Local Waters
South Fork McKenzie (French Pete)
Blue River, OR · about 80 min from Eugene (typical, off-peak)
The McKenzie fork Fly Fisher's Place sends small-stream anglers to — below the reservoir, not a secret turnout.
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, Salmon.
- Season
- Legal on many waters. West-side streams drop and warm. Fish dawn. Confirm ODFW. Official rule
- License
- Oregon angling license (ODFW)
- Park
- USFS French Pete Campground on Aufderheide / FR 19 below Cougar Reservoir. Vault toilet, river access from camp.
- Walk in
- Short from camp to the South Fork.
- Wading
- Wadable in summer. Winter is pushy.
- Usual window
- After Cougar spills drop. Confirm ODFW.
- Sunday conditions
-
S 3 mph around dawn. Fine to go.
- Sky
- ⛅ 83° partly
- Sun and moon
- Rise 9:20 · 🌔 Waxing gibbous · Set 11:02
- Wind at dawn
- S 3 mph · Partly Cloudy · 59°F
- Wind later
-
- dawn: S 3 mph
- 10am: W 1 mph
- 2pm: NW 3 mph
- dusk: N 6 mph
- A setup that belongs here
- 4- or 5-wt, dry-dropper.
- Notes
- Named USFS. Fly Fisher's Place small-streams page. Confirm ODFW.
Log this trip
Private. On this phone, and in your test book if you signed in on Journal.
Shops
Guides
Shop desks, plus a few independents who fish public water. We do not take a cut. Call them.
The Caddis Fly — book a day
Eugene, OR · wade / drift · Half or full day
Good for: McKenzie and Willamette Valley public water
Shop desk. Ask who they send west of the Cascades.