Willamette Zone

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

LAKE, PONDS, RESERVOIRS

Lakes and reservoirs at mid- to higher elevations will offer better trout fishing as the valley ponds continue to be warm and weedy.

Most valley-floor ponds are low and anglers should focus on warm-water species like bass and catfish. Also, when fishing streams for wild trout, please consider fishing early in the day and stopping if water temperatures get too high. Trout may already be struggling to survive in these conditions, without the added pressure.

If you are planning to release the trout you catch, be mindful about releasing them gently. Long exposure to the air and embedded hooks that cause bleeding when removed, are likely to lead to the fish not surviving. If a fish is bleeding after being caught or is not recovering after being placed in the water, please consider taking the fish home for dinner.

Now that the nights are cooler, fish are starting to feel the approach of winter. This will be their last chance to put on growth and fat reserves. Now is a good time to check out some high Cascade Lakes such as Big Lake, Marion Lake and others, especially now that most of the crowds have gone. 

RIVERS AND STREAMS

“Hoot owl” restrictions for the rivers and streams in the Willamette Valley have been lifted, which means anglers can fish in all waters throughout the daylight hours. Water temperatures have cooled off considerable and cold-water species such as trout are no longer heat-stressed. With rain perhaps in the forecast this weekend, trout and steelhead will likely become more active. Fishing is still best, however, during the early morning or late evening hours. 

As with lakes, ponds and reservoirs, bass and panfish are continue to pick up as water temperatures warm. Try fishing crank baits along steep banks and structure (watch those snags!) in 10-15 feet of water. Fish like an easy meal, so look for areas with current (not too much) and current breaks where fish can ambush prey without too much effort. A Carolina rigged worm might also work in flatter, less snaggy areas.

The lower Tualatin River has warmed significantly and has multiple access points that make for a nice float. See this map from the Tualatin Riverkeepers for launch sites and float plans. The Molalla and Willamette are also potential options.    

RECENTLY STOCKED

Refer to waterbody listings for stocking information.
Check out the 2021 trout stocking schedule.

TROUT STOCKING MAPS: Find your place to fish

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS: closures, special events, etc.

None at this time.

UPDATES BY WATERBODY

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL (ABCC): trout

Was last stocked the week of Sept. 6 with 1,200 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 9/15/21.

BLUE RIVER: trout

Trout stocking will resume in the spring. 

Two wild trout may be harvested per day above Blue River Reservoir only. Otherwise, anglers may keep five hatchery trout per day. Use of bait is allowed April 22 through Oct. 31. Beginning Nov. 1 through April 21, only flies and lures are allowed. Last updated 6/2/21.

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Trout stocking will resume in the spring.

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

BREITENBUSH RIVER: trout

The Forest Service Road up the Breitenbush River is closed due to wildfire related damage and safety concerns. The road will be closed through the summer. ODFW therefore has decided not to stock this river this year. Last updated 5/19/21.

CARMEN RESERVOIR:

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

CLACKAMAS RIVER: steelhead, spring Chinook, coho

Summer steelhead are currently being caught in the Clackamas and can be found throughout the system. Spring Chinook are still present, though in low numbers. The first of the seasons coho have begun to enter the system and can be found in the lower river. “Hoot owl” restrictions are no longer in effect.

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

USGS hydrological data readings from the Estacada gauge near Milo McIver State Park. Hydrologic data and river forecasts can also be accessed on the NOAA/National Weather Service NW River Forecast Center -- NW River Forecast Center. Last updated 9/9/21.

CLEAR LAKE: trout

Was last stocked on Aug. 17 with 3,150 rainbow trout of various sizes, including 50 trophy-size fish.

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

COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout

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

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

Will be stocked with trout again in the fall when the water temperature cools down.  

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 8/18/21.

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

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

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

DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout, kokanee

The reservoir was stocked several times this summer with tens of thousands of one-pound hatchery trout. The next stocking will occur later this month. Water levels are slowly dropping as dry conditions continue. The only current boat ramp available is at Mongold State Park. 

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

Rain is forecast this weekend, and while this may make for a wet day, it could also increase feeding activity. It will likely also mean fewer crowds at the boat ramp. 

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. The upper water column of the lake is uncomfortably warm for cold water fish such as trout and kokanee, so use techniques that get your hook deep where the fish are.     

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

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

Anglers are encouraged to report their catch on forms available at signs and kiosks which have been installed at key locations around the lake. Simply fill out the form and return in the designated drop boxes. There is also an on-line form. Remember to indicate whether the fish you catch have their adipose fin or not. This information will allow ODFW to manage the fishery for the benefit of both recreational anglers and the resource. Last updated 9/15/21.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

Was last stocked the week of April 12 with 2,000 pounder-size rainbow trout. Will be stocked again next spring. Until then, anglers can target the warmwater species listed above and holdover trout in the cooler pockets of the reservoir.

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

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

Was last stocked the week of April 26 with 5,000 pound-size rainbow trout. Will be stocked again next spring. Until then, anglers can target the warmwater species listed above and holdover trout in the cooler pockets of the reservoir.

Dorena Reservoir is east of Cottage Grove on Row River Road and is open to fishing all year. Trout and warmwater fish are available. Baker Bay Park (Lane County) is open seasonally from April – October. The park has a boat ramp, ADA restrooms, showers, picnic and camp spots. Last update 8/18/21.

EAGLE CREEK: steelhead, spring Chinook, coho

The creek remains too low and clear to offer much fishing opportunity. Anglers would do best to target summer steelhead down near the mouth. The first of the season’s coho have been reported in the lower Clackamas and will soon make their way into Eagle Cr, though an increase in flow may be required. “Hoot owl” restrictions are no longer in effect. 

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 9/9/21.

FALL CREEK: trout

Trout stocking will resume next spring. Was last stocked the week of June 28 with 1,300 legal-size 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 8/18/21.

FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

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

FARADAY LAKE: trout

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

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 is getting lower and only Orchard Park and Richardson boat ramps are available to launch boats at this time. Check with Lane County Parks and Recreation for information on boat access. Anglers should fish either early or late in the day when light levels are lower and bass are more active. 

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 and with the warmer weather are now active. 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 9/9/21.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish

The reservoir gets stocked in the spring and fall with hatchery trout. The next stocking will be later this month. 

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. 

This reservoir is still full and all three boat ramps are currently available to launch boats. In a few weeks the water level will be lowered and some of the boat ramps will not be usable anymore. In the summer, this lake is popular with water-skiers and other pleasure boaters. Anglers should focus their efforts early or late in the day when boat traffic is lower, and in places where there is less activity such as in the upper arms.

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 9/15/21.

GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout

Gold Lake is open for the season!! Gold lake is open for fishing from May 22 – Oct 31 annually, and 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 6/2/21.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, trout, bass

The water level in the reservoir continues to drop and will continue to do so through the fall.  Thistle Creek boat ramp is still available for another week or two, but beyond that water levels are going to be too low to safely launch. Now would be a good time to go as there are few anglers out there this time of year and still lots of fish.    

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

Kokanee, trout and smallmouth bass are all fishable in this reservoir, although kokanee fishing is wrapping up as they prepare for their spawning run up the tributary creeks. Anglers may keep up to 25 kokanee per day in addition to the 5-trout limit.

Best bet for anglers without a boat is to drive to the top of the reservoir where Quartzville Creek enters the reservoir. Large trout will sometimes forage where the river brings in food swept down from upstream. Last updated 9/15/21.

HARRIET LAKE: trout

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

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

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

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

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

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

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass

Stocking is scheduled to resume after the first of the year. Was last stocked the week of April 26 with 3,200 legal-size rainbow trout. Don’t forget that you can also 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 8/18/21.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

Was last stocked the week of Aug. 23 with 933 legal-size rainbow trout.

Leaburg Lake is open to fishing all year. Bait can be used from April 22 – Oct. 31, but beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. All wild trout must be released. Only hatchery fish may be kept. Last updated 9/1/21.

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

Will be stocked again this week with 2,000 legal-size rainbow trout. 

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 8/18/21.

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

Was last stocked the week of Sept. 6 with 1,833 legal-size rainbow trout. 

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

Status of boat ramps in the upper McKenzie:

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

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Bait is allowed from Leaburg Dam to Forest Glen Boat Ramp from April 22 – Oct 31. Last updated 9/15/21.

MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: trout, salmon, steelhead

The Middle Fork Willamette River is open to bait below Dexter Dam only. Reminder: Restrictions from Dexter Dam to approximately 700 feet downstream to the markers: No angling from the north shore, from a floating device, or while wading (page 44 in regulations). This river reach is open to retention of adipose fin-clipped salmon and steelhead and non-adipose fin-clipped steelhead greater than 24 inches long.

A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead in the Middle Fork Willamette below Dexter Dam.

The Middle Fork Willamette above Lookout Point and Hills Creek reservoirs is open to fishing using lures and artificial flies. All wild trout must be released upstream of Lookout Point Reservoir. The Middle Fork Willamette River is not stocked with hatchery trout. Last updated 6/2/21.

NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: trout

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

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

OLALLIE LAKE:

Olallie Lake is currently open. Check in with the Olallie Lake Lodge for updates on conditions. Last updated 8/11/21.

QUARTZVILLE CREEK: trout

This river above Green Peter Reservoir was stocked for the last time in late July. The river is currently running at around 16 cfs. Best conditions for fishing are below 300 cfs. The main quarry here are trout, both wild and hatchery fish.   

Rain is forecasted for this weekend, which could increase trout feeding activity. Fishing could be excellent once the rains let up. 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 9/15/21.

SALMON CREEK: trout

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

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

SALT CREEK: trout

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

SANDY RIVER: steelhead, spring Chinook, coho                     

Summer steelhead fishing has been slow on the Sandy, currently fish are throughout the system. Spring Chinook fishing has been decent, with most of the fish being caught in the lower river. Both spinners and bait have been affective. Coho have begun to enter the system, though in low numbers. “Hoot owl” restrictions are no longer in effect.  

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 9/9/21.

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

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

The gate at ODFW’s Green’s Bridge property on the lower North Santiam near Jefferson will be opened later this week and will remain open until next summer.

No recent fishing reports. River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at 1,660 cfs at the gage in Mehama. Water clarity is good. 

Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round but the run numbers were low this year.

Fishing for Chinook is now closed to allow fish to spawn undisturbed. If you see fish paired up or actively digging in the gravel to build their nests, please give them a wide berth to avoid stressing them unnecessarily. The first few dozen coho have arrived at Willamette Falls but it will be several weeks before they arrive in numbers in the basin. 

Hatchery trout harvest is now open until Oct. 31, with a limit of 5 per day. Wild trout need to be released unharmed. Last updated 9/15/21.

NOTICE: Fishermen’s Bend, Niagara County Park and Minto County Park are still closed due to wildfire damage.

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

SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK) above DETROIT: trout

The highway along the upper North Santiam has re-opened but many places will look a lot different. Traffic delays are common because of hazard tree removal. Be aware that there are still many dangerous tree snags around with root structures weakened by fire and that could come down at any moment. It will be safer to fish in unburned areas further upstream (above Whitewater Creek). 

In general, this river is open year-round to fishing. The allotment of hatchery trout has been completed and no more fish are scheduled to be released this year. But plenty of trout were released throughout June and July and many of these fish are still available. 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 slowly dropping and will continue to drop as the summer progresses. Currently it is flowing around 365 cfs where it enters Detroit Lake.  

Anglers may keep up to five trout per day. Remember, this section of river is closed to salmon fishing. Last updated 9/9/21.

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

Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs. Currently flows are around 1250 cfs at the Waterloo gage. Fishing for chinook salmon is now closed until Oct. 15 in order to protect spawning fish. Many of these fish will be spawning at pool tail-outs in the first few miles below Foster dam. Please do your part in giving these fish the best chance to produce the next generation by keeping your distance from any spawning activity. 

Steelhead fishing is open year-round. The run this year is disappointing, but fish are still around, primarily from Waterloo Park upstream to the dam. Be careful not to fish over spawning Chinook as you could inadvertently hook into one them.  

Fishing for smallmouth bass can be very good during the warm months below Lebanon.

Trout fishing remains open until Oct. 31. Anglers are reminded that only fin-clipped trout may be kept. Last updated 9/15/21.

SMITH RESERVOIR: trout

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

The capital construction projects planned for the 2017-2024 time frame will create significant public access constraints due primarily to safety concerns. In order to keep the public and construction personnel safe during the five-year project, EWEB and the Forest Service agreed to close access to Forest Road 730 at the Powerhouse. The closure will deny public access to Trail Bridge Campground, Smith Reservoir and Lake’s End Campground. The closure of the road to the public will begin in March 2017 and continue through 2024. Last updated 8/18/21.

TIMOTHY LAKE: trout

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

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

TRAIL BRIDGE RESERVOIR: trout

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

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

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

TRILLIUM LAKE: trout

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

TURNER LAKE: bass, panfish, some trout

Expect fishing for bass and bluegill to be prime this time of year.

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. 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. On calm days a float tube can be a good way to cover the water. Last updated 9/1/21.

WALLING POND: trout, crappie, bass

In summer, anglers can target warm-water species that reside in the pond year-round, such as bass, crappie and bullhead catfish.

This is an eight-acre privately-owned pond with public access in Salem at the northeast corner of McGilchrist and 16th Streets, S.E.  There is no trash service out there so please pack out what you packed in. Last updated 7/21/21.

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

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

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

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

The Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, fairly good access and variety. Last updated 8/18/21.