Getting There: The Alton Baker Canoe Canal begins just east of I-5 in Springfield, runs under the interstate and through Alton Baker Park before reentering the Willamette River near the Ferry Street Bridge. The Canal is accessed from Leo Harris Parkway, and at the west end near the Day Island Road parking lot (off of Club Road).

Fisheries:  Legal-sized rainbow trout are stocked regularly at several locations along the length of the canal from February through June. The canal is open for trout and adipose fin-clipped steelhead all year.

Useful Information: The Alton Baker Canoe Canal is a 2-mile long water diversion constructed along an old river meander off of the Willamette River. The waterway was created in 1974 for recreational boating and today provides good angling opportunities for stocked trout. Along the way there is a weir structure popular with kayakers, a wildlife viewing pond, a canoe chute, a second weir that needs to be portaged and, finally, a double pond feature that is very popular with ducks and geese.

Tackle & Techniques: Standard trout fishing methods, including worms, PowerBait, spinners and fly casting work well. Bait is allowed and the daily limit is five trout per day, 8-inch minimum length. This is an excellent area to introduce young anglers to fishing because of the number of fish released, the large unobstructed casting area and the very easy access along the canal.

Facilities: Alton Baker Park (City of Eugene) provides restrooms; walking, biking and running trails; wildlife viewing areas; picnicking.

Fees: None

Additional Activities: Alton Baker Canoe Canal is located in the heart of the Eugene/Springfield metro area. There are numerous restaurants, movie theaters and shopping opportunities in the general area. The Canal is also known for waterfowl and other wildlife viewing opportunities. Nearby state parks: Elijah Bristow State Park, Jasper State Recreation Site, Lowell State Recreation Site, Dexter State Recreation Site.

For More Information:
ODFW Springfield Field Office — (541) 726-3515
City of Eugene Parks Department — (541) 682-4800