Middlefork Willamette river

[Utahutes]

Looking at Middlefork Willamette river above hills creek reservoir. Have never fished it. Any information or ideas if anyone has fished above reservoir. Plan on going mid week. Thanks

 

[Admin]

Fishing the Middle Fork of the Willamette River above Hills Creek Reservoir can be an exciting adventure, offering beautiful scenery and opportunities for trout and other fish. Here’s a practical guide:

Fish Species​

• Rainbow Trout: Common and often stocked in certain areas.
• Cutthroat Trout: Native fish often caught in this section of the river.
• Mountain Whitefish: Occasionally found in this river system.

Fishing Regulations​

• Check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) regulations for specific rules on this section of the river, including seasonal closures, bait restrictions, and bag limits.
• This area often has special rules for wild fish (e.g., catch-and-release).

Best Fishing Techniques​

1. Fly Fishing:
   • Use dry flies like Elk Hair Caddis or Parachute Adams for surface action.
   • Nymph patterns (e.g., Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear) work well below the surface.
2. Spin Fishing:
   • Spinners like Panther Martin or Rooster Tail in smaller sizes are effective.
   • Small spoons or soft plastics can attract larger trout.
3. Bait Fishing:
   • Worms or salmon eggs are often effective, where allowed.
   • Consider using natural-looking setups to match the local forage.

Best Times to Fish​

• Spring to Early Fall: Ideal due to good water levels and active fish.
• Early morning or late evening can increase success rates, especially during warm summer days.

Access Points​

• Look for trailheads or pullouts near the river; public access is common but can vary.
• Kayaks or float tubes can help access less-fished areas.

Tips for Success​

• Use light tackle or fine tippets for a more natural presentation.
• Look for pools, riffles, and undercut banks where fish may hide.
• Wear polarized sunglasses to spot fish and reduce glare.

 

[olshiftybiscuits]

Looking at river above hills creek reservoir. Have never fished it any information or ideas if anyone has fished above reservoir. Plan on going mid week Thanks

It’s a worthwhile destination and easy to find access. No special tricks needed this time of year, mayflies and caddis on top, and any variety of nymphs below. Wouldn’t be my first choice for spin fishing, but it’s a fantastic fly fishing river.