Lake / pond Open — summer low / warm

Benson Lake

Columbia Gorge, OR · about 59 hours from Carlisle (typical, off-peak)

Stocked gorge lake, no ramp.

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.

Season

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

License

Oregon angling license (ODFW)

Park

Benson State Rec Site. I-84 Exit 30.

Walk in

Short walk from the public lot.

Wading

Confirm flow before you step in.

Usual window

Confirm ODFW for this week.

Friday conditions

S 5 mph around dawn. Fine to go.

Sky: ⚡ 71° storm
Sun and moon: Rise 9:22 · 🌕 Full moon · Set 10:55
Wind at dawn: S 5 mph · Slight Chance Rain Showers · 64°F
Wind later: dawn: S 5 mph

10am: SE 5 mph

2pm: SE 10 mph

dusk: SE 10 mph

A setup that belongs here

5- or 6-wt unless the water is bigger.

Notes

Easy Angling Willamette / Portland 50-list. Confirm ODFW.

Maps Call shop

Log this trip

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

Shops

Gorge Fly Shop

201 Oak St, Hood River, OR 97031
Call

Columbia Gorge desk. Hood River and the east-side Deschutes day.

Call Website

Royal Treatment Fly Fishing

21570 Willamette Dr, West Linn, OR 97068
Often 10:30am–4pm — confirm

Portland metro desk. Clackamas, Sandy, and the lower Willamette.

Call Website

Guides

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