Willamette River Fish Report for 3-28-2024
Willamette River Report
Willamette River - Portland, OR (Lane County)
by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
3-28-2024
Website
For week of March 18-24 preliminary catch/effort: estimated 1,179 boats and 228 bank anglers.
- Chinook- 86 kept, 17 released,
- Steelhead- 5 kept, 0 released.
See summaries for more details.
River conditions and fish counts:
- March 24 Willamette River Portland-Temperature/Visibility: 46 F, Visibility: 2.8 ft
- Willamette Falls Counts as of March 9: Chinook-1, Winter steelhead-5,015, Summer steelhead-54
- Link to Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro Data
- Link to NOAA-Willamette River Forecast (Salem)
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 river is ideal for small boats such as canoes and kayaks, but there are enough public access points for bank anglers as well. Consult Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for specific locations.
The Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, fairly good access and variety.
More Reports
OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Thursday, March 28thKilchis River: The Kilchis is just starting to rise but should be fishable all week
Miami River: The Miami will be fishable all week, with Friday being the best conditions
Necanicum River: The Necanicum will be fishable all week
Nehalem River: It is just starting to rise and will likely get high and off color by Friday
Nestucca River: Winter steelhead fishing picked up the past week on the Nestucca
Siletz River: The Siletz has been remaining fair and steady throughout March
Siuslaw River: The Siuslaw is open for retention of hatchery winter steelhead
Three Rivers: Three Rivers should be fishable throughout the week
Trask River: The Trask River is on the rise and may get a little off color by Friday morning
Wilson River: The Wilson is on the rise and may get a little off color
Yaquina River: Winter steelhead will be entering the system
Detroit Reservoir: Reservoir levels continue to rise
Henry Hagg Lake: Henry Hagg Fishing Report
Hills Creek Reservoir: Hiils Creek Reservoir Report
Santiam River ( North Fork) : Fishing is slow this time of year
Santiam River (South Fork): Currently flows are around 3,300 cfs at the Waterloo gauge
OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Thursday, March 21stOwyhee River - East Fork: Fishing should be fair just below the dam
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