Fishing You don’t have to go far outside the bustle of Eugene to find a quiet stretch of water to cast your reel. The McKenzie River is the birthplace of the McKenzie River drift boat. Here you’ll find them navigating the cold, clear waters from McKenzie Bridge to Eagle Rock Park in search of native rainbow trout. Or try wading in the pristine waters of the Middle Fork Willamette River to perfectly present a fly. You can also fish above the dam near Lookout Point Reservoir, where the water squeezes through the craggy narrows, attracting trout and anglers alike. And there’s a wheelchair-accessible dock at South Jetty County Park in Florence for fishing and crabbing. If hard-fighting bass are more your speed, you can cast a lure to plentiful smallmouth at Dorena Reservoir at Baker Bay Park, just a half-hour south of Eugene, or try to land a lunker largemouth at Siltcoos Lake, between Florence and Reedsport. It’s one of the few lakes in Oregon where you can catch and keep wild coho salmon in season. BOOK A GUIDED TRIP Going with a guide is a great way to learn the best spots, tips and local lore from an expert, especially for water activities. Check out these trusted outfitters. A. Helfrich Outfitter Offers seasonal drift boat fishing trips on many of the region’s waterways. helfrich.com Caddis Fly Shop A fly-fishing shop specializing in gear and guided fly-fishing trips since 1975. caddisflyshop.com McKenzie River Guides Association Representing more than 50 licensed and insured guides who help visitors fish the McKenzie, Willamette and coastal rivers. mckenzieguides.com Fishy Waters Guide Service Offering guided fishing on the Siuslaw, Willamette, Umpqua and other local rivers. fishywaters.fish The Wild and Scenic McKenzie River Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Center | 754 Olive St, Eugene 14 MELANIE GRIFFIN
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