Oregon Best Seasons for Fishing: What’s Biting & When to Go

Oregon is a paradise for anglers, offering an abundance of lakes, rivers, and coastal waters teeming with fish year-round. However, knowing the Oregon best seasons for fishing can make all the difference in having a successful trip. Each season brings different opportunities, with various fish species being more active at specific times. In this guide, we’ll break down the best fishing seasons in Oregon, what species you can expect to catch, and tips for maximizing your success.

Spring Fishing in Oregon (March – May)

Spring marks the beginning of prime fishing season in Oregon as temperatures rise and fish become more active after the winter months. Many species start their spawning runs, making them more accessible to anglers. With the melting snow increasing river flows and warming water temperatures, fish become more eager to feed, presenting great opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.

What’s Biting?

• Steelhead – Winter steelhead runs extend into early spring, particularly in rivers like the Willamette, Clackamas, and Rogue. These aggressive fish provide exciting battles for anglers using drift fishing, bobber dogging, and fly fishing techniques.

• Rainbow Trout – Stocked in lakes and reservoirs, rainbow trout fishing is excellent as hatchery programs release new fish. These fish are easy to target using power bait, worms, or small spinners, making them great for beginners and families.

• Bass – Largemouth and smallmouth bass begin their pre-spawn activity in warmer waters such as Henry Hagg Lake and the John Day River. As they prepare to spawn, they become territorial and aggressive, making them more likely to strike lures like soft plastics, jigs, and crankbaits.

• Walleye – The Columbia River offers fantastic spring walleye fishing as they move to shallow waters to spawn. These fish are known for their delicious taste and can be caught using nightcrawlers, jigs, and crankbaits along rocky points and drop-offs.

Spring Fishing Tips:

• Use bright-colored lures for steelhead as water levels can be higher and murkier due to snowmelt and spring rains.

• Look for trout near the surface in the morning and evening, as they feed actively during cooler parts of the day, avoiding midday warmth.

• Target bass in shallow, sun-warmed areas where they gather before spawning. Using soft plastics and slow retrieval techniques can be very effective in enticing bites.
  

Summer Fishing in Oregon (June – August)

Summer is one of Oregon’s best seasons for fishing, with long daylight hours, stable weather, and warm water temperatures bringing an abundance of fish into feeding mode. This season is perfect for fishing in high mountain lakes, rivers, and even heading offshore for some saltwater action.

What’s Biting?

• Salmon – Summer Chinook (“June hogs”) and coho salmon runs peak in the Columbia River and coastal estuaries. These fish are powerful fighters and are best targeted using trolling techniques with herring, spinners, or cut bait.

• Trout – High mountain lakes like Waldo Lake and Crater Lake provide excellent trout fishing in cooler waters. Fly fishing and using small spoons or live bait can yield great results.

• Bass & Panfish – Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and bluegill are highly active in lakes and ponds, making them easy targets for both beginners and experienced anglers using topwater lures, jigs, and live bait.

• Halibut & Rockfish – Ocean fishing for halibut and rockfish is at its best along the Oregon Coast, especially out of Newport and Astoria. These deep-water species require heavy tackle and bait such as squid or herring for best success.

Summer Fishing Tips:

• For salmon, troll with herring or use spinners near the Columbia River mouth, particularly early in the morning or late in the evening when fish are most active.

• Trout fishing is best at higher elevations where water remains cool. If fishing in lower elevation lakes, target deeper areas where trout seek cooler temperatures.

• Try topwater lures early in the morning for bass before temperatures rise, as they are more likely to strike aggressively during low-light conditions.

• Offshore trips for halibut require advance planning and checking weather conditions for safe seas. Booking a charter is recommended for those unfamiliar with deep-sea fishing.

Fall Fishing in Oregon (September – November)

As temperatures begin to drop, fall is one of Oregon’s best seasons for fishing, especially for salmon and steelhead. Cooler water temperatures mean fish are more active and eager to bite. The beautiful autumn scenery and fewer crowds make fall fishing even more enjoyable.

What’s Biting?

• Fall Chinook & Coho Salmon – The fall salmon run is legendary in Oregon, with strong numbers in the Columbia, Tillamook Bay, and the Rogue River. These fish migrate upstream to spawn and can be caught using spinners, cured eggs, or herring.

• Steelhead – Summer steelhead runs continue into fall, providing excellent fishing in rivers like the Umpqua and Deschutes. These fish are aggressive and respond well to drifting beads, flies, or soft plastics.

• Sturgeon – These prehistoric giants are more active in the Columbia and Willamette Rivers during fall, and can be caught using fresh bait such as squid, shad, or smelt.

• Crab & Clams – Coastal crabbing and razor clam digging reach their peak as shellfish populations thrive. This is an excellent time for a family outing to collect fresh seafood.

Fall Fishing Tips:

• Use eggs and spinners for fall Chinook, especially in tidewater zones where they stage before spawning. A slow, steady retrieve works best.

• Fish for steelhead using drift fishing techniques with cured roe or soft beads. Be patient and cover as much water as possible.

• Sturgeon prefer deep holes near river bends, so focus on these areas with fresh bait and strong tackle.

• Check tide tables for the best times to dig razor clams along the Oregon Coast, as low tides provide the best opportunities.

Winter Fishing in Oregon (December – February)

Winter might seem like an off-season, but it remains one of Oregon’s best seasons for fishing if you know where to go. Some of the year’s best steelhead fishing happens during the colder months, and ice fishing becomes an option in high-elevation lakes.

What’s Biting?

• Winter Steelhead – The main attraction during winter, steelhead runs peak in rivers like the Clackamas, Nehalem, and Alsea. These fish are strong fighters and can be caught using jigs, worms, and egg patterns.

• Trout – Stocked trout continue to provide good fishing in lakes that don’t freeze over, with slower retrieval techniques working best in cold water.

• Lingcod & Rockfish – Coastal bottom fishing remains productive, especially on calmer days when boats can access deep reef structures.

• Ice Fishing – Lakes in Central and Eastern Oregon, like Diamond Lake, offer ice fishing opportunities for trout and perch. Anglers use small jigs tipped with bait or spoons for best results.

Winter Fishing Tips:

• Use natural baits like nightcrawlers or salmon eggs for steelhead in cold water.

• Dress in layers and be prepared for rain or snow when fishing in winter conditions.

• Plan offshore fishing for rockfish and lingcod on days with favorable marine forecasts.

• For ice fishing, drill test holes to ensure ice thickness is safe before setting up.

Oregon offers incredible fishing opportunities throughout the year. By understanding the best seasons, selecting the right techniques, and targeting active species, anglers can enjoy a successful and exciting fishing experience no matter the time of year.