Oregon Fishing Reports: Willamette River Fishing Report

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Willamette River Sponsored by

Date	22-Oct-22
Water Condition
Water Temperature

Conditions : WILLAMETTE RIVER: Coho salmon have arrived and are now available to anglers. As of Oct. 1, over 9,400 adults have been counted at the Willamette Falls fish ladder. While the river is still low, these fish tend to concentrate at the mouths of tributary rivers such as the Yamhill, Mollala, Rickreall, Luckiamute, and the Santiam, waiting for the fall rains. Anglers who can get out on a boat will have the advantage, but they can also be caught from the bank. Daily bag limit is 2 adult fish per day.

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 Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, fairly good access and variety. Last updated 10/5/22.

Reported by: Oregon D.F.W

Hatches:	Patterns	Lures & Spinners


About: - The Willamette offers many warm water fishing opportunities to turn to when salmon or sturgeon are not available. Look for bass, crappie, or bluegill around rocky outcroppings and other structure such as old pilings or fallen trees. The local tackle shops should be able to set you up with the gear you need, as well as provide some expertise on the best places to try.

Misc Info: - Anglers are now allowed to keep up to three coho per day under a new bonus bag rule that took effect Sept. 1. Below Willamette Falls, anglers on the Willamette were already permitted under permanent rules to keep two fin-clipped adult salmon or steelhead in any combination. The new bonus bag rule allows retention of a third fish, as long as it is a hatchery coho, denoted by a clipped adipose fin.