Disabled angler access map

Use the navigation pane on the left of the map, or simply click the fish icons, to learn more about specific places where there are angling opportunities. The Google-based map highlights sites across Oregon that may be suitable for anglers with physical disabilities. ‌

Check out the interactive map

Where can a person with disabilities find accessible bank angling in Oregon? The short answer is "spots all over the state." The long answer is found by searching for "disabled angler access map" on MyODFW.com.

Thanks to everyone who buys a fishing license, there are too many accessible fishing sites to list them all in one article. Funding for projects comes from license surcharges paid by resident and nonresident recreational anglers and commercial salmon fishermen. The list of potential projects is nearly endless as many good fishing spots have not been developed for accessibility.

Projects are funded via the volunteer Recreation and Enhancement (R&E) Board, which distributes the funds for fishery enhancement and restoration projects throughout the state. ODFW staff develop and manage the projects, based on local knowledge provided by district fish biologists throughout the state. In addition to fishing access, R&E also funds habitat improvements, fish hatcheries, boat launches and more.

Each accessible site is unique in terms of fishing opportunities, but they all have a few things in common—good parking, improved trails and access to the water for people with mobility challenges. The improvements benefit all anglers including kids that love climbing on the boulder clusters placed to create a natural looking fishing platform.

There's one more thing these sites have in common—good fishing. Bryce Hansen, ODFW project manager, says sites are located to give disabled anglers access to the best part of the fishing pond or lake. "We want people to use these areas, and the best way to do that is to put them where the fish are," he said. The best areas are identified through local biologists, anglers and scouting via kayak and fish finder. "We actually look at where the fish like to hang out."

Sites offer a variety of fish, with details shared on informational kiosks in multiple languages at some of them. In the spring, trout stocking goes into high gear and warming water makes bass and panfish feisty.

Coming from a professional construction background, Hansen has a passion for good design, solid construction and value for the dollar. However, he also appreciates the direct feedback he has gotten from anglers and local communities.

"I was out at one of our projects when a guy in a wheelchair came up to talk," Hansen said. "He told me he had given up fishing 10 years ago but started back up again because of our project. That's pretty good feedback." Elsewhere, local anglers sent Hansen a photo of the first child to catch a fish from a new access point. He said that kind of response is a satisfying part of his job.

When designing improvements, Hansen said the needs of disabled anglers are foremost. "Wherever possible, I like to keep our fishing platforms within 12 inches of the water surface so someone in a wheelchair can net their own fish."

Accessible fishing is easy to find. Just go to MyODFW.com and search for "disabled angler access map." There you will find details, including information about parking, restrooms and other amenities. Just choose one and go fishing.

More information about outdoor areas with disabled access is available in the Access Oregon publication, Please note this publication was last updated several years ago so some information is not current. ‌‌

Anglers with a disabilities permit can fish from an anchored boat, or other floating device, in places where fishing from a boat is prohibited by ODFW. They can also receive assistance fishing form another person. Learn more and apply for the disabilities permit. ‌‌‌‌

Best bets – ODFW fish biologists recommend the following locations for anglers with disabilities that limit their mobility. See the full entry on the Google map for more information. ‌‌

NW Region‌

Junction City Pond: Trout and warmwater fish. Recently (spring 2024) improved with ADA compliant concrete paths and walkways on northwest corners of pond, two ADA-compliant picnic tables coming later in 2024, ADA compliant cantilevered fishing platforms, gravel parking lot, one paved ADA parking space,‌‌

EE Wilson Wildlife Area Pond (Adair): Trout, warmwater. Accessible fishing dock, ADA parking. Pond is a ways from parking lot to the pond but the path is usually in good shape. ‌‌

Henry Hagg Lake (Forest Grove): Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, warmwater fish. Paved parking, universally accessible 260-foot fishing pier located at Recreation Area "C". ‌‌

Nehalem Hatchery Fishing Platform: Coho, Chinook, steelhead, rainbow trout. Access to a fishing platform for steelhead and salmon angling is available for those with a Disabled Veteran Angling License or Oregon Disabilities Hunting & Fishing Permit. Accessible parking adjacent to the structure, along with restrooms. Nets and rod holders provided, too.‌‌

Cleawox Lake (Honeyman State Park, Florence): Rainbow trout and warmwater fish. Universally accessible fishing pier, paved parking, picnic area, restrooms, swimming area, camp sites at the state park‌‌

Devils Lake at Regatta Park (Lincoln City): Rainbow trout. Universally accessible fishing dock, ADA restrooms, paved parking.‌‌

Coffenbury Lake (Fort Stevens State Park, Warrenton): Trout, warmwater, surplus steelhead when available. ADA flush toilets, ADA accessible fishing opportunities, campsites including universally accessible sites.‌‌

Hebo Lake, Hebo: Trout. Five accessible fishing platforms.‌‌

Timber-Linn Lake: Stocked regularly in Winter/Spring with hatchery trout. Wheelchair accessible concrete platform.

SW Region‌

Bandon Marina (Bandon): Crab, marine fish. ADA accessible fishing pier on the western side of the Bandon marina riverwalk/breakwater.‌‌

Diamond Lake: Rainbow trout, tiger trout (catch-and-release). Accessible opportunities around the lake. ‌‌

Plat I Reservoir: Warmwater, trout. Good bank access, parking and ADA restrooms.‌‌

Winchester Bay Crabbing Pier: Crab, marine fish. ADA accessible.‌‌

High Desert‌

Metolius Pond, Camp Sherman: Trout. For youth and disabled anglers only. ADA parking, ADA path and vault toilet. ‌‌

Shevlin Pond near Bend. For youth and disabled anglers only. Accessible fishing pier, accessible restrooms. See City of Bend Parks information for other accessible fishing. ‌‌

Yellowjacket Lake (30+ miles out of Burns in Malheur National Forest): Trout. Major improvements coming in 2024: New ADA fishing dock, two ADA parking spots, two ADA picnic tables, ADA kayak launch, ADA porta john on paved surface, paved picnic area and walkways to fishing spots and docks, six benches throughout property, regrading of beach area. ‌‌

NE Region ‌

Marr Pond, Enterprise: Trout and warmwater fish. ADA accessible pathways around the pond with multiple wheelchair accessible fishing platforms, picnic benches, toilet, and parking areas.‌‌

McNary Ponds (near McNary Dam, Umatilla County): Trout and warmwater fish. Gravel parking areas, paved parking at Spillway Park, packed dirt trails/raised wooden platforms weaving through the ponds, some fishing platforms dotted on the various ponds.‌‌

Brandon Pond, John Day (next to ODFW screen shop and open certain hours on weekdays only). Trout. Gravel parking with two paved ADA spaces, paved path to accessible fishing platform.‌‌

7^th Street Pond, John Day: Trout. Crushed gravel parking lot, two paved ADA parking spaces at the restroom by the tennis courts, paved trail to an ADA accessible fishing dock.‌‌

Magone Lake (near John Day): Rainbow trout, brook trout. Paved parking, accessible fishing dock.‌‌

Olive Lake (30 miles from Baker City): Rainbow trout, brook trout, kokanee. Crushed gravel parking areas, a boat ramp, fishing dock, some campsites, and toilets are ADA accessible.‌‌