Reports of a few fish being caught below Dexter Dam

Middle Fork of the Williamette


by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
6-15-2022
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There have been over 17,000 springers over Willamette Falls in 2022,  although passage has slowed the past week there are a few fish being caught below Dexter Dam when anglers can get their gear in the water. There has been high flow below the dam that results in challenging conditions for anglers.

The Middle Fork Willamette River is open to bait below Dexter Dam only. Reminder: Restrictions from Dexter Dam to approximately 700 feet downstream to the markers: No angling from the north shore, from a floating device, or while wading (page 44 in regulations). This river reach is open to retention of adipose fin-clipped salmon and steelhead and non-adipose fin-clipped steelhead greater than 24 inches long.

A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead in the Middle Fork Willamette below Dexter Dam.

The Middle Fork Willamette above Lookout Point and Hills Creek reservoirs is 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.