MCKENZIE RIVER below Leaburg Lake (R1):

Spring Chinook – This past week with the increase in flow and drop in temperature the fish have not been moving as much. EWEB changed the flow coming out of the dam to the right side of the river which makes it easier to launch at the Leaburg Dam boat ramp. As flows drop and temperature rises anglers can expect more productive fishing trips.  

Summer steelhead - Angler reports and dam video are indicating that there are also a fair number of summer steelhead in the system. Much better return than the past four years.

Trout – Will be stocked this week with 5,067 hatchery rainbow trout. Bait can be used from April 22 – Oct. 31, but beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies.

The Leaburg Dam fish counts are a great spring salmon and summer steelhead resource, and information is back online. Counts are updated by the Corps of Engineers weekly. These resources are most useful to anglers from May – September.

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Check page 46 of the 2021 Sport Fishing Regulations for bait restrictions in the segment you plan to fish. Beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies.

The lower McKenzie River is open to retention of adipose fin-clipped salmon and steelhead and non-adipose fin-clipped steelhead greater than 24 inches long. A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead in the McKenzie.

MCKENZIE RIVER above Leaburg Lake (R2):

Will be stocked this week with 833 rainbow trout. 

All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Bait is allowed from Leaburg Dam to Forest Glen Boat Ramp from April 22 – Oct 31.