Recreation Report
Willamette Zone
Recreation Report
April 10, 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:
- Stocking has been underway for a few weeks – there should be a lot of fish around.
- Anglers are still picking up a few bright winter steelhead in the Clackamas and Sandy rivers. Early summer steelhead and spring Chinook are in the mix, too.
Recently stocked
Scheduled to be stocked the week of April 8:
St. Louis Pond, Harriet Lake, Foster Reservoir, Henry Hagg Lake, Row River Nature Park Pond, Trojan Lake, Timer Linn Lake, EE Wilson Pond, Sunnyside Park Pond, Green Peter Reservoir, Alton Baker Canoe Canal
Recently stocked:
Row River Nature Park Pond, Cottage Grove Reservoir, Henry Hagg Lake, Canby Pond, Waverly Lake, Foster Reservoir, Green Peter Reservoir, Sheridan Pond, Junction City Pond, Roaring River Park Pond, Trojan Lake, Huddleston Pond, Walter Wirth Lake, Dexter Reservoir, Blue River Reservoir, St Louis Pond, Timber Linn Lake, Hill Creek Reservoir, Turner Lake, Commonwealth 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
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.
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 ramps reopen on Lookout Point and Green Peter reservoirs
Both Thistle Creek and Whitcomb Island boat ramps are now open.
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 the week of April 8 with 1,250 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 4/10/24.
BLUE RIVER: trout
Will be stocked the week of April 22, with 750 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 4/10/24.
BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species
Will be stocked the week of April 22 with 3,100 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 4/10/24.
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: winter steelhead
Winter steelhead can currently be found throughout the system and bright fish are still being caught by anglers. Reports of the occasional summer steelhead being picked up are also beginning to surface and the first batch of spring Chinook are likely already in the river. Fishing pressure has died off a bit, but there are plenty of reasons to get out and fish.
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 4/3/24.
CLEAR LAKE: trout
Will be stocked the week of April 22nd with 2,500 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 4/8/2024.
COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout
Will be stocked the week of April 15 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 4/10/24.
COTTAGE GROVE POND: See Row River Nature Park Pond
COTTAGE GROVE RESERVOIR: trout, spotted bass, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill
Will be stocked the week of April 15 with 3,750 rainbow trout.
Cottage Grove Reservoir is south of Cottage Grove and is open to fishing all year. Updated 4/10/24.
DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout
Reservoir levels continue to rise as prescribed in the rule curve and looks like it will fill completely by the Memorial Day weekend. Water levels have increased enough for Detroit Lake State Park Ramp D to be in the water as well as the main ramp at Mongold. Kokanee fishing is heating up and a few holdover trout are also being caught. This is the time of year where juvenile chinook are also feeding more actively before beginning their outmigration to the ocean. Please be mindful and release any Chinook back into the water.
Trout are available and active year-round. 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. Trout are usually stocked from April through July.
The reservoir gets 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.
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 4/10/24.
DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass
Will be 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 4/10/24.
DORENA RESERVOIR: trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill
Will be 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 4/10/24.
EAGLE CREEK: winter steelhead
Fishing pressure has been low in Eagle Cr, but fish can still be found especially after flows have come back up.
Fishing in this system 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 4/3/24.
EE WILSON POND: warmwater species, trout
The pond is stocked with trout from February through May. It will be stocked again this week with 1,200 trout. 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 4/10/24.
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
Will be 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 4/10/24.
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 will open on May 13. Information regarding the lake and available boat ramps, contact the Lane County Parks Department at 541-682-2000.
Bass and crappie fishing usually gets going around mid-April with peak months being May and June. Look for crappie along the weedy edges on the south side of the reservoir. The south shore around Perkins Peninsula as well as along the face of the dam are good spots.
There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps. Last updated 4/10/24.
FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish
The reservoir was stocked several times last fall. It will be stocked again this week with 2,000 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 water level is near low pool. Your best bet to launch boats remains Sunnyside County Park which is open year-round. It will slowly fill up through the spring in order to retain as much water as possible by the summer.
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 4/10/24.
GOLD LAKE: brook trout, rainbow trout
Gold Lake fishing will open around May 22, 2024. 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 1/31/24.
GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: trout, bass
The water level in Green Peter continues to rise and is now only 23 feet below full pool. Thistle Creek boat ramp was re-opened by Linn County on Feb. 1. This time of year, your main quarry will be trout and any kokanee that may have survived the unprecedented drawdown this fall.
The reservoir is usually stocked with trout in the spring. It will be stocked for the first time this week with 6,000 hatchery trout. Later in the spring and summer this reservoir also produces excellent smallmouth bass. 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 4/3/24.
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
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
Will be stocked the week of April 15 with 2,400 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 4/10/24.
JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, bluegill
This pond has reopened to the public, and it was stocked again last week with about 2,250 trout. The east side of the pond along the highway is still a work in progress, but otherwise the pond and the archery range are open for use. Last updated 4/10/24.
LEABURG LAKE: trout
Leaburg Lake will be stocked the week of April 15th with 2,000 hatchery 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 4/8/23.
MCKENZIE RIVER below Leaburg Lake (R1): trout, salmon, steelhead, Chinook
The week of April 15, with 7,500 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 4/10/24.
MCKENZIE RIVER above Leaburg Lake (R2): trout, steelhead
Will be stocked the week of April 22with 7,750 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 4/10/24.
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.
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 1/31/24.
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.
The river is experiencing somewhat high flows but otherwise the river is in decent shape. the river is at 600 cfs as of April 9. 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 4/10/24.
ROARING RIVER PARK POND: trout
This small, one acre pond was stocked again last week with 125 trout. This Linn County park is located about 15 miles east of Albany near the Roaring River Hatchery. From Albany take Hwy 20 east to Hwy 226. Head east for about 3 miles and turn right onto Fish hatchery Road. Continue east for about 7 miles, following the signs to Roaring River Park. Last update 4/10/24.
ROW RIVER NATURE PARK POND (formerly Cottage Grove Pond): trout, bass, bluegill
Was stocked last weekend with 22 show-pond fish that were up to 26 inches long. It will also be stocked again this week with 950 rainbow trout. 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 4/10/24.
SALMON CREEK: trout
Will be stocked the week of April 15 with 1,325 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 4/10/24.
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
Winter steelhead can currently be found throughout the system and bright fish are still being caught by anglers. Reports of the occasional summer steelhead being picked up are also beginning to surface and the first batch of spring Chinook are likely already in the river. Angling pressure below the hatchery has been light, but people are still walking out with fish.
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 4/3/24.
SANTIAM RIVER (NORTH FORK): steelhead, trout, coho
River levels best for fishing are at or below 2,900 cfs, and the river is currently running at around 3,000 cfs at the gauge in Mehama.
Fishing is slow this time of year. While the winter steelhead run is looking strong, these fish are ESA-listed, and avoiding targeting them is best for the fish population. Any of these unclipped (wild) steelhead or trout that are caught must be released unharmed. Also, remember that bait is not allowed until April 22.
The Chinook fishery usually begins in late April and the first few dozen spring Chinook have navigated above the falls. Summer steelhead are looking better this year with over 800 adults having passed above Willamette Falls as of April 7. Last updated 4/10/24.
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 (SOUTH FORK): bass, trout, steelhead
Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs. Currently flows are around 2,850 cfs at the Waterloo gauge as of April 9. There isn't much to catch until spring Chinook and summer steelhead begin to arrive in late April. Summer steelhead are off to a decent start this year with over 800 adults having crossed into the upper Willamette River so far. It will be a few weeks before they show up in good numbers in the Santiam basin, however.
Spring chinook are also beginning to show up at Willamette Falls. Anglers are reminded that bait is not allowed until April 22. Last updated 4/10/24.
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 will be stocked again this week with about 1,040 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 4/10/24.
TIMBER LINN POND: trout
This pond is usually stocked from November through May with hatchery trout. It will be stocked this week with about 1,200 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 4/3/24.
TIMOTHY LAKE: trout, kokanee, crayfish
Stockings will resume in the spring as weather permits.
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 1/10/24.
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
Stocking will resume in the spring as weather permits. Last updated 1/10/24.
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. It was stocked last week with about 2,000 trout. Last updated 4/10/24.
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. It was stocked last week with 2,000 trout. 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 4/10/24.
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 about 1,500 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 4/10/24.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead, spring Chinook, coho, small and largemouth bass
For week of MarApril 1-7 preliminary catch/effort: estimated 2,068 boats and 211 bank anglers.
- Chinook- 277 kept, 101 released,
- Steelhead- 28 kept, 6 released.
See summaries for more details.
River conditions and fish counts:
- April 9Willamette River Portland-Temperature/Visibility: 50 F, Visibility: 5.0 ft
- Willamette Falls Counts as of 4/7/24: 102 Chinook – 7,774 Winter Steelhead - 848 Summer Steelhead
- 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 4/10/24.
