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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.

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

Free fishing weekend Feb 14-15

Now is a great time to learn how to fish, with free fishing opportunities across the state. No licenses or tags required to fish, clam, or crab.

February 9, 2026

Article

Family fishing events & Free Fishing Weekends

We make it easy to take your family fishing – with free fishing events, recommended family-friendly fishing locations, and how-to's on everything from picking out gear to cooking your catch.

March 13, 2026

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!

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 - Marine Zone

MARINE FISHING March 12, 2026 Announcements As of 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…

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 - Snake Zone

SNAKE FISHING March 12, 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…

September 05, 2017

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Southwest Zone

SW Fishing March 12, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing: Spring rains and trout stocking has opened opportunities for early success. Trout stocking Stocked the week of 9-13: Garrison Lake Scheduled to be stocked the week of March 16-20: Lake Marie, Powers Pond, Garrison Lake, Reinhart Park Pond, Empire Lake upper and lower, Galesville Reservoir, Emigrant Reservoir, Cooper Creek Reservoir, Plat I Reservoir, Bradley Lake, Lost Creek Reservoir, Johnson Mill Pond, Lake Selmac, Eel Lake, Ben Irving Reservoir, Willow Lake (former Willow Cr. Res), Check out the Trout stocking schedule. Trout stocking maps Check out the ODFW fishing and trout…

September 05, 2017

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Central Zone

Central Fishing March 12, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing Broodstock rainbow trout were stocked into Haystack Reservoir, Ochoco Reservoir, Pine Nursery Pond, North Twin Lake and South Twin Lakes in January and February. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to catch trophy trout from Wizard Falls Hatchery, many in the 4-8 lbs. range. As a reminder, to allow everyone a chance at catching one of these fish, only one fish over 20 inches long can be harvested each day. Anglers continue to report excellent kokanee and bull trout fishing at Lake Billy Chinook. The Metolius Arm is fishing…

September 05, 2017

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Columbia Zone

Columbia Fishing March 12, 2026 Current and upcoming fishing opportunities: Columbia River regulation changes for the 2026 spring Chinook 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. Fish consumption advisories The Oregon Health Authority has issued consumption guidelines for parts of the Columbia River due to high levels of mercury and/or PCBs. Fish with these chemicals look, act, smell and taste like any other fish, so caution is…

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…