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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…

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 March 5, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing Trout and whitefish fishing should be good throughout the winter on the Wallowa River. Steelhead can be caught throughout the Grande Ronde, Wallowa, and Imnaha Rivers. Kokanee fishing has been good on Wallowa Lake 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 March 16, 2026. Check out the trout stocking schedule. Trout stocking maps Check out the ODFW fishing and trout stocking…

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.

Article

Warmwater fishing in the south Willamette area

The south Willamette area covers the upper Willamette Basin south of Salem and includes the communities of Albany, Corvallis, Eugene, Springfield and Cottage Grove. Fishing for bass and panfish can be outstanding in the Willamette River and its many sloughs, but you'll need a boat for most locations because much of the banks are privately-owned. There also is good warmwater fishing in the area’s larger lakes such as Cottage Grove, Dorena, Foster, and Fern Ridge reservoirs, where crappie and large bass attract both seasoned and causal anglers. There are many smaller ponds inside and near the urban communities that offer…

Article

How to fish for steelhead

Steelhead have been called the ultimate game fish. These elusive and challenging fish can test an angler’s patience and persistence, but the reward is hooking into a fish that is famous worldwide for its line-peeling runs and spectacular, acrobatic fight.

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Willamette Zone

Willamette fishing March 5, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing: The Willamette River and other water bodies are increasing in activity. Several waterbodies will be stocked with trout this week. Trout stocking Stocked the week of Mar. 2-6: Waverly Lake, Alton Baker Canal, Row R Nature Park, St Louis Pond, Sunnyside Park Pond, Dorena Res, Timber Linn Lake, Roaring River Park Pond, EE Wilson Pond, Walter Wirth Lake, Freeway Lake East, Junction City Pond Scheduled to be stocked the week of Mar. 9-13: Row R Nature Park, Mt Hood Pond, Commonwealth Lake, Huddleston Pond, Blue River Res, Dorman Pond, Sheridan…

September 05, 2017

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Northwest Zone

NW Fishing March 5, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing Winter steelhead fishing remains fair on the North Coast. The Nestucca River, Wilson, and North Fork Nehalem Rivers will provide the best opportunity to catch hatchery steelhead. The Wilson and Nestucca are both in decent shape (the Wilson is a little low) and some moderate rain this week should keep them both fishable through the weekend. The North Fork Nehalem continues to get hatchery steelhead back. Other basins (including the Little Nestucca, Trask, Kilchis, Nehalem, and Salmonberry Rivers) all have catch and release opportunities for wild steelhead. Coffenbury Lake, Vernonia…

September 05, 2017

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Southeast Zone

SE Fishing March 5, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing A few holdover Rainbow Trout are being caught in Lake of the Woods. Best fishing for wild, native trout in the Klamath Basin will be the Klamath River. The Upper Williamson River above Kirk Road Bridge is now open year-round. Access remains available. Nice holdover trout in the Malheur River below Warmsprings right now. Crappie fishing in Owhyee Reservoir has been good. Bank fishing for rainbow trout has been good at Ana Reservoir. The Cascade Ramp at Hyatt is open. This year at Howard Prairie, the Grizzly, Willow Point and…

September 05, 2017

Article

Warmwater fishing in John Day/Umatilla

The John Day – Umatilla area includes the John Day River and Umatilla River basins, and Oregon’s upper reaches of the Columbia River. The John Day Pool and McNary Pool of the Columbia offer outstanding fishing for bass and walleye, and many fishing tournaments are held here. Anglers also will find good fishing for bullhead catfish, crappie and other panfish in McKay Reservoir near Pendleton and Willow Creek Reservoir just outside of Heppner. For those who enjoy fishing for smallmouth, the John Day River offers one of the finest bass fisheries in the country and a unique opportunity for an…

Article

Kokanee fishing in Oregon

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

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Fishing Oregon's hike-in lakes

Fishing Oregon’s high elevation lakes is not just for dedicated anglers. It also appeals to hikers and backpackers who head to the backcountry with a sense of adventure and a yearning for quietude.

Article

14 tips for ice fishing in Oregon

Ice fishing is becoming increasingly popular in Oregon as anglers look for new ways to enjoy fishing year-round. Here are some tips to get you started.

Article

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.

Article

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.

Article

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

9 reasons to fish for herring (and anchovies)

To most anglers, herring and anchovies are best known as bait. But they also can be fun to catch and delicious for dinner.

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Gearing up for fishing

If you’re just getting started fishing, or you want to try a new kind of fishing, you’ll need a rod, reel and some tackle. To help you get started, we’ve put together some fishing outfits for trout, panfish (bluegill, crappie, pumpkin seed, sunfish), bass, steelhead, walleye, salmon and sturgeon.

December 19, 2025

Article

Sturgeon fishing

November 4, 2025