Willamette River

Keizer Rapids to Wheatland Ferry Drift

This 8.5 mile drift travels along a smooth, slow-moving current, and is appropriate for rowers new to rivers. We put in at the Keizer Rapids Park boatramp and take out at the Wheatland Ferry boat ramp. A drift boat or pontoon is necessary (fins are helpful for the latter). The club typically does its own shuttle. We float this drift in summer and primarily target smallmouth bass, though Pikeminnow are frequently caught, and carp are possible.

Put-In: Keizer Rapids Park Boat Ramp

There is no parking fee at Keizer Rapids Park.

Take-Out: Wheatland Ferry Boat Ramp

An Oregon state park pass (daily or annual) is required at the Wheatland Ferry Boat Ramp parking lot.

On approach the boat ramp, expect to see the ramp and dock on the right, around 100 feet past the Wheatland Ferry. It is hidden until right before the take out, so hug the right bank after the ferry crossing.

Fly Fishing Techniques

Plan on stripping a wooly bugger or leach pattern on an intermediate line, though at times a type 2 full sink line may be needed to reach the fish's depth. Look for walking speed water, inside the main current in 4-8 foot deep water with a gravel bottom.

Marshall Island to Harrisburg Drift

This 8-mile stretch of river has multiple places to drop anchor and wade. Intermediate rowing skill is recommended due to Class II rapids and large wood strainers and piles. Our club usually self shuttles schedules, this 8 mile drift for the fall when the water temperatures begin to drop. This stretch is also the Willamette Water Trail for kayakers

Put-In: Marshall Island Boat Ramp

There is no parking fee. For local shuttle, contact Larry Means at (541) 729-9886. He generally has you pick him up at the Harrisburg Launch and will drive your car back for $20.

Take-Out: McCartney Boat Ramp (Harrisburg)

This take-out is hard to see before you pass it. It is just past the white gazebo. It is best to beach your pontoon just upstream of the ramp.

Fishing

This stretch of river has rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and native whitefish, as well as the occasional steelhead. It can be fished with a variety of techniques, including dry fly during hatches, swinging wet flies (traditional), indicator fishing/dry-dropper, and Euronymphing. The fall fishing is best from the early fall cool-off until late December. Spring fishing can be fantastic as well, depending on water flows (ideal is 3,500 to 6,000 cfs). Watch water temps during the summer and stop fishing when they exceed 68 degrees F.

Hatch Schedule

Spring Hatches (March – May)

Little Black Stoneflies: Sizes 16–20; active on early mild days.
March Browns: Sizes 10–16; prime, large mayfly hatch on rainy or overcast afternoons.
Salmonflies & Golden Stones: Sizes 4–12; heavy stonefly presence appearing late spring into early summer on upper stretches.

Summer Hatches (June – August)

Pale Morning Duns (PMD): Sizes 16–20; reliable mid-to-late afternoon mayfly activity.
Caddis (Various): Sizes 8–18; abundant green and brown caddis active throughout warm days and evenings.
Little Yellow Stoneflies (Sallies): Sizes 14–18; emerging as summer weather intensifies.
Pale Evening Duns: Sizes 16–20; hatching during low light hours.

Fall Hatches (September – November)

October Caddis: Sizes 8–10; large orange-bodied caddis that trigger aggressive surface strikes.
Blue Winged Olives (BWO): Sizes 16–22; consistent appearance on cool, overcast days through late autumn.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse