Fish on the McKenzie River
Fishing on the McKenzie River is a glorious experience. Known for its cold, crystal clear waters, the Class II-III McKenzie River hosts whitewater thrill seekers, world class anglers, and nature lovers. Running about 90 miles long and including a South Fork, more than 12 miles of the upper part of the river are designated as "wild and scenic, and beckon travelors like you to visit, especially if you like to fish.
Twenty-two native fish and more than seven non-native fish swim this ultra pure, spring-fed river. The McKenzie River is also one of the most stocked rivers in Oregon with trout from the Leaburg Fish Hatchery and spring chinook salmon from the McKenzie Fish Hatchery. Both are a short drive from the Inn at the 5th. The latter raises and releases 1.2 million spring chinook salmon each year. Visit and discover 30 ponds and a fish ladder. Enjoy interpretive signage and a picnic area. Guided tours are available to groups with advance notice. Visiting hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 am through 4:30 pm with May through October being the best time to visit. Leaburg Fisch Hatchery, built in 1953, is the largest trout hatchery on the West Coast, producing more than one million rainbow and steelhead trout every year. Visitors are welcome daily during daylight hours. There is a wheelchair accessible viewing platform overlooking a stream where spring chinook salmon spawn. In the Japanese garden show ponds, guests can feed the fish and see rainbow, cutthroat, steelhead, sturgeon and chinook.
If you prefer to go straight to the river where the fish are stocked, know the McKenzie River watershed covers a huge area with 1,300 square miles of tributaries, streams and lakes through a varied terrain. In addition to the fish hatchery populations, fish include wild trout, spring chinook and summer steelhead, sturgeon, sculpin, lamprey, whitefish and more. Where is the best place to find them? Whether you are fly fishing from the shore or casting from a world famous McKenzie River Drift Boat, you really can’t go wrong. Regulations on how many fish you get to keep, however, varies widely depending on season, which section of the river you cast, and which type of fish you reel in, so it may be helpful to review the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations when purchasing your fishing license. Rather not do the research? Fishing with a local guide can be a fun and easy way to find the river's top fishing spots, stay within the guidelines, and catch your fill.
If fishing isn’t your thing, but you like the idea of visiting the river, consider charging Martens Rapid in a kayak, and watch the steelhead leap through the surf. Or, hike or bike along the riverbank on the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail after driving the scenic river corridor along Hwy 126 where you’ll find three dams on the main stem and two covered bridges.
Of course, that’s not to say you can’t enjoy the luxury of your own suite when you stay at the Inn at the 5th. Whether or not you spend your days on the river, you get to end your day by coming back to unwind at the Inn at the 5th in the privacy of your suite with a built-in fireplace, spacious bathroom, walk-in shower, and private balcony. It would be our pleasure to help you plan your river adventure, and to host you for the night once you’ve caught your fish. We can’t wait to hear your fish stories!