July 31, 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:
- Hatchery summer steelhead fishing has been productive in the McKenzie and Middle Fork Willamette below Dexter.
- The summer steelhead run in the North Santiam has been the strongest since 2016 with over 4,600 adults already counted at Stayton. Most fish are working their way upriver to cooler water.
- Detroit Reservoir is close to full, has been stocked with over 30,000 legal rainbow trout this year and has open boat ramps. Fishing can be good, especially early in the morning.
- Willamette River smallmouth bass fishing is excellent this time of year, especially early or late in the day.
- Wilderness Lakes in the Cascade mountains offer beautiful scenery, adventure, and excellent trout fishing.
Trout stocking
Scheduled to be stocked the week of July 29:
Clear Lake, Quartzville Creek, Leaburg Lake, Coast Fork Willamette, Salmon Creen McKenzie River above Leaburg, North Fork Santiam, Alton Baker Canoe Canal
Recently stocked:
McKenzie above and below Leaburg, North Fork Santiam, Alton Baker Canoe Canal, Quartzville Creek, Clear Lake
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
5 tips for fishing in hot water
With temperatures soaring to near 100 degrees this weekend, fish will start feeling the heat. Give them a break by following these warm weather fishing guidelines.
Fishing during blue-green algae (cyanobacterial) blooms
As temperatures heat up during spring and summer, be on the watch for harmful algae blooms when recreating in Oregon lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Before you go fishing, check water quality conditions at the Oregon Health Authority website.
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.
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.
Updates by waterbody
ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL (ABCC): trout
Will be stocked each week from July through September with 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 7/10/24.
BLUE RIVER: trout
Was last stocked the week of June 24, 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 7/3/24.
BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species
Was last stocked the week of June 24 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 7/3/24.
BREITENBUSH RIVER: trout
The Breitenbush River will not be stocked with trout this year due to the Breitenbush Road closures. Stocking will resume when the U.S. Forest Service completes their road repair work and re-open the road to regular traffic. Last updated 6/5/24.
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.
CASCADE HIKE-IN LAKES: trout
High in the Cascade mountains there are hundreds of lakes of all sizes that offer beautiful scenery, seclusion and excellent fishing. These small, backcountry lakes will remain fishable until they get snowed in this fall. To see a map of high mountain lakes where fish are available, last year stocked and species available click here. Zoom in on the map to see the lake name. Click on the lake to find the information. Learn more about fishing the high lakes.
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 are being caught.
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.
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 7/10/24.
CLEAR LAKE: trout
Will be stocked the week of Aug. 19, 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 7/31/24.
COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout
Chinook should be in the river through July but no recent fishing reports. The Coast Fork will be stocked the week of July 29, 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 7/31/24.
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
NOTICE: A recreational use advisory was issued by the Oregon Health Authority for Detroit Lake and the North Santiam River below due to high levels of a toxin caused by a cyanobacteria bloom. For more information visit this link.
Detroit Reservoir is close to full and all boat ramps are currently in the water, including Detroit Lake State Park as well as the main ramp at Mongold. Another 2,000 trophy trout were stocked recently. So far this year, over 30,000 catchable rainbow trout have been stocked into Detroit.
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. Now that mid-summer has arrived, with high temperatures and full sun, fish are going to be most active very early or very late in the day, so plan accordingly.
The reservoir gets stocked with trout during the spring and summer with many of these fish still 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 7/24/24.
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.
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.
Now that mid-summer has arrived, fishing is best either very early or very late in the day when water temperatures will be cooler. Look for crappie along the weedy edges on the south side of the reservoir. The south shore around Perkins Peninsula as well as along the face of the dam are good spots.
There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps. Last updated 7/1o/24.
FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish
The reservoir was stocked several times in May.
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 5-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 now completely full and will be in good shape throughout the summer. All three boat ramps are currently open. Bank fishing access is available at several access points including at Caulkins, Sunnyside, Gedney and Lewis Creek parks.
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 6/26/24.
GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout
Gold Lake is open for fishing. The lake is closed to fishing between Oct. 31 and May 22 annually. For access inquiries call the USFS Willamette Nat'l Forest 541-782-2283 for updates.
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 7/31/24.
GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: trout, bass
The water level in Green Peter is about 25 feet below full pool and dropping slowly. Both Thistle Creek and Whitcomb boat ramps are available to launch boats. This is a great time of year to target trout and smallmouth bass in the reservoir. Focus on areas with structure, such as drop-offs, ledges, and downed wood, to increase your chances of success. Fishing is best either very early or very late in the day.
The reservoir is usually stocked with trout in the spring. It was stocked before Memorial Day with around 2,800 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 7/31/24.
HARRIET LAKE: trout
Harriet has been stocked with trout. 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 6/19/24.
HENRY HAGG LAKE: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, bullhead catfish
In addition to the trout that have been stocked this spring, Henry Hagg Lake offers opportunities for anglers targeting most species of popular game fish, both from a boat and 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 6/19/24.
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.
LEABURG LAKE: trout
Leaburg Lake will be stocked each week in July 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 7/3/23.
MCKENZIE RIVER below Leaburg Lake (R1): trout, salmon, steelhead, Chinook
CLOSED to Chinook salmon fishing beginning July 8 until Dec. 31, 2024. Low numbers of both hatchery and unclipped Chinook returning to Leaburg Dam led to the decision to close the fishery to meet conservation and broodstock goals for next year's juvenile releases. Fishing for summer steelhead remains open throughout the river and has been very productive.
Will be stocked the week of Aug. 15, with 2,000 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.
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 7/31/24.
MCKENZIE RIVER above Leaburg Lake (R2): trout, steelhead
Will be stocked the week of July 29 (5,000 trout) and Aug 12 (900 trout). Over 2,000 summer steelhead have passed over Leaburg Dam, so there is a good possibility of hooking some steelhead upstream of Leaburg Dam!
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 7/31/24.
MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: trout, salmon, steelhead, Chinook
Fishing for summer steelhead remains productive and spring Chinook should be available for harvest through July. It typically takes fish roughly 10-14 days to travel from Willamette Falls to the Middle Fork and McKenzie 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 7/31/24.
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 has been stocked several times so far this year. It will be stocked again this week with 2,200 hatchery trout.
Flows on July 29 were around 40 cfs and will continue to drop as the summer progresses. Best conditions for fishing are below 300 cfs. Light tackle including flies works best, but bait is allowed. With these hot, dry conditions, cold-water fish such as trout will be stressed. Avoid fishing during the heat of the day - when fish are unlikely to bite - and go out in the early morning or late evening when temperatures will be cooler.
Trout are active year-round, and anglers are allowed to keep up to five fish daily. Last updated 7/31/24.
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 weeks of July 29 and Aug. 8 1,000 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 7/31/24.
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 6/19/24.
SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK): steelhead, trout, Chinook
NOTICE: A recreational use advisory was issued by the Oregon Health Authority for Detroit Lake and the North Santiam River below due to high levels of a toxin caused by a cyanobacteria bloom. For more information visit this link.
River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at around 1,250 cfs at the gauge in Mehama. These flows should be the norm throughout the summer months.
Most of the summer steelhead and spring Chinook have migrated up into the river and are working their way towards the upper sections of the river where water temperatures are coolest. This year's summer steelhead run is the strongest since 2016 with over 4,600 adults already counted at Stayton. As of July 27, they have counted over 18,000 adults passing above Willamette Falls.
The spring chinook run is just about over for the year. Most of the fish destined for the North Santiam are now in the river. Nearly 21,000 adults have been counted at Willamette Falls so far. Last updated 7/31/24.
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 and continues through early October. Flows are currently around 470 cfs where it flows into Detroit Reservoir and dropping. It has been stocked regularly all summer and will be stocked again this week with about 2,200 hatchery in multiple locations. As a reminder, this section of the river is closed to all salmon fishing. Last updated 7/31/24.
SANTIAM RIVER (SOUTH FORK): bass, trout, steelhead
Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs. Flows are currently in great shape, about 1,000 cfs at the Waterloo gauge.
This memorable summer steelhead run is winding down, but fish will be in the river and available for several more months. Approximately 18,000 hatchery steelhead have crossed Willamette Falls so far this year and most of them are now in their home waters.
Over 2,800 of these fish have already been counted at Foster Dam. The spring Chinook run is mostly done as well. Most of these fish can be found in the upper sections of the river above Waterloo. Last updated 7/24/24.
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 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 trout 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 7/17/24.
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
NOTICE: The recreational use advisory for Turner Lake was lifted by OHA on July 25. For more information visit the Oregon Health Authority website at this link.
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 trout in the cooler months. 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 in May 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. Out-planted steelhead in Turner are considered trout for purposes of the bag limit. Last updated 7/31/24.
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.
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 7/10/24.
