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rainbow trout start fishing
Article

Tuna fishing in Oregon

Albacore tuna fishing can offer nonstop action landing fast-moving, hard-fighting fish. Charter trips make tuna fishing accessible to all anglers. In addition, many well-equipped private boat anglers have been making the long trips offshore. If you don't see tuna fishing for yourself, we've even included a brief video on how to buy fresh Oregon tuna from a commercial fisherman at the dock.
Angler holding a large albacore tuna
Article

5 tips for fishing in hot water

During summer drought and high temperatures, fish start feeling the heat. Give them a break by following these warm weather fishing guidelines.
using hemostats to remove hook from fish's mouth
Article

Impact of drought on fish and wildlife

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High and dry boat docks at Howard Prairie Lake
Article

Tech Tips for Kokanee Fishing

Kokanee are delicious landlocked salmon that live in more than 20 Oregon lakes and reservoirs. They favor cool temperatures so they are most common in higher elevation waterbodies. Search for them on MyODFW.com and you'll get a lot of great information including a list of the locations where you can find them.
February 9, 2026
kokanee
Article

Tips on avoiding steelhead when fishing

Wild steelhead mortalities are generally low under normal fishing regulations. But with several years of low runs , many anglers are wondering what extra steps they can take to avoid hooking a steelhead while they’re fishing.
May 26, 2022
a close up of a steelhead in shallow water
Article

Free fishing weekend Feb 14-15

Now is a great time to learn how to fish, with free fishing opportunities across the state. No licenses or tags required to fish, clam, or crab.
February 9, 2026
Free Fish Feb 26
Article

Family fishing events & Free Fishing Weekends

We make it easy to take your family fishing – with free fishing events, recommended family-friendly fishing locations, and how-to's on everything from picking out gear to cooking your catch.
June 9, 2026
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Article

Learn to fish

There are several ways to begin your fishing journey – you can join a friend or family member on their fishing trip, you can attend a free ODFW fishing event, or you can strike out on your own (don’t worry, you can do this). In this article you'll find out what gear you need and where to go fishing in Oregon, along with a few basics of the sport.
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How to fish for crappie

Crappie are scrappy, hard-fighting fish, and with a two-rod validation you can double the excitement of reeling in these delicious panfish. Lucky for us, Oregon has lots of opportunity for crappie, and some of our waterbodies are considered premier crappie fishing destinations!
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How to fish for trout

More people in Oregon fish for trout than for any other kind of fish. Anglers can experience a lifetime of varied and rewarding adventures fishing for trout in Oregon’s shaded coastal streams, alpine lakes, urban ponds and high desert rivers.
November 17, 2025
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How to fish for surfperch

Surf fishing is one of Oregon’s most underutilized fisheries. There are hundreds of places to fish along Oregon’s sandy beaches, and there are plenty of fish within an easy cast from shore.
March 20, 2026
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Article

Ocean salmon fishing

Summer is a great time to be on the Pacific chasing ocean salmon. Whether you captain your own ship or book a commercial charter, there is an ocean salmon of fishing opportunity for you.
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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
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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.
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Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Southeast Zone

SE Fishing July 15, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing Catch and Release for Redband Rainbow Trout with no bait is now required through Ocotber 31 on all Upper Klamath Lake including Pelican Bay, Crystal Creek, Recreation Creek, Harriman Creek, Odessa Creek, Short Creek, Pelican Bay, Fourmile Creek, Thomason Creek, Fourmile Canal, and mouth of Williamson River. Willow Valley Reservoir is good for largemouth bass, yellow perch and some large crappie Fourmile Lake will be good for hatchery rainbow trout The Wood River below Weed Road is fishing well for Brown Trout. Nice holdover trout in the Malheur River below…

September 05, 2017
Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Central Zone

Central Fishing July 16, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing: Stonefly season is winding down but good reports of nymph fishing on the lower Deschutes Anglers report excellent trout fishing opportunities at Lava and Little Lava Lakes North Twin Lake was this week with trophy rainbow trout. Shevlin youth and disabled fishing pond was restocked with rainbow trout this week. Anglers report excellent fishing for recently stocked and holdover trout at Three Creek Lake. 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 - Northeast Zone

NE Fishing July 16, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing: Kokanee fishing has been good on Wallowa Lake. Perch fishing has been good at Phillips Reservoir with some large fish caught. Try Willow Creek Reservoir for trout, bass, and crappie. Smallmouth bass fishing on the John Day is currently very good Penland Lake is producing limits of rainbow trout Trout stocking July 6- Aug. 3: Kinney Lake, McGraw Pond, Salt Creek Summit Pond, Wallowa Lake, Look for stocking updates here on Tuesday. Stocking resumes September 21. Check out the trout stocking schedule. Trout stocking maps Check out the ODFW fishing…

September 05, 2017
Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Southwest Zone

SW Fishing July 16, 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