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.

Click the park photos in this article to take a virtual tour around some of our city parks and find your new favorite fishing spot.

“Man and Birds Fishing at Waverly Lake” by Dan Bateman
Click the photo to connect to Albany Parks & Recreation website
“River Beach” by Oliver J. Anderson
Click the photo for a virtual tour of Bryant Park

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.

There is also good fishing for stocked trout at Timber-Linn and Waverly Lakes.

Path at Waverly Park next to Waverly Lake
“Summer at Waverly Lake” by Keith Kendrick
Click the photo for a virtual tour of Waverly Park
Timber Linn Park by Dave Maestas
Click the photo for a virtual tour of Timber Linn Park

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 to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for a 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.

The latest information about fishing in the Willamette Zone can also be found on their website.

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. The staff there are knowledgeable and ready to help. Contact the shop at 541-967-9800 or 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 or find licensing information on the ODFW website.

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.

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 541-757-4186.

Other Links

Here is another site that features fishing in Albany:

Bestfishinginamerica.com