Middle Fork Willamette River
Willamette Zone

65 places to go fishing in Lane County

Lane County offers so much to explore — from coastal lakes and rivers to mountain lakes and streams. The Willamette River runs through the Eugene-Springfield metro area and is fed by three major rivers: the McKenzie, Middle Fork Willamette and Coast Fork Willamette. Florence is surrounded by large dune lakes, the Siuslaw River and Pacific Ocean. With so many places to fish, it’s no wonder Lane County is an angler’s paradise. For current regulations, call your local ODFW office or check MyODFW.com.

What You Need:

  • A valid fishing license
  • Familiarity with local regulations
  • A fishing rod, tackle, legal bait
  • Licenses and Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations are available at license agents and online

Before you go:

  • Check the weather
  • Check the road conditions
  • Go to MyODFW.com to buy a license, check the regulations and learn more about fishing in Oregon

More Fishing Resources at MyODFW.com

  • Fish stocking schedules
  • Fishing tips
  • Hike-in lake stocking locations and fishing information
  • Columbia river fishing information
  • Weekly recreation reports

Common Fish:

  • Rainbow trout
  • Brook trout
  • Cutthroat trout
  • Steelhead
  • Coho salmon
  • Chinook salmon
  • Largemouth bass
  • Crappie
  • Bullhead catfish

Travel Lane County Visitor Center
754 Olive St.
Eugene, OR 97401
Tel. 541.484.5307 | 800.547.5445
www.EugeneCascadesCoast.org

EUGENE – SPRINGFIELD AREA

1. Alton Baker Park
Trout, salmon, steelhead, bass, panfish
Access is via Alton Baker Park with an adjacent trail that runs nearly the entire length. The Alton Baker Canoe Canal, a side channel of the river, is stocked with rainbow trout. An occasional steelhead makes its way in from the mainstem Willamette. A midpoint pond offers good fishing, rounding out this popular location.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; stocked trout

2. Beltline Landing at Beltline and River Ave., Mainstem Willamette River
Trout, salmon, steelhead, bass, panfish
Often a take-out for floating the “town run” of summer steelhead, this gravel landing also provides bank access, summer recreation and a launch for a lesser-floated reach to the town of Harrisburg.
Amenities: boat launch or ramp

3. Island Park, Mainstem Willamette River
Trout, salmon, steelhead, bass, panfish
Provides good bank access to the river as well as a boat ramp.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic

4. Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System (Willamette River Trail), Mainstem Willamette River
Trout, salmon, steelhead, bass, panfish
A unique opportunity to target summer steelhead from late spring into early fall with or without a boat. Bike paths line the river from Island Park in Springfield to Randy Pape Beltline in north Eugene. Target the long bedrock runs and pools. Access to amenities, including boat ramps, in multiple locations.
Amenities: restrooms; picnic

5. Clearwater Landing, Middle Fork Willamette River
Trout, salmon, steelhead
Access to the Middle Fork Willamette Path with upgraded facilities. It is a nice put-in for floating down into the mainstem Willamette, with take-outs at Island Park, D Street or Alton Baker Park.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic

6. Armitage Park, McKenzie River
Trout, salmon, steelhead
Provides great access to boat or bank fishing with full amenities. Popular take-out for a float from Hayden Bridge.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required

7. Hayden Bridge, McKenzie River
Trout, salmon, steelhead
Easy access to a stretch of river with less technical water that fishes well for wild trout. Limited bank access available.
Amenities: boat launch or ramp

8. Hendricks Bridge, McKenzie River
Trout, salmon, steelhead
A peaceful oasis close to Springfield, this park offers full amenities, some bank access and a popular boat ramp. Ending point for salmon trips from Leaburg or starting point for wild trout floats to Hayden Bridge.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; day use, fee, or parking pass required; stocked trout

9. Deerhorn, McKenzie River
Trout, salmon, steelhead
Located on Holden Creek Rd. off of Hwy. 126, there is a ½-mile stretch of bank access as well as a boat launch.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; day use, fee, or parking pass required

10. Delta Ponds, Mainstem Willamette River
Bass, panfish, catfish
Easy access, bus stop nearby, biking trail, nature viewing trail, parking lot, restrooms. Owned by City of Eugene near Valley River Center. A rare opportunity to enjoy nature in the city.
Amenities: restrooms; disabled access​​​​

Photo by Stefan Zeltvay

COTTAGE GROVE AREA:

11. Riverside Park, Coast Fork Willamette River
Trout
Access through town and just north of town to the mainstem Coast Fork Willamette River. Technical float due to multiple navigation hazards.
Amenities: restrooms; picnic

12. CLOVERDALE Rd. at Sears Rd., Coast Fork Willamette River
Trout
An unimproved location with good bank access and inflatable boat launch. Roadside parking for vehicles.
Amenities: restrooms

13. Lynx Hollow, Coast Fork Willamette River
Trout
Although the gated entrance is occasionally open, plan on walk-in access only at this beautiful green space on the mainstem Coast Fork.
Amenities: picnic

14. Mosby Creek
Trout
This Row River tributary is immediately southeast of Cottage Grove with multiple access points along Mosby Creek Rd. and Blue Mountain Rd. This creek offers good fishing for hard-working trout anglers. Steelhead are occasionally caught.
Amenities: restrooms; picnic; disabled access

a boat powers across the lake at Fern Ridge
Photo by Kathy Munsel

15. Row River at Schwarz Park
Trout, salmon
Schwarz Park provides access to the Row River at the base of Dorena Dam. It offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including swimming, hiking, biking, and a launch for small watercraft. No formal day use, but anglers are welcome to park at the gate and walk through to access.
Amenities: restrooms; picnic; campground; disabled access

16. Row River Nature Park (aka East Regional Park)
Trout, bass, bluegill, catfish
The pond that has a dock is stocked with rainbow trout in the spring making it an excellent family-friendly fishery. Though none of the other ponds are stocked, the park has been a focus of restoration efforts and provides great wildlife viewing opportunities. There is an unimproved boat launch and bank access to the Row River.
Amenities: picnic; disabled access; stocked trout

17. Cottage Grove Reservoir
Bass, crappie, trout, catfish
Great bass fishing when the water warms up in the summer, but consumption guidelines advise against eating bass due to mercury levels. See fishing regulations for guidance. Popular for swimming, boating and waterskiing. Facilities include day use parks, campgrounds, group picnic sites, and a playground at Wilson Creek. Boat ramps at Lakeside and Wilson Creek parks but seasonally watch for algae blooms which may be harmful to people and pets.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required; stocked trout

18. Baker Bay County Park, Dorena Reservoir
Trout, bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie
Diverse fishing in a lake that is also popular with boaters and swimmers. Health advisory (mercury) for fish consumption.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required; stocked trout

LOWELL – DEXTER AREA

19. Dexter State Recreation Area, Middle Fork Willamette and Dexter Reservoir
Trout, salmon, steelhead, bass
This area spans both the river and reservoir. Plenty of amenities are available at the reservoir, including a boat launch, dock and bank access. The reservoir is primarily a trout and warmwater fishery. Drive a little further into the park to access the river. There is a boat ramp and bank access for salmon and steelhead anglers.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; day use, fee, or parking pass required; stocked trout

the middle fork of the Willamette River
Middle Fork of the Willamette - Photo by Martyne Reesman

20. Jasper Bridge, Middle Fork Willamette
Trout, salmon, steelhead
Provides good bank fishing and an unimproved boat launch on the south bank. This is a nice take-out for the Dexter – Jasper float or a stopover for a longer float.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; day use, fee, or parking pass required

21. Pengra Boat Launch, Middle Fork Willamette
Trout, salmon, steelhead
A good boat launch with bank access. At lower water levels, there is some access to less-fished water across the river.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; day use, fee, or parking pass required

22. Fall Creek (above Fall Creek Reservoir)
Trout
Picturesque stream above Fall Creek Reservoir. Popular summer recreation area with swimming holes. Good bank access from multiple campgrounds.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required; disabled access

23. Lookout Point Reservoir
Walleye, bass, crappie
3 boat ramps. US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) manages the facilities on the north side of reservoir, for information about boat ramps or campground call their Ranger Office 541-942-5631

  • Meridian Park – at the dam. Boat ramp usually usable May – Sept., park open daily 8 a.m. – dusk. Dock available.
    Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; campground
  • Signal Point Boat Ramp open all year, 5 mi. upstream from the dam. Ivan Oakes Campground is nearby. Dock available.
    Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; campground
  • Hampton Boat Ramp - South side of reservoir off Hwy 58. Only accessed when reservoir is full.
    Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; campground

a view across Dexter Reservoir
Dexter Reservoir - Photo by Martyne Reesman

24. Lowell State Recreation Site, Dexter Reservoir
Trout, bass
Fishing is best from fall to spring. Heavy use by waterskiers and sailboaters. Dexter is home to a pikeminnow derby during the Blackberry Jam Festival in late July.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; campground; stocked trout

25. Cascara Campground, Fall Creek Reservoir
Trout, bass, crappie
Popular recreational area with access to camping, hiking, swimming and boating. Bank access via campgrounds, boat ramps and picnic area.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required; disabled access

OAKRIDGE AREA

26. Black Canyon Campground, Middle Fork Willamette
Trout, salmon, steelhead
Located within a beautiful, shady campground, the boat ramp remains open year-round and provides access to the head of Lookout Point Reservoir.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required

27. North Fork of the Middle Fork Willamette
Trout
Fishing pressure is light on this beautiful and remote-feeling river in a deep canyon. Fly-fishing with barbless hooks only. Access from pullouts along FS Rd. 19; the lower 12 miles offer particularly good water. This is also a popular summer swimming stream.
Amenities: restrooms; picnic; campground

28. Salmon Creek
Trout
Located immediately northeast of Oakridge via Salmon Creek Rd. (FS Rd. 24). Multiple access points at pullouts, bridges and a campground, as well as hiking to a waterfall and mountain biking. Visit ODFW’s Willamette Hatchery along the way!
Amenities: restrooms; picnic; campground

29. Erma Bell Lakes
Trout
Series of three lakes north of Waldo Lake in the high Cascades with hike-in access. Very popular area for hikers, providing access to other trails and lakes.
Amenities: restrooms; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required; disabled access; stocked trout

30. Gold Lake
Trout
A beautiful, easy-access lake in the Cascades near Willamette Pass. Fly-fishing only for brook and rainbow trout. Electric motors only. Open from May 22-Oct 31.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; campground; stocked trout

31. Hills Creek Reservoir
Trout, crappie, bass
A popular reservoir with many access points. Other recreational opportunities include camping, hiking trails, mountain biking.

  • Packard Creek Campground
    Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required; disabled access
  • C.T. Beach Picnic Area
    Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; day use, fee, or parking pass required

32. Shadow Bay Campground
Trout, kokanee
One of the largest and clearest lakes in Oregon, Waldo was historically stocked with a variety of trout species, but is no longer stocked. Fishing can be challenging, but October can be rewarding at the southern end. Bank access is limited.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required; disabled access; stocked trout

LEABURG AREA

33.Ben and Kay Dorris Wayside
Trout, steelhead
This scenic site offers nice bank access as well as an easy boat launch. Good take-out to avoid Marten Rapids just downstream.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; disabled access; stocked trout

the McKenzie River

34. Leaburg Lake
Trout
This easy-access, family-friendly location is near ODFW’s Leaburg Hatchery. It provides access for fishing from boat or bank.
Amenities: restrooms; picnic; disabled access; stocked trout

35. Leaburg Landing, McKenzie River
Trout, salmon, steelhead
Some bank access available primarily for salmon and steelhead. Good access to the middle river below Leaburg Dam.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; day use, fee, or parking pass required

36. Greenwood Landing, McKenzie River
Trout, salmon, steelhead
This popular boat launch also provides bank access for anglers.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; day use, fee, or parking pass required

BLUE RIVER AREA

37. Silver Creek Landing, McKenzie River
Trout, steelhead
An unimproved launch 3 miles west of Nimrod provides access for both bank and boat anglers.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; stocked trout

38. Finn Rock Landing, McKenzie River
Trout, steelhead
This is a popular launch for a day trip on the McKenzie and also offers good bank access on the upstream side.
Amenities: boat launch or ramp

39. Paradise Campground, McKenzie River
Trout, steelhead
Located in the campground, this launch provides access to a beautiful stretch of the upper river.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required; disabled access

40. Blue River Reservoir
Trout, bass
Very popular summer lake with trail access. Open year-round and stocked in spring and early summer. Bank access is at boat ramps and along the shoreline.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; campground; stocked trout

41. Scott Lake
Trout
Late summer High Cascade lake stocked with trout. Stunning views of the Three Sisters, tent camping ONLY, great for hiking, float tubes, inflatable boats, standup paddleboards. Follow Hwy 242 (closed seasonally for snow, no trailers allowed) east for 14 miles then turn left onto road 260 and follow to Scott Lake. Heavy mosquitoes in July, dogs on leash only.
Amenities: campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required

Clear Lake
Clear Lake - Photo by Rick Swart, ODFW

42. Clear Lake Resort, Clear Lake
Trout
Headwaters of the McKenzie River, 148-acre natural lake famous for its “underwater forest.” Motorized boats prohibited. Non-motorized boat rentals available at county-owned resort onsite.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; campground; stocked trout

43. Slide Creek Campground, Cougar Reservoir
Trout
Bank anglers can head to the upper end of the reservoir and boat anglers to the coves for the best fishing on this large waterbody.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required

44. Linton Lake
Trout
A rare brown trout lake in the High Cascades. Accessed by marked hiking trails off of Hwy. 242
(closed seasonally for snow). Brook trout are also available.
Amenities: campground

a welcome sign at Coyote Creek
Photo by Chris Shubothe

FERN RIDGE AREA

45. Orchard Point Park, Fern Ridge Reservoir
Bass, panfish, bullhead, warmouth, carp
The Willamette Valley’s largest waterbody by surface area, this reservoir offers excellent warmwater fishing for largemouth bass and panfish. Good bank access at several parks, docks and along the dam face. Explore the shallow lagoons and bottomland creeks on the south end from a canoe or kayak.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; day use, fee, or parking pass required

46. Junction City Pond
Trout
This easy-access pond is great for beginners and has fishing docks and restrooms. High use from nearby urban areas.
Amenities: restrooms; disabled access; stocked trout

47. Whittaker Creek Boat Launch, Whittaker Creek Rd. at Siuslaw River Rd.
Cutthroat trout, salmon, steelhead
Provides boat and bank access to the Siuslaw River in an area with a productive hatchery fishery. Bobber and jig can be effective for both boat and bank anglers. Amenities available seasonally at BLM campground.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; campground

48. Lake Creek
Salmon, steelhead, cutthroat trout
This tributary to the Siuslaw River has good fishing in the lower reach below Green Creek. Hwy. 36 tracks the creek closely. Facilities available at the BLM site.

  • Deadwood Boat Ramp near the mouth of Deadwood Creek
    Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; day use, fee, or parking pass required
  • Konnie Memorial Park near the town of Swisshome. Primitive boat launch.
    Amenities: boat launch or ramp

49. Hult Pond
Largemouth bass, cutthroat trout, bluegill
Not far off of Hwy 36, this is a small reclaimed log pond owned by Bureau of Land Management that is a popular recreation site for fishing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, and scenic driving. From the town of Horton follow paved road #3640 until it connects with BLM Rd #15-35 and follow this gravel road for a mile to the recreation site.
Amenities: picnic; campground

50. Triangle Lake
Trout, bass, bluegill, yellow perch, bullhead, kokanee
This large, popular, natural lake offers varied fishing that can be good, especially on the south and east shores. Access by boat or from a fishing pier.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required; disabled access

FLORENCE AREA

51. Cushman, Siuslaw River
Cutthroat trout, salmon, steelhead
A paved public dock located on the Siuslaw east of Florence. Nice access for salmon and steelhead.
Amenities: boat launch or ramp

52. Port of Siuslaw, Siuslaw River
Cutthroat trout, salmon, steelhead
Great location for fishing, clamming or crabbing within walking distance of Old Town Florence. Full amenities are available.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required

53. Rhododendron Drive, Siuslaw River
Cutthroat trout, salmon, steelhead
Good opportunity for Chinook and coho fishing on a riprapped bank just above the mouth of the Siuslaw River.
Amenities: restrooms; picnic; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required; disabled access

54. Alder Lake, Florence
Trout
Adjacent to a campground, this 3-acre dune lake provides family-friendly access for trout fishing and trails.
Amenities: restrooms; picnic; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required; disabled access; stocked trout

55. Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park
Surfperch
Easy beach access from the park and known for providing good surfperch opportunities, particularly in spring and summer.
Amenities: restrooms; picnic; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required; disabled access

56. Honeyman State Park
Trout, yellow perch, bass
Large, deep coastal dune lakes accessed via Honeyman State Park on both sides of Hwy. 101. Wide variety of recreational opportunities with options for the whole family; bank access is mostly limited to boat ramp areas. Camping and all other amenities are within the State Park.

  • Cleawox Lake
    Amenities: restrooms; picnic; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required; disabled access
  • Woahink Lake
    Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; disabled access; stocked trout

57. Munsel Landing County Park
Trout, yellow perch, bass
Popular for boating, swimming and fishing, this shore dune lake offers varied fishing opportunities. Shoreline is mostly privately owned; access at boat ramp.
Amenities: boat launch or ramp; day use, fee, or parking pass required

58. Siltcoos Lake
Salmon, trout, yellow perch, catfish, crappie, bass
This large, somewhat shallow lake is well-used and has a wide variety of fish available, including coho salmon during open season.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required; disabled access

59. South Jetty County Park
Crab, surfperch, rockfish
While you can fish for salmon or rockfish, the big draw here is crabbing. Also provides beach and OHV access. Many local shops offer crab pot rentals.
Amenities: restrooms; day use, fee, or parking pass required

60. Sutton Lake
Trout, yellow perch, bass
Actually comprised of two lakes (East and West Sutton) that are linked by a short channel. Shoreline is mostly private; bank access at boat ramp and campground.
Amenities: restrooms; boat launch or ramp; picnic; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required

IF YOU HAVE TIME FOR A FLOAT

61. Middle Fork Willamette River – Pengra to Jasper or Clearwater:
A few technical spots keep boaters alert on this fish-and-float for trout and the occasional salmon or steelhead.

62. Willamette River – The Town Run:
Put in at Island Park, Springfield or Alton Baker Park, Eugene and float to Beltline. Productive for summer steelhead in late spring and early summer.

63. McKenzie River – Hayden Bridge to Armitage Park:
A gentle float with a few technical spots and abundant trout make this stretch relaxing. Catch-and-release, flies and lures only.

64. Siuslaw River – Whittaker Creek to Lake Creek:
A winter steelhead drift boat fishery from January through March. Scout the rapids from
Stagecoach Rd. before floating.

65. Siuslaw River – Cushman or the Port of Siuslaw:
Cushman or the Port of Siuslaw. Productive fall salmon fishery. A motorized boat is recommended.

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