Fishing
Species
Oregon boasts dozens of species of game fish. Trout is the most popular target for anglers, but the state also has iconic salmon and steelhead runs, world-class smallmouth bass fisheries and marine opportunities for both shore and boat anglers.
Most Popular Species
Fresh water
Trout is Oregon's number one game fish. From one end of the state to the other, anglers will find native populations of rainbow, cutthroat and other species of trout. In addition to the native populations, ODFW stocks over 5 million trout each year to provide even more opportunity. As a result, there's good trout fishing somewhere in Oregon 365 days a year.
Fresh water
Salt water
The steelhead, a sea-run rainbow or redband trout, is the largest race of rainbow in Oregon. They are famous worldwide for line-peeling runs and putting up spectacular, acrobatic fights.
Fresh water
Salt water
There are five species of Pacific salmon. Some are abundant in Oregon; others make a much more limited appearance.
Fresh water
Oregon offers great bass fishing throughout the state. Whether you're after smallmouth, largemouth or hybrids, there's a place nearby to catch a bass.
Easy Angling Oregon highlights 101 family-friendly places to fish throughout the state.
Other Game Fish Species
Salt water
Albacore migrate across the Pacific Ocean and may cover 50 miles or more per day. The meat is excellent whether barbecued, canned or smoked.
Fresh water
Salt water
American shad were introduced to the West in 1871 when fish were first released in major rivers up and down the Pacific coast.
Salt water
Anchovies often swim with their mouths open to filter plankton and other food out of the ocean water.
Salt water
These big-headed fish hunt crustaceans and smaller fish near reefs and in intertidal zones.
Fresh water
Channel catfish are a prized species in many parts of the state. At the same time, illegally introduced bullhead catfish can disrupt other fisheries such...
Fresh water
Crappie are scrappy fighters and excellent table fare. They do best in larger lakes and reservoirs where they congregate around pilings, sunken logs, underwater brush,...
Salt water
Flatfish start off life looking like any other fry, but as they grow their bodies flatten out and one eye migrates across the fish's face...
Salt water
There are two species of greenling off the Oregon coast. They are named for the habitats in which they can be found. Most fishes have...
Fresh water
The Oregon or Rocky Mountain whitefish is closely related to the trout and chars and is often included in this family.
Salt water
Pacific halibut almost always have their eyes on the right side of their bodies.
Salt water
Pacific mackerel are a member of the tuna family and often appear seasonally in large schools.
Salt water
There are a number of different surfperch species along the Oregon coast . All species are found in shallow waters along beaches, rocky areas, or...
Salt water
Oregon sport and commercial anglers commonly catch over 25 different species of rockfish. At least 13 additional species occur off Oregon that are infrequently caught....
Salt water
Sharks have been around for over 400-million years and have survived 5 mass extinction events. Worldwide there are over 500 species of these prehistoric sea...
Fresh water
Salt water
In 2010 eulachon smelt were listed for protection under the Endangered Species Act. Since then their populations have grown, and eulachon smelt are occasionally available...
Fresh water
Salt water
Sturgeon appeared in the fossil record 200-million years ago and have survived to today little changed. Both green and the larger white sturgeon are found...
Fresh water
Sunfish is a large group of fish that are well-adpated to life in a pond, lake or reservoir. Many multiply rapidly which can lead to...
Fresh water
First introduced to Oregon in June of 2013, the tiger muskie is a sterile cross between a muskellunge and a northern pike.
Fresh water
In Oregon, walleye are found in the Willamette, Columbia and Snake rivers. Walleye can be plentiful in these locations, and with their excellent taste are...
Fresh water
Yellow perch are a good target for young and novice anglers because they're plentiful and bite readily. They also are prized for their taste and...
Additional Resources
Check salmon/steelhead harvest statistics
ODFW collects salmon and steelhead harvest statistics from rivers and streams throughout the state. This data can help you pinpoint productive fisheries.
Fish Counts at Major Dams and Fish Traps
The number of fish passing over dams can be a good indicator of how many fish are in the river and how the run is progressing.
Animated Knots by Grog
One of our favorite web resources for tying the most common fishing knots.
Check out the Latest Recreation Report
Current conditions and opportunities to fish, hunt and see wildlife. Updated weekly by fish and wildlife biologists throughout the state.