Best salmon fishing spots near Eugene, Oregon
Comprehensive guide to best salmon fishing hotspots – with seasonal tips, gear suggestions, and local insights.
1. Siuslaw River (Hwy 36 Corridor & Mainstem)
- Distance: ~40 miles west of Eugene (toward Florence)
- Species & Timing: Fall Chinook and Coho runs from September through October, with steelhead in winter/early spring
- Access & Tactics: Drift boats around Cushman and Mapleton; use trollers/drift methods with plugs, spinners, or roe. Falls offer steelhead opportunities late season
2. Umpqua River
- Distance: ~90 miles south, near Roseburg & Reedsport
- Species & Timing:
- Spring Chinook: March–June, best April–early June
- Fall Chinook & Coho: September–November
- Top Spots: Estuary & Winchester Bay (trolling), Scottsburg & Main Umpqua (back-bouncing roe, plugs), North Umpqua for drift and fly fishing
3. Willamette River (Eugene–Springfield Stretch)
- Distance: 0–15 miles north of Eugene
- Species & Timing: Spring Chinook (May–June) and Coho (Sept–Oct)
- Access & Methods: Bank and boat access at Alton Baker, Island Park, Beltline area; use trolling, float rigs, and spinners near confluence of McKenzie & Coast Fork
4. McKenzie River
- Distance: 10–20 miles east
- Species & Timing: Wild rainbows year-round, plus spring Chinook & summer steelhead in late spring/early summer
- Access & Tactics: Fish near Leaburg and Dexter dams—float and drift for Chinook; trout fly fishing in the lower river near Springfield
5. North Santiam / South Santiam Rivers
- Distance: 40–60 miles northeast (North Santiam) / east (South Santiam)
- Species & Timing: Spring Chinook (North Santiam May–June), Coho in early fall (South Santiam Sept–Oct)
- Access & Methods: Float or drift fish from public access; use roe drift rigs, plugs, and spinners near spawning grounds
6. Siuslaw River’s North Fork & Lake Creek
- Distance: ~40 mi west via Hwy 126
- Species & Timing: Fall Chinook & Coho in tributaries like Lake Creek after rain; steelhead winter/early spring
- Access & Tactics: Drift boats from Whittaker Creek launches; back-trolling Hot-Shots, spinners
Seasons & Techniques Guide
| Species | Peak Timing | Recommended Rivers | Tactics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Chinook | April–June | Willamette, McKenzie, North Santiam | Trolling, float-spinners, drift-roe |
| Summer Steelhead | June–Sept | McKenzie, Willamette | Swing flies, spinning setups, trolling |
| Fall Chinook | Sept–Oct | Siuslaw, Umpqua, Santiam | Drift/spin rigs, trolling, back-bouncing |
| Coho (Silver Salmon) | Sept–Nov | Willamette, Umpqua, Siuslaw | Flasher-roe, plugs, spinners |
Quick Tips for Eugene-Area Anglers
- Licenses required: Oregon angling license, Combined Angling Tag, and Columbia River Endorsement if fishing in Columbia tribs
- Timing matters: Fish during cooler spring and fall months, especially mornings/evenings.
- Gear suggestions: Use 8–10 ft medium-heavy rods with 20–30 lb mainline and 12–15 lb leaders. Employ roe rigs, plugs, spinners, and small flashers.
- Access: Bank fishing is available in Eugene parks; boats are ideal for rivers like Siuslaw and Umpqua.
- Check conditions & regs: Always verify current openings, hatchery vs wild retention rules, barbless hook requirements on the ODFW website.