by Victoria Tiegert

Created on: February 10, 2009

Looking for a great fishing vacation? Albany, Oregon is sure to please! Located amid the lush green of the Willamette Valley in the state of Oregon, Albany is home to many lakes, rivers, streams and ponds that all add up to making this a fisherman's paradise. No matter your fishing style, bait of choice or your desired catch of the day, you can find it here. Below are a few favorites among the locals and tourists alike that will more than likely bring dinner to the end of your pole.

*For the salmon or steelhead fisherman, the Willamette and Clackamas Rivers have a great run of Coho as well as steelhead. Wiggle wart lures have brought in many of these big beauties, as well as a corn and shrimp cocktail. The steelhead average around four to six pounds.

*Where the Willamette River and the Calapooia River meet, you can find a nice amount of bluegill, crappie and smallmouth bass just waiting to hook up with you.

*The North Santiam River has gained fame for its abundance of gorgeous native trout. The brilliant pink color of the flesh will let you know you've got a keeper that will hold an awesome flavor. A good old-fashioned worm and bobber will get you dinner, or if you prefer a spinner, go ahead.

*Both cutthroat and rainbow trout can be found in the many lakes and streams in the Albany area. Try out your cast on Swan Lake or Wilson Lake for these.

*There are many warm water areas for game fishing along the back waters of the Willamette River and in the ponds. There are three smaller, and lesser frequented, ponds known as the Freeway Lakes that are full of bass, bluegill and even some crappie. These three do have a boat launch but are only suitable for smaller boats.

*Waverly Lake is a wonderful twenty acre recreational area in Albany, especially for family days out. In the summer, you can rent paddle boats and go out to see the real sight this lake gives, a fourteen foot spray foam duck that floats on the water!

Traveling the Pacific Northwest is a wonderful way for the sportsman to spend his or her time away from home and the Willamette Valley is the fishing hotspot with its abundance of waterways. The variety of fish and water areas makes it interesting and enjoyable for all. Albany is one of the greatest locations in the beautiful valley. If you haven't tried it out yet, now is the time! Load up your gear and come on over, the water's fine!

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