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Article

Tech Tips for Kokanee Fishing

Kokanee are delicious landlocked salmon that live in more than 20 Oregon lakes and reservoirs. They favor cool temperatures so they are most common in higher elevation waterbodies. Search for them on MyODFW.com and you'll get a lot of great information including a list of the locations where you can find them.

February 9, 2026

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

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.

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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.

June 9, 2026

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.

March 20, 2026

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

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!

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.

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 June 18, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing Bass and trout can be caught downstream of Hells Canyon Dam. As the weather warms, fishing for bass, perch, and crappie will get good in Hells Canyon Reservoirs Some large crappie are being caught in Brownlee Reservoir Announcements: If your favorite fishing spot is no longer listed It's probably because that river, lake or reservoir is closed for the season, inaccessible due to snow and bad roads, or offers limited fishing opportunities during the winter months. These waterbodies will re-appear in the Recreation Report when they re-open next spring, or…

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 - Marine Zone

MARINE FISHING June 18, 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 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…

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Northeast Zone

NE Fishing June 18, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing: Kokanee fishing has been good on Wallowa Lake. Perch fishing has been good at Phillips Reservoir with some large fish caught. Some nice trout are being caught on Willow Creek Reservoir. Spring Chinook are being caught on the lower Umatilla River. Smallmouth bass fishing on the John Day is currently very good Trout stocking May 25- June 12: Aldrich Pond, Anson Wright Pond, Bull Prairie Res, Cutsforth Pond, Roulet Pond, Wallowa Wildlife Pond (Weavers Pond), Hog Creek Pond, Holliday Park Pond, Honeymoon Pond, Hunter Pond (Starkey Forest Ponds), McNary Channels…

September 05, 2017

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Southeast Zone

SE Fishing June 18, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing Catch and Release for Redband Rainbow Trout with no bait will be required starting June 15 on Upper Klamath Lake including Pelican Bay, Crystal Creek, Recreation Creek, Harriman Creek, Odessa Creek, Short Creek, Pelican Bay, Fourmile Creek, Thomason Creek, Fourmile Canal, and mouth of Williamson River. Willow Valley Reservoir is good for largemouth bass Black drake mayflies will be hatching in various rivers in the Klamath Basin. Lake of the Woods, Miller Lake and Fourmile Lake will be good for hatchery rainbow trout The Wood River below Weed Road is…

September 05, 2017

Article

10 tips for Buoy 10 fishing

The Buoy 10 fishery, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific, offers anglers a chance to catch Chinook and coho salmon fresh from the ocean.