Pocket water on the Mckenzie is fantastic up there but you have to work to find the good spots. I used to fish it all summer when I lived in Springfield. I've only fly fished it but I'm guessing you could toss spinners. Lots of wading so be careful. I think you'll be hard pressed to fish from the bank at Cougar but I could be wrong. The South Fork of the Mckenzie is great below and above Cougar. For fun hiking and tiny trout on a beautiful creek, I like French Pete Creek above Cougar.