Category Archives: Lower Willamette

Fall Fishing Report Mid October 2022

It’s hard to complain about the fine water conditions, beautiful weather and solid fishing we have been having. But…. it seems like we need some rain. There are periods during the day when fishing is getting a little tougher, even … Continue reading

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Native Fish Society September Meeting Reminder

Just a reminder that we will be meeting this Wednesday, September 28th, at 5:30pm again at Ninkasi’s Better Living Room, 155 Blair Blvd, Eugene. We will discuss: Coordinating temperature monitoring in key watersheds next summer; Sampling aquatic macroinvertebrates for stream health … Continue reading

Posted in Lower Willamette, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing, Oregon Conservation News, Oregon Fly Fishing Clubs and Events | Leave a comment

Mid September Fishing Report – McKenzie and Willamette Rivers

Man I wish September was about 60 days long. It’s hard to beat the weather, and of course the fishing is solid all across the state. Locally we have seen dry fly fishing pick up considerably. Prior to October Caddis … Continue reading

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Dry Fly Fishing Improving Locally – McKenzie and Willamette Fishing Very Well

Increased shade, cooler evenings and lighter fishing pressure have trout looking up much more in recent days. Must have (don’t leave home without them) dry flies for the McKenzie, Willamette and tributaries include the following: Parachute Adams #10-14 Carlson’s Purple … Continue reading

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31ST IS BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT WITH THE NATIVE FISH SOCIETY MCKENZIE CHAPTER!

Jeff Ziller, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife District Fish Biologist, will be joining us, giving his perspective on current fish trends in the McKenzie, discussing potential citizen science collaborations with ODFW, and answering any questions you might have! … Continue reading

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McKenzie River Frenchie Pattern: Fly Tying Video

Sure, another frenchie variation video. But we wouldn’t be sharing this one if we weren’t excited about it. With an ode to the Europeans that developed these nymphs, we tied this one in a disproportionate bead to hook size. It … Continue reading

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McKenzie and Willamette Fishing Report Early June 2022

Despite the continued high water both the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers are fishing very well. Hatches have really improved and a great variety of flies and tactics are taking fish. Each time I speak with a fellow angler I hear … Continue reading

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High Spring Flows in the Willamette Valley May 2022

A super wet April has pumped serious water into the Willamette Valley and rivers are way up today. We needed the water, and the snow in the mountains. While high water can make access difficult it’s going to keep water … Continue reading

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Winter Storm Brings Much Needed Water to Willamette Basin

The Willamette Basin and Oregon in general has had another very mild winter. Lack of snow pack and precipitation is great for early spring fishing (its been a fantastic March Brown Hatch) but late spring and summer low water increases … Continue reading

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Spring Break March Brown Fishing Going Strong on the Lower McKenzie

It happening folks, it is time to get out trout fishing. This is absolutely my favorite time of year, and conditions are only improving. I live in downtown Eugene and can be wadered up/boat in the water in under 20 … Continue reading

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Lower McKenzie Report March 2022

The lower river has been fishing very good the past two weeks. With cloudy days and warmer weather, the fish are looking up and if you get out there at the right time, the March Brown hatch has been excellent. … Continue reading

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Willamette River Basin News 2022

Looking out across a barren landscape of thick mud dotted by boulders and tree stumps, you might perceive a scene of destruction, but to Native Fish Society Conservation Director Jennifer Fairbrother, she sees a river reborn and a fighting chance … Continue reading

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March Lower Willamette Report

Hit the lower part of the Willy earlier this week. We did see some March Brown’s flying around but not much surface activity. With the weather forecast headed for some rain and milder temps’ surface activity will get going. Nymphing … Continue reading

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March Brown Hatch on the McKenzie – Spring Fishing 2022

It’s that time of year again March Madness is close and March Browns are hatching on the McKenzie. Nymphing has been solid, swinging wets has been superb, and sporadic surface activity with March Browns, Blue Winged Olives, Skwala Stones, and … Continue reading

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Lower River Report February 2022

Last super bowl Sunday, I decided to brave the crowds, and fish the lower McKenzie from Armitage to Crossroads. I put in around 1pm and the weather was perfect, high cloud cover and 65° or so. The river is surprisingly … Continue reading

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