Idaho Fish Report

MCKENZIE RIVER below Leaburg Lake (R1):

ODFW has instated a temporary rule to open the McKenzie River downstream of Leaburg Dam to coho fishing from Oct. 1 – Dec. 31. You can harvest clipped or unclipped coho. Limit of a combination of 2 coho or steelhead per person per day.

CLOSED to Chinook salmon fishing until Dec. 31, 2024. Low numbers of both hatchery and unclipped Chinook returning to Leaburg Dam led to the decision to close the fishery to meet conservation and broodstock goals for next year's juvenile releases. Fishing for summer steelhead remains open throughout the river and has been very productive.

Was last stocked the week of Sept 2, with 2,000 rainbow trout. Bait can be used from April 22 – Oct. 31, but beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies.

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Check the 2024 Sport Fishing Regulations for bait restrictions in the segment you plan to fish.

The lower McKenzie River 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 McKenzie. 

MCKENZIE RIVER above Leaburg Lake (R2):

Was last stocked the week of Sept. 12 with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout. Over 4,000 summer steelhead have passed over Leaburg Dam, so there is a good possibility of hooking some steelhead upstream of Leaburg Dam!

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Bait is allowed from Leaburg Dam to Forest Glen Boat Ramp from April 22 – Oct 31.