River Open — west-side trout

Big Elk Creek

Toledo, OR · about 85 min from Eugene (typical, off-peak)

The Yaquina trib forums still name with a real forest campground.

Salt River / stream Lake / pond Shop (desk) Guide only Parking Stay State access Private — ask first

Around now

Most likely in this drive this week. Not a guarantee — confirm the official rule.

Salmon
Trout
Smallmouth bass

Also worth a thought: Largemouth bass, Sunfish and crappie.

Season

Typical opener Apr 25 through October. Wild fish, flies, and C&R stretches are common. Confirm ODFW. Official rule

License

Oregon angling license (ODFW)

Park

USFS Big Elk Campground on Big Elk Rd, a Yaquina trib in the Siuslaw National Forest. Forest camp / day-use.

Walk in

Short walk from the public lot.

Wading

Confirm flow before you step in.

Usual window

Confirm the current rule for this week.

Tuesday conditions

SSW 3 mph around dawn. Fine to go.

Sky: 🌧️ 73° rain
Sun and moon: Rise 9:36 · 🌖 Waning gibbous · Set 10:54
Wind at dawn: SSW 3 mph · Partly Cloudy · 54°F
Wind later: dawn: SSW 3 mph

10am: SSW 2 mph

2pm: SW 2 mph

dusk: W 6 mph

A setup that belongs here

4- or 5-wt.

Notes

Named USFS campground. Confirm ODFW.

Maps Call shop

Log this trip

Private. On this phone, and in your test book if you signed in on Journal.

Shops

Watershed Fly Shop

351 SW Madison Ave, Corvallis, OR 97333
Tue–Sat 10am–6pm (confirm)

Corvallis desk. Alsea, Marys, mid-Willamette. Confirm the address if they have moved.

Call Website

The Caddis Fly Angling Shop

168 W 6th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401
Call — valley hours

Willamette Valley desk. McKenzie, the Willamette, and a first Oregon trout day.

Call Website

Guides

Shop desks, plus a few independents who fish public water. We do not take a cut. Call them.