Smallmouth Bass

Turner, Oregon, offers some surprisingly good smallmouth bass fishing, largely thanks to the Santiam River and its tributaries. The South Santiam, in particular, is a hotspot. What makes this area unique is the combination of riffles, rocky runs, and deeper pools that provide ideal habitat for smallies. Prime time is late spring through early fall, after the spring runoff subsides and the water clears. Look for smallmouth near rocky outcroppings and submerged timber. A local tip: Access to the South Santiam can be found at Stayton-Jordan Bridge Park, a popular launch point. Be mindful of wading conditions, as the river can be swift. The smallmouth here aren't giants, averaging 1-3 pounds, but they fight hard and are plentiful, making for a fun day on the water. Focus on using crawdad imitations or small spinners to entice strikes. Remember to check the water levels before heading out, as heavy rains can quickly change conditions.