Idaho Fish Report
Mid-Willamette Updates
by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
11-6-2024
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Now that flows in the spawning tributaries are high, adult coho are much more evenly distributed throughout the basin. The better action is now primarily in the larger tributaries such as the North Santiam, Little North Santiam, and the Molalla. Other tributaries such as the Luckiamute River and Rickreall Creek are closed to salmon fishing. Anglers are allowed to keep up to two adult coho per day.
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.