Kristy Tallman
Winter anglers in Sweet Home have several key updates to enhance their fishing experiences, including recent and upcoming trout stockings, regulations for Willamette spring Chinook fishing, ice fishing safety precautions, and essential information about boat ramp closures.
Narrowing the scope of the many bodies of water available for fishing in the area, the bodies focused on will be Foster Reservoir, Green Peter Reservoir, Quartzville Creek, and the North and South Forks of the Santiam River.
Alex Farrand, assistant district fish biologist for the South Willamette Watershed District, believes that of those bodies of water Foster would most likely be the best bet for fishing success.
“Trout, Kokanee and perch can be active year-round and are in Foster year-round,” he said. “One place I can recommend that is not on the list is Sunnyside Park pond, which is scheduled to be stocked a few times in February and is between Foster and Green Peter. It’s in a nice setting and has good bank access.”
Farrand said he wouldn’t recommend fishing the rivers, including the North and South Santiam, this time of year for several reasons.
“First, the main fish species that anglers are targeting (Chinook salmon, summer steelhead) will not have arrived yet, and second, trout angling is closed until May 22. Chinook and summer steelhead should begin arriving in late April and really take off in the second half of May. Quartzville Creek is an option in February, but I would suggest waiting until flows come down to at least 500 cfs before venturing up there.”
Two Rods Allowed For
Willamette Spring
Chinook
Anglers will be able to use their two-rod validation in the Willamette River this year for hatchery spring Chinook and all other fish except sturgeon, beginning March 1 downstream of Willamette Falls, and May 1 upstream of Willamette Falls.
Put Ice Fishing On Ice
Ice conditions on many water bodies have deteriorated quickly. Some water bodies that were safe for ice fishing a few weeks ago now pose a serious risk. Ice fishing, right now, is not recommended. Instead, wait until enough ice has melted to allow for safe fishing from the bank.
Best Bets For
Weekend Fishing
• Trout and winter steelhead still offer the best bets for fishing.
• For some anglers, it’s all about winter steelhead right now. The same recent rains that made it hard for anglers have been good for fish. Check the NW and SW zone reports for updates and current conditions.
• Also good: Trout fishing on lakes and reservoirs with plenty of open water and plenty of trout left over from stocking last spring and summer. Check the zone reports for suggestions.
• Finally, anglers can target native trout year-round on several eastside rivers like the Deschutes, Fall, Metolius and Blitzen.
• Check out the zone reports for more information and options.
• February classes, workshops, field days:
• Introduction to hunting in Oregon – various dates in Portland, Troutdale, Newport and Tualatin.
• Steelhead fishing 101 – Feb. 10-11 in Troutdale.
• Adult hunter education field days – Feb. 24 in Monmouth.
Foster Reservoir: Trout, Bass, Perch, Catfish
Foster Reservoir is considered by some a haven for anglers seeking diverse catches, including trout, bass, perch and catfish. Despite the current low water levels, the 1,200-acre scenic reservoir on the South Santiam River continues to attract fishing enthusiasts with its varied offerings.
Throughout the fall, Foster Reservoir received multiple stockings, enhancing the fishing prospects for visitors. Traditionally, the reservoir undergoes stocking several times in both the spring and early fall, boasting a population of more than 28,000 hatchery trout. Anglers exploring these waters can also target small mouth bass and yellow perch, particularly near underwater structures and drop-offs.
Bag Limits and Guidelines
Anglers are reminded to adhere to specific regulations when it comes to trout. Only Kokanee and adipose fin-clipped trout may be kept as part of the trout bag limit. However, there are no restrictions on the size or quantity of bass that can be retained. Furthermore, the retention of warmwater fish species, including bluegill, catfish, crappie and yellow perch is allowed without any limits on size or quantity.
Angler Success and
Optimal Fishing Times
Reports from anglers indicated good success in the two arms of the reservoir and along the shoreline in between. To maximize fishing outcomes, enthusiasts are advised to target low light levels, either during the early morning or late evening.
Green Peter Reservoir: Trout, Bass
Green Peter Reservoir, currently positioned approximately 25 feet above the toe slope of Thistle Creek boat ramp, is poised to resume operations as Linn County plans to reopen the ramp on Feb 1. Despite the ongoing closure, anglers can look forward to improved turbidity, although the water retains a subtle off-color appearance. As the season unfolds, fishing enthusiasts can set their sights on trout and potentially Kokanee, navigating the aftermath of an unprecedented drawdown this fall.
Quartzville Creek: Trout
Late spring through the summer sees regular stocking in the river above Green Peter Reservoir, providing anglers with promising opportunities for varied catches. However, current conditions necessitate caution as recent heavy rains have caused a substantial increase in water levels, rendering the river temporarily inaccessible for fishing.
Santiam River
(North Fork): Steelhead, Trout, Coho
Optimal river conditions for fishing typically occur at or below 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). However, anglers face a challenge as the river currently flows at around 11,800 cfs at the gauge in Mehama. Forecasts suggest that high flows are likely to persist into the next week.
This time of year proves to be sluggish for fishing, with limited worthwhile targets in the river. Despite a few summer steelhead present, primarily in the upper portion below Packsaddle, this year’s run has been notably poor. Coupled with the customary high flows during this season, the chances of catching one are exceedingly slim.
While the overall fishing conditions may be slow, the pursuit of hatchery steelhead remains open year-round. It’s crucial to note that any unclipped (wild) steelhead or trout caught must be released unharmed, contributing to the conservation efforts of the fishery.
There are several large, downed trees in the river creating some dangerous hazards for boaters in the lower river. For more information check out the Oregon State Marine Board Website.
Santiam River
(South Fork): Bass, Trout, Steelhead
Anglers typically find the best fishing experiences when river flows are below 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). However, as of Jan. 30, current flows measured at the Waterloo gauge stand at around 7,000 cfs. The river’s turbidity is on the mend, benefiting from the absence of sediment inputs originating from Green Peter Reservoir. Despite these positive signs, the present lack of viable catches prevails until the anticipated arrival of spring Chinook in late April.
In summary, anglers have an array of opportunities and challenges this winter. From regulations to safety precautions and updates on specific water bodies, staying informed enhances the fishing experience. Whether targeting trout, bass, or steelhead, anglers can adapt their strategies to make the most of the diverse fishing options available in the region.
In offering departing advice, Farrand said, the main thing is to be patient and be willing to try different techniques. “Fish might still be a bit sluggish, so a slow, irregular retrieval might induce a fish to bite,” he added.