River Open — summer low / warm

Middle Fork Willamette (Dexter)

Dexter, OR · about 35 min from Eugene (typical, off-peak)

The Oakridge–Dexter Middle Fork with a state lot, not a random 58 turnout.

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.

Smallmouth bass
Trout
Sunfish and crappie

Also worth a thought: Largemouth bass, Salmon.

Season

Legal on many waters. West-side streams drop and warm. Fish dawn. Confirm ODFW. Official rule

License

Oregon angling license (ODFW)

Park

OPRD Dexter State Recreation Site at Dexter Dam / Lowell. State park lot and ramp on the Middle Fork below the reservoir.

Walk in

Short from the state lot to the tailrace and river.

Wading

Tailwater. Generation changes the wade.

Usual window

Stocked trout below the dam; confirm ODFW.

Saturday conditions

W 3 mph around dawn. Fine to go.

Sky: 🌧️ 84° rain
Sun and moon: Rise 9:30 · 🌖 Waning gibbous · Set 10:55
Wind at dawn: W 3 mph · Mostly Sunny · 67°F
Wind later: dawn: W 3 mph

10am: W 6 mph

2pm: W 7 mph

dusk: W 6 mph

A setup that belongs here

5- or 6-wt.

Notes

Named state recreation site. Confirm ODFW.

Maps Call shop

Log this trip

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

Shops

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

Home Waters Fly Fishing

444 W 3rd Ave, Eugene, OR 97401
Tue–Sat 10am–5pm

McKenzie and Middle Fork Willamette desk. Second Eugene shop besides Caddis Fly.

Call Website

Guides

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