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Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Marine Zone

MARINE FISHING September 10, 2026 Announcements Ocean salmon closed from Leadbetter Point, WA to Cape Falcon, OR: Effective 11:59 PM Tuesday, September 8, 2026, the ocean recreational fishery in the area between Cape Falcon and Leadbetter Point (Columbia River Subarea) is closed to fishing for salmon. Possession of salmon on board a vessel is prohibited in the Columbia River Subarea. Ocean coho salmon from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain: Effective Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 11:59PM, the recreational fishery from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain is closed to the retention of coho salmon. The season remains open for all salmon…

September 05, 2017

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Willamette Zone

Willamette Fishing September 10, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing: Last week's rain gave several valley waterways a cooling refresh to kickstart fall fishing. Two-rod validation has been extended through Dec. 31 upstream of Willamette Falls. ODFW stocked Blue Lake, St. Louis Ponds, Adair Pond, and Bond Butte Pond in July with channel catfish. These fish, sourced from an approved facility, averaged approximately one pound each and are expected to provide excellent summertime fishing opportunities in these valley ponds. Try warmwater fishing for smallmouth bass and yellow perch near underwater structures and drop-offs in Foster Reservoir. Fishing for walleye and…

September 05, 2017

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Northwest Zone

NW Fishing September 10, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing: Nehalem Bay has fall Chinook in the bay and tidewater. Fishing has been fair and consistent the past couple weeks with multiple fish being caught daily. The Bag limit is one wild adult Chinook per day and five for the season (July 1 to Nov 30) as part of the overall daily bag limit. A few hatchery coho have been caught in the bay as well. Wild coho fisheries is open in Nehalem, Tillamook, and Nestucca Bays, the season runs until October 28 (Open Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only). As…

September 05, 2017

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Columbia Zone

Columbia Fishing September 10, 2026 Current and upcoming fishing opportunities: Columbia River fall salmon seasons opened August 1, see the regulation update page for details. Announcements For the latest regulations, including in-season changes see the fishing regulation update page. Forecasts for 2026 Columbia River Spring Chinook, Summer Chinook, Fall Chinook, Coho, 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 important. Bonneville Dam…

September 05, 2017

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Oregon's record fish

See the Oregon records for both coldwater and warmwater game fish. And, find the forms to submit if you think you've caught a new record!

March 4, 2026

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Sturgeon fishing in Oregon

The white sturgeon is one of Oregon's most iconic and distinctive fish species with a lineage dating back to the age of the dinosaurs. Due to population concerns, the sturgeon fishery is highly regulated in terms of retention opportunity and size limits. The structure of retention seasons is likely to change in 2026 with no New Year's Day opener in Bonneville and The Dalles pools, as quotas have been met in just a few days in recent years. Oregon and Washington will hold a joint state hearing Nov. 13, 2025 at 2 p.m. to discuss and lay out a new…

November 1, 2025

A legal-size sturgeon stretched across a canoe seat

Article

Kokanee fishing in Oregon

Kokanee are fun to catch, delicious to eat , and found in lakes and reservoirs throughout the state.

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.

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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…

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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.

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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.

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Warmwater fishing on the south coast

The south coast area extends along the Oregon coast from Yachats south to the Oregon-California border. The area offers some of the most productive and scenic warmwater fishing in the state with excellent fishing for bass and panfish available in large waters such as Mercer Lake, Siltcoos Lake, and Tahkenitch Lake.

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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…

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Fishing regulation updates

These updated rules were adopted after the current regulation booklet was printed, and supersede those printed regulations. Always check for regulation updates before fishing. Find crabbing and clamming updates

September 9, 2026

Article

Oregon marine shore fishing

With some simple, inexpensive gear and a little knowledge, anglers of all ages can enjoy a day of marine fishing.

angler in the ocean surf casting for surfperch

Press Release

ODFW seeks applicants for Fish Screening and Fish Passage Task Forces - apply by August 31

SALEM, Ore. — ODFW is seeking applicants to serve on two public advisory committees that support its Fish Screening and Fish Passage Programs. These programs play a vital role in protecting native fish populations across the state. Through collaboration with landowners, agencies, and conservation partners, the programs work to keep…

June 23, 2025

Press Release

Free fishing weekend June 7-8 in Oregon, family-friendly fishing events held statewide

SALEM, Ore.—Everyone can fish, clam and crab for free in Oregon on Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8, 2025. No fishing/shellfish licenses or tags (including a Combined Angling Tag or Columbia River Basin Endorsement or Two-Rod Validation) are required on these days. Both Oregon residents and nonresidents can fish for free. Oregon…

June 2, 2025

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Warmwater Fishing in the Klamath Lake area

Oregon's Klamath and Lake counties offer outstanding warmwater fishing in the region's lakes and reservoirs, and even in the lower reaches of some of the rivers and streams. The area covers the Upper Klamath Basin and extends east to include the Chewaucan and Warner Lakes Basins.

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Fishing opportunities for youth and disabled anglers

A few waterbodies in Oregon are set aside just for younger anglers and those with disabilities—offering everything from warmwater and stocked trout to salmon and steelhead fishing.

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Warmwater fishing in the north Willamette area

The north Willamette area includes the Columbia River from Bonneville downstream to St. Helens and the lower Willamette Basin north of Salem. The Columbia and Willamette both offer outstanding warmwater fishing for bass and a variety of panfish including crappie. Good fishing is also available in the area's lakes and reservoirs such as Henry Hagg Lake which has produced state record smallmouth bass and brown bullhead catfish.