Willamette in Eugene

[fishladder]

Hi iflyfishers,
Was wondering on what folks know about the Willy through Eugene this time of year. I live a couple hundred yards from the river next to the park and frequently walk/run the trails along the river. Recently, as the river takes better shape I am noticeing a rapid increase in the number of folks fishing in this area. Usually there are a few salty dogs drinking tall cans and flippin spinners in the murkey waters. Now that the river is in better shape there are quite a few folks wading and floating through. I have spoken with a number of guys fishing off the bridge opposite the gateway mall, they claim to have caught many salmon and steelhead from the bridge. Not to be too skeptical but should I trust these hi elevation anglers? The holding water through town does not look that great, however I live 3 min from the water. So I am wondering what peoples thoughts are on fishability of this section of the Willy? I would appreciate any feedback
Thanks
Jess

[AndyK]

When my son was living in Eugene we would ocassionally drift the middle fork Willamette for steelhead. The best bite was when water was being released from the dam at Dexter.

[TheCamel]

There was a great article in the Register Guard last year that claimed great steelhead fishing in the Willamette right in town. you might see if they have it in their archives.

[SalmonNilla]

Yes, there is a town run of steelhead. Go into Steelheaders West in springfield and talk to Mark. He can give you the latest, I bet. There are also plenty of cutthroat and rainbows. Go get 'em.

[Mokai]

There are alot of rainbows and cutthroat from springfield through eugene...