Anglers should confirm access before they go. All Metro Parks and boat ramps are now open but may have modified operations. Check conditions at individual parks on Metro’s website. State parks and recreation areas appear open.

Last week’s preliminary catch estimates, below Willamette Falls to mouth (including Multnomah Channel) are:

• Chinook: 58 kept, 4 released
• Steelhead: 7 kept, 10 released.

Catch picked up later in the week in Multnomah Channel. 

March 14 Willamette River Portland-Temperature/Visibility: 47 F, Visibility: 3.4 ft

Willamette Falls Counts as of March 10: Chinook – 2: winter steelhead - 1,770: summer steelhead -17.

The upstream section between Albany and Harrisburg is open year-round for trout fishing, which can be very good when flows are cooperating. Flows are in pretty decent shape at the moment, but patience will be required to coax trout at this time of year. Anglers may keep two trout per day. Smallmouth bass also can be a lot of fun to catch and are plentiful between Salem and Corvallis during the spring and summer. From Salem downstream there are plenty of largemouth bass in the deeper, quieter sections.

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 Willamette often gets overlooked because it is so close. But this river offers convenience, fairly good access and variety.