Looking for great spots for fishing in Salem, Oregon? Salem, Oregon, is a haven for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, the area is rich with rivers, lakes, and ponds teeming with a variety of fish species. Whether you’re looking to introduce young anglers to the sport or you’re a seasoned pro searching for your next big catch, Salem offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the Pacific Northwest.
In this blog, we’ll take you through some of the top fishing spots in and around Salem, including the Willamette River, Walling Pond, and the famous Detroit Lake.
1. The Willamette River
The Willamette River is one of the most popular fishing spots near Salem, Oregon. Spanning over 187 miles, the river is home to a wide variety of fish species, making it a prime destination for anglers. The river is particularly famous for steelhead fishing, with both winter and summer runs offering exciting opportunities. Rainbow trout are also abundant in the stocked waters, providing plenty of action for those looking to catch fish.
The best fishing on the Willamette River often occurs near the various access points, where anglers can enjoy easy access to the water. The most popular is Minto Brown Park. You can find a boat ramp on the West side of Salem called the Wallace Marine Park Boat Ramp. Non-motorized boats, such as canoes and kayaks, are popular choices for exploring the river’s many fishing holes.
Native Fish Species in the Willamette River
Chinook Salmon
Steelhead / Rainbow Trout
Coastal Cutthroat Trout
Chiselmouth
Northern Pikeminnow
Peamouth
Largescale Sucker
Brook Lamprey and Pacific Lamprey
Tips for Fishing in the Willamette River
Steelhead Fishing: For the best results, fish during early spring and fall. Use a medium to heavy-action rod paired with a strong reel and line. Drift fishing with bait or casting spinners and spoons can be very effective. For steelhead, try fly fishing with nymphs or streamers in faster currents.
Rainbow Trout: Focus on fishing in cooler months—spring, early summer, and fall. Use a lighter rod and reel setup. Effective techniques include using floats for better control of bait, drift fishing, or casting spinners and jigs. Try float fishing with worms or PowerBait, or casting spinners for active trout.
2. Walling Pond
Located right in Salem, Walling Pond is a favorite among local anglers. This small but heavily stocked pond is perfect for introducing young anglers to the joys of fishing. Regularly stocked with rainbow trout, Walling Pond also hosts a variety of other fish species, including largemouth bass and catfish. The pond’s convenient location, just off the main road with easy access to parking, makes it a popular spot for families looking for a quick fishing getaway.
Walling Pond is particularly well-suited for bank fishing, with plenty of shoreline space for casting. The pond is also a great spot for those who prefer a more relaxed fishing experience, with picnic areas nearby where you can enjoy a leisurely day by the water.
Fish Species at Walling Pond
Rainbow trout
Largemouth bass
Catfish
Tips for Fishing at Walling Pond
General Techniques: Use standard lake-fishing methods, such as casting spinners or using bait like worms, PowerBait, and salmon eggs. Bank fishing is ideal here with ample shoreline space.
Family Fishing: The pond’s accessibility features make it a great spot for beginners and families. Consider bringing a picnic and spending a leisurely day by the water
3. Detroit Lake: A Fisherman’s Dream
Just a short drive east of Salem, Detroit Lake is one of the best fishing spots in the region. This large reservoir is known for its excellent trout fishing, particularly rainbow trout, which are regularly stocked throughout the year. Chinook Salmon can also be found at Detroit Lake. Additionally, the lake is home to kokanee salmon, a smaller, landlocked species of salmon that provides a unique fishing challenge.
Boat fishing is extremely popular at Detroit Lake, with several boat ramps available around the lake. The lake’s clear waters and diverse fish population make it a prime destination for anglers looking to catch fish of all sizes. Whether you’re casting from the shore or trolling from a boat, Detroit Lake offers some of the best fishing opportunities near Salem. They also have boat rentals if you want to take one out on a weekend but they close for the year on September 2nd and reopen in May.
Fish species at Detroit Lake
Rainbow Trout
Landlocked Chinook
Kokanee Salmon
Catfish
Tips for Fishing at Detroit Lake
Rainbow Trout: The best fishing times are spring, early summer, and fall. In mid-summer, focus on the North Santiam Arm. Use spinners like a Wedding Ring or Rooster Tail with nightcrawlers, or fish with worms and PowerBait off the bottom.
Landlocked Chinook Salmon: Utilize downriggers for depths of 150-200 feet. Effective baits include K-5 Quick Fish, Needlefish, or pickled herring.
Kokanee Salmon: The best fishing times are in spring by the dam. By late July-Augst the Salmon are 80-100 feet deep (downriggers can be helpful). Jigging with Buzz Bombs or Kokanee jigs in pink or red works well. Trolling with a Ford Fender and spinner, adding white corn or a piece of worm to the hook, is also effective.
Catfish: Target the shallows of Detroit Flats using catfish nuggets for best results.
4. Louis Ponds and Walter Wirth Lake
For those looking to explore lesser-known fishing spots in Salem, Louis Ponds and Walter Wirth Lake are excellent choices. Louis Ponds (Saint Louis Fish Ponds County Park), located on the outskirts of town, is a series of seven small ponds that are regularly stocked with trout and other fish species. Louis Ponds encompasses more than 240 acres but has a 2,300-foot paved ADA footpath with turnouts, fishing platforms, restrooms, and picnic tables.
Your best bet to catch trout will be after they restock it so be sure to check the weekly trout stocking schedule for either the Louis Pond or Walter Wirth Lake.
Walter Wirth Lake, located within the city limits near the Salem airport, is another fantastic spot for anglers of all ages. This lake is stocked with a variety of fish, including rainbow trout and largemouth bass. The lake’s well-maintained trails and picnic areas make it a great place for a family fishing outing. Walter Wirth Lake is also a popular spot for non-motorized boats.
Fish species at Louis Ponds
Rainbow trout
White crappie
Black crappie
Largemouth bass
Redear sunfish
Green sunfish
Bluegill
Perch
Brown bullhead
Channel catfish
Tips for Fishing at Louis Ponds
Trout Fishing: Best during cooler spring months when trout are stocked. Use standard lake-fishing techniques such as casting or trolling.
Warmwater Fishing: For bass and panfish, focus on late spring through fall. Look for fish near weed beds, submerged logs, or other cover. Be aware that aquatic vegetation can make fishing more challenging during warm summer months.
5. Santiam River: A Fly Fishing Haven
The Santiam River, located just a short drive from Salem, is renowned for its fly fishing opportunities. This river is home to a healthy population of rainbow trout, steelhead, and salmon, making it a favorite among fly fishing enthusiasts. The river’s clear waters and picturesque surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for a day of fishing.
The Santiam River offers a variety of fishing spots, from fast-moving currents ideal for steelhead fishing to calmer stretches where trout can be found. Anglers fishing on the Santiam often enjoy the challenge of fly fishing in these diverse conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisher or just starting, the Santiam River is a must-visit destination for any angler near Salem.
Fish Species in the Santiam River
Rainbow Trout
Cutthroat Trout
Coho salmon
Brook Trout
Winter Run Steelhead
Spring Chinook Salmon
Tips for Fishing in the Santiam River
Best Times to Fish: Spring and fall are ideal for rainbow trout and steelhead. Coho salmon are prevalent in the fall, while spring Chinook Salmon and winter-run steelhead are available in their respective seasons.
Gear Recommendations: Use a 5-7 weight fly rod for trout and steelhead; a 7-9 weight rod is better for salmon. Select floating or sinking lines based on water depth, and carry a range of nymphs, streamers, and dry flies.
Fly Techniques: Nymphing or swinging flies works well for steelhead in faster currents, while trout can be caught with dry flies or nymphs in calmer areas. For salmon, use streamers or larger patterns in deeper pools.
Water Conditions: High water may push fish into slower, deeper areas, while low or clear water conditions may require more delicate presentation and stealth.
The Bottom Line
Salem, Oregon, offers a wealth of fishing opportunities for anglers of all types. From the mighty Willamette River to the tranquil ponds scattered throughout the city, there’s no shortage of places to cast a line. Whether you’re looking for the best fishing holes to catch rainbow trout or you’re eager to try your hand at steelhead fishing, Salem has something for everyone.
So grab your gear, head to one of these fantastic fishing spots, and enjoy fishing in Salem, Oregon. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the fishing near Salem is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. With so many lakes in Oregon, rivers, and ponds to explore, you’ll never run out of new places to fish in this beautiful part of the Pacific Northwest.If you enjoyed this, check out our post on Halibut fishing on the Oregon coast!
FAQs About Fishing in Salem, Oregon
What fish are in the Willamette River in Salem?
The Willamette River in Salem is home to a variety of fish species, including Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Rainbow Trout, Coastal Cutthroat Trout, Chiselmouth, Northern Pikeminnow, Peamouth, Largescale Sucker, Brook Lamprey, and Pacific Lamprey.
What kind of fish are in Walling Pond Salem Oregon?
Walling Pond in Salem, Oregon, is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, and Catfish. It’s a popular spot for anglers of all ages and offers easy access for a quick fishing trip.
Where to fish near Salem, OR?
Some of the best fishing spots near Salem, OR, include the Willamette River, Walling Pond, Detroit Lake, and the Santiam River. These locations offer a variety of fishing experiences, from bank fishing and fly fishing to boat fishing in larger lakes and rivers.
Is Salem Lake good for fishing?
Salem Lake is not a commonly referenced fishing spot in Salem, Oregon. Instead, anglers typically enjoy fishing in other nearby locations such as the Willamette River, Walling Pond, and Detroit Lake, which are known for their abundance of fish species and good fishing conditions.
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