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All Oregon-licensed anglers fishing for salmon, steelhead or sturgeon (catch-and-release and retention) on all rivers and tributaries in the Columbia River Basin need to have a Columbia River Basin Endorsement (CRBE). Washington-licensed anglers need a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE) from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Round Butte Hatchery was constructed in 1972 to mitigate for the fishery losses caused by Pelton/Round Butte (PRB) Hydroelectric Complex. Round Butte and its satellite, Pelton Ladder, are used for adult collection, egg incubation and rearing of spring Chinook, summer steelhead, and sockeye salmon.

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.

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…

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…

Many of the more popular fishing locations across the state are accessible to anglers with disabilities. ODFW tries to keep the information on this map current but it's always best to check with the waterbody manager for the latest information before going fishing. ‌

To maintain boating access and to protect Oregon's waters from invasive species, all boaters must have the required permit. Visit ODFW's Electronic Licensing System to buy permits.

Oregon's recreational fisheries for Pacific halibut and bottomfish are constrained by bycatch of yelloweye rockfish, an overfished species. Many of the regulations on these fisheries exist to keep bycatch of yelloweye rockfish within sustainable limits, in order to help the stock recover (for example, depth restrictions in the bottomfish fishery, and no lingcod during offshore long-leader trips). ODFW encourages anglers to reduce impacts by using descending devices to release yelloweye rockfish, and better yet, to avoid areas where they might be caught.

The Columbia River is renowned for its salmon and steelhead runs. In a year of good returns, over 1 million Chinook, coho and sockeye salmon, and summer steelhead travel up the river to spawn in its tributaries. Less known are the river’s excellent smallmouth bass and walleye fisheries. While most anglers fish this large river from a boat, there is plenty of good bank access at various parks, boat launches and beaches.

Klaskanine Hatchery was first operated in 1911 by the state of Oregon. In 1959 the hatchery was enlarged and renovated under the Columbia River Fisheries Development Program (Mitchell Act)—a program to enhance declining fish runs in the Columbia River Basin. The hatchery is now closely tied to the Select Area Fisheries Enhancement (SAFE) program and works closely with Clatsop County Fisheries (CCF). The facility is currently used primarily for rearing coho for SAFE commercial fisheries, as well as for adult collection and spawning of fall Chinook and as a rearing facility for fall Chinook and winter steelhead.

Oregon's 33 hatcheries produce about 40 million fish annually and you can visit them. They offer the chance to see fish – from eggs to brooders – and an opportunity to learn how they are raised. Oregon's hatcheries are important for anglers and the public because they directly provide fish for angling, help rebuild native fish populations, and offer educational programs. They are also vital to supporting the cultural heritage of Tribes. Hatcheries offer great wildlife viewing, interpretive displays and some provide boating and angling access. Did you know that ODFW rears 10 species of fish including steelhead/rainbow trout, brook…