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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 - Central Zone

Central Fishing June 18, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing: Still spring Chinook throughout the Hood River. The last day of the season is June 30. Stonefly season is winding down but good reports of nymph fishing on the lower Deschutes Anglers report excellent early season fishing at Lava and Little Lava Lakes for large holdover trout Shevlin Park and Metolius youth and disabled fishing ponds were recently stocked to provide excellent angling opportunities. Anglers report smaller than average (12-16-in) but abundant rainbow trout and 15-in kokanee and good fishing at Crane Prairie Reservoir. Anglers report good trout fishing and…

September 05, 2017

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Columbia Zone

Columbia Fishing June 18, 2026 Current and upcoming fishing opportunities: Steelhead fishing is fair downstream of Rainier. Shad fishing is good for bank anglers at Bonneville Dam. Walleye fishing is good in The Dalles and John Day pools. For the latest regulations for the summer management season, see the fishing regulation update page. Announcements Columbia River sockeye season delayed until at least June 27. Read news release here. For the latest regulations, including in-season changes see the fishing regulation update page. Forecasts for 2026 Columbia River Spring Chinook, Summer Chinook and Sockeye are available here. Fish consumption advisories The Oregon…

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

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.

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Southwest Zone

SW Fishing June 18, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing: Trolling at Lost Creek and Applegate Reservoirs continues to be very good. Howard Prairie and Hyatt Reservoirs have plenty of legal-size rainbow trout. Holdovers from last year are a good size. Spring Chinook are moving through the Middle Rogue, and a few anglers are reporting success. Try plugs or plunking along current seams on the inside bends of the river to intercept them. Early morning or evening when sunlight is not directly on the water will be the best time to intercept migrating springers. Cooper Creek Reservoir looks nice and…

September 05, 2017

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Willamette Zone

Willamette Fishing June 18, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing: Shad fishing is still productive in the Oregon City area, though catch should be winding down soon Several waterbodies will continue to be stocked with trout this week, however the upcoming hot weather will most certainly impact trout stockings. Many of the valley ponds are already too warm to receive their usual spring stockings. Check the stocking schedule for changes or try warmwater fishing. Spring Chinook continue to be caught in the Willamette at the "head of channel" between St Johns Bridge and Wapato Bridge. Target these fish early in…

September 05, 2017

Article

Kokanee fishing in Oregon

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

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

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.

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

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Northwest Zone

NW Fishing June 18, 2026 Trout season opened in the Northwest Zone streams on Friday, May 22. See the regulation booklet for limits, open areas, and bait restrictions. Cutthroat trout are present in almost all areas open to angling and sea-run cutthroat are starting to come into tidewater. Spring Chinook are in the Lower Columbia Tributaries with a few fish being caught in Big Creek, Gnat Creek, and the Klaskanine River. Fishing has been hit and miss with moderate effort, and these small tributaries are getting low. Spring Chinook fishing is in full swing on Tillamook Bay, Nestucca Bay, the…

September 05, 2017

Article

Sturgeon fishing

November 4, 2025

Article

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

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

Article

Summer Fishing Outlook in a Dry Year

June 11, 2026

Article

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.