Due to very poor predicated returns, retention of steelhead on the Umatilla River between the Hwy 730 bridge and Three Mile Falls Dam (TMDF) will be closed Sept. 1 through April 30, 2022. From TFMD to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation boundary is open for fishing and retention of steelhead. There has been a total of 1,133 steelhead counted at TMFD up to date for the run year, with an average of 5 fish per day over the past week.

The flows in the Umatilla have come up in the last week and anglers should start see fish moving because of this. Anglers should start to find success as the flows start to drop and counts at TMFD are up as fish are moving through the system due to the flow increase. The water clarity has improved over the past few days and flows are starting to drop a bit, which should create good fishing conditions. Anglers have been catching fish from Hermiston to Pendleton, with an average of 1 fish caught per 8 hours fished. Anglers should focus their efforts in the slower inside seems and areas where fish can get out of the main current.    

Trout fishing on the Umatilla River, and its tributaries, is closed currently and reopens May 22. Bass and other warmwater species remain open all year.