McKenzie River
A cold, fast Cascade river east of Eugene with wild redside trout, a famous March Brown hatch and the original drift boat.
- 123 miRiver length
- 7Game fish
- 155Access points
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McKenzie River
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About the McKenzie
The McKenzie starts at Clear Lake high in the Oregon Cascades and runs west to the Willamette River near Eugene. Its cold, clear water comes mostly from snow and springs.
The river gave its name to the McKenzie drift boat, which was built to handle its fast rapids. Floating is still the classic way to fish the lower and middle river. Wading works well in many spots too.
The McKenzie holds wild rainbow trout, called redsides, and stocked trout in some sections. Cutthroat trout, bull trout and spring chinook salmon also live here. Bull trout are protected and must be released.
The March Brown hatch in spring is one of the best in Oregon. Caddis and other mayflies keep fish rising into summer. The upper river runs through forest along the McKenzie River Trail.
McKenzie River near Vida, OR
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Nearby gages
- Gate Creek at Vida, OR4.2 mi away Not reporting USGS 14163000
- North Fork Quartz Creek near Blue River, OR8.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 14162050
- South Santiam River below Cascadia, OR16.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 14185000
- Camp Creek at Camp Creek Road Bridge, near Springfield, OR20.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 14164550
- South Santiam River near Foster, OR20.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 14187200
- Middle Santiam River below Green Peter Dam near Foster, OR20.8 mi away Not reporting USGS 14186200
- Cedar Creek at Springfield, OR22.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 14164700
- Middle Fork Willamette River near Dexter, OR22.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 14150000
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
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Hatching in November
What's on the water in the Willamette watershed this month, and the fly to match.
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Tips for fishing the McKenzie
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Hit the March Brown hatch
In spring, March Browns come off around midday. Have nymphs, emergers and dries ready.
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Float the middle river
A drift boat or raft covers the long runs between Leaburg and Blue River. Know the rapids before you go.
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Release bull trout
Bull trout are protected. Keep them in the water and let them go quickly.
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Fish soft hackles
Swinging soft hackles through riffles works well for redsides during caddis hatches.
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Know which water is wild only
Some sections are managed for wild fish with special rules. Check Oregon's regulations.
Every access point on the McKenzie, in your pocket.
- 155 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near the McKenzie
McKenzie River FAQ
When is the March Brown hatch on the McKenzie?
Usually from March into May, often around the warmest part of the day.
What fish live in the McKenzie River?
Wild redside rainbows, stocked trout, cutthroat, protected bull trout, steelhead and spring chinook salmon.
Can you wade the McKenzie?
Yes, in many places, but the river is cold and fast. Use a wading staff and pick your spots.
What is a McKenzie drift boat?
A boat built for the fast rapids of the McKenzie. It is now used on rivers all over the country.
Where is the McKenzie River?
In the Oregon Cascades east of Eugene. It flows from Clear Lake to the Willamette.
Can you keep bull trout on the McKenzie?
No. Bull trout are protected and must be released.
