Great Fishing In Oregon

Guide to fishing in the Beaver State

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Last updated on January 17, 2026.

Oregon offers a rich and diverse fishing experience, with a wide variety of fish species and fishing environments to explore. Whether you prefer warm-water fisheries or cold-water fisheries, ponds, lakes, or rivers, the state has something to offer for every angler. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about the best fishing lakes in the state, plus the species found in each lake.

Great Fishing Options

Warm-water fisheries in Oregon provide excellent opportunities to target species such as bass, panfish, and catfish. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass can be found in lakes and rivers throughout the state, providing exciting angling experiences. Anglers can also enjoy pursuing panfish species such as crappie, bluegill, and perch, which are known for their abundance and tasty fillets. Warm-water fisheries are also home to catfish species like channel catfish and bullhead catfish, offering additional fishing options.

On the other hand, Oregon's cold-water fisheries are renowned for their trout populations. The state is famous for its scenic rivers and lakes, which are regularly stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. These cold water environments provide ideal conditions for trout to thrive, making them a favorite target for anglers. Fly fishing, spin fishing, and trolling are popular techniques employed to catch these beautiful and feisty fish.

Oregon's ponds, lakes, and rivers offer a wealth of fishing opportunities. Anglers can choose from a range of environments to suit their preferences. Lakes such as Crater Lake, Diamond Lake, and Odell Lake are popular destinations for anglers seeking trout and other cold water species. Reservoirs like Wickiup Reservoir, Tenmile Lakes, and Agency Lake offer a mix of warm water species, including bass, panfish, and catfish. Additionally, rivers such as the Deschutes River, Rogue River, and Umpqua River provide exceptional fishing opportunities for both cold water and warm water species.

It is important for anglers to familiarize themselves with the fishing regulations and guidelines set by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. These regulations include size and bag limits, fishing seasons, and specific rules for certain water bodies. By adhering to these regulations, anglers can help preserve the health and sustainability of the fish populations and ensure a positive fishing experience for all.

Whether you're fishing in the peaceful serenity of a pond, the vastness of a lake, or the rushing waters of a river, Oregon's fishing destinations offer a diverse range of species and fishing experiences. With its scenic beauty and abundant fish populations, Oregon provides an angler's paradise that caters to all fishing preferences and skill levels.

The countryside of Oregon offers excellent trout and salmon fishing in streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and reservoirs. There are also plenty of opportunities for bass, crappie and walleye fishing. Ice fishing is popular in winter at many of these fisheries.

Here, you can fish for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, steelhead, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, brown trout, golden trout, lake trout (mackinaw), bluegill, green sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, yellow perch, coho salmon, chum salmon, chinook salmon, kokanee salmon, stripers and sturgeon in local lakes, rivers, ponds and/or streams.

Major Oregon Lakes & Species

Fishing lake sizes and locations in the state

Click here to acquire an Oregon Fishing License.

There is a very special section dedicated to activities for kids in OR.

Fishing in all states

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