Bass Fishing In Oregon

Guide to fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass in OR.

By Rick Seaman

Oregon Bass Fishing

Bass fishing in Oregon is a beloved pursuit, cherished by anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Few experiences rival the thrill of hooking into a largemouth or smallmouth bass, making it a timeless pastime that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice angler eager to learn the ropes, mastering the art of bass fishing can be immensely rewarding. That's why this page is dedicated to offering invaluable insights and tips on bass fishing, providing a comprehensive guide on everything from bass fishing techniques to essential bass-catching strategies. Whether you're seeking advice on selecting the perfect lure or honing your casting skills, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel on the water. Dive into our wealth of information to discover the secrets of successful bass fishing and unlock the full potential of your angling endeavors.

Bass fishing basics video.

Bass Fishing In The State

Largemouth Bass Fishing In Oregon

Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in Oregon. They are available in most warm-water lakes in the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 5 to 10-pound range are common in Oregon. The state record largemouth bass is over 12 pounds.

Finding & Catching Bigmouth Bass

Anglers can target big mouth bass in various lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for targeting largemouth bass as they are more active and feeding in the shallows near shoreline cover. Start with topwater baits, as they cover the water most efficiently. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the next choice. For finicky bass, plastic worms and jigs may entice a bite as you can move them very slowly around cover. In the heat of summer and the cold of winter bass move to deeper water, usually following the baitfish. Jigs, drop shot rigs and spoons are a good approach for bass holding in deep water. Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what the bass like today!

Some popular bass fishing destinations in Oregon include the Columbia River, Willamette River, and numerous lakes and reservoirs throughout the state.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Oregon

While smallmouth bass don't grow as large as their cousin the largemouth, they make up the difference with tenacious fights. Known for long battles and spectacular jumps, smallies grow fat and strong but rarely exceed ten pounds. Their range and locations are often with or nearby the largemouths. The state record smallmouth bass is over 11 pounds.

Smallmouth bass can be found in rivers and streams, as well as in some of the state's larger lakes and reservoirs. Anglers often target smallmouth bass using similar techniques as largemouth bass, including casting with various lures and baits. The Umpqua River, John Day River, and some of the state's smaller streams are renowned for their excellent smallmouth bass fishing opportunities.

Both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be caught throughout the year in Oregon, but the best times to target them vary depending on the season. During the warmer months, such as spring and summer, bass become more active and tend to move into shallower areas to feed, making it an ideal time for anglers to pursue them. However, bass can still be caught in the cooler months, albeit with slightly different fishing techniques and strategies. Anglers should consider factors such as water temperature, weather conditions, and the bass's preferred habitat when planning their fishing trips.

Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Oregon

The major lakes with a healthy population of bass include Brownlee Reservoir, Crane Prairie Reservoir, Crump Lake, Davis Lake, Fern Ridge Reservoir, Green Peter Lake, Lake Billy Chinook, Lake Owyhee, Phillips Lake, Prineville Reservoir, Siltcoos Lake, Tahkenitch Lake, Tenmile Lakes, Warm Springs Reservoir and Wickiup Reservoir. Other ponds and small lakes also contain bass. The Columbia River, Coos River and others also offer bass fishing opportunities.

When bass fishing in Oregon, it is important to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations and guidelines set by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. This includes size and bag limits, fishing methods, and any special regulations for certain water bodies. By adhering to these rules and practicing responsible fishing practices, anglers can contribute to the conservation and sustainability of bass populations in Oregon's waters while enjoying a thrilling bass fishing experience.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 bass fishing lures for Oregon this year

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and stickbaits are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

Oregon State Record Bass

The state record largemouth bass was caught from Ballenger Pond.

The state record smallmouth bass came from Henry Hagg Lake.

Local Bass Tournaments

Some of the Oregon waters preferred by tournament fisherman include the Columbia River, Willamette River, and Umpqua River for some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the world. Hagg Lake has the state record smallmouth but can be a very tough lake. It does have half of the lake reserved as a no wake zone and the other half for water sports so it is popular. Tenmile lake and all the coastal lakes, Crane Prairie, Dorena Reservoir, Green Peter Reservoir, Cottage Grove Reservoir, all of these locations are also excellent largemouth bass fisheries.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in Oregon.

Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Beaver State.

Catch big bass!

Bass fishing information by state.

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