Montana Fish Report

Poor river conditions last week and not much effort.

Preliminary estimates for the week of June 23rd – June 29th:

• Chinook/Steelhead Boats: 3,468 anglers – Chinook 522 kept, 104 released - Steelhead 9 kept, 5 released
• Chinook/Steelhead Bank: 112 anglers – 0 kept, 0 released
• Shad Boats: 436 anglers- 1,071 kept, 665 released
• Shad Bank: 223 anglers- 42 kept, 0 released

More detailed catch summaries (including areas surveyed) are posted on the ODFW website.

• July 1st Willamette River Portland-Temperature/Visibility: 70F, Visibility: 9.5ft
• Link to Willamette Falls Fish Counts
• Link to Willamette River Morrison Bridge Hydro Data
• Link to NOAA-Willamette River Forecast (Salem)

See summaries for more details.

• Spring Chinook
• Steelhead

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.