Good car camping/fishing recommendations?

[pinkygonzales]

Thought I'd take the wife & dog out for a little easy car/tent camping this weekend. I'm happy to fish for trout or swing for salmon/steelhead, so rivers or lakes are both good. I'll be fly fishing either way. We'll be coming from Portland but are happy to drive up to a couple of hours for a good hang. Any good suggestions for a fellow OFFer?

 

[Troutski]

I recommend Hills Creek, great camping and the fishing is very good this time of year. I also recommend Cougar, again great camping and even a hot spring for the afternoon... both are in the Springfield area one up the McKenzie and other is up the Willy. Both have plenty of bank access and some trophy Trout opportunities....
Top picture is Cougar bottom is Hills Creek

Chuck

 

[eugene1]

Good topic. I don't have any good answers though for April. In thinking about the best fishery in the state at this moment, I'd say stay home and fish for Springers in Portland. Kind of on the borders of good fishing down here in the valley or mid coast. If it were last month you could have gone for coast winter steelhead and if it were next month you could think about summer steel with some reliability.

Not sure if you have a boat or not so that may come into the equation too. I'm also not knowledgeable about trout so maybe someone else will chime in.

Best luck,

 

[pinkygonzales]

Thanks Troutski! And to answer your question, eugene1, I do not have a boat, so shore fishing is the plan. I'm not *too* worried about bringing in a limit, but a good time in a wife/dog friendly place would be just grand.

Thanks guys, and any other suggestions would be most welcome!

-Pinky

 

[eugene1]

Didn't see Troutski's response before I gave my (limited knowledge) input. Sounds like those spots are worth checking out. Very pretty whatever the fishing conditions are! I want to get up to those lakes this year too.