Willamette Zone
Table of Contents
Recreation Report
May 29, 2024
If there's not a photo, it didn't happen
Submit your fishing photo to ODFW and we might use it here or elsewhere on MyODFW.com.
Best bets for weekend fishing:
- Free Fishing Weekend, June 1-2 On FFW you won't need a license, tag, validation or endorsement to experience some of the best fishing of the year. Take a friend fishing at a recently stocked pond, or make it a family affair at a Free Fishing Weekend event.
- Spring Chinook numbers have increased dramatically in the North and South Fork Santiam.
- Detroit Reservoir will be stocked the week of May 20 with 8,000 larger trout.
- Summer steelhead fishing has been good on the Clackamas and Sandy, with some spring Chinook also in the mix.
- Gold Lake opened May 22 to fly-fishers willing to hike/snowshoe in until the snow on the road melts.
- Summer steelhead fishing has been good in the Lower McKenzie and Middle Fork Willamette. Look for spring Chinook to be heating up, too.
- This is a great time of year to target trout and smallmouth bass in Green Peter Reservoir.
Trout stocking
Scheduled to be stocked the week of May 27:
McKenzie River above Leaburg, Henry Hagg Lake, Salmon Creek, Harriet Lake, Alton Baker Canoe Canal, Walter Wirth Lake, Fall Creek, Clear Lake, Timber Linn Lake, Sheridan Pond, Sunnyside Park Pond, Junction City Pond, Blue River, North Fork Reservoir, Blue River, Salish Pond, Hartman Pond, Walling Pond, EE Wilson Pond, Small Fry Lake, Breitenbush River, Leaburg Lake, Huddleston Pond, Detroit Reservoir, Green Peter Reservoir, Blue River Reservoir, Estacada Lake, St. Louis Pond
Recently stocked:
Coast Fork Willamette, Junction City Pond, Blue River, Sheridan Pond, Silver Creek Reservoir, Timber Linn Lake, Trillium Lake, Quartzville Creek, Timothy Lake, Waverly Lake, Foster Reservoir, North Fork Santiam, Leaburg Lake, Yamhill River, Detroit Reservoir, McKenzie River below Leaburg, Timothy Lake, Harriet Lake, Walter Wirth Lake, Fall Creek, Henry Hagg Lake, Alton Baker Canoe Canal
Check out the 2024 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
Two rods allowed for Willamette spring Chinook
Anglers will be able to use their two-rod validation in the Willamette River this year for hatchery spring Chinook and all other fish except sturgeon, beginning March 1 downstream of Willamette Falls and May 1 upstream of Willamette Falls. Learn more.
Olallie Lake Access
The road into Olallie Lake (Forest Rd 4690 to 4220) is now free of snow and trees. Road 46 from Detroit is also open with a possible 2 hour delay for road work. The dirt road into Olallie is slow going but drivable.
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.
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Updates by waterbody
ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL (ABCC): trout
Will be stocked every week in May and June, with about 900 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 5/22/24.
BLUE RIVER: trout
Will be stocked the week of May 20, with 600 rainbow trout.
Blue River is located east of Eugene near the town of Blue River, north of Hwy. 126 and is open to year-round fishing. Last updated 5/22/24.
BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species
Will be stocked the week of May 27 with 1,200 rainbow trout.
The USFS has hired a concessionaire company to maintain the boat ramps and parking areas and they are charging $9 to park at the Saddle Dam or Lookout Campground/boat launch parking area. For details people can call the USFS McKenzie Ranger District 541-822-3381.Blue River Reservoir is located east of Eugene near the town of Blue River, north of Hwy. 126 and is open to year-round fishing. Last updated 5/22/24.
BREITENBUSH RIVER: trout
The Breitenbush River will not be stocked with trout this year due to the Breitenbush Road closures. Last updated 5/29/24.
CARMEN RESERVOIR:
Latest estimates for when access and fish stocking will resume are now 2026 at the earliest. Public access to Carmen Reservoir is prohibited until further notice. Closure is due to operations required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) resulting in reservoir drawdown over the summer.
CLACKAMAS RIVER: steelhead, Chinook
Summer steelhead fishing has been good on the Clackamas. Pressure has been decent, but there are a lot of bright fish being caught. Spring Chinook are also now in the system and starting to be caught. Number should only increase in the coming weeks.
The winter steelhead return continues to be excellent on the Clackamas River. The current run prediction is for over 4,000 returning adults. Only in 1962 and 1971 have we had more than 3,000 unmarked winter steelhead return to the trap.
Latest creel showed bank effort is mostly Dog Creek area. Boats were checked from Feldheimer to Carver ramp.
Preliminary catch/effort estimates for Clackamas River (Rivermill Dam-Hwy 99 Bridge), May 13 - May 26:
127 boats
- Chinook- 11 kept, 21 released
- Steelhead- 32 kept, 0 released
288 bank anglers
- Chinook- 12 kept, 0 released
- Steelhead- 69 kept, 0 released
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 5/29/24.
CLEAR LAKE: trout
Will be stocked the week of May 27, with 3,000 hatchery rainbow trout. Clear Lake is accessed from Hwy. 126 approximately 70 miles east of Springfield. Linn County's Clear Lake Resort rents cabins and boats. Last updated 5/22/24.
COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout
Will be stocked the week of May 20, with 750 hatchery rainbow trout. The river is open to fishing all year for trout, hatchery Chinook salmon, hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead over 24 inches. Use of bait allowed April 22 – Oct. 31 but beginning Nov. 1 anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. In addition to five hatchery trout, two wild trout may be kept daily. Last updated 5/1/24.
COTTAGE GROVE POND: See Row River Nature Park Pond
COTTAGE GROVE RESERVOIR: trout, spotted bass, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill
Was last stocked in mid-April with 3,750 rainbow trout.
Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year. Updated 5/1/24.
DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout
Detroit Reservoir is full and all boat ramps are currently in the water, including Detroit Lake State Park as well as the main ramp at Mongold. 4,800 trophy trout are being delivered to Detroit this week, and kokanee fishing is heating up.
Pretty much any technique will catch fish, but it might take some experimenting to find out what is most effective on the day you're out there.
The reservoir gets stocked with trout during the spring and summer with many of these fish available 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.
Also, 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'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.
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 5/29/24.
DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass
Was last stocked the week of April 15, with 2,400 rainbow trout. If you harvest fish, check the guts for tags. Squeeze the guts and see if there is anything hard in there. Please return the tags to ODFW Springfield office as some of our colleagues are conducting research on Chinook and some of them may have been consumed by other predators. The office is located at 3150 Main St. in Springfield right next to Les Schwab. Sorry, there is no reward but you can feel great about helping with research!
Dexter Reservoir near Lowell is visible from Hwy. 58. Boat and bank access is available through state and county parks. Parking and bank access are also available from the causeway near Lowell. Largemouth bass and some smallmouth are also available to anglers in this reservoir. Last updated 5/1/24.
DORENA RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill
Was last stocked the week of April 15with 5,500 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 5/1/24.
EE WILSON POND: warmwater species, trout
This week, the pond will be stocked with 850 trout in preparation for the upcoming Free Fishing Weekend, marking the final stocking of the season. As a reminder, only one fish over 20 inches is allowed to be kept as part of a 5-fish bag limit. In the spring and summer anglers can also pursue bass, bluegill, and crappie.
This pond is located inside EE Wilson Wildlife Area. Getting to it requires a 1/3-mile walk from the parking area. It has three newly installed fishing piers including one that is ADA compliant.
A parking permit is required, and one can be purchased online or at any ODFW office. Last updated 5/29/24.
FALL CREEK: trout
The Bedrock Fire burned the upper portions of the drainage, access will be challenging and water temperatures in this sub-basin will likely be elevated in the river during the summer months. For these reasons, ODFW will not be stocking Fall Cr. in 2024 and will instead focus stocking in Fall Creek Reservoir.
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 3/28/24.
FALL CREEK RESERVOIR: trout
Was last stocked the week of April 29 with 3,000 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 5/1/24.
FARADAY LAKE: trout
Faraday Lake is now closed while PGE updates its powerhouse at Rivermill Dam. For more information, visit PGE's Parks and Recreation webpage.
FERN RIDGE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead
This 9,000-acre lake just 12 miles west of Eugene is the Willamette Basin's largest waterbody. Orchard Park boat ramp opened April 1, while the boat ramps at Richardson Park and Perkins Peninsula opened on May 13. Information regarding the lake and available boat ramps, contact the Lane County Parks Department at 541-682-2000.
Recent heavy rain has completely filled the reservoir. We are in peak bass and crappie fishing through 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 5/29/24.
FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish
The reservoir was stocked last week with 3,800 trout.
This reservoir near Sweet Home is usually stocked several times in the spring and early fall with over 28,000 hatchery trout. Besides trout, look for smallmouth bass and yellow perch near underwater structure and drop-offs. Please remember that only kokanee and adipose fin-clipped trout may be kept as part of the trout bag limit, but there are no limits on size or number of bass.
Retention of warmwater fish species such as bluegill, catfish, crappie, and yellow perch is also allowed -- no limit on size or number. Anglers report good success in the two arms of the reservoir, as well as the shoreline in between. Fishing is best when light levels are low, either early morning or late evening.
The reservoir is beginning to fill and the water level is rising. Gedney boat ramp on the north shore is now in water and can be used to launch boats, along with Sunnyside Park boat ramp which is open year-round. The reservoir should be full by Free Fishing Weekend, June 1-2.
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 5/29/24.
GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout
Gold Lake fishing officially open for fishing May 22, 2024. Right now access is limited because there is still snow on the road, so you'll have to hike/snowshoe in until that snow melts. 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 5/22/24.
GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: trout, bass
The water level in Green Peter continues to rise and is now only 10 feet below full pool. Thistle Creek boat ramp was re-opened by Linn County on Feb. 1. Whitcomb Creek boat ramp is also available. This is a great time of year to target trout and smallmouth bass in the reservoir. As the water warms up, smallmouth bass should become more active. Focus on areas with structure, such as drop-offs, ledges, and downed wood, to increase your chances of success.
The reservoir is usually stocked with trout in the spring. It will be stocked this week with around 2800 trout. Also, as a reminder to anglers, fishing for and harvesting Chinook in the lake and the rivers above is prohibited. Any Chinook caught in Green Peter reservoir must be released unharmed.
For the latest information on water levels at Green Peter Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers' website for more information. Last updated 5/29/24.
HARRIET LAKE: trout
There's still a fair amount of snow at Harriet and the lake likely won't be stocked until late May. The lake will have to accessed from the Skyline route until hazard trees are cleared. For more information, visit PGE's Parks and Recreation webpage.
Harriet Lake is a 23-acre reservoir on the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River in the Mount Hood National Forest. Boat ramp is just past campground. Last updated 4/24/24.
HENRY HAGG LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, bullhead catfish
Early springtime bass will be actively feeding and preparing to spawn when water temperatures reach 55-65 degrees. A variety of baits can entice strikes at many depths; hence a good rule of thumb is to start in deeper holding areas and work the travel corridors to spawning areas in shallower water until you locate them.
Main lake points tend to be more productive in between creek arms where they can feed, find deep water access, and be close to shallower spawning areas. Often the big females will shoal up in slightly deeper holding water behind the smaller schools of younger fish that feed up in the shallows. Once the water reaches 55 degrees start looking for fish in shallower depths when they really get into their spawning mode.
Crappie are following similar patterns as bass moving towards their spawning areas and feeding heavily. They'll be traveling the river channel ledges up towards the back of the creek arms. Anytime there is brush, logs or steep rocky type structure, they'll likely school nearby. Larger fish tend to be more solitary and slow trolling smaller crankbaits near the bottom can be productive.
Crappie deep water to shallow water migrations tends to be a little behind bass since they spawn in 65–70-degree temperatures. Just remember, structure is key for crappie, even if its random smallish boulders on the flats above their travel corridors.
Trout will likely be surface feeding on cloudy days until the water gets warmer and then they will hide below the thermocline on sunny days when the surface waters get above their temperature thresholds. This is when fishing baits suspended just over the bottom in harder substrate can shine when fishing from the bank.
When surface waters temperatures hit the 65 degree, trout may also be found where cooler creek water enters the lake. If the trout are in these areas, large trout imitation swimbaits can take the occasional bass over 5 pounds when conditions are right but be ready to be diligent and exercise patience.
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 3/28/24.
HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, crappie, bass
Was last stocked the week of May 13 with 2,000 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 5/22/24.
JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, bluegill
The pond will be stocked with an additional 1,000 trout this week in preparation for Free Fishing Weekend. This will be the final stocking at the pond for the season. Prolonged cooler temperatures may increase opportunities to catch trout into the next few weeks. PowerBait and worms have proven to be a very effective strategy with these trout. In the spring and summer anglers can also pursue bass, bluegill and crappie. Last updated 5/29/24.
LEABURG LAKE: trout
Leaburg Lake will be stocked each week in May and June with about 1,000 rainbow trout.
Leaburg Lake is open to fishing all year. Bait can be used from April 22 – Oct. 31, but beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. All wild trout must be released. Only hatchery fish may be kept. Last updated 5/22/23.
MCKENZIE RIVER below Leaburg Lake (R1): trout, salmon, steelhead, Chinook
Fishing for summer steelhead has been good (84 over Leaburg Dam already) and spring Chinook should be heating up (a handful over Leaburg Dam already).
Will be stocked the week of May 20, with 5,000 rainbow trout. Bait can be used from April 22 – Oct. 31, but beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies.
All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Check the 2024 Sport Fishing Regulations for bait restrictions in the segment you plan to fish. 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 5/22/24.
MCKENZIE RIVER above Leaburg Lake (R2): trout, steelhead
Will be stocked the week of May 27with 1,000 rainbow trout.
All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Bait is allowed from Leaburg Dam to Forest Glen Boat Ramp from April 22 – Oct 31. Last updated 5/22/24.
MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: trout, salmon, steelhead, Chinook
Fishing for summer steelhead has been productive and spring Chinook should be heating up right now with several hundred coming over Willamette Falls each day. It takes them roughly 10-14 days to travel from Willamette Falls to the Middle Fork and McKenzi rivers. Willamette Falls fish counts can be found here.
There may be more fishing opportunity below Dexter Dam for warmwater game fish (walleye, bass) following the drawdown of Lookout Point Reservoir in winter of 2023 as fish passed downstream through Lookout Point Reservoir and Dexter dams.
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 5/22/24.
NORTH FORK RESERVOIR: trout
Trout stocking will resume this spring in time for trout season, which opens May 22.
For more information, visit PGE's Parks and Recreation webpage.
North Fork Reservoir is a 350-acre reservoir of the Clackamas River behind North Fork Dam approximately 5.2 miles east of Estacada, Ore. This reservoir has two boat ramps, boat moorage, 50 campsites, picnic areas, boat rentals, grocery story, fueling station, and ADA-accessible fishing platforms. It is big and deep enough, and is fed by the upper Clackamas River, to stay cool longer into the summer than most of the other lakes and ponds. Last updated 1/10/24.
QUARTZVILLE CREEK: trout
This river above Green Peter Reservoir gets stocked from late spring through the summer. It was stocked for the first time lat week with about 2,200 hatchery trout at several locations along the river.
With the arrival of drier weather, we are seeing flows slowly return to normal. Flows on May 29 were around 240 cfs and should remain in good shape for the rest of the week. Best conditions for fishing are below 300 cfs. 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 5/29/24.
ROW RIVER NATURE PARK POND (formerly Cottage Grove Pond): trout, bass, bluegill
Was last stocked the week of April 15. Currently the fishing dock has been removed and will be replaced this spring/summer, 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 5/1/24.
SALMON CREEK: trout
Will be stocked the week of May 27 with 1,060 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 5/22/24.
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: winter steelhead, Chinook
Summer steelhead fishing has been off to a great start this season. Bright fish are being caught throughout the system, with most of the effort being focused up near the hatchery. Spring Chinook are also being found lower in the system. The "early" component of the run is mostly comprised of wild fish, but some hatchery fish have been caught and more can be expected to show up in greater numbers soon.
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 5/29/24.
SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK): steelhead, trout, Chinook
River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at around 2,800 cfs at the gauge in Mehama.
With the arrival of the first summer steelhead and Spring chinook of the season the fishing is beginning to heat up. Summer steelhead have started to enter the river and over 500 have already made it passed the Stayton area. So far, they have counted 7,000 adults passing above Willamette Falls as of May 24.
Spring chinook numbers increased dramatically over the last couple of weeks with hundreds being added to the count daily. These fish will likely pour into the North Santiam throughout June.
Now that we are passed April 22 the bait restrictions on the river have been lifted and bait is again allowed. For the next week or two the lower river will have more fish until the bulk of the run arrives and pushes more fish into the upper sections. Last updated 5/29/24.
There are several large, downed trees in the river creating some dangerous hazards for boaters in the lower river. For more information check out the Oregon State Marine Board website.
SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK) above DETROIT: trout
This river is open year-round to fishing, but ideal conditions usually begin after snowmelt recedes in late June. Flows are currently around 1,000 cfs where it flows into Detroit Reservoir and dropping. About 2,000 hatchery trout will be released this week in multiple locations. As a reminder, this section of the river is closed to all salmon angling. Last updated 5/22/24.
SANTIAM RIVER (SOUTH FORK): bass, trout, steelhead
Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs. Currently flows have dropped quite a bit over the last week and are now at 1,600 cfs at the Waterloo gauge as of May 29th. These conditions are less than ideal but should change quickly due to less precipitation ahead in the forecast.
Summer steelhead are off to a promising start this year, with approximately 7,000 adults having crossed into the upper Willamette River as of May 24. Some of these fish have already reached the South Santiam, where anglers are beginning to catch them, with more arriving each day.
Spring chinook numbers have also surged in the last weeks with counts at Willamette Falls now exceeding 7,600 as of May 24th Now that we are beyond April 22, bait restrictions are lifted and anglers can use bait through the end of October. Last updated 5/29/24.
SMITH RESERVOIR: trout
Latest estimates for when access and fish stocking will resume are now 2026 at the earliest. The Eugene Water & Electric Board is enveloped in a construction project to retrofit, refurbish and upgrade capital equipment at its Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project.
In order to keep the public and construction personnel safe during the five-year project, Forest Road 730 is closed at the Powerhouse, cutting off access to Trail Bridge Campground, Smith Reservoir and Lake's End Campground. The road closure will continue through 2026.
SUNNYSIDE PARK POND: trout, bass, bluegill
This pond was stocked again last week with about 1,100 trout.
This 4-acre pond is located two miles above the upper end of Foster Reservoir. The pond also offers bluegill and largemouth bass year-round. The park has a campground and picnic area and is a great place to take kids fishing. There is also boat ramp access to the Middle Fork arm of Foster Reservoir. Please keep in mind that only one fish over 20 inches may be kept per day as part of a 5-fish daily bag limit.
To get there from I-5, take US 20 through the town of Sweet Home and continue around Foster Reservoir to Quartzville Creek Rd. Take a left and follow this road for two miles to the park. Last update 4/24/24.
TIMBER LINN POND: trout
This pond is usually stocked from November through May with hatchery trout. The pond will be stocked this week with 1,200 trout, 200 of which will be trophy trout. This will be the final stocking of the season in preparation for Free Fishing Weekend June 1-2.
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 5/29/24.
TIMOTHY LAKE: trout, kokanee, crayfish
Timothy lake is accessible, however only via Skyline Rd until the remainder of the hazard trees are cleared.
Timothy lake is a great summer destination for fishing and recreating on the water. Anglers should keep in mind this is a very popular destination. Trout fishing is often best at the head of the reservoir. Check the Mt Hood National Forest website for access updates. Last updated 5/29/24.
TRAIL BRIDGE RESERVOIR: trout
The Eugene Water & Electric Board is implementing a construction project to retrofit, refurbish and upgrade capital equipment at its Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project. Latest estimates for when access and fish stocking will resume are now 2025 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
The lake is now accessible and has been stocked with trout. Last updated 5/29/24.
TURNER LAKE: bass, panfish, some trout
This approximately 70-acre lake just north of Turner is open to public fishing along the southern half where the boat ramp is. It is an old borrow pit and features largemouth bass, panfish such as bluegill, and a few trout. There's a boat ramp in the southwest corner of the lake. This waterbody should produce fish year-round.
About 250 summer steelhead trout were released into Turner over the past few weeks to offer some extra harvest opportunities. As a reminder, only one trout over 20 inches is allowed as part of a five-fish per day bag limit. Last updated 5/29/24.
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. This week 1,700 trout will be stocked into the lake for free fishing weekend. This will be the final stocking of the season. As a reminder, only one fish out a 5-fish bag limit may be longer than 20 inches.
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 5/29/24.
WAVERLY LAKE: trout, bluegill, catfish
This lake in Albany gets stocked starting in February through May usually. The rest of the year offers fair warmwater fishing for bluegill and bass. It was stocked last week with 1,200 hatchery trout. As a reminder, only one fish out a five-fish bag limit may be longer than 20 inches.
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 5/29/24.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead, spring Chinook, coho, small and largemouth bass
For week May 20– 26 effort was low for salmon. Shad fishing in Oregon City area started to pick up.
Preliminary catch/effort estimates below Willamette Falls (including Multnomah Channel):
1,009 boats
- Chinook- 111 kept, 17 released
- Steelhead- 4 kept, 7 released.
317 bank anglers
- Chinook- 0 kept, 0 released
- Steelhead- 0 kept, 0 released
See summaries for more details.
River conditions and fish counts:
- May 28 Willamette River Portland-Temperature/Visibility: 59F, visibility: 6.5 ft
- Willamette Falls Fish Counts
- Link to Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro Data
- Link to NOAA-Willamette River Forecast (Salem)
The upstream section between Albany and Harrisburg is open year-round for trout fishing, which can be very good when flows are cooperating. Look for deep slot pools and the tail-end of long riffles and the head of pools where the fish are likely stacked up in feeding lanes.
Smallmouth bass can be a lot of fun to catch and are plentiful between Salem and Corvallis during the spring and summer. Trout prefer the cooler temperatures upstream of Corvallis. From Salem downstream there are plenty of largemouth bass in the deeper, quieter sections.
The river is ideal for small boats such as canoes and kayaks, but there are enough public access points for bank anglers as well. Consult Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for specific locations.
The Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, fairly good access and variety. Last updated 5/29/24.
Regulation Updates
Regulation updates as of February 27, 2024.
The following regulations reflect changes or additions to the permanent regulations listed in the 2023 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. All other permanent regulations remain in effect. Please see e-regulations.
Scappoose Bay
March 1 - June 30: The Scappoose Bay Marina is closed to all angling within the marina boundary markers. The Scappoose Bay Marina boundaries are marked with white buoys which have orange bands, orange square, and black text which read “Marina Entrance” and a sign on the shore at the north end of the marina.
Willamette River
March 1 - August 15: In all areas of the Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls, including Multnomah Channel, and in the Clackamas River downstream of the Highway 99E Bridge that are open to angling for hatchery Chinook, hatchery steelhead, trout, or warmwater gamefish, anglers with a valid 2024 Two-Rod Angling Validation may use up to two fishing rods while angling for any game fish or nongame fish species except sturgeon. Youth anglers under 12 years of age may use two fishing rods in these areas without purchasing the Two-Rod Validation.
May 1 - July 31: In all areas of the Willamette River upstream of Willamette Falls, including the tributaries and flowing waters that are open to angling for hatchery Chinook, hatchery steelhead, trout, or warmwater gamefish, anglers with a valid 2024 Two-Rod Validation may use up to two fishing rods while angling for any game fish or nongame fish species except sturgeon. Youth anglers under 12 years of age may use two fishing rods in these areas without purchasing the Two-Rod Validation.
For more information contact your local ODFW office:
- Clackamas (971) 673-6000
- Corvallis (541) 757-4186
- Springfield (541) 726-3515