Willamette River
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May 14
Oregon DWR
COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout
Was stocked the week of April 27th and will be stocked again the week of May 18th with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout.
Chinook fishing should get going in mid-May and really heat up in June.
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 5/12/26.
MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Trout, steelhead, Chinook
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers refurbished the boat ramp on the south side of the Middle Fork Willamette just below Dexter Dam allowing drift boat and raft access. Chinook fishing should get started in mid-May and Chinook and summer steelhead fishing should be good June July downstream of Dexter Dam.
A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead.
The Middle Fork Willamette above Lookout Point and Hills Creek reservoirs are 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 5/5/26.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: Catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead, spring Chinook, coho salmon, bass, walleye, shad
From May 4 - May 10, fishing in the lower Willamette River harvest was productive, posting a season-best 1,007 spring Chinook kept for the week. Fishing below St Johns Bridge and in the Multnomah Channel was good, where anglers averaged 0.19 Chinook kept per boat angler. The "head of channel" area where the Multnomah Channel and Willamette River meet has been one of the most productive options within this subarea. Catch rates from St Johns Bridge to Lake Oswego were relatively low, 0.08 Chinook kept per boat angler. From Lake Oswego to Willamette Falls, catch rates continued their slowing trend, 0.05 Chinook per boat angler. Bank anglers in the Oregon City area reported no salmonid catch for 230 angler trips.
The water temperature has warmed to 65 degrees in the Willamette River, and the bite is often in the earliest hours of the day once the water gets this warm. Many successful springer anglers are fishing with 360 flashers and spinners tipped with coonstripe shrimp/prawns or hard plastic "stuffer" baits throughout the river.
Shad fishing kicks off in the Willamette River in May, and a handful of shad were caught in the Willamette this week. You can find them throughout the system, but the best shad fishing occurs in the Oregon City area. Use small spoons and shad darts to target them from a boat or from the bank. Clackamette Park is a productive area to try catching these abundant, hard-fighting fish.
Warmwater fishing starts to become a productive option on the Willamette during times of warm water and low flows. As summer approaches, consider fishing for bass, walleye, and other warmwater species that reside in the Willamette River.
As a reminder, per permanent regulations, sturgeon angling is prohibited from the Lake OswegoOak Grove Railroad Bridge upstream to Willamette Falls from May 1 through August 31.
See Willamette Catch Summaries for more details on spring chinook, steelhead and sturgeon here.
River conditions and fish counts:
Daily report Willamette River Portland-Temperature/VisibilityLink to: Willamette Falls Counts Link to Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro DataLink to NOAA-Willamette River Forecast (Salem)
The Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, good access and variety.
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 upstream section between Albany and Harrisburg is open year-round for trout fishing, which can be very good when flows are cooperating. The river is in very good shape right now and anglers report good catches of smallmouth bass between Salem and Albany. 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 summer. Anglers also report the occasional walleye up to 20 inches. Trout prefer the cooler water temperatures upstream of Corvallis. From Salem downstream there are plenty of largemouth bass in the deeper, quieter sections. Trout can be kept in some sections, but not in others. Consult the regulation booklet for details.
Was stocked the week of April 27th and will be stocked again the week of May 18th with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout.
Chinook fishing should get going in mid-May and really heat up in June.
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 5/12/26.
MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Trout, steelhead, Chinook
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers refurbished the boat ramp on the south side of the Middle Fork Willamette just below Dexter Dam allowing drift boat and raft access. Chinook fishing should get started in mid-May and Chinook and summer steelhead fishing should be good June July downstream of Dexter Dam.
A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead.
The Middle Fork Willamette above Lookout Point and Hills Creek reservoirs are 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 5/5/26.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: Catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead, spring Chinook, coho salmon, bass, walleye, shad
From May 4 - May 10, fishing in the lower Willamette River harvest was productive, posting a season-best 1,007 spring Chinook kept for the week. Fishing below St Johns Bridge and in the Multnomah Channel was good, where anglers averaged 0.19 Chinook kept per boat angler. The "head of channel" area where the Multnomah Channel and Willamette River meet has been one of the most productive options within this subarea. Catch rates from St Johns Bridge to Lake Oswego were relatively low, 0.08 Chinook kept per boat angler. From Lake Oswego to Willamette Falls, catch rates continued their slowing trend, 0.05 Chinook per boat angler. Bank anglers in the Oregon City area reported no salmonid catch for 230 angler trips.
The water temperature has warmed to 65 degrees in the Willamette River, and the bite is often in the earliest hours of the day once the water gets this warm. Many successful springer anglers are fishing with 360 flashers and spinners tipped with coonstripe shrimp/prawns or hard plastic "stuffer" baits throughout the river.
Shad fishing kicks off in the Willamette River in May, and a handful of shad were caught in the Willamette this week. You can find them throughout the system, but the best shad fishing occurs in the Oregon City area. Use small spoons and shad darts to target them from a boat or from the bank. Clackamette Park is a productive area to try catching these abundant, hard-fighting fish.
Warmwater fishing starts to become a productive option on the Willamette during times of warm water and low flows. As summer approaches, consider fishing for bass, walleye, and other warmwater species that reside in the Willamette River.
As a reminder, per permanent regulations, sturgeon angling is prohibited from the Lake OswegoOak Grove Railroad Bridge upstream to Willamette Falls from May 1 through August 31.
See Willamette Catch Summaries for more details on spring chinook, steelhead and sturgeon here.
River conditions and fish counts:
Daily report Willamette River Portland-Temperature/VisibilityLink to: Willamette Falls Counts Link to Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro DataLink to NOAA-Willamette River Forecast (Salem)
The Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, good access and variety.
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 upstream section between Albany and Harrisburg is open year-round for trout fishing, which can be very good when flows are cooperating. The river is in very good shape right now and anglers report good catches of smallmouth bass between Salem and Albany. 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 summer. Anglers also report the occasional walleye up to 20 inches. Trout prefer the cooler water temperatures upstream of Corvallis. From Salem downstream there are plenty of largemouth bass in the deeper, quieter sections. Trout can be kept in some sections, but not in others. Consult the regulation booklet for details.
May 08
The Caddis Fly Angling Shop
Every spring, giant insects make their emergence from our rivers that they called home for the last 3-4 years. Many know these insects for their winged adult form, which brings fantastic dry fly fishing each spring. This hatch typically kicks off dry fly fishing for the year. The winged adult form of the salmonfly makes up a tiny fraction of the insects lifecycle and what is available to trout to feed on. Salmonfly nymphs are slow growers, taking 3-4 years to fully emerge. That is 3-4 years to get eaten by a trout vs the few weeks that makes up the seasonal hatch of the adults. Therefore, fishing a salmon fly nymph is arguably a greater asset in your box and more effective in terms of timeframe available for trout to feed on compared to a large salmonfly dry. Even during the height of the famed salmon fly hatch, fish are still keyed in on the large nymphs. Large salmonfly nymphs make fantastic searching patterns year round and often move large opportunistic trout.
-Simon
Hook- Ahrex CZ Mini Jig Barbless FW555: Size 8
Bead- Hareline Copper Slotted Tungsten Bead: 5/32 or 3.8mm
Thread- Fulling Mill 140D Pro Twisted Thread: Black (NEW) or Danville Flymaster 140D: Black
Shank- Fish Skull Next Generation Articulated Shank: 15mm
Tail- Hareline Wooly Bugger Marabou: Brown & Hareline Triple Barred Heavy Duty Silicone Legs: Tan/ Orange/ Brown (NEW)
Joint Material- Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Tippet: 0x-2x
Body Material- Fly Fish Foods Stillwater Chenille: Canadian Brown (NEW)
Legs- Hareline Triple Barred Heavy Duty Silicone Legs: Tan/ Orange/ Brown (NEW)
UV Resin- Solarez Bone Dry
UV Torch- Loon Plasma Light
Bobbin- Smhaen Tension Bobbin
Vise- Renzetti Master & Deluxe Streamer Base
-Simon
Hook- Ahrex CZ Mini Jig Barbless FW555: Size 8
Bead- Hareline Copper Slotted Tungsten Bead: 5/32 or 3.8mm
Thread- Fulling Mill 140D Pro Twisted Thread: Black (NEW) or Danville Flymaster 140D: Black
Shank- Fish Skull Next Generation Articulated Shank: 15mm
Tail- Hareline Wooly Bugger Marabou: Brown & Hareline Triple Barred Heavy Duty Silicone Legs: Tan/ Orange/ Brown (NEW)
Joint Material- Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Tippet: 0x-2x
Body Material- Fly Fish Foods Stillwater Chenille: Canadian Brown (NEW)
Legs- Hareline Triple Barred Heavy Duty Silicone Legs: Tan/ Orange/ Brown (NEW)
UV Resin- Solarez Bone Dry
UV Torch- Loon Plasma Light
Bobbin- Smhaen Tension Bobbin
Vise- Renzetti Master & Deluxe Streamer Base
This report was written by The Caddis Fly Angling Shop:
http://www.caddisflyshop.com/
(541) 342-7005
(541) 342-7005
May 06
Oregon DWR
COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout
Was last stocked the week of April 27th and will be stocked again the week of May 18th with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout.
Chinook fishing should get going in mid-May and really heat up in June.
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 5/5/26.
MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Trout, steelhead, Chinook
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers refurbished the boat ramp on the south side of the Middle Fork Willamette just below Dexter Dam allowing drift boat and raft access. Chinook fishing should get started in mid-May and Chinook and summer steelhead fishing should be good June July downstream of Dexter Dam.
A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead.
The Middle Fork Willamette above Lookout Point and Hills Creek reservoirs are 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 5/5/26.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: Catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead, spring Chinook, coho salmon, bass, walleye, shad
From April 27-May 3, fishing in the lower Willamette River was productive again this week, with an estimated 932 spring Chinook kept for the week. The best catch rates were below St Johns Bridge and in the Multnomah Channel, where anglers averaged 0.18 Chinook kept per boat angler. Catch rates from St Johns Bridge to Lake Oswego slowed to 0.09 Chinook kept per boat angler. From Lake Oswego to Willamette Falls, catch rates slowed from the previous week to 0.15 Chinook per boat angler. Bank anglers in the Oregon City area reported 3 steelhead and no Chinook kept for 350 angler trips.
The water temperature has warmed to over 60 degrees in the Willamette, and many successful springer anglers are fishing with 360 flashers and spinners tipped with coonstripe shrimp/prawns or hard plastic "stuffer" baits throughout the river.
Shad fishing kicks off in the Willamette River in May. You can find them throughout the system, but the best shad fishing occurs in the Oregon City area. Use small spoons and shad darts to target them from a boat or from the bank. Clackamette Park is a productive area to try catching these abundant, hard-fighting fish.
As a reminder, per permanent regulations, sturgeon angling is prohibited from the Lake OswegoOak Grove Railroad Bridge upstream to Willamette Falls from May 1 through August 31.
See Willamette Catch Summaries for more details on spring chinook, steelhead and sturgeon here.
River conditions and fish counts:
Daily report Willamette River Portland-Temperature/VisibilityLink to: Willamette Falls Counts Link to Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro DataLink to NOAA-Willamette River Forecast (Salem)
The Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, good access and variety.
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 upstream section between Albany and Harrisburg is open year-round for trout fishing, which can be very good when flows are cooperating. The river is in very good shape right now and anglers report good catches of smallmouth bass between Salem and Albany. 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 summer. Anglers also report the occasional walleye up to 20 inches. Trout prefer the cooler water temperatures upstream of Corvallis. From Salem downstream there are plenty of largemouth bass in the deeper, quieter sections. Trout can be kept in some sections, but not in others. Consult the regulation booklet for details.
Was last stocked the week of April 27th and will be stocked again the week of May 18th with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout.
Chinook fishing should get going in mid-May and really heat up in June.
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 5/5/26.
MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Trout, steelhead, Chinook
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers refurbished the boat ramp on the south side of the Middle Fork Willamette just below Dexter Dam allowing drift boat and raft access. Chinook fishing should get started in mid-May and Chinook and summer steelhead fishing should be good June July downstream of Dexter Dam.
A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead.
The Middle Fork Willamette above Lookout Point and Hills Creek reservoirs are 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 5/5/26.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: Catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead, spring Chinook, coho salmon, bass, walleye, shad
From April 27-May 3, fishing in the lower Willamette River was productive again this week, with an estimated 932 spring Chinook kept for the week. The best catch rates were below St Johns Bridge and in the Multnomah Channel, where anglers averaged 0.18 Chinook kept per boat angler. Catch rates from St Johns Bridge to Lake Oswego slowed to 0.09 Chinook kept per boat angler. From Lake Oswego to Willamette Falls, catch rates slowed from the previous week to 0.15 Chinook per boat angler. Bank anglers in the Oregon City area reported 3 steelhead and no Chinook kept for 350 angler trips.
The water temperature has warmed to over 60 degrees in the Willamette, and many successful springer anglers are fishing with 360 flashers and spinners tipped with coonstripe shrimp/prawns or hard plastic "stuffer" baits throughout the river.
Shad fishing kicks off in the Willamette River in May. You can find them throughout the system, but the best shad fishing occurs in the Oregon City area. Use small spoons and shad darts to target them from a boat or from the bank. Clackamette Park is a productive area to try catching these abundant, hard-fighting fish.
As a reminder, per permanent regulations, sturgeon angling is prohibited from the Lake OswegoOak Grove Railroad Bridge upstream to Willamette Falls from May 1 through August 31.
See Willamette Catch Summaries for more details on spring chinook, steelhead and sturgeon here.
River conditions and fish counts:
Daily report Willamette River Portland-Temperature/VisibilityLink to: Willamette Falls Counts Link to Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro DataLink to NOAA-Willamette River Forecast (Salem)
The Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, good access and variety.
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 upstream section between Albany and Harrisburg is open year-round for trout fishing, which can be very good when flows are cooperating. The river is in very good shape right now and anglers report good catches of smallmouth bass between Salem and Albany. 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 summer. Anglers also report the occasional walleye up to 20 inches. Trout prefer the cooler water temperatures upstream of Corvallis. From Salem downstream there are plenty of largemouth bass in the deeper, quieter sections. Trout can be kept in some sections, but not in others. Consult the regulation booklet for details.
May 06
Oregon DWR
COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout
Was last stocked the week of April 27th and will be stocked again the week of May 18th with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout.
Chinook fishing should get going in mid-May and really heat up in June.
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 5/5/26.
Was last stocked the week of April 27th and will be stocked again the week of May 18th with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout.
Chinook fishing should get going in mid-May and really heat up in June.
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 5/5/26.
May 02
The Caddis Fly Angling Shop
Author of Bugwater, long time shop customer, and member of Mckenzie River Fly Fishers, Arlen Thomason, wrote a fantastic update on one of his favorite hatches: The McKenzie Green Caddis.
For those who might not have noticed, one of my favorite hatches is underway on the McKenzie.
McKenzie Green Caddis (Arctopsyche grandis)
The big green McKenzie Caddissecond in size only to falls October Caddisis now hatching sporadically from mid-afternoon to near dark.
Look for them in or just below riffles and fast water. Even if you dont see any, its worth fishing a good imitation. Trout know they are around.
Though they only show a trace of green when seen from above, from a fishs position its a different story.
My favorite fly for this hatch is a CDC elk hair caddis. The CDC, though somewhat of a chore to keep powdered and not waterlogged, consistently
adds enough movement to provide a good dose of realism.
I give them a drag-free drift or two over likely holding water, and if that doesnt draw attention, I start twitching them a little. These bugs tend
to jump around on the surface a bit before they get airborne. Drives the fish crazy sometimes. Those of you who have fished with Bill Laing, or
heard Mike Starr talk about it at Bills recent memorial, will be reminded of his dogged dedication to twitching dry flies. He had the technique
perfected.
If youre one of my tribe who turns over river rocks to see what dwells there, you might have encountered juvenile McKenzie caddis. These
bugs are net spinners, building webs in rock crevices to catch whatever is drifting by and might be edible.
But neither you nor the fish are likely see these during hatch season. The larvae will have built and sealed themselves inside pebble cases that
they attached to large rocks some time ago. After metamorphing into adults, they will break out of the cases, make their way to the surface
and try to get airborne as soon as possible.
Arlen Thomason
Bugwater is our number one favorite insect book regarding our local entomology in the valley. The photos are unmatched and Arlen provides readers with phenomenal photos as references, fly choices, and a wealth of information regarding each insects behavior. It is available in the shop and online for those interested.
We have a variety of Mckenzie Green Caddis in the shop. Swing by and ask the shop staff their favorite patterns for the hatch and get loaded up. This is one of our favorite hatches of the year and one of the two prolific large caddis hatches you can experience on our local rivers. If you miss this one youll have to wait until fall.
For those who might not have noticed, one of my favorite hatches is underway on the McKenzie.
McKenzie Green Caddis (Arctopsyche grandis)
The big green McKenzie Caddissecond in size only to falls October Caddisis now hatching sporadically from mid-afternoon to near dark.
Look for them in or just below riffles and fast water. Even if you dont see any, its worth fishing a good imitation. Trout know they are around.
Though they only show a trace of green when seen from above, from a fishs position its a different story.
My favorite fly for this hatch is a CDC elk hair caddis. The CDC, though somewhat of a chore to keep powdered and not waterlogged, consistently
adds enough movement to provide a good dose of realism.
I give them a drag-free drift or two over likely holding water, and if that doesnt draw attention, I start twitching them a little. These bugs tend
to jump around on the surface a bit before they get airborne. Drives the fish crazy sometimes. Those of you who have fished with Bill Laing, or
heard Mike Starr talk about it at Bills recent memorial, will be reminded of his dogged dedication to twitching dry flies. He had the technique
perfected.
If youre one of my tribe who turns over river rocks to see what dwells there, you might have encountered juvenile McKenzie caddis. These
bugs are net spinners, building webs in rock crevices to catch whatever is drifting by and might be edible.
But neither you nor the fish are likely see these during hatch season. The larvae will have built and sealed themselves inside pebble cases that
they attached to large rocks some time ago. After metamorphing into adults, they will break out of the cases, make their way to the surface
and try to get airborne as soon as possible.
Arlen Thomason
Bugwater is our number one favorite insect book regarding our local entomology in the valley. The photos are unmatched and Arlen provides readers with phenomenal photos as references, fly choices, and a wealth of information regarding each insects behavior. It is available in the shop and online for those interested.
We have a variety of Mckenzie Green Caddis in the shop. Swing by and ask the shop staff their favorite patterns for the hatch and get loaded up. This is one of our favorite hatches of the year and one of the two prolific large caddis hatches you can experience on our local rivers. If you miss this one youll have to wait until fall.
This report was written by The Caddis Fly Angling Shop:
http://www.caddisflyshop.com/
(541) 342-7005
(541) 342-7005
Apr 30
Oregon DWR
COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout
Will be stocked the week of April 27th, with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout.
Chinook fishing should get going in mid-May and really heat up in June.
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 4/28/26.
MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Trout, steelhead, Chinook
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers refurbished the boat ramp on the south side of the Middle Fork Willamette just below Dexter Dam allowing drift boat and raft access. Chinook fishing should get started in mid-May and Chinook and summer steelhead fishing should be good June July downstream of Dexter Dam.
A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead.
The Middle Fork Willamette above Lookout Point and Hills Creek reservoirs are 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 4/28/26.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: Catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead, spring Chinook, coho salmon, small and largemouth bass, walleye
From April 2026, fishing in the lower Willamette River improved significantly, with an estimated 890 spring Chinook kept for the week. The best catch rates continued to come from the Lake OswegoWillamette Falls reach, where anglers averaged 0.24 Chinook kept per boat angler. Catch rates below Lake Oswegoincluding the Multnomah Channelwere lower at 0.15 Chinook per boat angler, but still showed weektoweek improvement. Bank anglers in the Oregon City area reported 9 Chinook and no steelhead kept for 239 angler trips.
In Oregon City, many successful anglers are fishing jet divers paired with eggs or sand shrimp. Jigging has also produced fish, and trolling 360 flashers with spinners should become increasingly effective as water temperatures continue to warm through the weekend.
Below the St. Johns Bridge, including in the Multnomah Channel, anglers have found improving success fishing 360 flashers with spinners tipped with coonstripe shrimp/prawns or hard plastic "stuffer" baits.
As a reminder, per permanent regulations, sturgeon angling is prohibited from the Lake OswegoOak Grove Railroad Bridge upstream to Willamette Falls from May 1 through August 31.
See Willamette Catch Summaries for more details on spring chinook, steelhead and sturgeon here.
River conditions and fish counts:
Daily report Willamette River Portland-Temperature/VisibilityLink to: Willamette Falls Counts Link to Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro DataLink to NOAA-Willamette River Forecast (Salem)
The Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, good access and variety.
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 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 summer. Anglers also report the occasional walleye up to 20 inches. Trout prefer the cooler water temperatures upstream of Corvallis. From Salem downstream there are plenty of largemouth bass in the deeper, quieter sections. Trout can be kept in some sections, but not in others. Consult the regulation booklet for details.
Will be stocked the week of April 27th, with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout.
Chinook fishing should get going in mid-May and really heat up in June.
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 4/28/26.
MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Trout, steelhead, Chinook
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers refurbished the boat ramp on the south side of the Middle Fork Willamette just below Dexter Dam allowing drift boat and raft access. Chinook fishing should get started in mid-May and Chinook and summer steelhead fishing should be good June July downstream of Dexter Dam.
A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead.
The Middle Fork Willamette above Lookout Point and Hills Creek reservoirs are 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 4/28/26.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: Catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead, spring Chinook, coho salmon, small and largemouth bass, walleye
From April 2026, fishing in the lower Willamette River improved significantly, with an estimated 890 spring Chinook kept for the week. The best catch rates continued to come from the Lake OswegoWillamette Falls reach, where anglers averaged 0.24 Chinook kept per boat angler. Catch rates below Lake Oswegoincluding the Multnomah Channelwere lower at 0.15 Chinook per boat angler, but still showed weektoweek improvement. Bank anglers in the Oregon City area reported 9 Chinook and no steelhead kept for 239 angler trips.
In Oregon City, many successful anglers are fishing jet divers paired with eggs or sand shrimp. Jigging has also produced fish, and trolling 360 flashers with spinners should become increasingly effective as water temperatures continue to warm through the weekend.
Below the St. Johns Bridge, including in the Multnomah Channel, anglers have found improving success fishing 360 flashers with spinners tipped with coonstripe shrimp/prawns or hard plastic "stuffer" baits.
As a reminder, per permanent regulations, sturgeon angling is prohibited from the Lake OswegoOak Grove Railroad Bridge upstream to Willamette Falls from May 1 through August 31.
See Willamette Catch Summaries for more details on spring chinook, steelhead and sturgeon here.
River conditions and fish counts:
Daily report Willamette River Portland-Temperature/VisibilityLink to: Willamette Falls Counts Link to Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro DataLink to NOAA-Willamette River Forecast (Salem)
The Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, good access and variety.
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 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 summer. Anglers also report the occasional walleye up to 20 inches. Trout prefer the cooler water temperatures upstream of Corvallis. From Salem downstream there are plenty of largemouth bass in the deeper, quieter sections. Trout can be kept in some sections, but not in others. Consult the regulation booklet for details.
Apr 27
The Caddis Fly Angling Shop
In this video, Simon ties a productive Jigged Grannom Caddis pattern. This fly will work fantastic on a euro rig, indicator rig, or a dry dropper setup under a large chubby. The Grannom or Mothers Day Caddis hatch can be notoriously difficult to convince trout to rise to your fly. During this hatch, trout gorge subsurface and fill up on ascending pupa. With enough food beneath the surface, trout have no need to expose themselves to predation and rise to the adults. As a result, running caddis pupa subsurface can be a more productive approach. This fly can also be swung like a soft hackle. The beauty of its heavy bead, is that it can be dead drifted for the majority of the drift and swung at the end. Often fish will pick up the swung pupa as they swing and ascend through the water column. The flashy target point helps fish find this fly, its buggy, realistic body looks close enough to a true pupa to get eaten. This pattern can certainly be sized up or down, and colors shifted to match what caddis species are making their emergence.
Hook- Fulling Mill 5125 Jig Force Short: Size 16
Thread- Fulling Mill 70D Pro Flat Thread: Tan
Bead- Fulling Mill Matte Black Slotted Tungsten Bead: 5/32 or 3.8mm
Flash- Hareline / Hedron Magnum Flashabou: Pearl
Dubbing- Fulling Mill Eco Warrior Dub: Olive & Fulling Mill Tactical Microflash Dub: UV Olive
Ribbing- Uni Medium Soft Wire: Orange
Thorax- Fulling Mill Tactical Microflash Dub: UV Black
Collar- Hareline Hungarian Partridge Skin
UV Resin- Solarez Bone Dry
UV Torch- Loon Plasma Light
Bobbin- Smhaen Tension Bobbin
Vise- Renzetti Master & Deluxe Streamer Base
Hook- Fulling Mill 5125 Jig Force Short: Size 16
Thread- Fulling Mill 70D Pro Flat Thread: Tan
Bead- Fulling Mill Matte Black Slotted Tungsten Bead: 5/32 or 3.8mm
Flash- Hareline / Hedron Magnum Flashabou: Pearl
Dubbing- Fulling Mill Eco Warrior Dub: Olive & Fulling Mill Tactical Microflash Dub: UV Olive
Ribbing- Uni Medium Soft Wire: Orange
Thorax- Fulling Mill Tactical Microflash Dub: UV Black
Collar- Hareline Hungarian Partridge Skin
UV Resin- Solarez Bone Dry
UV Torch- Loon Plasma Light
Bobbin- Smhaen Tension Bobbin
Vise- Renzetti Master & Deluxe Streamer Base
This report was written by The Caddis Fly Angling Shop:
http://www.caddisflyshop.com/
(541) 342-7005
(541) 342-7005