Clackamas River Workgroup

Overview

The Clackamas River in northwest Oregon is a rugged and renowned wild fish sanctuary, tumbling 83 miles from the Cascades’ high lakes through old-growth canyons and suburban reaches to meet the Willamette near Oregon City. Famed for its strong runs of wild winter steelhead, hatchery and wild spring Chinook, and summer steelhead, the river lures fly and gear anglers to its boulder-choked runs, emerald pools, and classic drift water from Estacada to the mouth. Winter steelhead peak December through March in the lower river’s deep glides, while spring Chinook stack in May–June near McIver Park and the upper holes. Summer runs offer technical fly fishing above Faraday, and fall coho add a bonus in wet years. Protected by early ANWS advocacy, including the 1966–1969 Wild & Scenic designation of its upper reaches, the Clackamas remains a vital stronghold for ESA-listed salmon and steelhead, its clear flows and scenic beauty anchoring Oregon’s steelhead legacy. The Clackamas River is served primarily by our Clackamas River chapter.

Our Accomplishments

• 1966: Petitioned Oregon City and later Clackamas County to protect a section of the river as wild and scenic. Secured Wild and Scenic designation for roughly 47 miles of the upper Clackamas from Big Springs to Big Cliff.
• 2000: Willamette Spring Salmon Season switched to Selective, which protected declining wild Spring Chinook runs not only in the Willamette but also its tributaries like the Clackamas River.