For the past two springs, the Willamette River and its tributaries have been the top-producing springer streams in the state. The Willamette, a tributary to the Columbia, offers boat fishing at the lower section, near Oregon City. The Middle Fork Willamette, however, offers both drift-boat and bank-fishing opportunities from Springfield to Dexter.

The North and South Santiam rivers, along with the Clackamas, have also been fairly steady the past couple of seasons. The McKenzie River, east of Eugene, has been one of the state’s top-producing springer streams in the past two years. The Sandy and Deschutes, tributaries to the Columbia, also have spring chinook runs.

No matter where you choose to go in search of springers, be prepared. Do all within your power to be on top of your game to maximize fishing time on the water. You’ll soon see why time is so valuable to the spring chinook angler, for the more time that’s spent with your line in the water, the more fish you’ll catch.

(Editor’s Note: To order signed copies of Scott Haugen’s latest book, 300 Tips to More Salmon & Steelhead, log on to ScottHaugen.com.)

Find more about Washington-Oregon fishing and hunting at: WOgameandfish.com