If there’s one state that’s underrated for Bass fishing, it’s the Beaver State. When most anglers think about Bass, lakes in the south come to mind. Meanwhile, Oregon tends to trigger talks of Salmon, Steelhead, and Trout. That does both Bass and this state a disservice, as Oregon has plenty of surprising Bass fishing hotspots.
With this article, I’m hoping to shine a deserved light on this overlooked Bass fishery. Read on to learn more about the great options in this beautiful state, as I run you through the different species, best techniques, spots, and more. Are you ready? Here goes…
Why Go Bass Fishing in Oregon
You already know that Oregon offers beautiful landscapes and wonderful places to enjoy in general. The fact that many of these places also have Bass is simply a bonus! And it would be a shame to miss out on incredible fishing when you visit this corner of the Pacific Northwest…
I’ve fished for Bass across the continent, and Oregon is one of my favorite places. You can combine whitewater rafting trips and remote floats with Smallmouth Bass fishing here – and the numbers of fish in some of these rivers is just amazing!
If the Smallmouth fisheries aren’t enough, there are also plenty of amazing lakes with other species. Many honey holes occupy temperate climate zones with long seasons, providing plenty of bites. While many anglers visit Oregon for exciting species like Sturgeon and Salmon, it’s a great place to chase Bass as well.
Top Bass Species in Oregon
There are a few notable Bass species available for anglers across the state. And there’s no shortage of great opportunities for each of these species. Pay attention to the destinations section below to find the best seasons and timing for each of the following Bass species.
Smallmouth Bass
This might be the most abundant Bass species in Oregon, and you’ll find world-class fishing in quite a few places. On the remote river systems with Smallmouth Bass, summer fishing can offer non-stop action. Many of the fish are on the small side but you can catch large fish as well. In my opinion, Smallies are among the best species to target in the state!
Largemouth Bass
When water temperatures climb and reach that nice 55–75-degree range, the Largemouth Bass fishing in Oregon is fantastic. There’s a surprising number of fisheries, and some hold massive Bass. Lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers across the state have great fishing. I’ll spotlight a few of these great options in the locations section below.
Striped Bass
Although not native to the Northwest, these fish are a ton of fun to chase even here. “Stripers” were stocked in California’s Bay Area and have made their way into a few Oregon river systems. They’re available year-round but the best fishing occurs in the summer and early fall. While the distribution is generally limited to a handful of rivers, the fishing in those places can be excellent.
Hybrid Striped Bass
Hybrids were created as a sport fish that can’t reproduce naturally in the lakes where they are stocked. A cross between Striped Bass and White Bass, these fish offer a great option for anglers in search of a hard-fighting and delicious fish to eat. Hybrids are present in Tenmile Lakes, Ana Reservoir, and Thompson Reservoir. As they’re a stocked species, the places where they’re introduced can always change.
How to Go Bass Fishing in Oregon
The same Bass fishing techniques used in other states work here as well. For lakes, look to spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and Texas rigs to get the job done. Dropping a good old worm off a bobber is also great for Bass in general. Make decisions based on depth and water types. Spinnerbaits are great for shallow bays, while a deep crankbait is productive for deeper logs and dam structure in reservoirs and lakes.
Rivers are a little bit different, especially those like the John Day with a bit more flow. Look to slow-moving water and still sloughs for Bass. They also use boulders and structures that break currents while creating ambush sites. Flies are fun in the rivers and I really enjoy fishing a classic bugger pattern. Spinners and crankbaits are also fun in rivers, but it’s hard to go wrong with topwater lures that produce explosive bites during the summer as well.
Where to Go Bass Fishing in Oregon
This list highlights some of the best opportunities for Bass fishing in Oregon. It doesn’t cover everything, however, so go explore and find your own secret Bass spots!
Columbia River
The mighty Columbia River is a superhighway for anadromous species, but don’t underestimate the resident species options in this large body of water. It’s filled with mellow backwaters, riprap banks, and structure that hold large numbers of Smallmouth Bass. They come in all sizes and it’s no secret that the next state record is very likely in these waters. The Columbia River Gorge, specifically, is a great place if you can find areas sheltered from the wind.
Willamette River
If you want to target multiple Bass species, head to the beautiful Willamette River. The river is popular for Salmon fishing and the great Bass opportunities are often overlooked. However, Smallmouth and Largemouth fishing is excellent with trophy-size potential in the slow-moving river. Come in summer for your shot at landing a Bass as the waters are ideally warm for them.
John Day River
For those who want a remote rafting trip, the John Day River is an amazing place to explore. It’s a high desert river that has abundant Smallmouth Bass populations. Summer trips on rafts, kayaks, and paddleboards will yield high catch rates of small-to-midsize Bass. Being remote, logistics and access are the two greatest challenges, but it’s a place worth exploring.
Tenmile Lakes
Trophy Largemouth Bass bring anglers from across the state to explore the north and south Tenmile Lakes. Fed by multiple streams, the lakes are complex with different arms and bays. It’s not uncommon to catch Largemouth in the 4–6 pound range with the occasional larger fish making an appearance. This is one of the most productive warmwater fisheries in the Beaver State.
Crane Prairie Reservoir
The crossover for Trout and Bass fishing in this reservoir is excellent. During the summer months, anglers targeting structure, the dam, and other productive Bass habitat have a chance at landing lunker Largemouth Bass. It’s a great fishery with plenty of opportunity for a range of species.
Umpqua River
World-renowned for its wild Steelhead populations, this river also supports a robust Bass fishery. Look to the lower river system for great Smallmouth Bass and Striped Bass fishing. Smallmouth are especially abundant, with some seriously large fish in the system. When Steelhead runs are slow or the weather is hot, jumping into Bass fishing is a great idea.
Bass Fishing Seasons in Oregon
Bass are available year-round throughout Oregon but the temperature has a way of self-regulating the seasons. Activity is slow during the winter, but things already start to pick up in spring. April and May are good months for the early season bite, while summer is steady as well. Quality fishing will continue through fall, until night temperatures cool things off.
Oregon Bass Fishing Regulations
Regulations vary by region in Oregon, but every angler will need a fishing license wherever they’re targeting Bass. But now for the good news, there are no size limits on Bass in rivers and streams! This is largely attributed to the abundant Smallmouth populations in many places. In lakes, the general limit is five Bass daily and three in possession. It’s important to check the regulations for your specific region before fishing, as they’re subject to change at any time.
Oregon Bass Fishing FAQs
It’s Time to Catch a Lunker in Oregon
The secret is out! Oregon has far more to offer than Trout, Salmon, and Steelhead. The coastal and coldwater fisheries are amazing but it’s also a warmwater fishing paradise. Grab your Bass rods and go explore the big waters of the Beaver State. With large river and lake systems, you’ll find a lifetime of water to cover.
Are you an experienced Oregon Bass angler? We’d love to hear your tips and tricks for chasing Bass across the state. Share away in the comments below!
