Salmon have been a symbol of the Pacific Northwest throughout history. Oregon's native salmon runs have experienced major declines and many are already extinct. Lane County's rivers were once abundant in Chinook, Coho, and other salmon and steelhead species. The estimated number of spring Chinook that once returned to the McKenzie is thought to be around 300,000 fish. Today only about 2,000 to 3,000 wild salmon make it to their spawning grounds on the McKenzie.
Many factors such as, habitat degradation, logging practices, pollution, and commercial over fishing are responsible for the loss of salmon habitat in Lane County. The biggest of these factors is the many major dams that block the passage fish. There are ten major dams in the upper Willamette Basin and only one of these, Leaburg Dam, has a fish ladder to allow for the passage of salmon. However Leaburg and the other two power producing dams on the McKenzie, Walterville and Carmen-Smith still have negative impacts on the salmon habitat of the McKenzie. The dams on the McKenzie raise the water temperature which may harm the sensitive salmon and other fish.
The Dams on the Middle Fork of the Willamette such as Dexter Dam and Lookout Point Dam do not have fish ladders, making the river impassable for the salmon. The native run of salmon has been extinct on this river since the 1950s when the dams were built.
Lane County has four fish hatcheries that raise salmon and steelhead. These hatcheries are responsible for some increase in the salmon population. However the possibility of hatchery salmon breeding with wild salmon may pose a threat to the wild salmon population.
 Photograph: Erin Neve, 1999 |
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This hatchery raises rainbow and cutthroat trout and
steelhead. Earthen show ponds with Japanese garden type landscaping offer year round
viewing of adult sturgeon and trout. Nearby Water Board Park provides picnicking, swimming
and boat access to the McKenzie River. Excellent opportunities to view osprey during the
spring and summer, and spawning of spring Chinook in the fall.
Directions: Go east of Springfield 22 miles on Hwy. 126,which will take you past the town
of Leaburg. Follow the sign that indicates the entrance to the "EWEB Water Board
Park" and go across the McKenzie River on the Green Dam. After crossing the dam, turn
right immediately and you will see the hatchery (the Leaburg Hatchery is within five miles
of the McKenzie Hatchery
on the same highway...so don't be confused. The Leaburg Hatchery is not signed from the
highway due to traffic safety. It is not recommended for entry by large motor homes or
travel trailers.
McKenzie Fish Hatchery
43863 Greer Dr., Hwy. 126
Leaburg, OR 97489
(541) 896-3513
This hatchery raises Chinook and steelhead. The facility has a picnic area and a visitors'
center overlooking the spawning area. The McKenzie River offers excellent fishing for
trout, steelhead and salmon in a scenic setting. Group tours of the hatchery are available
with advance arrangements.
Directions: Travel 22 miles east from Eugene/Springfield on Hwy. 126; located 2 miles east
of Leaburg at milepost 22.
 Photograph: Erin Neve, 1999 Dexter Dam hatchery facility is part of the Willamette Hatchery project. |
Willamette Fish Hatchery |
This hatchery raises spring Chinook salmon and rainbow
trout. It has outside interpretive visitor information kiosks. The facility is close to
both camping and fishing areas within the Willamette National Forest. Ponds offer viewing
of large trout and white sturgeon. Viewing area of upland game birds. Salmon side of the
hatchery is paved.
Directions: From Oakridge: Go 1 mile north of Hwy. 58 on Salmon Creek Rd. (Salmon Creek
Rd. is 1.7 miles east of the ONLY stoplight in Oakridge). -OR- Coming from the east:
Salmon Creek Rd. is 0.1 mile west of the Hills Creek Reservoir turnoff.
