Category Archives: Lower Willamette

Spring 2022 Guide Special on Now through April 15th

Each Spring we are reminded of how fortunate we are to have the lower McKenzie and Willamette rivers within such close proximity to the Eugene area. When conditions align, there is potential for exceptional trout fishing. Current water conditions and … Continue reading

Posted in Fishing Reports, Lower Willamette, McKenzie River, Oregon Fly Fishing Tips | Leave a comment

Oregon Fishing Opportunities abound, no rain in sight Jan 2022

Winter steelhead streams are in great shape. The McKenzie and Middle Fork of the Willamette are at perfect levels. Eastern Oregon waters like the Deschutes and Metolius are prime for winter trout angling. It’s way too early to be have … Continue reading

Posted in Coastal Steelhead Fishing, Eastern Oregon, Fishing Reports, Lower Willamette, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing | Leave a comment

Winter Trout Fishing Still Productive December 2021

Bryson didn’t find big numbers of fish yesterday but the ones he did find were nice fish. The clear winner in terms of flies was a black rubber legged stone fly nymph, jigged or standard basic black rubber legs. Pat’s … Continue reading

Posted in Fishing Reports, Lower Willamette, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing | Leave a comment

McKenzie River Still Fishing Well in December

The McKenzie has been holding steady with water levels down near summer flows. Nymphing tactics have been producing some really good fishing. Get out there before the next rains bump the river up again. Best Patterns including the following: Hot … Continue reading

Posted in Fishing Reports, Lower Willamette, McKenzie River | Leave a comment

Tell ODOT to Remove Kellogg Dam

From Native Fish Society Now is the time to remove the aging and dangerous Kellogg Dam! The Oregon Department of Transportation will be receiving a windfall in the form of an extra $1.2 billion thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and … Continue reading

Posted in Lower Willamette, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing, Oregon Conservation News | Leave a comment

Local Fishing Report – Fall Fly Patterns

The McKenzie and Willamette Rivers received a “freshen up” last weekend. While rivers came up quickly they came right back down into great shape. Water temperature have dropped a bit but fishing has remained excellent. This time of year is … Continue reading

Posted in Fishing Reports, Lower Willamette, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing | Leave a comment

Fall is in the air – Local Fishing Heating Up

Water temps are ideal on the upper McKenzie River and each cooler night we have going forward will help the Lower river cool down as well. More bugs are present each day. Gray Drakes, October Caddis, Blue Winged Olives and … Continue reading

Posted in Fishing Reports, Lower Willamette, McKenzie River | Leave a comment

Cooler Temperatures mid August – Fishing Remains Solid on the McKenzie

Fishing with smaller nymphs and a variety of dry flies has been good on the McKenzie River. Water levels are low and water temperatures are a bit higher than normal but the fishing above Leaburg Dam is solid. It’s a … Continue reading

Posted in Fishing Reports, Lower Willamette, McKenzie River | Leave a comment

Summer Tactics for Local Waters August 2021

I wish we were discussing high water tactics in August of 2021…. Fish like water as we all know. It’s going to be a very interesting summer with extreme drought conditions wreaking havoc on numerous watersheds across the state of … Continue reading

Posted in Lower Willamette, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing, Oregon Fly Fishing Tips | 3 Comments

Native Fish Society ACTION ALERT: KELLOGG CREEK DAM HAS TO GO!

Kellogg Creek Dam, in Milwaukie, Oregon, prevents migrating Willamette River salmon from taking advantage of the creek’s cold water during warm summer months. Sign the latest NFS Action Alert telling Oregon lawmakers that Kellogg Creek Dam has got to go! … Continue reading

Posted in Coastal Steelhead Fishing, Lower Willamette, Oregon Conservation News | Leave a comment

Smallmouth bite is On! May 2021

The Willamette River and tributaries are seeing some quality fly fishing for smallmouth bass presently. Lower and warmer water have the bass lighting up to patterns like RIO Meat Sweats, Micro Game Changers and Double Barrel Poppers. Give Alex a … Continue reading

Posted in Fishing Reports, Lower Willamette | Leave a comment

April March Browns Still Going Strong on the Lower McKenzie River

March Brown mayflies continue to hatch from 2-4pm on the lower McKenzie. Dry fly fishing has been everything from challenging to very good. Setting up on a “feeding lane” during the hatch and presenting sparse mayfly imitations seemed to be … Continue reading

Posted in Fishing Reports, Lower Willamette, McKenzie River | Leave a comment

Willamette River Report March 2021

Headed out to enjoy a beautiful day on the Willy. March brings crazy weather patterns which bring some the best early hatches of March Browns and Caddis. The hatches were tan caddis and occasional March Brown. However, the fish were … Continue reading

Posted in Fishing Reports, Lower Willamette, McKenzie River | Leave a comment

March Brown Wet Fly Tying Video – March 2021

March Brown Wet Fly tied by Jim Sens Today Jim is tying a fantastic spring wet fly. Imitating a March Brown, this fly can be fished on the swing, in a nymph rig, or underneath a high-floating dry fly. It’s … Continue reading

Posted in Classes and Instruction, Fly Tying Materials and Supplies, Lower Willamette, McKenzie River, Oregon Fly Fishing Tips | Leave a comment

Spring 2021 Guide Special on Now through April 15th

Each Spring we are reminded of how fortunate we are to have the Lower McKenzie and Willamette rivers within such close proximity to the Eugene area. When conditions align, there is potential for exceptional trout fishing. Current water conditions and … Continue reading

Posted in Classes and Instruction, Fly Fishing Travel, Lower Willamette, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing | 1 Comment