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Article

Tips on avoiding steelhead when fishing

Wild steelhead mortalities are generally low under normal fishing regulations. But with several years of low runs , many anglers are wondering what extra steps they can take to avoid hooking a steelhead while they’re fishing.

May 26, 2022

a close up of a steelhead in shallow water

Article

Where to crab & clam in the Umpqua River estuary

Umpqua River is one of Oregon's largest estuaries; however, high freshwater influence makes the bay seasonal for crabbing. Softshell clam populations in the Umpqua River are among the highest in the state, and they are large clams. Razor clams can be dug at the North Jetty of the Umpqua, though its a long drive down Sparrow Park Rd. (just north of Gardiner), then South along the beach about‌ 8 miles.

Article

Impact of drought on fish and wildlife

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High and dry boat docks at Howard Prairie Lake

Article

Learn to fish

There are several ways to begin your fishing journey – you can join a friend or family member on their fishing trip, you can attend a free ODFW fishing event, or you can strike out on your own (don’t worry, you can do this). In this article you'll find out what gear you need and where to go fishing in Oregon, along with a few basics of the sport.

Workshop and Events

Take the family fishing

Date

Various

Location

These events are throughout the state

Article

How to fish for surfperch

Surf fishing is one of Oregon’s most underutilized fisheries. There are hundreds of places to fish along Oregon’s sandy beaches, and there are plenty of fish within an easy cast from shore.

Article

Ocean salmon fishing

Summer is a great time to be on the Pacific chasing ocean salmon. Whether you captain your own ship or book a commercial charter, there is an ocean salmon of fishing opportunity for you.

Article

How to fish for trout

More people in Oregon fish for trout than for any other kind of fish. Anglers can experience a lifetime of varied and rewarding adventures fishing for trout in Oregon’s shaded coastal streams, alpine lakes, urban ponds and high desert rivers.

November 17, 2025

Article

How to fish for crappie

Crappie are scrappy, hard-fighting fish, and with a two-rod validation you can double the excitement of reeling in these delicious panfish. Lucky for us, Oregon has lots of opportunity for crappie, and some of our waterbodies are considered premier crappie fishing destinations!

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Marine Zone

MARINE FISHING January 15, 2026 Announcements Starting Jan. 1, 2026, an Ocean Endorsement is needed for most recreational anglers fishing in the ocean. Check the Ocean Endorsement page for more information. Saltwater News Bulletins Be among the first to know about in-season changes! You can subscribe to receive emails and text message alerts for marine topics that interest you. It's easy to unsubscribe at any time. Your contact information will remain confidential. Three different lists of interest to ocean enthusiasts are available: bottomfish, halibut and ocean salmon. Bottomfish A few reminders Visit the sport bottomfish seasons page to see what's…

September 05, 2017

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Southwest Zone

SW Fishing January 15, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing: This is good time of year for Chinook anglers to check wild Chinook bag limits for the locations they are planning to fish. Lost Creek Reservoir has had great reports by folks trolling for rainbow trout. Trout stocking Regular stocking will resume February 2026. Check out the Trout stocking schedule. Trout stocking maps Check out the ODFW fishing and trout stocking maps to find nearby fishing locations, driving directions and descriptions of amenities. Sign up for the latest information on boater access Marine Board's Opportunities and Access Report incorporates information…

September 05, 2017

Article

Warmwater fishing in central Oregon

The central area follows the Deschutes River Basin along the eastern slope of the Cascades, and includes the middle reaches of the Columbia River from Bonneville upstream to the mouth of the John Day River. The warm and dry summer months help to create productive warmwater fisheries in the area's larger reservoirs including Crane Prairie Reservoir, a consistent producer of sizeable largemouth bass, and Prineville Reservoir which is renowned for its crappie. In the Columbia River, outstanding fishing for bass and walleye can be found in Bonneville Pool and The Dalles Pool.

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Snake Zone

SNAKE FISHING January 15, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing Steelhead and trout can be caught downstream of Hells Canyon Dam. Trout fishing will be best throughout the winter in the Hells Canyon Reservoirs Announcements:Updates by section BROWNLEE RESERVOIR: Crappie, bass, perch, catfish, carp Trout fishing will be best throughout the winter months especially in the Powder River arm where rainbows will be moving in before heading up Eagle Creek. Other cool water fish like perch can be caught throughout the winter. Fishing for bass and catfish will probably be very slow until the reservoir starts to warm up in…

September 05, 2017

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Columbia Zone

Columbia Fishing January 15, 2026 Current and upcoming fishing opportunities: Columbia River regulation updates for the 2026 sturgeon fishery are posted. Please see the fishing regulation update page for details. Announcements For the latest regulations, including in-season changes See the fishing regulations update page. Forecasts for 2026 Columbia River Spring Chinook, Summer Chinook and Sockeye are available here: Changes to 2026 sturgeon retention fisheries above Bonneville: Fishery managers are taking a new approach to the sturgeon retention fisheries in the Bonneville and The Dalles pools by delaying the openers in 2026. This is in an effort to increase the likelihood…

September 05, 2017

Article

Warmwater fishing in Oregon: An introduction

Whether it's a 6-inch bluegill or a trophy-size bass, Oregon's warmwater fish offer anglers of all ages a variety of fishing opportunities. Check out some basic tips here, then head to the article that details places to go looking for warmwater fish species within the area of the state you're interested in.

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Central Zone

Central Fishing January 15, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing Expect high flows and increased turbidity on the lower Deschutes this week, which will impact fishing conditions The Crooked and Metolius Rivers continue to provide excellent winter angling opportunities. Anglers report excellent dry fly and nymphing opportunities on Fall River. Anglers report good bank fishing opportunities for trout at Haystack Reservoir, now with surplus brood fish being stocked. Anglers report excellent kokanee and bull trout fishing at Lake Billy Chinook. Trout stocking Excess brood stock trout were released in Taylor Lake and Pine Hollow, and Haystack Reservoir this week. Weekly…

September 05, 2017

Article

Warmwater fishing in southeast Oregon

The southeast area covers the high desert country of Harney and Malheur counties and is the most arid region of Oregon. Extended dry periods or droughts can affect the warmwater fisheries in this area, but these can be quick to rebound when water returns. The area’s most popular warmwater fishery is found in Owyhee Reservoir, a huge nearly 14,000 acre reservoir located on the Owyhee River south of Ontario that offers outstanding fishing for bass, crappie and catfish. There are few roads to and along Owyhee, but those with a boat will be rewarded with remote and spectacular scenery. Other…

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Northeast Zone

NE Fishing January 15, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing Trout and whitefish fishing should be good throughout the winter on the Wallowa River. Steelhead fishing has been good on the Imnaha River with success starting in the Wallowa River, too. Perch fishing has been good at Phillips Reservoir with some large fish caught. Steelhead fishing is good on the Umatilla River. Trout can still be found on Willow Creek Reservoir. Trout stocking Regular stocking will resume in March 2026. Check out the trout stocking schedule. Trout stocking maps Check out the ODFW fishing and trout stocking maps to find…

September 05, 2017

Article

Warmwater fishing in southwest Oregon

The southwest area follows Interstate 5 from Drain south to the Oregon-California border and includes the communities of Grants Pass, Medford and Ashland. In this area, anglers can fish the famed lower Umpqua River, which offers one of the finest smallmouth bass fisheries in the country. Outstanding warmwater fishing for bass and panfish can also be found in the area's many lakes and reservoirs including Cooper Creek, Galesville and Emigrant Reservoirs, and Selmac Lake. Smaller ponds near Sutherlin, Grants Pass and Medford including those at ODFW's Denman Wildlife Area are also good bets, particularly for families or young anglers.

Article

Warmwater fishing in northeast Oregon

Most warmwater anglers traveling to the northeast area are probably heading to Brownlee Reservoir, a huge 15,000 acre waterbody located along the Oregon-Idaho Reservoir on the Snake River. Brownlee offers outstanding fishing for bass and catfish, but might be best known for its crappie fishery which attracts anglers from throughout the country. However, anglers shouldn't overlook the other fishing opportunities located further downstream below Brownlee in Oxbow and Hells Canyon Reservoirs, and in the Snake River itself. Even in the lower Grand Ronde, a river better known for trout and steelhead, anglers will find good smallmouth bass fishing during the…