Great Trout Fishing In Oregon

Guide to fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brook, brown, golden and lake trout in local lakes and streams.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Oregon is a paradise for trout fishing enthusiasts, with a variety of trout species and abundant fishing opportunities in its lakes and rivers. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about trout fishing and identify trout fishing waters in the state. Anglers can target multiple trout species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and cutthroat trout, offering a diverse and thrilling fishing experience.

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Fishing For Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are one of the most fished for trout species in the state, and can be found in numerous lakes and rivers throughout the state. Known for its tasty pink flesh, rainbows are a favorite among the vast majority of trout anglers in the area. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be caught on flies as well as other small baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. It is ideal for both sport and dining pleasure. Some renowned rainbow trout fisheries include the Deschutes River, McKenzie River, and the Metolius River. More...

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Fishing For Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat trout typically call the Pacific northwest home, however they are also stocked in many lakes. Cutthroat trout fishing holds a cherished place among anglers. While fly fishing reigns supreme as the preferred method, these prized fish are also susceptible to various artificial lures mimicking minnows or grubs, as well as live bait presentations. Cutthroat trout fishing is renowned for the spectacular battles while landing. The Nestucca River, North Umpqua River, and the Rogue River are renowned for their cutthroat trout fisheries. More...

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Fishing For Brook Trout

Brook trout, with their stunning colors and willingness to bite, can be found in remote mountain streams and creeks across the state. These feisty fish can provide an exciting fishing experience for those willing to explore more secluded and scenic locations. The primary food source of brookies is small insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other small fishes. In lakes where brook trout are stocked, shade over shallow cover is a great place to start. Several high-elevation lakes in the Cascade Range, such as Timothy Lake and Trillium Lake, offer excellent brook trout fishing opportunities. More...

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Fishing For Brown Trout

Brown trout, another prized trout species, can be found in select area lakes and rivers. Many of these fisheries are attracting anglers from near and far. These elusive and wary fish offer a challenge to anglers, requiring stealthy presentations and precise casting to entice a bite. Brown trout feed on worms, minnows, insects and crustaceans. Larger browns can be taken on jerkbaits, small crankbaits and spinners. The Deschutes River, Crooked River, and the Williamson River are renowned for their brown trout populations. More...

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Fishing For Lake Trout

Lake trout are by far the largest of the trouts. They live in deep, cold lakes and feeds on virtually all forms of flesh which exist in its home waters. It's rich flaky flesh makes it a tasty table favorite. During early spring, lake trout can often be found in the shallows of lakes, readily taking dry flies, wet flies, and other slow-moving presentations. As surface temperatures rise, these trout typically migrate to deeper waters, prompting anglers to employ trolling with heavier tackle as the primary technique using spoons and baitfish-imitating lures. More...

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Whether you prefer fishing in scenic rivers, remote streams, or pristine lakes, Oregon's trout fishing opportunities are abundant. The state's diverse trout species, picturesque landscapes, and pristine waters make it a trout fishing destination that appeals to anglers of all skill levels.

Trout Waters

It's hard to drive anywhere in Oregon without seeing trout waters. Most rivers, streams, creeks and ponds contain trout. The major lakes with good trout fishing include Agency Lake, Aspen Lake, Beulah Reservoir, Bluejoint Lake, Brownlee Reservoir, Crane Prairie Reservoir, Crater Lake, Crescent Lake, Davis Lake, Detroit Lake, Diamond Lake, Drews Reservoir, Green Peter Lake, Hart Lake, Lake Billy Chinook, Lake Owyhee, Odell Lake, Phillips Lake, Prineville Reservoir, Siltcoos Lake, Tahkenitch Lake, Tenmile Lakes, Upper Klamath Lake, Waldo Lake, Warm Springs Reservoir and Wickiup Reservoir. Many of these lakes offer ice fishing for trout once the ice is safe.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Select the best trout lures and baits

Trout spinners, crankbaits and jerkbaits work well for shallow, reasonably active fish. Salmon eggs, worms and prepared baits will work at virtually all depths.

Oregon State Record Trout

The state record rainbow trout was caught from the Rogue River.

The state record cutthroat trout was taken out of the Malheur River.

The state record brook trout was taken out of the Deschutes River.

The state record brown trout came from Paulina Lake.

The state record bull trout was caught in Lake Billy Chinook.

The state record golden trout was caught in Eagle Cap Wilderness.

The state record lake trout was caught in Odell Lake.

The state record steelhead trout was caught in the Columbia River.

Watch trout fishing videos to see trout anglers in action.

Additional trout information

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Browns are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts.

Visit the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife for information about trout stockings in Oregon.

Trout Unlimited

Trout locations and info, by state.

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