casting distance. 6/24/20
• Scappoose Bay Marina. This is a hot spot for panfish. Fish are caught from the bank and by boat. Night crawlers are the go-to bait. 6/24/20
• Breitenbush River and the North Santiam above Detroit. These higher elevation streams are stocked regularly, including several times this spring, and water conditions should be good for trout fishing. 7/8/20
• Willamette River. Excellent smallmouth bass fishing between Salem and Albany, and trout fishing is excellent from Corvallis upstream to Eugene. 7/8/20

RECENTLY STOCKED

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

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

TROUT STOCKING MAPS: Find your place to fish

Check out the ODFW fishing and trout stocking maps to find nearby fishing locations, driving directions and descriptions of amenities.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tips to recreate responsibly

We continue to urge anglers and others recreating outside to stay close to home, keep your social distance, and travel safely. Here’s more information about how to recreate responsibly.

UPDATES BY WATERBODY

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL (ABCC): trout

ABCC was stocked in late June 1,000 legal-size and 200 trophy 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, 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 7/1/20.

BLUE RIVER: trout

Will be stocked this week with 733 legal-sized hatchery 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 7/1/20.

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

The reservoir was stocked in late June with 1,400 legal-size and 50 trophy hatchery 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. Last updated 6/24/20.

BREITENBUSH RIVER: trout

This river is stocked regularly in late spring and summer when there are plenty of fish for anglers to catch. Has been stocked several times in recent weeks and should have plenty of fish now. At other times of the year fishing is difficult due to high flows and colder temperatures. 

This river flows through mostly U.S. Forest Service land into Detroit Lake and is open year-round. Anglers may keep up to five trout per day. Flies and small spinners work well, but bait also is allowed.

As a reminder, salmon fishing is prohibited. If you see salmon spawning or holding in a pool, please keep your distance so as not to disturb them. Last updated 6/24/20.

CARMEN RESERVOIR:

Public access to Carmen Reservoir is prohibited effective immediately, probably until fall of 2020. Closure is due to operations required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) resulting in reservoir drawdown over the summer. No recent report.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: summer steelhead

Summer steelhead are distributed throughout the system, but we haven’t had any recent fishing reports.

Barton County Park and McIver State Park are open. The parking lot at Carver County Park is being resurfaced and is scheduled to open July 3.

USGS hydrological data for July 6 shows river flows at about 1,1000 cfs, water temperature hovering around 58° F, and the gauge height at 11.3 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. Last updated 7/8/20.

CLEAR LAKE: trout

Stocked in late June with 2,900 legal-size and 250 trophy 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 6/24/20

COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead

Spring Chinook and summer steelhead fisheries should be in full swing on the Coast Fork.

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 6/24/20.

COMMONWEALTH LAKE: rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, crappie

This is a three-acre stocked lake within the Commonwealth Lake Park in Beaverton, Oregon. Commonwealth Park is maintained by Tualatin Hills Park and Rec. Amenities include ADA accessible trail, picnic tables, playground, and restrooms.

COTTAGE GROVE POND (ROW RIVER NATURE PARK POND): trout, warmwater species

This pond was stocked a few times in March.

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 6/24/20.

COTTAGE GROVE RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Stocked in April 2020.  

Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year. Updated 6/24/20.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout, kokanee

Several boat ramps are available including Mongold State Park. This large reservoir has been stocked several times this year.  

Currently, the reservoir is completely full and should remain in good shape throughout the summer. Check the US Army Corps of Engineer’s website for more information.

As a reminder to anglers, fishing for and harvesting chinook in the lake and the rivers above is prohibited. Any chinook caught in Detroit must be released unharmed. It seems we’re enjoying another very good year for trout and kokanee. Kokanee are mostly being caught below 40 feet.   

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 7/8/20.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout

Was stocked in April 2020.

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. Last updated 6/24/20.

DORENA RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater

The reservoir was stocked in April.  

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. Last update 6/24/20.

EAGLE CREEK: 

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. No recent update.

EE WILSON POND: warmwater species, trout

Trout stocking has ended for the year and temperatures are starting to rise. Anglers will start to encounter fewer trout and more bass and bluegill from here on. 

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

The new fishing docks at EE Wilson are usable but the main ADA dock is not wheelchair accessible at the moment. Repairs are on-going and it is hoped that the ADA dock will be accessible for those in a wheelchair sometime this summer.

A parking permit is required and one can be purchased online or at any ODFW office. Last updated 7/8/20.

ESTACADA LAKE: trout, steelhead

Access is now available through McIver State Park and PGE’s Timber Park. Last updated 6/24/20.

FALL CREEK: trout

Will be stocked this week with 1,200 legal-size trout. Last updated 7/1/20.

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. Last updated 6/24/20.

FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

The reservoir was stocked in April. Last updated 6/24/20.

FARADAY LAKE: trout

Faraday Lake is now closed while PGE updates its powerhouse at Rivermill Dam. This closure is expected to continue until spring 2021.

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. All boat ramps are watered up but we recommend calling Lane County Parks (number below) to make sure they are open. The reservoir level is currently about 5 feet below full pool.  

For local information regarding the lake and available boat ramps, contact the Lane County Parks Department at 541-682-2000.

Bass and crappie fishing usually gets going around mid-April with peak months being May and June. Look for crappie along the weedy edges on the south side of the reservoir. The south shore around Perkins Peninsula as well as along the face of the dam are good spots.

There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps. Last updated 7/1/20.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish

The reservoir is stocked with trout several times in spring and fall. The reservoir is in excellent shape at the moment and the fishing should be fairly good.

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

The reservoir is completely full and all three boat ramps should be available.

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. Last updated 6/24/20.

FREEWAY LAKE: trout, bass bluegill crappie

Trout stocking is done for the year and will resume next winter. Fishing for warmwater gamefish such as bass, bluegill, and crappie can be very good, especially early and late in the day in spring and summer. Look for them near downed wood and along the edges of weed. This is one of the best places in the Valley to fish for large crappie.

At the moment the weeds have choked out most of the open water, but there are plans to treat the pond with an herbicide sometime in the next few weeks, which should improve conditions for anglers. For more information contact Linn County Parks. 

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. Last updated 7/1/20.

GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout

The lake reopened to fishing on May 22. 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 6/24/20.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, trout, bass

Has been stocked this spring with about 20,000 hatchery trout.  

The water elevation in the reservoir is at full pool. Expect the water level to slowly drop throughout the summer. 

Boats can be launched from both Thistle Creek and Whitcomb boat ramps. Kokanee are plentiful but on the smallish side, averaging around 9-10 inches. Trout have been stocked a couple of times this spring, and smallmouth bass are also available. 

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

Trout is a good option for anglers this time of year. Look for them near ledges and drop-offs as well as near underwater structure such as submerged logs.

Kokanee fishing is fair at the moment but anglers are reporting some activity around 40-50 feet down. The bag limit for kokanee is 25 fish per day in addition to the 5 trout daily limit. Last updated 7/8/20.

HARRIET LAKE: trout

The PGE park are Harriet Lake is now open.

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 6/24/20.

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

Rainbow trout are moving to deeper cooler water during the summer months. Anglers looking for catchable and trophy trout will have their best luck on the face of the dam and along the flooded river channel. PowerBait and night crawlers are go to baits this time of year. 1000’s of additional trout originally destined for other waterbodies were diverted this spring to Hagg Lake because of closures due to COVID-19. This lake was last stocked on June 15.

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

Located near Forest Grove, Hagg Lake is one of Oregon’s premier warmwater fishing locations, with populations of record-class largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie and bullhead.

The lake is now open year-round and is stocked regularly throughout the spring and fall. Henry Hagg is a 1,110-acre lake waterbody located seven miles southwest of Forest Grove.

Maintained and operated by Washington County, the park features numerous picnic areas, two boat launching facilities, more than 15 miles of hiking trails, and observation decks for wildlife and bird watching. Last updated 6/24/20.

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater fish

The reservoir was stocked in April.

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. Last updated 6/24/20.

JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, crappie

Trout stocking has ended for the summer, although still occasionally will catch one. Bass, catfish and bluegill can be caught here during the warm months. Anglers are allowed to keep only one trout over 20 inches as part of the five fish bag limit. Last updated 6/24/20.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

Will be stocked this week with 933 legal-size rainbow trout.

Check the latest fish counts at Leaburg Hatchery.

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 7/1/20.

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

Will be stocked in mid-June with 5,067 legal-size rainbow trout. 

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. Last updated 6/24/20.

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

Will be stocked this week with 833 legal-size 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. Last updated 7/1/20.

MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: trout, salmon, steelhead

Summer steelhead and hatchery spring Chinook fisheries are in full swing below Dexter Dam.

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 6/24/20.

NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: salmon, steelhead, trout

PGE’s Promontory Park on the reservoir is now open. 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 6/24/20.

QUARTZVILLE CREEK: trout

This river above Green Peter Reservoir is usually stocked between May and July. The river level at the moment is quite good for fishing, flowing at around 200 cfs. But look for water levels to drop fairly quickly with the nice weather. Best conditions for fishing are below 300 cfs. 

Trout have been stocked several times this spring and fishing conditions are very good and getting better.

Trout are active year-round and anglers are allowed to keep up to five fish daily. Last updated 7/1/20.

SALMON CREEK: trout

Will be stocked this week with 667 legal-size 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. Last updated 7/1/20.

SALMONBERRY LAKE: trout, sunfish

Has been stocked this spring.

Salmonberry Lake is owned by the city of St. Helens and is about three acres in size. It is a former municipal water supply secluded in the woods off Pittsburgh Road. The road to the pond is gated and anglers must walk about 1/3 mile to access this pond. Latest update 6/24/20.

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: summer steelhead, spring Chinook                    

There are summer steelhead throughout the system, and spring Chinook fishing has been fair to good when the river has been fishable. The Sandy is glacially-fed and prone to getting off color after several days of hot weather.

USGS hydrological data for July 7 shows Sandy flows continuing to decline over the past week to 834 cfs and a gauge reading of 8.48 feet. Last updated 7/8/20.

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

Flows are in very good shape at the moment, currently around 1,700 cfs at the Mehama gage. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs.

The Chinook run is fairly good this year, and fish can be found throughout the river up to the deadline at Packsaddle Park. Summer steelhead numbers, while low, have improved a bit lately. They’re now up to 3,300 adults counted above Willamette Falls.    

Meanwhile, the river is now open for trout through Oct 31. Only hatchery trout may be kept. Last updated 7/8/20.

WARNING: There are several large downed trees in the river creating some very dangerous hazards for boaters and people floating in inner-tubes in the section from Green’s Bridge down to the confluence with the South Fork Santiam. For more information check out the Oregon State Marine Board website.

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK) above DETROIT: trout

This section of the river is open year-round for trout. It was stocked several times in the last few weeks and will continue to get stocked through the end of July. 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 570 cfs where it comes into Detroit Lake.

While the water is very cold at the moment it is beginning to heat up and so is the fishing.  Small lures, dry flies, and even worms will work.

Anglers may keep up to five trout per day. This section of river is closed to salmon fishing. Last updated 7/8/20.

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

The river is in good shape thanks to our recent rainy and cool weather of late and is currently running at around 1,100 cfs at Waterloo. Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs.

About 3,000 summer steelhead have crossed above Willamette Falls on their way to the upper basin and about 260 of these have made it to the fish ladder below Foster Dam. Chinook are also plentiful in the river, especially above Waterloo Park, with more arriving every day. 

The entire river is now open to trout fishing until Oct 31. Last updated 7/8/20.

SHERIDAN POND: trout

The pond has reopened to fishing. Check the City of Sheridan website for updates.

Sheridan Pond is a 2 1/2-acre pond located on the edge of town. It provides excellent access for families and kids. Good parking. There is an outhouse provided. To get to Sheridan Pond, take Hwy. 18 to Exit 33 onto Balston Rd. Go south on Balston Rd. approximately half a mile and turn left onto a gravel road leading about a quarter mile to the pond. Last updated 6/24/20.

SMITH RESERVOIR: trout

The Eugene Water & Electric Board has begun a five-year construction project to retrofit, refurbish and upgrade capital equipment at its Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project. The work is being conducted in anticipation of a new federal operating license for the project.

The capital construction projects planned for the 2017-2021 time frame will create significant public access constraints due primarily to safety concerns. In order to keep the public and construction personnel safe during the five-year project, EWEB and the Forest Service agreed to close access to Forest Road 730 at the Powerhouse. The closure will deny public access to Trail Bridge Campground, Smith Reservoir and Lake’s End Campground. The closure of the road to the public will begin in March 2017 and continue through 2021.

ST. LOUIS PONDS: trout, bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, channel catfish

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

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

The pond has been stocked twice in March.

St. Louis Ponds is a 54-acre complex of seven ponds jointly owned and managed by ODFW and Marion County Parks. ODFW has made a number of improvements at the ponds in recent years, including a paved ADA accessible trail and a couple of ADA accessible fishing platforms. In addition to stocked trout, the ponds contain several species of warmwater fish, including largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie and sunfish.

St. Louis Ponds is located 13 miles north of Salem and west of I-5. To get to there from I-5, take the Woodburn exit. Then go east to Hwy. 99E. At Hwy. 99E, head south to Gervais Road. Go west on Gervais Road through the town of Gervais. The road eventually changes to St Louis Road. Continue west on St Louis Road as it crosses over I-5 to Tesch Road, at the railroad crossing. Go left on Tesch Road and follow the signs to the ponds. Last updated 6/24/20.

SUNNYSIDE PARK POND: trout, bass, bluegill

The pond was stocked this spring.

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. Last updated 6/24/20.

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

TIMBER LINN LAKE: rainbow trout

Stocked in June with about 800 trout. As a reminder to anglers, only one fish over 20 inches is allowed as part of the 5 fish bag limit. Downstream of the pond, anglers are allowed to fish for trout in Cox Creek within the boundaries of Timber Linn Park. 

This is a family-friendly fishing pond located within Timber-Linn Memorial Park in Albany. Timber-Linn Lake can be reached by turning east off I-5 onto the Santiam Highway (Hwy. 20), then immediately turning north onto Price Road and proceeding to the park entrance. Last updated 6/24/20.

TIMOTHY LAKE: trout

PGE has reopened its park on the lake. For more information, visit PGE’s Parks and Recreation webpage. Last updated 6/24/20.

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.

TROJAN POND: trout, panfish

Trojan pond reopened in June and was stocked with rainbow trout. Last updated 7/1/20.

WALLING POND: trout, crappie, bass

Trout stocking season is over now that summer has arrived, but anglers can still catch warm-water fish.

This is an eight-acre privately-owned pond with public access in Salem at the northeast corner of McGilchrist and 16th Streets, S.E. Last updated 6/24/20.

WALTER WIRTH LAKE: trout, crappie, bass

Trout stocking has been discontinued for the summer and will continue in late fall. In the meantime, there are bass, bullhead catfish and bluegill for anglers to target. 

Walter Wirth is a 20-acre lake located within the City of Salem’s Cascades Gateway Park with good access all the way around. Last updated 6/24/20.

WAVERLY LAKE: trout, bluegill, catfish

Trout stocking has ceased for the summer but there are bass, bullhead catfish and panfish such as crappie and bluegill that reside in this pond year-round. 

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 6/24/20.

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

Spring Chinook and steelhead fishing continue in the lower Willamette, from Willamette Falls to the mouth, including the Multnomah Channel.

Shad are still being caught in the Willamette River below the falls in good numbers.  Clackamette Park is a popular fish spot.  Fish near the bottom in 10-20 feet of water with panfish jigs or shad darts.

Farther upstream, the section between Albany and Harrisburg is open year-round for trout fishing, which can be very good when flows are cooperating. Anglers may keep two trout per day. Smallmouth bass also can be a lot of fun to catch and are plentiful between Salem and Corvallis.

As of July 7, the Willamette was running as high as 17,000 cfs, the water temperature was bout 60F and the gauge was varying between 5.0 and 7.4 feet. Last updated 7/1/20.

NOTICE: The city of Salem will be treating the excessive exotic vegetation in Willamette Slough in downtown Salem from July 6 – 17. Boaters will be allowed access to the slough on most days, but temporary closures may occur.