Finding the ideal fishing spot in Oregon can be a joy for anglers of all levels. With its diverse array of rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, this state offers some of the best fishing experiences in the country. If you’re planning a fishing trip or simply curious about where to cast your line, this comprehensive guide will help you discover some of the top fishing spots in Oregon.
Summary
- Top Freshwater Fishing Locations: Explore lake and river hotspots like Crane Prairie Reservoir, Rogue River, and Diamond Lake.
- Prime Saltwater Fishing Destinations: Delve into the coastal fishing opportunities in places such as Depoe Bay and Tillamook Bay.
- Family-Friendly Fishing Areas: Find out which locations are perfect for a family outing.
- Adventure-Oriented Fishing Spots: Discover spots that cater to experienced anglers and adventure seekers.
- Local Fishing Events and Resources: Learn about major fishing festivals and local resources available to fishing enthusiasts.
Oregon is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and rich fishing heritage. Whether you prefer freshwater or saltwater fishing, this guide will help you navigate the best fishing spots, offer helpful tips, and ensure you’re well-prepared for a successful fishing trip.
Oregon Fishing Basics
Before you head out, let’s cover some essential details about fishing in Oregon:
Fishing Regulations and Licensing
To fish in Oregon, you’ll need a valid fishing license, which can be easily obtained online or at various retail locations. Make sure to stay updated on the latest regulations and seasonal restrictions by visiting the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website.
Fishing Seasons and Conditions
The best time to fish in Oregon varies by species and location. Generally, spring and fall are prime seasons for many types of fish, while summer months offer excellent opportunities for warm-weather fishing. Always check current weather conditions and water levels before your trip.
Best Freshwater Fishing Locations
Crane Prairie Reservoir
Crane Prairie Reservoir is a top destination for anglers looking to catch trout and bass. This large reservoir offers ample fishing spots, surrounded by picturesque scenery. Key catches include rainbow trout and largemouth bass.
Prized Catches: At Crane Prairie, it’s all about the trout – monster rainbow and brook trout that put up a thrilling fight. These well-fed fish cruise the reservoir’s channels and shallows, gorging on abundant insects and forage fish to reach impressive sizes. Prepare to do battle with feisty rainbows over 20 inches and bulky brookies tipping the scales at 5+ pounds!
Ideal Conditions: Late spring through early fall brings phenomenal insect hatches and peak fishing as trout feed voraciously. June is prime time for 100 fish days. Troll or cast lures like Ford Fenders, or float bait and flies in the shallows at first light and dusk during active feeding times.
Amenities & Access: Crane Prairie has several campgrounds and resorts with convenient boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, and cozy cabins. The reservoir allows motorboats at a leisurely 10 mph limit. Bring your own craft or rent one to reach the best spots.
Scenic Setting: Fishing here is a visual feast, with the reservoir fringed by towering pines and snowy peaks. Bald eagles and ospreys perch on picturesque snags rising from the shallows. It’s a place of immense beauty that feels wild and secluded.
Local Resources: Sunriver, Bend and Sisters have excellent fly shops with friendly staff who provide hot tips and top fly patterns for Crane Prairie. After a banner day on the water, celebrate with a tasty meal and cold microbrew in Bend, Oregon’s craft beer capital.
Rogue River
Rogue River is famous for its robust salmon and steelhead runs. This river offers a mix of fishing experiences, from calm waters to challenging rapids, ideal for both novice and experienced anglers.
Bucket List Fish: The mighty Rogue is revered for its hard-charging runs of Chinook salmon and steelhead. These oceangoing giants can exceed 50 pounds, and the Rogue produced the 71.5 lb fly-caught world record Chinook! Chrome-bright steelhead over 20 lbs are caught regularly.
Productive Seasons: September through November is prime for fall Chinook and summer steelhead. March to June sees peak catches of feisty spring Chinook, followed by another steelhead run through winter. No matter when you visit, there are always trophy fish to be caught.
Guided Trips: Book a seasoned guide for a thrilling jet boat ride or drift boat trip on the Rogue’s most productive stretches. They’ll put you on the fish with top techniques like side drifting roe, pulling plugs, or swinging flies through classic steelhead water. All equipment is provided.
Riverside Lodging: From rustic cabins to full-service resorts, the Rogue has accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Relax after an epic day of fishing with a riverfront view and all the comforts of home.
Permits & Regs: Anglers 18+ need an Oregon fishing license and combined angling tag to fish for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and halibut. Know the regulations and any special restrictions for your stretch of river. Local guides and shops can help you navigate the rules.
Diamond Lake
Diamond Lake is another must-visit spot, particularly for those seeking to catch large rainbow trout. The lake is well-stocked and offers various amenities like boat rentals and camping facilities.
Hefty Rainbows: This scenic Cascade lake grows fat rainbow trout to 10+ pounds! Thanks to a robust stocking program and rich forage, these scrappy rainbows pack on over an inch per month. Catch rates are impressive, with limits common from ice-out through fall.
Productive Tactics: Most anglers soak PowerBait from shore or slowly troll Ford Fenders, Wedding Rings, and Needlefish. Fly anglers score with woolly buggers, leeches, and nymphs. Fish the shallows in spring and fall, and deeper water in summer.
Convenient Facilities: A paved boat ramp, fish cleaning station, and wheelchair-accessible fishing platform make Diamond a family-friendly destination. Ample parking, clean restrooms, and a resort with cabins and campsites provide all the creature comforts.
Trout Derbies: Join fellow anglers at two big annual fishing events – the Rainbow $5000 trout derby in April and the Great Trout Hunt in October. Cash prizes are awarded for the largest trout and total weight. It’s a fun way to meet other enthusiasts and maybe win big!
Stocking & Regs: Diamond is well-stocked with rainbow trout 8-12″ long from March through September. Check ODFW for stocking schedules. A 5 trout daily bag limit applies, with no minimum size. All anglers 12+ need an Oregon fishing license.
| Lake | Top Species | Typical Size | Best Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crane Prairie | Rainbow & Brook Trout | 16-30″+ | May-Oct |
| Diamond Lake | Rainbow Trout | 12-30″+ | Apr-Oct |
So grab your gear and hit one of these top freshwater fishing spots in Oregon for an unforgettable angling adventure! With spectacular scenery, hungry fish, and plenty of amenities, these destinations will make you fall in love with fishing all over again.
Prime Saltwater Fishing Destinations
Depoe Bay: Oregon’s Saltwater Fishing Gem
Imagine casting your line into the deep blue waters of the Pacific, surrounded by rugged cliffs and the sound of crashing waves. Welcome to Depoe Bay, the “Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast” and a saltwater fishing paradise.
Trophy Lings and Rockfish Galore
Depoe Bay is renowned for its incredible lingcod and rockfish fishery. These hard-fighting, delicious fish are plentiful in the rocky reefs and pinnacles just outside the harbor. Many lings reach impressive sizes of 20-30+ pounds! The rockfish bag limit of 7 fish per angler means you can fill your cooler with tasty fillets.
Convenient Amenities and Charters
The harbor features ample parking, clean restrooms, fish cleaning stations, and gear rental shops. Everything you need for a comfortable fishing trip is steps away. Local charter captains with decades of experience can put you on the fish and provide all the gear. Just show up and get ready to reel in the catch of a lifetime!
Stunning Coastal Scenery
The dramatic coastline and chance to spot migrating gray whales add a special touch to the Depoe Bay fishing experience. After a successful day on the water, watch the sunset over the Pacific while enjoying fresh seafood at one of the many excellent local restaurants. Comfortable hotels and vacation rentals make it easy to stay a few days and explore this unique town.
| Species | Average Size | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Lingcod | 10-20 lbs | Fall and Winter |
| Rockfish | 2-5 lbs | Year-round |
| Halibut | 20-50 lbs | May-Oct |
| Chinook | 10-30 lbs | June-early Fall |
| Coho | 5-12 lbs | July-early Fall |
| Albacore | 15-30 lbs | Late summer/Fall |
All fishing in Depoe Bay is regulated by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. An Oregon fishing license is required. Check current regulations and seasons before your trip.
For more info, visit:
- Depoe Bay Chamber of Commerce
- Tradewinds Charters – Depoe Bay’s premier charter fleet
- ODFW Recreation Report for the Oregon Coast
Tillamook Bay: Salmon & Crab Central
If you’re dreaming of chrome-bright salmon and big Dungeness crab, Tillamook Bay is the spot for you. This expansive estuary, fed by five major rivers, offers some of the best salmon fishing on the Oregon Coast.
Chinook and Coho Bonanza
Tillamook Bay is most famous for its fall Chinook salmon run, which peaks in September and October. These kings of the Pacific average a hefty 20-30 pounds, with 40+ pound monsters landed each year. Coho fishing can be red hot in late summer as well when silvers swarm into the bay by the thousands.
Comfortable Facilities and Guides
The port town of Garibaldi has a modern marina with convenient parking, clean restrooms, and full-service fish cleaning stations. Knowledgeable local guides can provide all the gear and expertise to put you on the salmon of your dreams. After fishing, grab a bite at a classic seafood joint like The Schooner.
Crabbing and Clamming Paradise
In between salmon bites, try your luck at crabbing or clamming. Tillamook Bay is loaded with tasty Dungeness crabs that can be caught right from the docks or on guided crabbing trips. The vast tideflats are also prime habitat for delectable razor clams, a true Pacific Northwest delicacy.
| Species | Average Size | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Chinook | 15-30 lbs | Aug-Oct |
| Coho | 6-12 lbs | July-early Fall |
| Chum | 8-15 lbs | Oct-Dec |
| Dungeness | 1.5-2.5 lbs | Year-round |
An Oregon fishing license is required for all fishing and crabbing in Tillamook Bay. Additional tags are needed for salmon and steelhead. Consult the ODFW website for full regulations.
Helpful resources:
- Tillamook Fishing Guides – Book a guided salmon or crab trip
- Garibaldi House – Comfortable lodging for fishermen
- Kelly’s Brighton Marina – Boat rentals, bait, tackle, and crab gear
Columbia River Mouth: Salmon & Sturgeon Central
Where the mighty Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean lies a fishing mecca like no other. Known to anglers simply as “Buoy 10,” this famed fishery produces incredible catches of Chinook salmon and white sturgeon.
Monster Salmon at Buoy 10
Late summer is prime time at Buoy 10, when hundreds of thousands of fall Chinook salmon stage here before charging upstream. Chinook over 50 pounds are caught each year! Coho fishing can be spectacular too, with wide-open bites of 10-15 pound silvers. With no size restrictions on Chinook, this is your chance to boat the trophy king salmon of your dreams.
Prehistoric Sturgeon
The Columbia River estuary is also home to the largest population of white sturgeon in the world. These prehistoric giants commonly exceed 6 feet long and 200 pounds! Most sturgeon fishing is catch-and-release, but the thrill of battling one of these behemoths will get your heart pounding. Keeper sturgeon fishing is open for a few weeks each year as well.
Astoria’s Amenities
The historic port of Astoria has a large marina with ample parking, restrooms, and fish cleaning stations. Numerous charter offices and bait shops can provide any tackle and supplies you need. Grab a hearty breakfast at Bridgewater Bistro before your trip, then celebrate your catch with drinks at the Buoy Beer Company.
| Species | Average Size | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Chinook | 20-40 lbs | mid Aug-Sept |
| Coho | 8-15 lbs | Aug-early Oct |
| Sturgeon | 100-300 lbs | Year-round |
Buoy 10 has specific regulations and quotas for Chinook and coho, including short but intense retention seasons. Sturgeon are mostly catch-and-release, with size limits on any keepers. Check ODFW regs carefully and consider hiring a guide to navigate the rules.
Plan your trip:
- Astoria Riverwalk Inn – Convenient lodging near the marina
- Columbia River Fishing Adventures – Experienced local guides
- ODFW Columbia River Fishing Reports
So there you have it – three phenomenal saltwater fishing destinations that are sure to get any angler fired up. Each spot offers a unique experience and the chance to catch the fish of a lifetime. All that’s left to do now is decide which adventure to tackle first. Tight lines!
Family-Friendly Fishing Areas
Commonwealth Lake Park, Beaverton
This scenic 20-acre park surrounds a man-made lake stocked with trout, bass, bluegill and crappie by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. It offers:
- An ADA accessible fishing dock and paved .8 mile trail around the lake
- A playground, picnic areas, soccer field and restrooms
- Great bird watching for herons, cedar waxwings and waterfowl
- Easy access off Highway 26, just 8 miles from Portland
Fishing tips: For trout, use PowerBait or worms under a bobber anywhere around the lake, especially right after stocking. For 4-6 lb bass, fish parallel to the bank by the outflow pipe on the dock closest to the soccer field using nightcrawlers. The dock is also a prime spot for bluegill in June.
Summer Lake Wildlife Area, Lake County
This sprawling 18,941 acre refuge in south-central Oregon is a major stop for migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway. It boasts:
- Excellent fishing for stocked rainbow trout and hybrid bass in the Ana River
- Over 280 bird species making it a haven for birdwatching and photography
- Hunting opportunities for waterfowl, upland birds and big game
- Campgrounds, restrooms, picnic areas, nature trails and a canoe launch
- Open year-round, located off Highway 31 near the town of Summer Lake
Fishing tips: The best trout and bass fishing occurs in late winter and early spring in the first 4 miles of the Ana River below Ana Reservoir. Rainbows can exceed 20 inches and hybrid bass reach 18 lbs.
St. Louis Fish Ponds County Park, Marion County
This park features a network of canal-like waterways on a 260-acre warm water fishery co-managed by Marion County and ODFW. Amenities include:
- Fishing for stocked trout, bass, crappie and other warmwater species
- Walking paths for hiking and birdwatching
- Opportunities for dog training and waterfowl hunting in season
- Open March 1 – September 30 with limited off-season access
- Located 13 miles north of Keizer off River Road
Two ponds are stocked with rainbow trout each spring. The park serves as a central access point to explore the larger complex of fishing ponds.
Some other notable family fishing spots include:
- Henry Hagg Lake west of Portland
- Hebo Lake in Tillamook County
- Gerber Reservoir east of Klamath Falls
All of these destinations offer convenient amenities, stocked fish, and an inviting environment for families to enjoy the outdoors together. Be sure to check the ODFW website for detailed fishing reports, stocking schedules, regulations and events to help plan the perfect Oregon fishing adventure with your family.
Adventure-Oriented Fishing Spots
Deschutes River – A Blue Ribbon Trout and Steelhead Paradise
Imagine standing hip-deep in the crystal clear waters of the Deschutes River, surrounded by towering pines and rugged basalt canyons. The only sounds are the rushing current and the occasional slurp of a rising trout. Welcome to one of Oregon’s premier blue ribbon fisheries, home to hard-fighting native redband rainbow trout and powerful summer steelhead.
The lower 100-mile stretch from Pelton Dam to the Columbia River is the crown jewel. Rainbows here average a hefty 16-18 inches, with 20+ inch trophies not uncommon. In late spring, the legendary salmonfly hatch brings explosive dry fly action. As summer heats up, switch to swinging streamers for aggressive steelhead fresh in from the Pacific. With a 10 fish per day limit on trout under 13 inches, you can take home a tasty meal.
Access is a breeze with numerous boat launches, campgrounds, and day use areas along the river. The small town of Maupin has you covered with fishing shops, guides, lodging and restaurants. Just be sure to get your Warm Springs tribal permit if fishing the west bank.
Whether hiking into a remote canyon or floating a scenic stretch, the Deschutes offers a true wilderness fishing adventure. With nearly year-round angling opportunities, isn’t it time you crossed this trip off your bucket list?
Key Species: Redband Rainbow Trout, Summer Steelhead
Best Seasons: May-June for trout, July-October for steelhead
Typical Sizes: 16-20″ trout, 5-10 lb steelhead
Top Flies: Stonefly dries, caddis pupa, streamers
McKenzie River – Trout Fishing Amidst Cascades Splendor
Flowing from the snowcapped Cascades through lush forests and moss-draped banks, the McKenzie River is a trout angler’s dream come true. This pristine stream boasts over 20 miles of easily accessible water teeming with feisty native redside rainbow trout, known to put your 5-weight through its paces.
From the Hendricks Bridge Wayside to Hayden Bridge in the Eugene-Springfield area, it’s all catch-and-release for wild trout which commonly reach 18 inches or more. Bring your A-game with delicate presentations of small nymphs and dries. For easier quarry, the upper McKenzie above Leaburg Lake is heavily stocked with pan-sized rainbows from late spring through fall. Drift a worm or toss spinners to get in on the action.
With pullouts every few miles, wading anglers have plenty of water to explore. If you prefer a more leisurely approach, book a guided McKenzie River drift boat trip. An experienced local guide can put you on the hottest hatches and honey holes while you sit back and take in the spectacular scenery.
After a banner day of fishing, treat yourself to a hearty meal and cozy cabin at one of the many riverside lodges. Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the McKenzie and dream of the trophy redsides awaiting you tomorrow.
Key Species: Native Redside Rainbow Trout, Hatchery Rainbows
Best Seasons: April-October
Typical Sizes: 12-18″ wild redsides, 8-12″ stockers
Top Techniques: Dry flies, nymphing, bait fishing
Happy angler with large rainbow trout caught on the McKenzie River Nothing beats the thrill of landing a hard-fighting McKenzie redside on a light fly rod.
Local Fishing Events and Activities
Oregon hosts several fishing festivals and competitions throughout the year, providing opportunities to learn, compete, and connect with other fishing enthusiasts.
Feast Portland
This annual event includes a fishing derby where both locals and visitors compete. It’s a great way to enjoy local culture and seafood.
Oregon Salmon Festival
Held in various locations, the Oregon Salmon Festival celebrates the salmon runs and includes interactive activities such as fishing workshops and cooking demonstrations.
Local Community and Resources
Fishing Clubs
Joining a local fishing club can offer valuable insights and companionship. Clubs like the Oregon Bass & Panfish Club and Central Oregon Flyfishers provide events, meetings, and resources.
Online Resources
There are numerous online platforms where you can gain knowledge and connect with fellow anglers. The ODFW website, in particular, provides up-to-date information on regulations, licenses, and local fishing reports.
Conclusion
From tranquil lake settings to thrilling river rapids and rich coastal waters, Oregon’s fishing spots are as diverse as the state itself. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful family outing or an adventurous fishing escapade, Oregon’s best fishing locations have something to offer every angler. Grab your gear, secure your license, and get ready to explore the vast fishing opportunities that await.
