Out of the many natural wonders Oregon has, its freshwater rivers and lakes are the ones anglers care for the most. Oregon fly fishing enthusiasts constantly wrestle with a big problem – it’s tough to decide where to fish when the offer’s this good!
Far from just being great places for fishing, areas like Paulina Lake and the Columbia River Gorge are also a source of pride among Oregonians for their scenic beauty. Here we’ll try to make things a bit easier for anyone looking to cast some flies in this great state.
Best Fly Fish to Catch in Oregon
Before we dig into the numerous locations suitable for fly fishing, let’s talk fish! Being the freshwater paradise that it is, you can count on Oregon to have plenty of diversity for all you fly anglers out there. Here’s a look at some of the most popular targets found in the local rivers and lakes.
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Trout is the most popular freshwater fish in the state by far, and Trout fishing in Oregon has a very devoted following among fly anglers. To say you can find Steelhead at any time of year would be underselling it by a lot. Pick any time and day of the year, and there’s bound to be a place in Oregon where someone is having a great time fishing for Steelhead.
The reason for this is that different parts of the state get Steelhead at different times. The western reaches of Oregon are at their prime for Trout fishing in the first couple of months of the year. In the months ahead, they start moving east along the Columbia River and other waterways. Fall might be the best time for Steelhead fishing in general, as you’ll find them from the coastal streams in the west, all the way to the Idaho border in the east.
Bass
Oregon’s moderate climate makes it ideal for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, which are present in large numbers. You’ll find most Largemouth Bass in Western Oregon’s lakes, ponds, and river sloughs. As for Smallmouth Bass, you can go after them pretty much anywhere in the Columbia River system, including its eastern reaches.
Sturgeon
When it comes to sheer size, Sturgeon easily ranks above all other freshwater game fish in Oregon, and North America in general. These monsters can easily grow over 10 feet long on the Columbia River. A lot of Sturgeon fishing is limited to catch and release, so make sure to read up on the latest regulations if you’re looking to go after this prehistoric fish.
Salmon
Oregon’s Salmon fishery just goes to show why Chinook are also known as King Salmon. The Chinook run in fall is when anglers catch monster Salmon weighing as much as 60 pounds! Anglers flock to the Columbia River in droves to take part in a decades-long fishing tradition, year after year. Another good opportunity for Chinook fishing is in springtime when the so-called Springers are migrating all across the state.
Other than Chinook, Coho Salmon are yet another fly fishing local favorite. Anglers love fishing for them because they’re aggressive biters that will fight you with abandon while jumping all over the place. They mostly dot coastal rivers in western Oregon as well as some lakes to the east.
Last but not least, we have Kokanee Salmon. Also known as Kokes among anglers, these are the most numerous kind of Salmon found in Oregon. You’ll find them in lakes throughout the state, especially in Central Oregon.
Walleye
Walleye fishing in Oregon is limited to three rivers: the Columbia, Willamette, and Snake River. These guys are nocturnal feeders, which means the best time to go after them is after dusk. They feed in schools, so when you see one, there’s bound to be more where that came from. Anglers rarely go exclusively after Walleye, but it’s the most delicious bycatch you could ask for.
How to Go Fly Fishing in Oregon
It’s hard to suggest specific gear for an entire state’s worth of fishing, but here are some general tips to help you get a running start.
First of all, have in mind that conditions will vary depending on where you want to fish. However, if you opt for a 9’ 5 wt rod, you can’t go wrong. This is the best all-round rod choice.
When it comes to flies, your main goal is to select them depending on the hatches going on at that time of year. The best place to get up-to-date info is usually a local fly shop. Some flies never go out of style though, any angler knows that. Here those include the Yak Caddis, Possie Bugger Nymph, Lightning Bug, Goddard Caddis, Partridge Soft Hackle, and Clark’s Stonefly.
Oregon Fly Fishing Spots
What makes this question so difficult to answer is the sheer amount of awesome places for fly fishing in the Beaver State. Here are some of our very top picks – the competition was very stiff!
Columbia River
The Columbia River makes up part of the interstate border between Oregon and Washington, and it’s popular with fly anglers from both states. Portland’s convenient location has made it into the local fishing hotspot, perfect if you’re looking to do other stuff besides fishing. You’ll find no shortage of guides here, ready and eager to take you after the next best bite.
Owyhee River
The Ying to Columbia’s Yang, the Owyhee River is perfect for any angler who’s more at home when not surrounded by a bunch of people trying to do the same thing. It’s among the top coldwater fishing areas in Oregon, which lends itself perfectly to Trout fishing. In fact, local Trout tend to reach some 30 inches in size every now and then. Typically, the best time for fishing this river is mid-April through October.
Chewaucan River
Often unfairly overlooked, the Chewaucan River seems tailor-made for any would-be explorer looking to get off the beaten path and catch some fish while they’re at it. It’s possibly your best option for wading or fishing from shore, and the local Rainbow Trout are very accessible. Keep in mind that some parts of the river are closed to the general public, so having a guide with you is a good idea.
Paulina Lake
For all of you who prefer lake fishing over rivers, Paulina Lake is a good place to get your fix. This is one of the deepest lakes in the state and has a large number of big Brown Trout ready to be caught. Kokanee Salmon and Rainbows are also present here but in much fewer numbers.
Deschutes River
You might’ve heard of the Deschutes River if you’re an avid angler. It’s often listed as one of the top Trout streams in America, which is quite an honor considering the competition. The Deschutes is home to Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout, both in the upper river areas and further downstream.
Davis Lake
For the ultimate Bass fishing trip in Oregon, look no further than Davis Lake. This is a fly-fishing lake only, so you are sure to be surrounded by like-minded anglers who share your enthusiasm for the fly.
There’s quite a story behind this lake’s fishery. It started out as a Rainbow Trout fishery, and gained a reputation for having good numbers of big fish. Then, in the early ‘90s, someone introduced Largemouth Bass illegally, and Bass fishing quickly grew to rival the original Trout fishery.
When to Go Fly Fishing in Oregon
Fly fishing in Oregon isn’t limited to one season only. You can practice it year-round, but it’s true that some seasons are more productive than others.
For example, you can fly fish for Steelhead almost throughout the entire year, but fall is by far the best season to go after them. Fall is also perfect for Chinook, but spring isn’t lagging far behind either.
Long story short, you can fly fish in Oregon whenever you want, but you can’t go wrong with fall.
Oregon Fly Fishing Regulations
The most important thing to know about fly fishing in Oregon is that all anglers 12 and older must have a valid fishing license.
Secondly, regardless of where you’re fishing, you’ll need When fishing for Sturgeon, Steelhead, and Salmon, you’ll need to have a Combined Angling Tag, too.
Last but not least, remember to pay attention to the bag and size limits of all fish species you plan to target.
Ready, Steady, Go!
When we say that Oregon is home to diverse fish species, breathtaking sights, and so many different rivers and lakes, we mean every word. The ride never stops here, not even in the dead of winter, so come on down and join the fun!
What’s your favorite place for fly fishing in Oregon? What do you fish for? Let us know in the comments below.
