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Fishing the McKenzie River

The McKenzie River flows nearly sixty miles from its source high in the Cascade Mountains to the Willamette River, 200 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Though it's source are many ice fields, many consider Clear Lake to be it's beginning. Hundreds of years ago a lava flow dammed Fish Lake Creek and Clear Lake was formed. Today, still standing submerged trees, preserved in the cold waters, can be seen in the depths of Clear Lake.

The upper McKenzie, defined from Sahalie and Koosah Falls to Blue river, is very swift and a favorite for Oregon white water rafting. The McKenzie river fishing can be good early in the season but boating this section is very difficult in the later summer months.

The middle section, from Blue River to Leaburg, is the most popular for the sportsman wanting to experience the many moods of McKenzie River fishing. The clear waters and many boulder fields offer many places for the fly fisherman to find excellent trout fishing. A word of caution, only experienced boatman should attempt to float this section. There are two class 3 rapids (Brown's Hole and Martin's Rapid) and many areas that require good oar work. The Eugene / Springfield is home to many McKenzie River Fishing Guides that can help you fish this area.

The lower McKenzie River, from Leaburg to Springfield, offers the most diverse fishing on the McKenzie River. Beginning in April, McKenzie River Summer Steelhead begin their migration up the river and continues through summer. Fly-fishing with wooly buggers and single egg patterns work well as do large caddis patterns.

For those wishing to pursue even larger fish, the McKenzie River supports a great run of Spring Chinook Salmon. In recent years, as many as 15,000 salmon have returned to the McKenzie. Fishing the McKenzie River for these fish require many methods and tactics. Back-bouncing bait, back-trolling Kwikfish and bobber fishing provide most of the action. Knowing where to find Salmon is also important. The peak of this run is May through June, and fish can be caught through July.

McKenzie River Trout fishing on the lower section is also quite diverse. The section from Hayden Bridge to the mouth is restricted to artificial lures / no bait allowed and is open year-round. This has allowed the Native Cutthroat population to rebound and offer fantastic fishing in the hot summer months.

The McKenzie is best known for its Dry-Fly fishing. Throughout the whole river, Wild Rainbows (Redsides), Native Cutthroat and the many hatchery reared Trout respond well to Caddis, Pale Morning Duns (PMD's), and Stimulators. A #4,#5 weight rods are recommended.

The McKenzie Drift Boat, designed in the 30's and 40's, by the first McKenzie rivers guides, is a must when plying the McKenzie's many rapids and boulder fields. This boat enables the fisherman to stand in the front and cast into the likely places where fish can be found.

Campgrounds are found up river from Blue River and many Bed and Breakfasts can be found in the McKenzie Bridge / Leaburg area.

Local Accommodations


Eagle Rock Lodge (on the McKenzie) http://www.eaglerocklodging.com/

Heaven's Gate River Cottages (on the McKenzie) http://www.heavensgaterivercottages.com/

Village Inn (Springfield) http://www.hotel-rates.com/us/oregon/springfield/village-inn-motel.html

Campus Inn (Downtown Eugene)http://www.campus-inn.com/

University Inn ( Downtown Eugene) http://www.eugeneuniversityinn.com/

Holiday Inn (Springfield) 541-746-8471
Comfort Suites (Springfield) 541-746-5359
Motel 6 (Springfield) 541-741-1105

 

Oregon Weather LinksNOAA River Gages and PlotsOregon Dept. of Fish and WildlifeVarious Fishing LinksOregon Chinook SalmonWelcome to the McKenzie River ValleyThe life cycle of Oregon Steelhad and Steelhead fishingHistory of the McKenzie Drift BoatOregon Weather LinksNOAA River Gages and PlotsOregon Dept. of Fish and WildlifeVarious Fishing LinksOregon Chinook SalmonWelcome to the McKenzie River ValleyThe life cycle of Oregon Steelhad and Steelhead fishingHistory of the McKenzie Drift Boat

Oregon Weather LinksUSGS River Gages and PlotsOregon Dept. of Fish and WildlifeVarious Fishing LinksOregon Chinook SalmonHistory of the McKenzie Drift BoatOregon Weather LinksUSGS River Gages and PlotsOregon Dept. of Fish and WildlifeVarious Fishing LinksOregon Chinook SalmonHistory of the McKenzie Drift Boat

Click the above Photo
for more information about
the McKenzie River
Photo thanks to the
McKenzie River,
part of the
River Journal series,
published by Frank Amato Publications.
We greatly appreciate use permission.

CALL 541-574-FISH (3474)
Drop me a line Jon@o2fish.com
Eugene, Oregon