Fishing

Whether you are looking for world-class fly fishing or just want to bait a hook and sit on the bank in the sunshine, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Willamette Valley.

There are many rivers and streams in the area to choose from, with rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout, as well as steelhead and salmon in season, and ponds and lakes with trout, bass, catfish and bluegill for the catching.

What, When and Where

Spring, summer and fall are great for fishing in the valley, particularly if you are looking to take the family. Bluegill, crappie, smallmouth bass and catfish can be caught where the Willamette and the Calapooia rivers join at Bryant Park in Albany, as well as good fishing for stocked trout at Timber-Linn and Waverly Lakes.

Along with the normal planting of legal keeper-sized fish (8-inch minimum), the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife plants a few large brood fish – used to collect eggs for spawning more trout at hatcheries – at several lakes  including Waverly and Timber-Linn to give the public a shot at landing “the big one.”

To check the stocking schedule for your area, go here for the ODFW’s searchable list of where and when fish will be planted.

The ODFW website provides a breakdown of how-to and where to go at its Seasonal Opportunities page. Find out what species are available for each time of year and how and where to catch them.

For the latest information about fishing in the Willamette Zone, go to https://myodfw.com/recreation-report/fishing-report/willamette-zone.

Fly Fishing

If you are planning a fly fishing trip and need some gear, or just a few ideas about where to go and what fly to use, stop in at Two Rivers Fly Shop in historic downtown Albany, 204 1st Ave. SW, and talk with owner Mitch Smith. You could also contact Mitch at 541-967-9800, or drop him a line at trfs@live.com.

Fishing License

Fishing licenses are required for any person 14 years of age or older and can be purchased at most sporting goods stores in the area. For more information on licenses and tags, click here.

Free Fishing Days

On four weekends during the year, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife offers Free Fishing Days. On those days you don’t need a license, tag or endorsement to fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon. For more information and updates about Free Fishing Days and other events, click here.

Fishing report

For a weekly fishing report, visit the ODFW Fishing page. For more information, go to the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife site, or call 1-541-757-4186.

Other Links

Here is another site that features fishing in Albany:

Bestfishinginamerica.com