Oregon fishing report
Portland/Metro Fishing Report by Bob Rees
Although there are still some late-season die-hards still working the Willamette for spring Chinook, catches are starting to slow, as well as effort, given that there are better options popping up along the Oregon Coast. Nonetheless, there were some productive catches last week, but one of the more prolific trollers got skunked on Monday and has called it quits for this fishery, after a 16-fish week, the week prior.
Water temperatures have eclipsed 75°, which is tough on all “coldwater” fish, also stifling passage at Willamette Falls. Temperatures aren’t going to get any cooler so salmon will have to decide whether to stay in the colder estuary until mid-August, or scoot upstream in hopes of some relief in upper Willamette River tributaries.
This fishery is about done for the season.
Back in the good old days, summer steelhead seekers could come across some great catches of fish in the Bonneville area, as well as other strategic locations up and down the lower Columbia. This year, counts are half of what they were last year, and that was a challenging year to catch fish. It doesn’t look good for this run of fish. Regulations are modified on August 1st with the summer steelhead fishery closing until November in this reach.
Upper Willamette Valley Fishing Report by Terry Otto (from last week)
Spring Chinook strong in upper Willamette systems, steelhead coming in, too. Early summer trout fishing boosted by heavy stockings. Warm water species biting in local lakes.
Best bets this weekend
- Spring Chinook are now in all the upper Willamette systems and still biting well.
- Summer steelheading is rated as fair in the systems.
- River trout are settling into summer patterns, crowds are thinning.
- Trout lakes fishing very well.
- Largemouth and smallmouth bass are biting in warm water lakes.
- Panfish are beginning to feed hard as they spawn.
- Detroit Reservoir will be stocked again this week about 7,000 trophy trout this week. Anglers are reporting decent kokanee catch.
Willamette Falls fish counts
As of Monday, July 6, 30,979 spring Chinook adults and 680 jacks have crossed over the Willamette Falls. They are reported to be in all the upper Willamette River tributaries. The steelhead count has now climbed to 15,112 adults, about half of which were wild winters.
Trout stocking
Drought conditions are already impacting Oregon waterways. The Trout Stocking Schedule is subject to change. Check the field notes below or contact the local ODFW office for questions about a specific area.
June 15- July 3: Alton Baker Canal, Blue River, Blue River Reservoir, Breitenbush River, Carman Res, Detroit Res, Fall Creek (Willamette River), Green Peter Reservoir, Leaburg Lake, McKenzie River-1 & 2 (Below and above Leaburg Dam), Quartzville Creek, Salmon Creek, Santiam River, N Fk-2, Smith River Res.
July 6-17:
Alton Baker Canal, Breitenbush River, Carmen Reservoir, Leaburg Lake, McKenzie River 2 above Leaburg Dam, Quartzville Creek, Salmon Creek, Santiam River N Fk-2, Smith River Reservoir, Willamette River- Coast Fork,
You can check the ODFW trout stocking schedule here.
North Santiam River
The North Fork Santiam is currently running at 1,460 cfs at the gage in Mehama. The Chinook continue to arrive at a good clip with several hundred crossing Willamette Falls each day. According to Fishing guide Mike Ferris of Fisherman Mike’s Guide service, The Chinook are biting very well. He said that on Monday, June 22nd, John Hercher, a fellow member of the Salem Steelheaders and his fishing buddy, drifted the Upper North Santiam with a guide from Packsaddle Park to Mehama and landed three nice Spring Chinook in the process. John said they hit the river early that day and the best bite was between 6:00 and 8:00 AM. The fish are reportedly taking salmon eggs, and salmon egg and sand shrimp combos.
You can check the gauge at Mehama here.
Detroit Reservoir
The reservoir will receive 6,900 trophy trout this week. Anglers are also reporting a decent kokanee catch. Mongold State Park boat ramps, the main boat ramp at Detroit Lake State Park, as well as Hoover and Kane’s Marina are all available. Guide Ferris took a pair of youngster’s trout fishing at the lake recently. He filed this report:
“On Thursday, June 25th, I experienced a great day of “kid fishing” at Detroit Lake. My passengers, Samson and Jack had a wonderful time “catching” and landed ten nice Hatchery Rainbow Trout courtesy of some recent ODFW plantings.”
South Fork Santiam River
Flows are currently at around 1,100 cfs at the gage in Waterloo. The 2026 Chinook run is arriving in good numbers now and can be found throughout the basin, with more arriving every day. The summer steelhead run is below average this year, but still worth pursuing. Ther Chinook are now spread through the entire system, with more arriving every day. Fishing guide Matt Halseth of Matt Halseth Guide Service has been fishing the South Fork for a couple weeks, and he reports that it has been good. He said the fish can be found up to Mill City. He has been getting the fish by fishing salmon eggs or hardware. He fishes the eggs mostly below a bobber, but also does some bobber-dogging.
You can check the river gage at Waterloo here.
McKenzie river
According to Jeff at The Fly Fishers Place in Sisters, The Mc Kenzie was good for thier guides this week. Depending on the day, various dry flies like chubbies, and McKenzie Caddis and running nymphs as a trailer have brought action. The guides have been using Walt’s Worms, baby got bead, frenchie, copper john, perdigons, leeches and caddis pupa.
Sandy and Clackamas River reports by Jeff Stoeger and Bob Rees
Clackamas River Fishing Report – The metro heat wave has the river filled with more tubers and rafters than fresh-run spring Chinook and summer steelhead this week. That may change by the weekend as cooler temperatures and possibly a light rain shower may be a welcome change, for anglers anyway.
That won’t change fish behavior all that much, largely for the reason that the fish that are present, have been in the watershed for many weeks already. There are always a trickle of springers that come into the Clackamas this time of year from the mainstem Willamette, where they have to make a choice between entering hot water or staying in lethal water, which stretches from the upper Columbia River estuary to the mouth of the Clackamas and Sandy systems. There are plenty of springers that will stay in the lower estuary, taking advantage of cool ocean incoming tides, well into August to avoid dying in these lethally warm waters this time of year.
As for the Clackamas, nothing will change in the foreseeable future, the highest concentrations of salmon and steelhead will remain in the McIver stretch of the upper Clack, where early morning (motivated) anglers will pitch baits and lures at them, largely going un-noticed by stressed salmon and steelhead.
There are a few salmon and steelhead being taken every morning in the McIver reach, but interest is waning as fishing becomes more challenging.
Sandy River Fishing Report – Avid angler Jeff Stoeger – What a stretch of weather it has been, swinging from light rain to record heat. The river is crowded with swimmers and tubers from Oxbow to Lewis and Clark Park. Anglers planning a trip should arrive at first light, since parking fills up fast with tubers and swimmers staking out spots early. Be sure to park only in designated areas. The City of Troutdale is towing vehicles parked outside designated zones from Dabney to Lewis and Clark Park.
The river is currently running at 7.86 feet with a water temperature of 67.5 degrees. Most of the action has been in the upper river, from Oxbow down to Cedar Creek.
Hatchery return numbers as of yesterday show spring Chinook back to the hatchery at 84 for the week, with a total of 114 so far. Spring Chinook back to the Bull Run collection site were 141 for the week, bringing the total to 215. Summer steelhead returns to the hatchery were 22 for the week and 79 total, and all summer steelhead were recycled.
More spring Chinook continue to enter the river daily, and that push should continue for about another month before it tapers off. Fish can be seen moving upstream through the shallows at first light and again at dusk.
A reminder that Oxbow will close from September 15, 2026 through the end of January 2027 for water line work at the campground. Please be safe and wear your PFD when floating the river.
North & Central Coast Fishing Report by Bob Rees
Ocean anglers are experiencing a salmon season like they haven’t seen for quite some time. Between abundant coho out of nearly every port, and productive Chinook fishing out of Newport and some other ports to the south, it’s been a productive summer for those putting in the effort.
Astoria remains the best port, but most ports to the south are producing great catches as well, with a bottomfishing option more tapered to less technical anglers.
Ocean crabbing is poor for quality keepers, we suggest you let all the soft-shells go until they harden up come October.
Albacore are starting in, with most ports producing respectable catches. Tuna fever really starts to catch on this time of year, and great action should hold up well into September. With an El Nino in the forecast, it could be very easy fishing.
Halibut fishing remains challenging, but still worth your time if you have it to spare. Newport will remain the top option with weather likely to cooperate for the near future, minus a stiff south wind on Saturday.
Freshwater fishing is becoming more challenging by the day. Maybe the best bet is lower Nehalem Bay where soft tides should promote fair fishing for summer Chinook there. Tillamook Bay may also be an option, but fish along the jetty until the tide series increases early next week. The run is about over here however.
Summer steelhead on the Wilson, Nestucca and Siletz River systems is also an option, but be versed in fishing low, clear waters if you expect any reasonable chance.
| Much more on the site for Chinook Members: Buzz Ramsey’s latest post – Discover the top Pacific Northwest river hot spots and learn how to master the highly effective “Chandelier Rig” as legendary fishing expert Buzz Ramsey shares his ultimate guide to catching this year’s greatly improved runs. Chinook Members can read Buzz’s post HERE. Bill Monroe’s latest post – Summer arrived in a flash – After surviving a terrifying close call with lightning while out on the water, veteran outdoor writer Bill Monroe shares a harrowing story alongside vital advice on how extreme summer storms and wildfires are impacting local fishing and wildlife. Chinook Members can read Bill’s post HERE. You can find all the articles from these two professionals on this page. Salmon Trout Steelheader feature of the week: Tony Amato, Josiah Darr and friends fish the ocean for coho and Chinook. You can see the video HERE. All the STS articles are located here.Not a Chinook Member? Become a Member or Upgrade here. Members head to the Member’s Landing Page to find everything you have access to. Become a Chinook member or upgrade TODAY |
Central-Eastern Oregon Fishing Report by Terry Otto
Wildfire smoke blankets central Oregon. Warm water threatens Deschutes steelhead fishery. High elevation lakes offer cooler weather, colder water. Lowland lake fisheries hampered by warming water.
Best bets for weekend fishing
*Note:* Hot water temps are making catch and release difficult on fish in local waters. Please carry a thermometer, and keep checking the surface temps. Also, check the report from the Fly Fishers Place below from Little Lava Lake.
- Spring water rivers best bet in hot weather.
- Hike-in high country lakes offer fine fishing, less pressure, cooler temps.
- Deschutes River steelhead fishery threatened by warm temps in Columbia and Deschutes.
- Anglers report excellent fishing for recently stocked and holdover trout at Three Creek Lake.
- Anglers report good trout fishing and excellent kokanee fishing at Paulina Lake. Kokanee at Paulina Lake is amongst the largest in Central Oregon this year averaging 13-14 inches.
- Positive reports keep rolling in from East Lake with large numbers of rainbow trout in the 16-18-inch range, trophy brown trout over 24-inches, and kokanee 13-15-inches.
- The Metolius River, and Fall River offer cold, ground water temps, and should be good to fish this week. Fall River was recently stocked, and anglers report good nymphing opportunities near the hatchery and the headwaters.
Safe Fish Handling for Catch and Release
As surface waters warm safe fish handling practices become more critical for increasing the chances of survival for catch and release angling. Use barbless hooks. Land the fish quickly to minimize stress and the buildup of lactic acid. Wet your hands before handling a fish and keep them in the water and wet to the extent possible.
Fishing during blue-green algae (cyanobacterial) blooms
As temperatures heat up during 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.
Trout stocking
Stocked the week of July 6-17:
East Lake, Hosmer Lake, Paulina Lake, Shevlin Pond, Twin Lake N&S, Walton Lake.
July 27- Aug 7:
Metolius Pond, Fall River, Devils Lake.
You can check the ODFW weekly trout stocking schedule here.
Columbia River
Walleye
The good folks at the Gorge Outfitters Supply in Rufus continue to report a good walleye bite. It does not seem to be slowing at all. There have been lots of eating size walleye, and a few larger fish in the catch. The schools reportedly are still holding from 12 to 30 feet over gravel or rocky reefs. The best bite is still coming on the worm harnesses, which is the most effective method for summer walleyes.
Lower Deschutes River
According to Amy Hazel of the Deschutes Angler Fly Shop in Maupin, there have been reports of some caddis hatches, with some pale morning duns’ and some Blue Wing Olive are also hatching at times, mostly in the morning and evening.
However, river temperatures are a real concern, and may even lead to a closure of the Deschutes Steelhead fishing. Hot water in both the Columbia and the Deschutes have steelhead bottled below Bonneville Dam. Only a trickle are crossing Bonneville. If these numbers do not rise by the end of the month, or by Augst 15, there will be steelhead closures.
For the full story on the risks, you can read Hazel’s report outlining the probable scenarios here.
Metolius River
The highlight of the Metolius in July is the opportunity to fish the golden stone adults, especially from the headwaters to Gorge Camp Ground , but can be in pockets of the river (this is due to water temps around springs or tributary streams) and even if you don’t see a lot of stones around, the fish are used to them and want to eat! It is essential to have Clark’s Stones and Norm Woods in your selection. I also recommend in these same areas to get some yellow sally stonefly dries in the mix.
Fall River
The Fall River is fishing well, but get there early, or later around dinner time to dark to avoid the craziest of the crowds. Fly Fishers guide Micheal was having success this week on jig leeches, soft hackles and midges. Look for PMD’s, olive stones, olive and tan caddis in #16-18, ants, beetles and hippie stompers and grasshoppers. Mosquito repellent is essential in the evening.
Paulina Lake
Paulina Lake is holding up slightly better which makes sense since it is 240 feet deep and imagine that cold water reserve down deep. When the wind blows, and it has the mix is welcomed. The one thing about Paulina is ODFW stocked a lot of hatchery rainbows that are 9 or 10 inches long and we have to weed through a lot of small fish to find some quality browns and rainbows.
SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome
Salmon anglers trolling out of Brookings—both on the ocean and inside the Rogue Bay—saw plenty of bent rods this week with a strong bite for coho and Chinook. Conditions look good to excellent heading into the weekend, making it another solid opportunity to chase salmon, halibut, and even run lighthouse trips for limits of rockfish and lingcod.
The Rogue Bay is edging closer to prime time for the Fall Chinook season. More fish are being caught each week, and the momentum is clearly building. 40+ fish were already caught by midweek with only a fraction of boats that will soon arrive, thus making for pretty good catch rates.
Farther north, anglers out of Winchester Bay continue to find Chinook in the tidewater up to Reedsport when ocean conditions keep boats inside. The weekend outlook is favorable there as well, with reports of schools of coho just outside the south jetty. Bottom fishing has been excellent, and a few boats even picked up halibut limits earlier this week.
Inland, wildfires and hot weather have pushed many anglers off the middle and upper Rogue River. While a few summer steelhead are around, most folks have swapped rods for rafts and floaties. For those still wanting to fish, the lakes are the best bet—especially ones high enough to escape smoke depending on wind direction.
Diamond Lake and Lemolo are great options for cooler air and steady trout action. Lost Creek, Howard Prairie, and Hyatt continue to fish well as dropping water levels concentrate trout. For warmwater anglers, the main Umpqua and Coquille remain productive for stripers, while the South Umpqua is a solid choice for smallmouth bass. Lake Selmac continues to deliver a strong bass bite.