by Lerrina Collins

Created on: February 16, 2009   Last Updated: February 21, 2009

Few who pass through Albany, Oregon realize this bustling industrial area also offers great fishing. With the Cascade Mountains to the east and the Oregon Coast to the west, the area's fishing options are numerous and varied.

Whether your fishing interests turn to hooking brook trout from a mountain stream, snagging a massive salmon or steelhead, or hooking into a fiesty bass, the waters around Albany, Oregon provide your kind of fishing.

WARM WATER FISHERIES

Within a few minutes of town, Albany fishermen can find various warm water fishing options. These range from slow moving rivers to ponds to lakes.

FREEWAY LAKES: Just south of Albany along Interstate 5 are three small lakes filled with bass, crappie and bluegill. There is one boat launch on the east side of the Interstate. To navigate these waters, a small boat is required. Although visited regularly by the locals, these lakes do not get as much pressure as one might expect considering fishermen have caught bass up to 10 pounds and crappie up to 2 pounds.

LITTLE MUDDY RIVER: This slow moving river passes through mostly private lands near Halsey. This is a lesser known warm water species stream, however, be sure to acquire landowner permission if you wish to fish the sections on private land.

LONG TOM RIVER: Another lesser known warm water fishery south of Albany, Long Tom produces some nice crappie and bass. The major water source for Fern Ridge Reservoir, this 9,000 acres lake is the largest in the Willamette Valley. Located 12 miles west of Eugene off Hwy 126 this lake provides outstanding bass and catfish, crappie fishing.
WILLAMETTE RIVER: The Willamette River winds its way slowly north through the valley floor. This large river is easily accessible and home to both warm and cold water species.

COLD WATER FISHERIES

Cold water fisheries abound in the area. Whether you prefer sitting beside a still pond or lake, drifting a large river, or walking along a mountain stream, something near Albany will suit your desires.

BILLY LAKE & CRABTREE LAKE: These two small lakes are located on timber land above Lacomb. Both offer wonderful trout fishing. Be sure to check with the timber company before heading up.

CALAPOOIA RIVER: Located east of Albany, the Calapooia River flows from Sweet Home to Albany. While you can catch trout from nearly any accessible point, the fisherman who prefers mountain streams can enjoy that experience just above Holly, while the fishermen who prefers tamer waters can find them closer to town.

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