The next Free Fishing Weekend in Oregon is set for Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7. This annual event allows residents and nonresidents to fish, crab, or clam for free in any open area. No licenses or endorsements are needed; however, all other regulations apply, including bag limits and size restrictions. Additionally, salmon and trout with an intact adipose fin must be released. For the latest in-season regulation updates, particularly concerning salmon, steelhead, and shellfish safety, anglers should check the ODFW website. Printed fishing regulations are also available at most tackle retailers or online at eregulations.com.
Fishing in Oregon, whether licensed or not, can be complex, but free fishing days offer a wonderful chance to take the whole family out on the water without the extra expense of a license. June is prime for these opportunities, especially in the southern Willamette Valley, home to the rich waters of the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers, which feature salmon, summer steelhead, and rainbow trout.
During May 17-19, fishway counts at Willamette Falls indicated a promising flow of spring Chinook, averaging about 550 to 700 adult fish daily. After navigating the falls, salmon and steelhead typically take 10-15 days to reach rivers in Lane County. A strong presence of bright spring salmon is expected in both the McKenzie River and the Middle Fork of the Willamette, with around 44,000 spring Chinook anticipated to migrate soon.
While there isn’t a specific forecast for summer steelhead, approximately 3,500 steelhead have passed Willamette Falls. Though not yet abundant, anglers seeking salmon and trout during the free fishing weekend may catch these steelhead as incidental catches.
In western Lane County, additional activities include crabbing, surf perch fishing, and trophy freshwater opportunities. While resident sunfish, particularly bass, can be fun to catch, they may accumulate environmental toxins, prompting ODFW recommendations for limiting consumption.
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