Oregon fishing report
Portland/Metro Fishing Report by Bob Rees
Metro angler opportunity is limited, with the best summer steelhead fishing happening downstream of Longview. Hatchery Chinook jacks can be kept and sockeye season opens soon, but neither will be consistently good.
The Willamette River continues to boot out good catches of late run spring Chinook and a change in weather and likely water conditions will only aid this fishery after the barometer stabilizes. Anglers still have to go early to up their chances of success, but this fishery should continue to perform for another 3 or 4 weeks in the Portland Harbor, just downstream of the St. Johns Bridge.
Shad fishing is starting to taper in the Willamette, but is still going strong on the mainstem Columbia at Bonneville.
It won’t be long until warmwater anglers take their sport more seriously, it’s picking up already.
Upper Willamette Valley Fishing Report by Terry Otto (from last week)
Spring Chinook moving into upper Willamette systems, steelhead coming in, too. Spring 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 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.
Willamette Falls fish counts
Over 24,000 spring Chinook have crossed over the Willamette Falls, although crossings now seem to be slowing. However, there are still springers being caught in the lower Willamette, and some of those fish are heading upriver. Over 12,000 steelhead have crossed the falls, although 7,000 of those were unclipped winter steelhead. About 100 steelhead a day are crossing the falls.
Weather
The upper Willamette Valley near Eugene is expected to see the first true summer weather of the year, with highs in the upper 80’s to the mid 90’s for the weekend and into early next week. A cool-down is expected later in the week. There is no rain in the forecast.
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.
You can check the ODFW trout stocking schedule here.
To be stocked May 25-June 12:
Alton Baker Canal, Blue River, Blue River Res, Breitenbush River, Carmen Res, Detroit Res, Fall Creek (Willamette R), Junction City Pond, Leaburg Lake, McKenzie R-1 and 2 (Above and below Leaburg Dam), Quartzville Creek, Santiam River N Fk-2, Small Fry Lake, Smith River Res, Sunnyside Park Pond, Willamette River Coast Fork.
Dexter Pond road closure
No public access into the Dexter Ponds Hatchery at least through Summer 2026 due to construction. Please call the USACE Park Ranger Office at (541) 942-5631 with questions.
South Fork Santiam River
Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000cfs, and flows are currently at around 1,500 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. 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 are spread throughout the river 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.
He also said they were now getting some summer steelhead, and the numbers of steelhead are climbing. “I have already caught more steelhead this year than I did all of last year,” said Halseth.
You can check the river gage at Waterloo here.
North Fork Santiam River
The river is currently running at 1300cfs, and is expected to stay at that level all week. This system is also seeing a good return of both summer steelhead and spring Chinook. There have been some good days lately when the springers want to bite. Salmon eggs and hardware have both been effective, and the fish are now staging in the many deep holes of the river, from the upper sections down to the mouth. Anglers are getting them on salmon eggs and hardware.
You can check the gauge at Mahama here
Detroit Reservoir
Detroit Lake was stocked last week with 8,0000 trophy trout and will receive another 3,000 this week. Mike Ferris of Fishermen Mike’s Guide Service reports that his most recent outing to the lake produced a quick limit of trout up to 16 inches in length. As a reminder, anglers are allowed to keep up to five trout, with an additional ten kokanee. Anglers are also reporting a decent kokanee catch. Juvenile spring Chinook are also active this time of year, feeding and trying to figure out how to migrate downstream. Anglers need to be able to tell them apart from kokanee and release any Chinook unharmed.
McKenzie River
Jeff at The Fly Fishers Place in Sisters reports that they have been seeing their best days on the McKenzie on perdigons, baby got bead, tungsten leeches and swinging soft hackles and small streamers. If you see a hatch, it could be yellow mayflies #12-14, olive or amber caddis #12-16, stoneflies #6-12, drakes #8-10 but there has not been very good dry fly action lately.
Sandy and Clackamas River reports by Jeff Stoeger and Bob Rees
Clackamas River Fishing Report – Anglers are finding consistent fishing in just a few locations on the Clackamas River, and it won’t come as any surprise that it’s at Dog Creek. There remains a fair number of both spring Chinook and summer steelhead at the McIver Park destination, and of course you have to be there early to stake out a spot, and stand a reasonable chance at an opportunity or two.
Creel counts, although due, haven’t been published just yet, but it’s likely that a stronger contingency of summer steelehad has been hitting the bank in recent days. Boaters have a better chance at spring Chinook and the Clackamas has a good seeding of springers right now for those anglers to target. Cooler weather this week will certainly be a welcome change, and keep the rafters and tubers from invading the river.
Sandy River Fishing Report – Avid angler Jeff Stoeger
Happy Father’s Day to everyone who celebrated this week.
The river dropped to 8.02 feet, with water temperature at 66.3 degrees.
Dabney Park is crowded daily and requires a parking permit, same as Lewis and Clark Park. Permits can be purchased by scanning the posted QR code. Glenn Otto Park also requires a parking permit, available as an hourly or daily pass.
Oxbow Park will close completely from September 8, 2026 through January 2027 for water pipe installation, with no access to any part of the park during that time. We called Camp Collins to ask about access at the bottom of the hill before the park entrance, but don’t have a confirmed answer yet.
If you’re floating from Oxbow downstream, expect 4 to 5 spots where you’ll need to get out of the boat or raft to drag over shallow bars.
Most summer steelhead are stacked up at Cedar Creek right now. Recent trips with Barry Buckland Guide Service have also produced some nice hatchery springers.
North & Central Coast Fishing Report by Bob Rees
The north of Falcon ocean salmon fishery has had a good week, except for today (Thursday) where the bite fell flat, likely due to a barometric pressure drop. Seas are expected to kick up a bit, but savvy boaters may get small windows of opportunity but be prepared for the wind to whip up by late morning.
Chinook are making up the bulk of the catch, but some coho are being caught as well. Bottomfishing along the sunken jetty has been productive as well, the soft tide exchange is ideal for that.
Lower river summer steelhead seekers on the Columbia are having a fairly good season, but softer tides this week don’t work well for success rates. It should pick up again next week however.
Lower Columbia sturgeon anglers have also had a good season, but the fish have been harder to come by in recent days. Softer tides don’t help the situation.
The south of Falcon mostly coho fishery isn’t off to a great start, but persistent trollers are finding a few fish. Limits are far from the rule however.
It hasn’t been a great week for halibut or bottomfish for that matter. Overall, halibut have been faily elusive this season. Let’s hope that’s not a trend.
Ocean crab are nearing the molt; hardshells will become increasingly more challenging to find.
Clammers get the week off during this soft tide series, there’s only a few more minus tide series’ before the seasonal closure takes place in mid-July.
Much more on the site for Chinook Members:
- Buzz Ramsey’s latest post – a video – Buzz describes his recent trout outing and subsequent success at East and Paulina Lakes. Chinook Members can read Buzz’s post HERE.
- Bill Monroe’s latest post – Wake up! It’s time for a little creative coho fishing! From pristine free launches with fuel docks to absolute “horror story” zones, discover the best and worst boat ramps along the Columbia and Willamette. Chinook Members can read Bill’s post HERE.
You can find all the articles from these two professionals on this page.
- Salmon Trout Steelheader article of the week: McKenzie Masters by Troy Buzalsky. This article details the history of the McKenzie River trout history and why you should take part in it. You can read her article 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.
Central-Eastern Oregon Fishing Report by Terry Otto (from last week)
Best bets for weekend fishing
Hike-in high country lakes offer fine fishing, less pressure.
Still spring Chinook throughout the Hood River. The last day of the season is June 30.
Stonefly season is winding down but good reports of nymph fishing on the lower Deschutes
Anglers report excellent early season fishing at Lava and Little Lava Lakes for large holdover trout
Shevlin Park youth and disabled fishing pond, Prineville youth pond, Metolius youth and disabled fishing pond and Pine Nursery Pond were recently stocked to provide excellent angling opportunities.
Anglers report smaller than average (12-16-in) but abundant rainbow trout and good fishing at Crane Prairie Reservoir.
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 Crooked and Metolius Rivers continue to provide excellent early spring angling opportunities for redband trout and mountain whitefish.
Fall River was recently stocked, and anglers report excellent nymphing opportunities near the hatchery and the headwaters.
Trout stocking
June 8-12: Lost Lake, Olallie Lake, Lava Lake
June 15-19: Olallie Lake, Deer Lake, Shevlin Pond, Fall River
Weather
The Bend area is slowly seeing a cool-down after the recent hot weather. The coming week will see highs in the 80’s, with a lot of bright, sunny, summer time weather.
Columbia River Walleye
The good folks at the Gorge Outfitters Supply in Rufus reports that the walleye bite continues to be very good for eating-sized fish, with a good bite recently just below the John Day Dam. The schools are still holding from 12 feet to about 30 feet. The best bite is still coming on the worm harnesses, which is the most effective method for summer walleyes. Fishing guide Buddy Dupell of Columbia River Fishing Adventures also reports excellent fishing for walleyes, with catches topping 20 fish a day at times.
Lower Deschutes River
The good folks at the Deschutes Angler Fly Shop in Maupin report that the crowds have thinned out, now that the spring bugs are gone. Anglers looking for surface action will find caddis hatching in the early morning, and at dusk. The bite continues to be strong right up until dark. You can find a few scattered hatches mid-day, but the early and late bite is best. Nymphing is good mid-day. Purple Haze, X Caddis, Fin Fetcher Caddis, Light Cahill, Yellow Para Wulff, Sparkle Dun, Elk Hair Caddis, Rusty Spinners are some good dry flies to play with.
Metolius River
On the Metolius River there is good news on the Green Drake front. Hatches are spread out from Canyon Creek to Candle Creek and seem to favor late day emergence, so don’t give up at 4, wait until at least 5:30. You’ll want nymphs pre hatch, emergers and duns during the hatch and a spent wing for the end of the hatch crippled duns, or if you are lucky enough to run into a drake spinner fall.
Lake Reports
Hosmer Lake
Hosmer is a good bet now and rated as good. Callibaetis hatches were later in the day, about 2 PM. Alderflies were hatching Thursday and Friday and splashy rises indicated the fish are eating them. Hosmer is a good Traveling Sedge lake, and make sure to have some Goddard caddis to skitter when the hatch is on either in the afternoon or evening.
East Lake
This lake is one of our best places to fish currently, and hopefully this trend continues all month. Sometimes July can get a little off at East, but August often bounces back as one of my favorite times to be on the lake. For now the callibaetis hatch is going well, and fish are eating all the stages. Chironomids under an indicator on stripped slowly on an emerger tip is a good method.
North Eastern Oregon
Best bets for weekend fishing:
Kokanee fishing has been good on Wallowa Lake.
Perch fishing has been good at Phillips Reservoir with some large fish caught.
Some nice trout are being caught on Willow Creek Reservoir.
Spring Chinook are being caught on the lower Umatilla River.
Smallmouth bass fishing on the John Day is currently very good
Trout stocking
June 8-12: Wallowa Wildlife Pond (Weavers Pond), Victor Pond, Wallowa Lake
June 15-19: Teepee Pond, Honeymoon Pond
Imnaha River
Fishing for trout and whitefish can be good throughout the middle and upper Imnaha River. Trout can be caught on a variety of flies and lures. Anglers targeting whitefish should drift weighted nymphs through deeper holes. Bass can be caught by anglers in the lower portion of the river especially downstream of Cow Creek.
SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome
A cooler weekend is on the way for most of Southern Oregon, with some showers and a bit of coastal wind that may limit time on the salt. If you’re heading out, here’s what’s been happening:
Coast & Ocean Brookings‑Harbor has been the hot spot this week. Chinook are in close, and fish over 20 pounds have been common. Crabbing has been solid, and rockfish and big lingcod continue to keep rods bent.
Further north at Winchester Bay, ocean conditions have kept most anglers inside, but the striper bite has been excellent, with plenty of quality fish being caught. Crabbing and pink‑fin perch have also been good. Coastal conditions look better next week—don’t just take my word for it, check the marine forecast before you go.
Inland Lakes Cooler weather should help slow the rapid drop in lake levels, and a little rain (without lightning) would be welcome. Despite low water, trout fishing has been good to excellent at: Lost Creek Hyatt Fish Lake Howard Prairie Applegate Galesville Diamond Lake (solid for nice‑sized trout) For bass anglers, Lake Selmac continues to produce, and don’t forget the Umpqua systems and the Coquille for stripers and smallmouth.
Rogue River Flows out of Lost Creek Dam have tightened up—down about 500 cfs from last week. That’s good news for Rogue Bay anglers hoping for an early fall Chinook, though weeds, moss, and sea lions have made things challenging. Expect improvement in the coming weeks.
On the mid to upper Rogue, the hot weather brought out the river floaters, but with cooler temps this weekend, it could be a better window to try for summer steelhead. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy some cool weather!