Willamette and McKenzie River

March 31, 2024-April 6, 2024

Weekly Recap:

 Both the Willamette and McKenzie rivers are running high. On the lower McKenzie, flows below Leaburg Dam have been hovering around 6000 cfs over the last seven days, with 7200 cfs marking a high point. At these rates, the river is not safe for wading and boaters face the challenge of increased river speeds, debris in the water, and unexpected river hydraulics. All these factors, combined with still colder water temps have made for challenging fishing conditions.

In addition to increased flows below Leaburg Dam, the Waterville Canal diversion has been shut off for the last few weeks. A leak was detected in the canal resulting in the whole system being drained. This has led to increased flows below Taylor’s Landing, with the seven day average hovering around 6500 cfs. These rates are nearly double what we’d like to see for good fishing in terms of boating and wading access.

If there is a bright spot for the McKenzie, it’s that water temps have started to rise (45* F average) even as the flows have remained high. We’ve seen a few March Browns coming off, but not in droves like we’d expect. Mother’s Day caddis are on the water in the evenings and while this is a harder hatch to fish, that same hatch portends better fishing to come our way.

The Willamette fares no better than the McKenzie. Flows below Dexter and between Hills Creek and Black Canyon have varied immensely with all the rain. If there is any water worth fishing in those sections, it is the Middle Fork along highway 58. But, even then, we need to pick our days with care and caution.

As for the Willamette below Dexter Dam, ACOE continues to fluctuate flows out of Lookout Point and Dexter. There are increasing reports of walleye, small mouth, and now crappie below Dexter Dam. Anglers we know have seen reduced bug activity below the dam as well. We suspect the flushing of the reservoirs last spring and all through summer scoured the river bottom, reducing invertebrate life while impacting general fishing conditions.

All told, the conditions have not been the best out there, and we are looking forward to better days.

The Look Ahead:

Even as things are tough out there, bright spots remain. Warmer weather this weekend and a reprieve from rain should help get the flows down and bump water temps in our favor.

Our fly selection reflects the conditions out there and offers a little hope as well:

-Jiggy streamers in black and olive, size #6-10

-PMD nymphs,purple and olive perdigons, and possie buggers #16-12

-Stone fly nymphs #6-10, weighted heavy to get down

-March Brown soft hackles #14-12

-Partridge and orange soft hackles #16-12

-Unweighted pheasant tails and hare’s ear nymphs #14-10

We are throwing dry flies at every opportunity. We’ve only had a few risers and those have all come on a Quigley’s Cripple March Brown #12.

Stay safe and keep looking forward to better days!