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Article
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
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
To most anglers, herring and anchovies are best known as bait. But they also can be fun to catch and delicious for dinner.
Article
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
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.
Press Release
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
Article
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
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.
Press Release
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
Landing page
Find the latest fish counts across the state.
September 05, 2017
Article
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 4, 2025
Article
You can purchase an Oregon fishing license online or at an ODFW licensed vendor. Here are step-by-step directions for purchasing online.
December 18, 2025
Article
Lane County offers so much to explore — from coastal lakes and rivers to mountain lakes and streams. The Willamette River runs through the Eugene-Springfield metro area and is fed by three major rivers: the McKenzie, Middle Fork Willamette and Coast Fork Willamette. Florence is surrounded by large dune lakes, the Siuslaw River and Pacific Ocean. With so many places to fish, it’s no wonder Lane County is an angler’s paradise. For current regulations, call your local ODFW office or check MyODFW.com.
Article
Most hunting and fishing licenses are valid from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. You can buy next year's license on Dec. 1 to plan ahead or gift to family and friends. The exceptions are game bird hunting permits and validations that run from July 1 to June 31 each year. How to buy a license
January 7, 2026
Article
In some Oregon state waters catch-and-release fishing is required in order to protect valuable fish resources. One way anglers can help maintain and restore native fish populations is to learn how to catch and release wild fish properly.
Article
As temperatures heat up during spring and summer, be on the watch for harmful algae blooms when recreating in Oregon lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Here’s what anglers should know.
Press Release
SALEM, Ore.—ODFW will be proposing several changes to next year's Sport Fishing Regulations. The Commission will adopt 2026 regulations at their Sept. 12 meeting in Ontario. Major staff proposals for changes include: Allowing spearfishing for bass and walleye in more rivers and streams: Spearfishing is a popular alternative fishing method…
July 29, 2025
Article
Salmon, trout, and steelhead need abundant clean, cold water to thrive, and ODFW works year-round in streams across the state to make sure we have the data needed to protect and enhance habitat for these iconic fish.
October 1, 2025
