Poor river conditions last week and not much effort.

Preliminary estimates for the week of May 5th- May 11th: 

• Boats: 2,685 anglers – Chinook 247 kept, 54 released - Steelhead 0 kept, 0 released

• Bank: 207 anglers – Chinook 0 kept, 0 released - Steelhead 0 kept , 0 released

See summaries for more details.

• Spring Chinook

• Steelhead

River conditions and fish counts:

• May 19, Willamette River Portland-Temperature/Visibility: 59F, Visibility: 8.5 ft

• Link to: Willamette Falls Counts 

• Link to Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro Data

• Link to NOAA-Willamette River Forecast (Salem)

The Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, good access and variety.

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 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. Anglers also report the occasional walleye up to 20 inches. Trout prefer the cooler temperatures upstream of Corvallis. From Salem downstream there are plenty of largemouth bass in the deeper, quieter sections. Trout can be kept in some sections, but not in others. Consult the regulation booklet for details.