Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass fishing near Sherwood, Oregon, requires a bit of a drive, as the Tualatin River itself isn't prime smallie habitat. However, the nearby Willamette River and its tributaries offer excellent smallmouth opportunities. Focus your efforts on the rocky sections of the Willamette, particularly around Oregon City and downriver. These areas provide the swift currents and rocky bottoms that smallmouth bass prefer. Summer and early fall are the best times to target smallmouth, as the water warms and they become more active. A key to success is understanding the river's structure; smallmouth often hold near current breaks, such as boulders or submerged logs. A local tip is to wade fish the smaller tributaries that feed into the Willamette; these can be less crowded and hold some surprisingly good smallmouth. The smallmouth in the Willamette River system are known for their aggressive strikes and hard fighting ability, making for an exciting day on the water.