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May 17
The Caddis Fly Angling Shop
This coming Tuesday the 19th is our monthly Fly Fishing Community Night. Every month, our local community looks forward to gathering at our favorite brewery which has hosted us for over a year: Falling Sky Brewing. Beginners and experts alike are found in the crowd, there are also new faces each month as well as the veterans that have been attending since the monthly events inception.
Where: Falling Sky Brewing [1334 Oak Alley Eugene, OR 9740]
When: Tuesday, May 19th at 6:00
What: Fly tying, new friends, prizes, great food, great beer, fly swap, fly tying lessons (must reserve your spot), and connecting with the community.
This past month, our friend Alan Eubanks gave complimentary fly tying lessons to beginners. Again, this month Alan will be hosting an intro to fly tying class sponsored by Caddis Fly Shop. There are limited seats so message our Instagram to reserve your spot, stop by the shop and get your name on the list, or give the shop a ring (541) 342-7005. Alan has been tying flies for decades and is excited to share his wealth of knowledge with eager students. This month he will be pairing down the class size and scope of the class, and will be teaching beginners how to tie a Pheasant Tail Nymph. There are also a plethora of other experienced tiers who show up each month who will be more than willing to lend a hand as well. Again, please reserve your spot if you are interested; we only have limited supplies and for those who want to learn
If you havent been to a Community Night, youre missing out, and wed love to see you there. It is a great excuse to get together and talk about fly fishing, tie flies, meet new people in the community, usher in newbies, etc. See the bottom of this post for the full schedule for 2026.
Tiers are encouraged to bring their vise and materials and tie flies if they choose. We will still continue with the monthly fly swap for tiers who participate. If you arent planning on tying, but want to bring a hand tied fly, you are welcome to bring one from home.
We have gotten in some gifts from our friends at Fulling Mill & Trout Unlimited that we will parcel out to those participating in the fly swap. We wont give everything out this month, as we will stretch the prizes over the next few months but if you participate in the fly swap, you will have a chance to win something.
Falling Sky has great beer and some very talented chefs working hard in the back. Their burgers and sandwiches are fantastic, if you choose either of those you have to try the truffle fries. They also have a fantastic bacon loaded truffle Mac and Cheese. Stephen, the owner, has been generous enough to host us monthly for a year and a half. He is a fly angler himself and always makes his rounds. Be sure to extend your gratitude to the man who has made this happen every month for well over a year.
We can always expect our regulars to show up monthly. We also encourage new people to swing by. We have had a massive influx of new faces and new anglers, so it is a great time to stop by if youve been hesitant. Whether youre a veteran to community night or brand new, we are looking forward to seeing you Tuesday!
Help spread the word, the more the merrier!
-Simon
2026 Schedule
Community Nights will typically land on the third Tuesday of each month for 2026. Some dates are subject to change, so keep a close eye for updates.
Where: Falling Sky Brewing [1334 Oak Alley Eugene, OR 9740]
When: Tuesday, May 19th at 6:00
What: Fly tying, new friends, prizes, great food, great beer, fly swap, fly tying lessons (must reserve your spot), and connecting with the community.
This past month, our friend Alan Eubanks gave complimentary fly tying lessons to beginners. Again, this month Alan will be hosting an intro to fly tying class sponsored by Caddis Fly Shop. There are limited seats so message our Instagram to reserve your spot, stop by the shop and get your name on the list, or give the shop a ring (541) 342-7005. Alan has been tying flies for decades and is excited to share his wealth of knowledge with eager students. This month he will be pairing down the class size and scope of the class, and will be teaching beginners how to tie a Pheasant Tail Nymph. There are also a plethora of other experienced tiers who show up each month who will be more than willing to lend a hand as well. Again, please reserve your spot if you are interested; we only have limited supplies and for those who want to learn
If you havent been to a Community Night, youre missing out, and wed love to see you there. It is a great excuse to get together and talk about fly fishing, tie flies, meet new people in the community, usher in newbies, etc. See the bottom of this post for the full schedule for 2026.
Tiers are encouraged to bring their vise and materials and tie flies if they choose. We will still continue with the monthly fly swap for tiers who participate. If you arent planning on tying, but want to bring a hand tied fly, you are welcome to bring one from home.
We have gotten in some gifts from our friends at Fulling Mill & Trout Unlimited that we will parcel out to those participating in the fly swap. We wont give everything out this month, as we will stretch the prizes over the next few months but if you participate in the fly swap, you will have a chance to win something.
Falling Sky has great beer and some very talented chefs working hard in the back. Their burgers and sandwiches are fantastic, if you choose either of those you have to try the truffle fries. They also have a fantastic bacon loaded truffle Mac and Cheese. Stephen, the owner, has been generous enough to host us monthly for a year and a half. He is a fly angler himself and always makes his rounds. Be sure to extend your gratitude to the man who has made this happen every month for well over a year.
We can always expect our regulars to show up monthly. We also encourage new people to swing by. We have had a massive influx of new faces and new anglers, so it is a great time to stop by if youve been hesitant. Whether youre a veteran to community night or brand new, we are looking forward to seeing you Tuesday!
Help spread the word, the more the merrier!
-Simon
2026 Schedule
Community Nights will typically land on the third Tuesday of each month for 2026. Some dates are subject to change, so keep a close eye for updates.
This report was written by The Caddis Fly Angling Shop:
http://www.caddisflyshop.com/
(541) 342-7005
(541) 342-7005
May 14
Oregon DWR
COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout
Was stocked the week of April 27th and will be stocked again the week of May 18th with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout.
Chinook fishing should get going in mid-May and really heat up in June.
The river is open to fishing all year for trout, hatchery Chinook salmon, hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead over 24 inches.
Use of bait allowed April 22 Oct. 31 but beginning Nov. 1 anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. In addition to five hatchery trout, two wild trout may be kept daily. Last updated 5/12/26.
MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Trout, steelhead, Chinook
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers refurbished the boat ramp on the south side of the Middle Fork Willamette just below Dexter Dam allowing drift boat and raft access. Chinook fishing should get started in mid-May and Chinook and summer steelhead fishing should be good June July downstream of Dexter Dam.
A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead.
The Middle Fork Willamette above Lookout Point and Hills Creek reservoirs are open to fishing using lures and artificial flies. All wild trout must be released upstream of Lookout Point Reservoir. The Middle Fork Willamette River is not stocked with hatchery trout. Last updated 5/5/26.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: Catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead, spring Chinook, coho salmon, bass, walleye, shad
From May 4 - May 10, fishing in the lower Willamette River harvest was productive, posting a season-best 1,007 spring Chinook kept for the week. Fishing below St Johns Bridge and in the Multnomah Channel was good, where anglers averaged 0.19 Chinook kept per boat angler. The "head of channel" area where the Multnomah Channel and Willamette River meet has been one of the most productive options within this subarea. Catch rates from St Johns Bridge to Lake Oswego were relatively low, 0.08 Chinook kept per boat angler. From Lake Oswego to Willamette Falls, catch rates continued their slowing trend, 0.05 Chinook per boat angler. Bank anglers in the Oregon City area reported no salmonid catch for 230 angler trips.
The water temperature has warmed to 65 degrees in the Willamette River, and the bite is often in the earliest hours of the day once the water gets this warm. Many successful springer anglers are fishing with 360 flashers and spinners tipped with coonstripe shrimp/prawns or hard plastic "stuffer" baits throughout the river.
Shad fishing kicks off in the Willamette River in May, and a handful of shad were caught in the Willamette this week. You can find them throughout the system, but the best shad fishing occurs in the Oregon City area. Use small spoons and shad darts to target them from a boat or from the bank. Clackamette Park is a productive area to try catching these abundant, hard-fighting fish.
Warmwater fishing starts to become a productive option on the Willamette during times of warm water and low flows. As summer approaches, consider fishing for bass, walleye, and other warmwater species that reside in the Willamette River.
As a reminder, per permanent regulations, sturgeon angling is prohibited from the Lake OswegoOak Grove Railroad Bridge upstream to Willamette Falls from May 1 through August 31.
See Willamette Catch Summaries for more details on spring chinook, steelhead and sturgeon here.
River conditions and fish counts:
Daily report Willamette River Portland-Temperature/VisibilityLink to: Willamette Falls Counts Link to Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro DataLink 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. The river is in very good shape right now and anglers report good catches of smallmouth bass between Salem and Albany. 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 summer. Anglers also report the occasional walleye up to 20 inches. Trout prefer the cooler water 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.
Was stocked the week of April 27th and will be stocked again the week of May 18th with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout.
Chinook fishing should get going in mid-May and really heat up in June.
The river is open to fishing all year for trout, hatchery Chinook salmon, hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead over 24 inches.
Use of bait allowed April 22 Oct. 31 but beginning Nov. 1 anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. In addition to five hatchery trout, two wild trout may be kept daily. Last updated 5/12/26.
MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Trout, steelhead, Chinook
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers refurbished the boat ramp on the south side of the Middle Fork Willamette just below Dexter Dam allowing drift boat and raft access. Chinook fishing should get started in mid-May and Chinook and summer steelhead fishing should be good June July downstream of Dexter Dam.
A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead.
The Middle Fork Willamette above Lookout Point and Hills Creek reservoirs are open to fishing using lures and artificial flies. All wild trout must be released upstream of Lookout Point Reservoir. The Middle Fork Willamette River is not stocked with hatchery trout. Last updated 5/5/26.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: Catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead, spring Chinook, coho salmon, bass, walleye, shad
From May 4 - May 10, fishing in the lower Willamette River harvest was productive, posting a season-best 1,007 spring Chinook kept for the week. Fishing below St Johns Bridge and in the Multnomah Channel was good, where anglers averaged 0.19 Chinook kept per boat angler. The "head of channel" area where the Multnomah Channel and Willamette River meet has been one of the most productive options within this subarea. Catch rates from St Johns Bridge to Lake Oswego were relatively low, 0.08 Chinook kept per boat angler. From Lake Oswego to Willamette Falls, catch rates continued their slowing trend, 0.05 Chinook per boat angler. Bank anglers in the Oregon City area reported no salmonid catch for 230 angler trips.
The water temperature has warmed to 65 degrees in the Willamette River, and the bite is often in the earliest hours of the day once the water gets this warm. Many successful springer anglers are fishing with 360 flashers and spinners tipped with coonstripe shrimp/prawns or hard plastic "stuffer" baits throughout the river.
Shad fishing kicks off in the Willamette River in May, and a handful of shad were caught in the Willamette this week. You can find them throughout the system, but the best shad fishing occurs in the Oregon City area. Use small spoons and shad darts to target them from a boat or from the bank. Clackamette Park is a productive area to try catching these abundant, hard-fighting fish.
Warmwater fishing starts to become a productive option on the Willamette during times of warm water and low flows. As summer approaches, consider fishing for bass, walleye, and other warmwater species that reside in the Willamette River.
As a reminder, per permanent regulations, sturgeon angling is prohibited from the Lake OswegoOak Grove Railroad Bridge upstream to Willamette Falls from May 1 through August 31.
See Willamette Catch Summaries for more details on spring chinook, steelhead and sturgeon here.
River conditions and fish counts:
Daily report Willamette River Portland-Temperature/VisibilityLink to: Willamette Falls Counts Link to Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro DataLink 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. The river is in very good shape right now and anglers report good catches of smallmouth bass between Salem and Albany. 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 summer. Anglers also report the occasional walleye up to 20 inches. Trout prefer the cooler water 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.
May 08
The Caddis Fly Angling Shop
Every spring, giant insects make their emergence from our rivers that they called home for the last 3-4 years. Many know these insects for their winged adult form, which brings fantastic dry fly fishing each spring. This hatch typically kicks off dry fly fishing for the year. The winged adult form of the salmonfly makes up a tiny fraction of the insects lifecycle and what is available to trout to feed on. Salmonfly nymphs are slow growers, taking 3-4 years to fully emerge. That is 3-4 years to get eaten by a trout vs the few weeks that makes up the seasonal hatch of the adults. Therefore, fishing a salmon fly nymph is arguably a greater asset in your box and more effective in terms of timeframe available for trout to feed on compared to a large salmonfly dry. Even during the height of the famed salmon fly hatch, fish are still keyed in on the large nymphs. Large salmonfly nymphs make fantastic searching patterns year round and often move large opportunistic trout.
-Simon
Hook- Ahrex CZ Mini Jig Barbless FW555: Size 8
Bead- Hareline Copper Slotted Tungsten Bead: 5/32 or 3.8mm
Thread- Fulling Mill 140D Pro Twisted Thread: Black (NEW) or Danville Flymaster 140D: Black
Shank- Fish Skull Next Generation Articulated Shank: 15mm
Tail- Hareline Wooly Bugger Marabou: Brown & Hareline Triple Barred Heavy Duty Silicone Legs: Tan/ Orange/ Brown (NEW)
Joint Material- Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Tippet: 0x-2x
Body Material- Fly Fish Foods Stillwater Chenille: Canadian Brown (NEW)
Legs- Hareline Triple Barred Heavy Duty Silicone Legs: Tan/ Orange/ Brown (NEW)
UV Resin- Solarez Bone Dry
UV Torch- Loon Plasma Light
Bobbin- Smhaen Tension Bobbin
Vise- Renzetti Master & Deluxe Streamer Base
-Simon
Hook- Ahrex CZ Mini Jig Barbless FW555: Size 8
Bead- Hareline Copper Slotted Tungsten Bead: 5/32 or 3.8mm
Thread- Fulling Mill 140D Pro Twisted Thread: Black (NEW) or Danville Flymaster 140D: Black
Shank- Fish Skull Next Generation Articulated Shank: 15mm
Tail- Hareline Wooly Bugger Marabou: Brown & Hareline Triple Barred Heavy Duty Silicone Legs: Tan/ Orange/ Brown (NEW)
Joint Material- Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Tippet: 0x-2x
Body Material- Fly Fish Foods Stillwater Chenille: Canadian Brown (NEW)
Legs- Hareline Triple Barred Heavy Duty Silicone Legs: Tan/ Orange/ Brown (NEW)
UV Resin- Solarez Bone Dry
UV Torch- Loon Plasma Light
Bobbin- Smhaen Tension Bobbin
Vise- Renzetti Master & Deluxe Streamer Base
This report was written by The Caddis Fly Angling Shop:
http://www.caddisflyshop.com/
(541) 342-7005
(541) 342-7005
May 06
Oregon DWR
COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout
Was last stocked the week of April 27th and will be stocked again the week of May 18th with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout.
Chinook fishing should get going in mid-May and really heat up in June.
The river is open to fishing all year for trout, hatchery Chinook salmon, hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead over 24 inches.
Use of bait allowed April 22 Oct. 31 but beginning Nov. 1 anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. In addition to five hatchery trout, two wild trout may be kept daily. Last updated 5/5/26.
MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Trout, steelhead, Chinook
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers refurbished the boat ramp on the south side of the Middle Fork Willamette just below Dexter Dam allowing drift boat and raft access. Chinook fishing should get started in mid-May and Chinook and summer steelhead fishing should be good June July downstream of Dexter Dam.
A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead.
The Middle Fork Willamette above Lookout Point and Hills Creek reservoirs are open to fishing using lures and artificial flies. All wild trout must be released upstream of Lookout Point Reservoir. The Middle Fork Willamette River is not stocked with hatchery trout. Last updated 5/5/26.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: Catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead, spring Chinook, coho salmon, bass, walleye, shad
From April 27-May 3, fishing in the lower Willamette River was productive again this week, with an estimated 932 spring Chinook kept for the week. The best catch rates were below St Johns Bridge and in the Multnomah Channel, where anglers averaged 0.18 Chinook kept per boat angler. Catch rates from St Johns Bridge to Lake Oswego slowed to 0.09 Chinook kept per boat angler. From Lake Oswego to Willamette Falls, catch rates slowed from the previous week to 0.15 Chinook per boat angler. Bank anglers in the Oregon City area reported 3 steelhead and no Chinook kept for 350 angler trips.
The water temperature has warmed to over 60 degrees in the Willamette, and many successful springer anglers are fishing with 360 flashers and spinners tipped with coonstripe shrimp/prawns or hard plastic "stuffer" baits throughout the river.
Shad fishing kicks off in the Willamette River in May. You can find them throughout the system, but the best shad fishing occurs in the Oregon City area. Use small spoons and shad darts to target them from a boat or from the bank. Clackamette Park is a productive area to try catching these abundant, hard-fighting fish.
As a reminder, per permanent regulations, sturgeon angling is prohibited from the Lake OswegoOak Grove Railroad Bridge upstream to Willamette Falls from May 1 through August 31.
See Willamette Catch Summaries for more details on spring chinook, steelhead and sturgeon here.
River conditions and fish counts:
Daily report Willamette River Portland-Temperature/VisibilityLink to: Willamette Falls Counts Link to Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro DataLink 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. The river is in very good shape right now and anglers report good catches of smallmouth bass between Salem and Albany. 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 summer. Anglers also report the occasional walleye up to 20 inches. Trout prefer the cooler water 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.
Was last stocked the week of April 27th and will be stocked again the week of May 18th with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout.
Chinook fishing should get going in mid-May and really heat up in June.
The river is open to fishing all year for trout, hatchery Chinook salmon, hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead over 24 inches.
Use of bait allowed April 22 Oct. 31 but beginning Nov. 1 anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. In addition to five hatchery trout, two wild trout may be kept daily. Last updated 5/5/26.
MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Trout, steelhead, Chinook
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers refurbished the boat ramp on the south side of the Middle Fork Willamette just below Dexter Dam allowing drift boat and raft access. Chinook fishing should get started in mid-May and Chinook and summer steelhead fishing should be good June July downstream of Dexter Dam.
A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead.
The Middle Fork Willamette above Lookout Point and Hills Creek reservoirs are open to fishing using lures and artificial flies. All wild trout must be released upstream of Lookout Point Reservoir. The Middle Fork Willamette River is not stocked with hatchery trout. Last updated 5/5/26.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: Catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead, spring Chinook, coho salmon, bass, walleye, shad
From April 27-May 3, fishing in the lower Willamette River was productive again this week, with an estimated 932 spring Chinook kept for the week. The best catch rates were below St Johns Bridge and in the Multnomah Channel, where anglers averaged 0.18 Chinook kept per boat angler. Catch rates from St Johns Bridge to Lake Oswego slowed to 0.09 Chinook kept per boat angler. From Lake Oswego to Willamette Falls, catch rates slowed from the previous week to 0.15 Chinook per boat angler. Bank anglers in the Oregon City area reported 3 steelhead and no Chinook kept for 350 angler trips.
The water temperature has warmed to over 60 degrees in the Willamette, and many successful springer anglers are fishing with 360 flashers and spinners tipped with coonstripe shrimp/prawns or hard plastic "stuffer" baits throughout the river.
Shad fishing kicks off in the Willamette River in May. You can find them throughout the system, but the best shad fishing occurs in the Oregon City area. Use small spoons and shad darts to target them from a boat or from the bank. Clackamette Park is a productive area to try catching these abundant, hard-fighting fish.
As a reminder, per permanent regulations, sturgeon angling is prohibited from the Lake OswegoOak Grove Railroad Bridge upstream to Willamette Falls from May 1 through August 31.
See Willamette Catch Summaries for more details on spring chinook, steelhead and sturgeon here.
River conditions and fish counts:
Daily report Willamette River Portland-Temperature/VisibilityLink to: Willamette Falls Counts Link to Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro DataLink 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. The river is in very good shape right now and anglers report good catches of smallmouth bass between Salem and Albany. 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 summer. Anglers also report the occasional walleye up to 20 inches. Trout prefer the cooler water 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.
May 02
The Caddis Fly Angling Shop
Author of Bugwater, long time shop customer, and member of Mckenzie River Fly Fishers, Arlen Thomason, wrote a fantastic update on one of his favorite hatches: The McKenzie Green Caddis.
For those who might not have noticed, one of my favorite hatches is underway on the McKenzie.
McKenzie Green Caddis (Arctopsyche grandis)
The big green McKenzie Caddissecond in size only to falls October Caddisis now hatching sporadically from mid-afternoon to near dark.
Look for them in or just below riffles and fast water. Even if you dont see any, its worth fishing a good imitation. Trout know they are around.
Though they only show a trace of green when seen from above, from a fishs position its a different story.
My favorite fly for this hatch is a CDC elk hair caddis. The CDC, though somewhat of a chore to keep powdered and not waterlogged, consistently
adds enough movement to provide a good dose of realism.
I give them a drag-free drift or two over likely holding water, and if that doesnt draw attention, I start twitching them a little. These bugs tend
to jump around on the surface a bit before they get airborne. Drives the fish crazy sometimes. Those of you who have fished with Bill Laing, or
heard Mike Starr talk about it at Bills recent memorial, will be reminded of his dogged dedication to twitching dry flies. He had the technique
perfected.
If youre one of my tribe who turns over river rocks to see what dwells there, you might have encountered juvenile McKenzie caddis. These
bugs are net spinners, building webs in rock crevices to catch whatever is drifting by and might be edible.
But neither you nor the fish are likely see these during hatch season. The larvae will have built and sealed themselves inside pebble cases that
they attached to large rocks some time ago. After metamorphing into adults, they will break out of the cases, make their way to the surface
and try to get airborne as soon as possible.
Arlen Thomason
Bugwater is our number one favorite insect book regarding our local entomology in the valley. The photos are unmatched and Arlen provides readers with phenomenal photos as references, fly choices, and a wealth of information regarding each insects behavior. It is available in the shop and online for those interested.
We have a variety of Mckenzie Green Caddis in the shop. Swing by and ask the shop staff their favorite patterns for the hatch and get loaded up. This is one of our favorite hatches of the year and one of the two prolific large caddis hatches you can experience on our local rivers. If you miss this one youll have to wait until fall.
For those who might not have noticed, one of my favorite hatches is underway on the McKenzie.
McKenzie Green Caddis (Arctopsyche grandis)
The big green McKenzie Caddissecond in size only to falls October Caddisis now hatching sporadically from mid-afternoon to near dark.
Look for them in or just below riffles and fast water. Even if you dont see any, its worth fishing a good imitation. Trout know they are around.
Though they only show a trace of green when seen from above, from a fishs position its a different story.
My favorite fly for this hatch is a CDC elk hair caddis. The CDC, though somewhat of a chore to keep powdered and not waterlogged, consistently
adds enough movement to provide a good dose of realism.
I give them a drag-free drift or two over likely holding water, and if that doesnt draw attention, I start twitching them a little. These bugs tend
to jump around on the surface a bit before they get airborne. Drives the fish crazy sometimes. Those of you who have fished with Bill Laing, or
heard Mike Starr talk about it at Bills recent memorial, will be reminded of his dogged dedication to twitching dry flies. He had the technique
perfected.
If youre one of my tribe who turns over river rocks to see what dwells there, you might have encountered juvenile McKenzie caddis. These
bugs are net spinners, building webs in rock crevices to catch whatever is drifting by and might be edible.
But neither you nor the fish are likely see these during hatch season. The larvae will have built and sealed themselves inside pebble cases that
they attached to large rocks some time ago. After metamorphing into adults, they will break out of the cases, make their way to the surface
and try to get airborne as soon as possible.
Arlen Thomason
Bugwater is our number one favorite insect book regarding our local entomology in the valley. The photos are unmatched and Arlen provides readers with phenomenal photos as references, fly choices, and a wealth of information regarding each insects behavior. It is available in the shop and online for those interested.
We have a variety of Mckenzie Green Caddis in the shop. Swing by and ask the shop staff their favorite patterns for the hatch and get loaded up. This is one of our favorite hatches of the year and one of the two prolific large caddis hatches you can experience on our local rivers. If you miss this one youll have to wait until fall.
This report was written by The Caddis Fly Angling Shop:
http://www.caddisflyshop.com/
(541) 342-7005
(541) 342-7005
Apr 30
Oregon DWR
COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Chinook, summer steelhead, trout
Will be stocked the week of April 27th, with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout.
Chinook fishing should get going in mid-May and really heat up in June.
The river is open to fishing all year for trout, hatchery Chinook salmon, hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead over 24 inches.
Use of bait allowed April 22 Oct. 31 but beginning Nov. 1 anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. In addition to five hatchery trout, two wild trout may be kept daily. Last updated 4/28/26.
MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Trout, steelhead, Chinook
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers refurbished the boat ramp on the south side of the Middle Fork Willamette just below Dexter Dam allowing drift boat and raft access. Chinook fishing should get started in mid-May and Chinook and summer steelhead fishing should be good June July downstream of Dexter Dam.
A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead.
The Middle Fork Willamette above Lookout Point and Hills Creek reservoirs are open to fishing using lures and artificial flies. All wild trout must be released upstream of Lookout Point Reservoir. The Middle Fork Willamette River is not stocked with hatchery trout. Last updated 4/28/26.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: Catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead, spring Chinook, coho salmon, small and largemouth bass, walleye
From April 2026, fishing in the lower Willamette River improved significantly, with an estimated 890 spring Chinook kept for the week. The best catch rates continued to come from the Lake OswegoWillamette Falls reach, where anglers averaged 0.24 Chinook kept per boat angler. Catch rates below Lake Oswegoincluding the Multnomah Channelwere lower at 0.15 Chinook per boat angler, but still showed weektoweek improvement. Bank anglers in the Oregon City area reported 9 Chinook and no steelhead kept for 239 angler trips.
In Oregon City, many successful anglers are fishing jet divers paired with eggs or sand shrimp. Jigging has also produced fish, and trolling 360 flashers with spinners should become increasingly effective as water temperatures continue to warm through the weekend.
Below the St. Johns Bridge, including in the Multnomah Channel, anglers have found improving success fishing 360 flashers with spinners tipped with coonstripe shrimp/prawns or hard plastic "stuffer" baits.
As a reminder, per permanent regulations, sturgeon angling is prohibited from the Lake OswegoOak Grove Railroad Bridge upstream to Willamette Falls from May 1 through August 31.
See Willamette Catch Summaries for more details on spring chinook, steelhead and sturgeon here.
River conditions and fish counts:
Daily report Willamette River Portland-Temperature/VisibilityLink to: Willamette Falls Counts Link to Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro DataLink 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 summer. Anglers also report the occasional walleye up to 20 inches. Trout prefer the cooler water 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.
Will be stocked the week of April 27th, with 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout.
Chinook fishing should get going in mid-May and really heat up in June.
The river is open to fishing all year for trout, hatchery Chinook salmon, hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead over 24 inches.
Use of bait allowed April 22 Oct. 31 but beginning Nov. 1 anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. In addition to five hatchery trout, two wild trout may be kept daily. Last updated 4/28/26.
MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: Trout, steelhead, Chinook
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers refurbished the boat ramp on the south side of the Middle Fork Willamette just below Dexter Dam allowing drift boat and raft access. Chinook fishing should get started in mid-May and Chinook and summer steelhead fishing should be good June July downstream of Dexter Dam.
A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead.
The Middle Fork Willamette above Lookout Point and Hills Creek reservoirs are open to fishing using lures and artificial flies. All wild trout must be released upstream of Lookout Point Reservoir. The Middle Fork Willamette River is not stocked with hatchery trout. Last updated 4/28/26.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: Catch-and-release sturgeon, steelhead, spring Chinook, coho salmon, small and largemouth bass, walleye
From April 2026, fishing in the lower Willamette River improved significantly, with an estimated 890 spring Chinook kept for the week. The best catch rates continued to come from the Lake OswegoWillamette Falls reach, where anglers averaged 0.24 Chinook kept per boat angler. Catch rates below Lake Oswegoincluding the Multnomah Channelwere lower at 0.15 Chinook per boat angler, but still showed weektoweek improvement. Bank anglers in the Oregon City area reported 9 Chinook and no steelhead kept for 239 angler trips.
In Oregon City, many successful anglers are fishing jet divers paired with eggs or sand shrimp. Jigging has also produced fish, and trolling 360 flashers with spinners should become increasingly effective as water temperatures continue to warm through the weekend.
Below the St. Johns Bridge, including in the Multnomah Channel, anglers have found improving success fishing 360 flashers with spinners tipped with coonstripe shrimp/prawns or hard plastic "stuffer" baits.
As a reminder, per permanent regulations, sturgeon angling is prohibited from the Lake OswegoOak Grove Railroad Bridge upstream to Willamette Falls from May 1 through August 31.
See Willamette Catch Summaries for more details on spring chinook, steelhead and sturgeon here.
River conditions and fish counts:
Daily report Willamette River Portland-Temperature/VisibilityLink to: Willamette Falls Counts Link to Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro DataLink 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 summer. Anglers also report the occasional walleye up to 20 inches. Trout prefer the cooler water 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.