The final free fishing weekend of the year is scheduled for Nov. 28-29, wherein participants can fish without a license in rivers, lakes, coastal bays, and other waters, provided all regulations, including species, size, and catch limits, are observed.
To enhance the experience during these free fishing weekends, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) stocks several urban waterways with hatchery trout, particularly around population centers in the Willamette Valley. Within this region, three accessible bodies of water stand out as prime fishing spots.
Alton Baker Park Canal
Alton Baker Park Canal, near 200 Day Island Road in Eugene, is a favorite among urban anglers. It offers year-round fishing opportunities, with ODFW regularly stocking legal-sized rainbow trout from February through mid-November. This fall alone, the canal has received 750 rainbow trout each week since early October.
Besides trout, the canal is home to various warmwater species, including smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, crappie, and bullheads. Anglers might even catch the occasional steelhead from the Willamette River. Fish after stocking events, using spinning lures, PowerBait, or worms. Targeting early mornings or late evenings during warmer months yields better results. The canal features a two-mile stretch, notably around the midpoint pond and the area behind the BMX tracks, accessible via a trail with amenities like free parking, public restrooms, and picnic tables.
Row River Nature Park
Row River Nature Park, 33301 Row River Road in Cottage Grove, offers a serene environment that appeals to nature lovers. This 56-acre park east of Cottage Grove is perfect for fishing, wildlife watching, and birdwatching.
Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., the park features six ponds stocked with rainbow trout in both spring and fall. Visitors can hike and bike on paved and unpaved paths, while picnic tables and benches offer a lovely place to relax. The park also includes a small BMX track for additional fun. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. For inquiries, visitors can call 541-942-5501 or check the City of Cottage Grove’s website. Notably, Row River Nature Park is part of the Row River National Recreation Trail, a scenic 15.6-mile paved trail that offers beautiful views of Dorena Lake and covered bridges.
Junction City Pond
Located just two miles south of Junction City along Highway 99, this is a popular eight-acre fishing spot. Regularly stocked with hatchery rainbow trout and recycled steelhead by ODFW, the pond also hosts largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. Anglers find success with various baits, including PowerBait, salmon eggs, worms, and spinners.
Upgrades in March 2024 have enhanced the pond’s accessibility, including new concrete walkways, metal benches, and ADA-compliant fishing platforms. Besides fishing, the site features an archery park, restrooms, picnic areas, and a looped path around the pond.
Regulations permit a daily catch of five trout or steelhead per angler, with only one exceeding 20 inches. Individuals aged 12 and over must possess a valid Oregon angling license. Motorized boats, hunting, trapping, and off-road vehicles are not allowed, and dogs must be leashed.
The pond remains open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For up-to-date fishing reports and stocking information, visit the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Recreation Report at myodfw.com
Email: [email protected].
