Willamette Zone

Nov. 29, 2023‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

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Best bets for weekend fishing

• Over 30,000 coho have passed Willamette Falls, suggesting there could be good fishing in upstream tributaries.
• Foster Reservoir was recentlystocked with 3,000 rainbow trout.
• We're on the tail end of the coho run on the North Santiam, but there may still be fish to catch once water levels drop to fishing levels.
• Next week would be a good week for some trout fishing on Alton Baker Canoe Canal, which is getting another boatload of 1- to 2-pound fish.

Recently stocked

Scheduled to be stocked this week: Alton Baker Canoe Canal, Cottage Grove Pond‌

Recently stocked: Alton Baker Canoe Canal, Walter Wirth Lake, Timber Linn Lake‌

Check out the 2023 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

E-tagging tips for anglers‌

It's important for anglers to tag their salmon and steelhead immediately, which means you'll need to know how to navigate the MyODFW app outside of cell phone range. Here are some tips for e-tagging in the field.‌

Boat ramp closures on Lookout Point and Green Peter reservoirs‌

The Signal Point Boat Ramp on Lookout Point and the Thistle Creek Boat Ramp and Whitcomb Island Boat Ramp on Green Peter will be closed from early September 2023 until at least February 2024, due to deep water drawdowns.‌

The goal of the reservoir drawdowns is to increase juvenile spring chinook and winter steelhead survival and passage through the reservoir and past the dam.‌

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.‌

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 mid-week this week with 400 hatchery rainbow trout and will continue to be stocked through the week of Dec. 18. ‌

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 11/29/23.‌

BLUE RIVER: trout‌

Was last stocked in late June, with 600 trout. ‌

Blue River is located east of Eugene near the town of Blue River, north of Hwy. 126 and is open to year-round fishing. Last updated 7/19/23.‌

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species‌

Was last stocked the week of June 26 with 1,200 rainbow trout. The reservoir level has increased greatly in the past two weeks and is less than 30 feet from full.‌

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 7/19/23.‌

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. ‌

CLACKAMAS RIVER: coho, winter steelhead‌

While there are still coho in the system, most of them are wild and at this point close to or already spawning. Winter steelhead are currently entering the system and numbers will be increasing with each passing weather event for the months ahead. ‌

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 11/29/23.‌

CLEAR LAKE: trout‌

Was last stocked in late July with 3,000 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 8/2/23.‌

COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout‌

Was last stocked the week of July 10, 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 8/9/23.‌

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

Water levels are back up and trout will be stocked the week of Nov. 27 and the week of Dec. 4. Currently the fishing dock has been removed and will be replaced next spring but the bank is still accessible. ‌

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. Last updated 11/29/23.‌

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

Was stocked with 3,000 trout in mid-April. ‌

Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year. Updated 4/26/23.‌

DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout‌

Water levels are slowly dropping and will continue to drop through the fall. The only potentially available boat ramp is at Mongold State Park. The reservoir is expected to drop another ten feet over the next week or two, which will make even this boat ramp unusable for a while. Anglers can also bank fish from access points such as Mongold State Park or Detroit Flats Day Use area.‌

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

Detroit Reservoir is one of the premier kokanee fisheries in the state, but this time of year adult kokanee have moved up the rivers to spawn. ‌

Trout are available year-round and should be trying to fatten up before the lean months ahead. 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. Now that the busy season is over, anglers that venture up there will find good conditions without the crowds.‌

The reservoir was stocked with trout during the spring and summer with many of these fish throughout the fall and winter and into next year. As a reminder, anglers are allowed to keep up to five trout, with an additional five fish kokanee bag limit. ‌

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 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 11/29/23.‌

DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass‌

Was last stocked in early October with 2,500 rainbow trout. As pool elevation drops toward the 750 ft target level in Lookout Point Reservoir, Dexter and the Middle Fork Willamette below Dexter have been experiencing increased turbidity (water is muddy) which may continue periodically through the winter – depending on rainfall. ‌

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 11/1/23.‌

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

Was last stocked in early October with 1,300 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 10/25/23.‌

EAGLE CREEK: coho, winter steelhead‌

While there are still coho in the system, most of them are wild and at this point close to or already spawning. Numbers of winter steelhead in Eagle can be expected to increase over the next several months as weather and river conditions allow.‌

Fishing on Eagle Creek remains difficult due to low flow and past weather conditions. Most of the effort and success remains at the mouth, but forecasted rains could change that in coming weeks. ‌

Both pressure and angler catch success has been low in Eagle this year. Fishing can be good at times, but it depends heavily on river levels as this system is very flashy. ‌

Keep in mind that long stretches of Eagle Creek do run through private property. Anglers are advised to pay close attention to where they fish. Always ask permission prior to accessing or crossing private lands on your way to your favorite fishing spot. Last updated 11/29/23.‌

FALL CREEK: trout‌

Was last stocked the week of June 20, with 1,200 rainbow trout. Stocking is finished for the season and the Bedrock Fire has burned the upper portions of the drainage and may limit access to fishing in some areas. Water temperatures in this sub-basin are also very elevated so fishing success may also be affected.‌

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 8/9/23. ‌

FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: trout‌

Was last stocked the week of April 17 with 1,500 rainbow trout. ‌

Fall Creek Reservoir is currently being held down and will be held at winter low level until early May to allow passage of juvenile spring Chinook salmon. Last updated 4/26/23.‌

FARADAY LAKE: trout‌

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

FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish‌

The reservoir was stocked several times this spring. It was stocked in late September with another 3,000 trout. Currently the reservoir water looks unusually turbid. This is due to sediment erosion caused by the drawdown at Green Peter Reservoir further upstream. Fishing may be affected for a while because fish may not be able to see lures from a distance. ‌

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 reservoir water level has begun to drop. At this time, Sunnyside Park appears to be the only boat ramp available.‌

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 10/25/23.‌

GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout‌

Gold Lake fishing is closed for the season. Gold Lake is closed to fishing between Oct. 31 and May 22 annually. ‌

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

Gold Lake is a 100-acre lake located north of the Willamette Pass summit off Hwy. 58 approximately 23 miles southeast of Oakridge. Last updated 11/1/23. ‌

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: trout, bass‌

Due to the unprecedented drawdown of the water level, the reservoir is effectively off-limits to fishing through at least the end of December. Refilling the reservoir will begin in mid-December and may take several months before the boat ramps are usable. Bank fishing is also not an option because of steep terrain and the very soft sediments along the water's edge as the footprint of the reservoir continues to shrink.‌

The exposed sediments are eroding and causing downstream turbidity issues all the way to the mouth of the Santiam River. For the latest information on water levels at Green Peter Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers' website for more information. Last updated 11/1/23.‌

HARRIET LAKE: trout‌

No recent reports. 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 7/5/23.‌

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

As fall approaches, bass become more active and begin feeding in preparation for winter. The best time to catch bass during fall is typically early morning or late evening when the water temperature is cooler. Look for areas where they may be holding near structure or hiding under cover.‌

Current reservoir level can be found here. ‌

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 9/20/23.‌

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass‌

Was last stocked in early October with 2,800 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) generally remains accessible at all normal reservoir elevation. Last updated 10/25/23.‌

JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, bluegill‌

This pond was stocked twice before Thanksgiving weekend with 2,000 hatchery trout. But beginning Dec. 11 the pond will be closed for two months to make major upgrades and improvements. The archery range will also likely be closed during this time. Last updated 11/29/23.‌

LEABURG LAKE: trout‌

Leaburg Lake was last stocked the week of Aug. 28 with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout, and that will be the last stocking of the season. ‌

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 9/13/23.‌

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

Was last stocked the week of Sept. 4, with 2,000 hatchery rainbow trout. That is the last stocking of the season. Bait can be used from April 22 – Oct. 31, but beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. ‌

Due to concerns about protecting wild Chinook salmon that are holding in the McKenzie River near Leaburg Dam and meeting broodstock needs for hatchery production, the section of the mainstem McKenzie River between Leaburg Dam downstream to the mouth of Trout Creek (approximately 1 mile) will be closed to Chinook salmon angling until December 31, 2023.‌

Fishing effort on a small run of wild Chinook is high this year because few hatchery Chinook are returning to the McKenzie River basin. The shortage of hatchery Chinook is attributed to poor survival of juvenile fish that were released at a small size from the Leaburg Hatchery during the Holiday Farm Fire in 2020. In addition, returning wild and hatchery Chinook were subjected to poor ocean conditions that further compromised survival.‌

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Check page 46 of the 2022 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 9/13/23.‌

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

Was last stocked the week of September 11 with 2,000 hatchery rainbow trout. That is the last stocking of the season.‌

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 9/20/23.‌

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

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 9/13/23.‌

NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: trout‌

North Fork Reservoir is a popular destination for both anglers and recreators of all kinds. Trout fishing has been slow, as warm weather and water conditions have stalled stocking efforts in this waterbody. Future stockings will continue to be weather dependent. ‌

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 9/13/23.‌

QUARTZVILLE CREEK: trout‌

This river above Green Peter Reservoir gets stocked from late spring through the summer. ‌

The river has settled down again after some drier weather moved in and flows are now down to 150 cfs. Best conditions for fishing are below 300 cfs. Rain is forecasted for later this week, which will likely make fishing conditions difficult.‌

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 11/29/23.‌

SALMON CREEK: trout‌

Was last stocked the week of July 10, with 700 hatchery rainbow trout. A new fire sparked up last week near Salmon Creek Falls. ODFW had already adjusted the stocking schedule to release fish downstream from the 2409 Rd, but new fire access closures may be ongoing. ‌

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 8/9/23.‌

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: coho, winter steelhead‌

While there are still coho in the system, most of them are wild and at this point close to or already spawning. Steelhead are currently in the system, with most of them being found in the lower river. Numbers of fish entering the Sandy will increase with each passing weather event in the months to come. ‌

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 11/29/23.‌

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

River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at around 4,500 cfs at the gauge in Mehama. ‌

Fishing for coho salmon is just about over with most fish busy spawning and few new arrivals expected. Besides coho salmon there are a few summer steelhead around, but it was a very disappointing year overall for steelhead. Anglers can also target trout for catch-and-release. ‌

Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round. Any unclipped (wild) steelhead or trout that are caught must be released unharmed. Last updated 11/29/23.‌

The gate at Green's Bridge is open again. Anglers can bank fish or launch and retrieve boats there without needing a key. ‌

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 (SOUTH FORK): bass, trout, steelhead‌

Fishing is generally best when flows are below 1,300 cfs. Currently flows are around 2,000 cfs at the Waterloo gauge as of Nov. 27. While flow volume is within normal range at this time, the river is running unusually turbid due to high sediment load caused by the drawdown of Green Peter reservoir. It's likely this will persist for the next several weeks until the drawdown is complete and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins storing water again. Fishing success will be extremely low during this time. A better bet is the North Santiam. ‌

Anglers are reminded that only fin-clipped trout may be kept. Last updated 11/29/23.‌

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. ‌

TIMBER LINN POND: trout‌

This pond is usually stocked from November through May with hatchery trout. It was stocked before Thanksgiving with about 1,000 hatchery trout. ‌

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 11/29/23.‌

TIMOTHY LAKE: trout, kokanee, crayfish‌

Trout have been stocked in Timothy Lake and this body will continue to receive more fish in the coming weeks. Kokanee can also be found by those willing to target them. ‌

Timothy lake is a great summer destination for fishing and recreating on the water. Anglers should keep in mind this is a very popular destination. Trout fishing is often best at the head of the reservoir. Check the Mt Hood National Forest website for access updates. Last updated 6/6/23.‌

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. ‌

TRILLIUM LAKE: trout‌

Trout stocking in Trillium has been underway and will continue through the coming weeks. Last updated 6/6/23.‌

TURNER LAKE: bass, panfish, some trout‌

This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to public fishing along the southern half. It is an old borrow pit and features largemouth bass, panfish such as bluegill, and a few trout. There's a boat ramp in the southwest corner of the lake. This waterbody should produce fish year-round. It was stocked before Thanksgiving with about 1,000 hatchery trout. ‌

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 11/29/23.‌

WALLING POND: trout, panfish‌

This eight-acre privately-owned pond will be closed for the next six months or so for maintenance. During this time the pond will not be stocked. Fish that were scheduled to be stocked into this pond have been diverted to other ponds such as Walter Wirth, Turner Lake and Timber Linn Pond. Last updated 11/8/23.‌

WALTER WIRTH LAKE: trout, bass, panfish‌

This urban lake usually gets stocked from about Thanksgiving through May. The rest of the year anglers can target bluegill and bass. It was stocked before Thanksgiving with 1,500 hatchery trout. ‌

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 11/29/23.‌

WAVERLY LAKE: trout, bluegill, catfish‌

This lake in Albany gets stocked in late fall through May usually. The rest of the year offers fair warmwater fishing for bluegill and bass. It was stocked before Thanksgiving with 1,000 hatchery trout. ‌

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 11/29/23.‌

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

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. ‌

Coho are now plentiful in the river and are sometimes concentrated at the mouths of tributaries systems such as the Yamhill, Rickreall, Molalla, and the Luckiamute. Anglers may keep up to 2 adult salmon per day (also 5 jacks per day). ‌

Boaters should be aware that Buena Vista boat ramp in Polk County at River Mile 106 will be closed from June 1 until Oct. 10, 2023, due a construction project. The next nearest boat ramp downstream is Independence Riverview Park at River Mile 95. ‌

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

The Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, fairly good access and variety. Last updated 10/18/23.‌

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