Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Oregon (Complete Guide)

Oregon offers some of the best fishing in the United States. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Oregon are early morning and late evening. Summer and fall are the best months for most species in Oregon.

Month	Oregon Fishing Location
January	Upper Deschutes River (Rainbow Trout)
February	Tillamook Bay (Winter Steelhead)
March	Willamette River (Spring Chinook Salmon)
April	Rogue River (Spring Chinook Salmon)
May	Umpqua River (Smallmouth Bass)
June	Columbia River (Summer Chinook Salmon)
July	John Day River (Smallmouth Bass)
August	North Santiam River (Fall Chinook Salmon)
September	Nestucca River (Coho Salmon)
October	Siuslaw River (Fall Chinook Salmon)
November	Alsea River (Steelhead)
December	Coos River (Winter Steelhead)

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Oregon. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Sections of Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Oregon

Upper Deschutes River (January, Rainbow Trout)

Tillamook Bay (February, Winter Steelhead)

Willamette River (March, Spring Chinook Salmon)

Rogue River (April, Spring Chinook Salmon)

Umpqua River (May, Smallmouth Bass)

Columbia River (June, Summer Chinook Salmon)

John Day River (July, Smallmouth Bass)

North Santiam River (August, Fall Chinook Salmon)

Nestucca River (September, Coho Salmon)

Siuslaw River (October, Fall Chinook Salmon)

Alsea River (November, Steelhead)

Coos River (December, Winter Steelhead)

Sandy River (March, Winter Steelhead)

North Umpqua River (April, Steelhead)

Deschutes River (May, Brown Trout)

Metolius River (June, Rainbow Trout)

Wallowa River (July, Cutthroat Trout)

Grande Ronde River (August, Smallmouth Bass)

Williamson River (September, Rainbow Trout)

Chetco River (October, Chinook Salmon)

Best Times: Lakes to Fish in Oregon

Crater Lake (July to September, Kokanee Salmon)

Upper Klamath Lake (April to June, Rainbow Trout)

Diamond Lake (May to October, Brown Trout)

Wickiup Reservoir (June to August, Brown Trout)

Odell Lake (July to September, Mackinaw Trout)

Crescent Lake (August to October, Rainbow Trout)

Waldo Lake (June to September, Kokanee Salmon)

Detroit Lake (April to June, Kokanee Salmon)

Lake Billy Chinook (May to July, Smallmouth Bass)

Timothy Lake (June to August, Rainbow Trout)

Prineville Reservoir (May to July, Crappie)

Lost Creek Lake (March to May, Smallmouth Bass)

Fern Ridge Reservoir (April to June, Largemouth Bass)

Green Peter Lake (July to September, Kokanee Salmon)

Applegate Lake (September to November, Brown Trout)

Henry Hagg Lake (March to May, Rainbow Trout)

Crane Prairie Reservoir (June to August, Rainbow Trout)

Lake of the Woods (June to September, Rainbow Trout)

Clear Lake (July to September, Rainbow Trout)

Phillips Reservoir (April to June, Smallmouth Bass)

Best Times: Coastal Areas of Oregon

Astoria (February, Sturgeon)

Nehalem Bay (March, Spring Chinook Salmon)

Tillamook Bay (April, Lingcod)

Netarts Bay (May, Dungeness Crab)

Siletz Bay (June, Chinook Salmon)

Yaquina Bay (July, Halibut)

Alsea Bay (August, Coho Salmon)

Coos Bay (September, Rockfish)

Bandon (October, Tuna)

Port Orford (November, Lingcod)

Gold Beach (December, Winter Steelhead)

Depoe Bay (January, Crabbing)

Pacific City (March, Surfperch)

Lincoln City (April, Chinook Salmon)

Waldport (May, Sea Trout)

Yachats (June, Rockfish)

Florence (July, Halibut)

Winchester Bay (August, Tuna)

Brookings (September, Lingcod)

Port Orford (October, Chinook Salmon)

Recommended Fishing Guides in Oregon

These Oregon-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
2 Net Fishing Guide	Portland, OR
Big Johnson’s Guide Service – Tillamook	Tillamook, OR
Pacific Roots Adventures	Nehalem, OR
All Depth Charters	Newport, OR
Shirley Catch Guide Service	Warrenton, OR
Woodys Northwest Fishing & Fun	Garibaldi, OR
Oregon Fly Guide	Coburg, OR
Play N Hooky Guide Service – Astoria	Warrenton, OR
Caleb’s Guide Service	Portland, OR
Black Dogg Guide Service	Warrenton, OR
Pacific Roots Adventures – Tillamook	Tillamook, OR

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Chinook Salmon

The best time to fish for Chinook salmon in Oregon is during the late spring, summer, and fall months, typically from May to October. Chinook salmon runs vary depending on the specific river and location. Early morning and late afternoon are often great times to fish for Chinook salmon. Some of the best locations for Chinook salmon fishing in Oregon include the Columbia River, Tillamook Bay, Rogue River, and the Nestucca River.

Coho Salmon

The best time to fish for coho salmon in Oregon is during fall, typically from September to November. Coho salmon runs vary depending on the specific river and location. Early morning and late afternoon are often productive times to fish for coho salmon. Some of the best locations for coho salmon fishing in Oregon include the Columbia River, Tillamook Bay, Nehalem Bay, and the Umpqua River.

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye salmon runs in Oregon are relatively limited compared to other salmon species. They are mainly found in the Columbia River and its tributaries during summer, typically from June to August. Early morning and late afternoon are good times to fish for sockeye salmon. Some of the best locations for sockeye salmon fishing in Oregon include the Columbia, Deschutes, and Hood Rivers.

Sturgeon

The best time to fish for sturgeon in Oregon is year-round, but the spring and fall are particularly productive. Sturgeon are active during both day and night. Oregon’s best locations for sturgeon fishing include the Columbia River, Willamette River, and the Umpqua River.

Halibut

Fishing for halibut in Oregon is best during the spring and summer, typically from May to September. Halibut are often caught during daylight hours. Some of Oregon’s best locations for halibut fishing include the waters off of Astoria, Garibaldi, Newport, and Brookings.

Lingcod

The best time to fish for lingcod in Oregon is spring, summer, and early fall, typically from April to October. They can be caught throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon are often productive. Some of the best locations for lingcod fishing in Oregon include Depoe Bay, Newport, Brookings, and Astoria.

Tuna

The best time to fish for tuna in Oregon is during the summer and early fall, typically from July to September. Tuna are more active in warmer water temperatures. They are often caught during the daytime, with early morning and late afternoon being productive. Some of the best locations for tuna fishing in Oregon include the waters off of Newport, Coos Bay, Brookings, and Astoria.

Surfperch

The best time to fish for surfperch in Oregon is during the spring, summer, and early fall months, typically from April to October. They can be caught throughout the day, but the incoming and outgoing tides are often productive times. Oregon’s best locations for surfperch fishing include Seaside Beach, Cannon Beach, Pacific City, and Port Orford.

Rockfish

The best time to fish for rockfish in Oregon is spring, summer, and early fall, typically from April to October. They can be caught throughout the day, with early morning and late afternoon being productive. Oregon’s best locations for rockfish fishing include the coastal areas near Astoria, Newport, Depoe Bay, and Brookings.

American Shad

The best time to fish for American shad in Oregon is during the late spring and early summer months, typically from May to July. They can be caught throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon are often productive. Some of the best locations for American shad fishing in Oregon include the Columbia River, Willamette River, Rogue River, and Umpqua River.

Dungeness Crabs

The best time to fish for Dungeness crabs in Oregon is during the late fall, winter, and early spring months, typically from December to April. Dungeness crabs are more active during the colder months. They are typically caught during the daytime. Some of Oregon’s best locations for crab fishing include the Columbia River, Coos Bay, Yaquina Bay, and Tillamook Bay.

Kokanee Salmon

The best time to fish for kokanee in Oregon is during the late spring, summer, and early fall months, typically from May to October. They can be caught throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon are often productive times. Some of the best locations for kokanee fishing in Oregon include Odell Lake, Crescent Lake, Wickiup Reservoir, and Green Peter Reservoir.

Steelhead

The best time to fish for steelhead in Oregon is late fall, winter, and early spring, typically from November to April. Steelhead are more active in colder water temperatures. They can be caught throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon are often productive. Oregon’s best locations for steelhead fishing include the Columbia River, Willamette River, Deschutes River, and Rogue River.

Cutthroat Trout

The best time to fish for cutthroat trout in Oregon is spring, summer, and early fall, typically from April to October. Cutthroat trout are more active in cooler water temperatures. They can be caught throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon are often productive. Oregon’s best locations for cutthroat trout fishing include the Deschutes River, Metolius River, McKenzie River, and North Umpqua River.

Brown Trout

The best time to fish for brown trout in Oregon is spring, summer, and early fall, typically from April to October. They can be caught throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon are often productive. Some of Oregon’s best locations for brown trout fishing include the Deschutes River, Metolius River, McKenzie River, and North Umpqua River.

Rainbow Trout

The best time to fish for rainbow trout in Oregon is spring, summer, and early fall, typically from April to October. They can be caught throughout the day, with early morning and late afternoon being productive. Oregon’s best locations for rainbow trout fishing include the Deschutes River, McKenzie River, Metolius River, and North Umpqua River.

Brook Trout

The best time to fish for brook trout in Oregon is spring, summer, and early fall, typically from May to October. They can be caught throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon are often productive. Oregon’s best locations for brook trout fishing include the Metolius River, North Umpqua River, McKenzie River, and Upper Deschutes River.

Largemouth Bass

The best time to fish for largemouth bass in Oregon is spring, summer, and early fall, typically from April to October. They can be caught throughout the day, with early morning and late afternoon prime times. Oregon’s best locations for largemouth bass fishing include the Columbia River, Willamette River, Tenmile Lakes, and Fern Ridge Reservoir.

Smallmouth Bass

The best time to fish for smallmouth bass in Oregon is spring, summer, and early fall, particularly from April to October. They can be caught throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon are productive. Oregon’s best locations for smallmouth bass fishing include the Columbia River, Umpqua River, John Day River, and the Snake River.

Carp

The best time to fish for carp in Oregon is during the late spring, summer, and early fall months, specifically from May to September. They can be caught throughout the day, but early morning and evening are productive. Oregon’s best locations for carp fishing include the Columbia River, Willamette River, Fern Ridge Reservoir, and Tenmile Lakes.

Yellow Perch

The best time to fish for yellow perch in Oregon is spring and summer, especially from April to August. They can be caught throughout the day but tend to be most active during early morning and late afternoon. Some of Oregon’s best locations for perch fishing include Fern Ridge Reservoir, Tenmile Lakes, Detroit Lake, and Henry Hagg Lake.

Catfish

The best time to fish for catfish in Oregon is during the warmer months of late spring, summer, and early fall, particularly in June, July, and August. They are often caught during the evening or nighttime hours when they become more active. Oregon’s best locations for catfish fishing include the Columbia River, Willamette River, Tenmile Lakes, and Fern Ridge Reservoir.

Crappie

The best time to fish for crappie in Oregon is typically during the spring and early summer, specifically April, May, and June. Dawn and dusk are great times to catch them as they tend to be more active during low-light conditions. Oregon’s best locations for crappie fishing include Henry Hagg Lake, Fern Ridge Reservoir, Lost Creek Lake, and Lake Billy Chinook.

Walleye

The best time to fish for walleye in Oregon is during the spring months of April, May, and June. Walleye tend to be more active during low-light conditions, such as dawn and dusk. Oregon’s best locations for walleye fishing include the Columbia River, Umatilla River, Willow Creek Reservoir, and the John Day Pool.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish on the Oregon coast. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Portland. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Washington. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Lake Tahoe.

Best Fishing in Oregon on Seasonal Basis

Winter

The Deschutes River is a popular winter fishing spot for steelhead. These elusive fish can provide an exciting challenge for anglers during the colder months.
Diamond Lake is known for its winter trout fishing. Anglers can target rainbow trout and brown trout in this frozen lake.
The Sandy River is a great location for winter steelhead fishing. These powerful fish migrate into the river during the colder months.
Odell Lake is a prime spot for winter kokanee salmon fishing. These landlocked sockeye salmon can be caught through the ice.

Spring

The Willamette River is a popular spot for spring chinook salmon fishing. These fish make their way up the river during the spring months.
Wickiup Reservoir is known for its spring trout fishing. Rainbow trout and brown trout can be caught in this scenic reservoir.
The Rogue River is a great destination for spring steelhead fishing. These sea-run rainbow trout migrate into the river during the spring.
The North Santiam River is a favorite spot for springtime smallmouth bass fishing.

Summer

The Columbia River is a prime spot for summer Chinook salmon fishing. These large and powerful fish migrate up the river during the summer months.
Crater Lake is a beautiful destination for catching kokanee salmon in the summer. These landlocked sockeye salmon provide a fun fishing experience.
The McKenzie River is known for its summer trout fishing. Anglers can target rainbow trout and cutthroat trout in this scenic river.
Lost Lake is a great location for summer bass fishing. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass can be found in this lake.

Fall

The Deschutes River is a great place to catch fall Chinook salmon. These fish migrate up the river during the fall months, providing excellent fishing opportunities.
Diamond Lake is known for its trophy-sized rainbow trout. In the fall, these trout become more active and can be caught using various techniques such as trolling or casting from the shore.
The Umpqua River is a popular spot for catching fall steelhead. These fish enter the river from the ocean during the fall.
Wickiup Reservoir is a fantastic location for targeting brown trout in the fall. As the water temperatures cool down, brown trout become more active and are eager to take bait or lures.