{"id":55577,"date":"2023-10-24T21:56:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-24T21:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/?p=55577"},"modified":"2026-01-08T10:31:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T10:31:15","slug":"oregon-fishing-seasons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/oregon-fishing-seasons\/","title":{"rendered":"Fishing Seasons in Oregon: The Complete Guide for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 10<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

Between its epic rivers and 350 miles of ocean coast, Oregon boasts a stunning diversity of fishing grounds. And in them, you’ll get to face some of the finest game fish on the planet. However, the angling opportunities change over the course of the year and if you want to make the most of your trip, you’ll have to get familiar with the fishing seasons in Oregon<\/a>.<\/p>

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Considering there’s both the ocean and the freshwaters to explore, it’s generally possible to fish in the “Beaver State”<\/a> at any time of the year. Even during the depths of winter, there are different opportunities to catch fish. Below, we’ll show you a brief rundown of what’s biting when, and then delve deeper into what each month offers.<\/p>

What is the best season to go fishing in Oregon?<\/h2>

Freshwater<\/h4>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n
Species<\/th>\n Jan<\/th>\n Feb<\/th>\n Mar<\/th>\n Apr<\/th>\n May<\/th>\n Jun<\/th>\n Jul<\/th>\n Aug<\/th>\n Sep<\/th>\n Oct<\/th>\n Nov<\/th>\n Dec<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n
Chinook Salmon<\/strong><\/td>\n Fair<\/td>\n Fair<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Fair<\/td>\n Fair<\/td>\n\n <\/tr>\n
Coho Salmon<\/strong><\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Sockeye Salmon<\/strong><\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Rainbow Trout<\/strong><\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Cutthroat Trout<\/strong><\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Sturgeon<\/strong><\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\t
Bass<\/strong><\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Walleye<\/strong><\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n<\/table>

Saltwater<\/h4>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n
Species<\/th>\n Jan<\/th>\n Feb<\/th>\n Mar<\/th>\n Apr<\/th>\n May<\/th>\n Jun<\/th>\n Jul<\/th>\n Aug<\/th>\n Sep<\/th>\n Oct<\/th>\n Nov<\/th>\n Dec<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n
Ocean Salmon<\/strong><\/td>\n Closed<\/td>\n Closed<\/td>\n Closed<\/td>\n Closed<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Closed<\/td>\n Closed<\/td>\n\n <\/tr>\n
Halibut<\/strong><\/td>\n Closed<\/td>\n Closed<\/td>\n Closed<\/td>\n Closed<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Closed<\/td>\n Closed<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Rockfish<\/strong><\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Lingcod<\/strong><\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Tuna<\/strong><\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n Weak<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Crab<\/strong><\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Good<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n Great<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n<\/table>

While the fish do bite year-round in Oregon, the bulk of the angling takes place from spring to fall<\/strong>. The season generally peaks in summertime<\/strong>, and that’s when most tourist anglers visit the state. The summer also offers the most favorable weather, especially if you plan on heading out into the ocean.<\/p>

Still, certain fish peak at different times, so if you’re looking to catch a specific species, you might want to plan your trip around that. For example, Steelhead fishing is often more productive during winter than summer. For more details, check out our month-by-month guide below or take a look at what’s biting right now<\/a>.<\/p>

<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>

January<\/h2>

In January, the winter is in full swing in Oregon. This means stormy conditions on the ocean coast, making it a game of chance whether you can get out there or not. If the weather favors you, then you’ll enjoy excellent bottom fishing, with Lingcod<\/strong> and Rockfish<\/strong> biting with fervor.<\/p>

\"An
Photo courtesy of Brandon Gray’s Guided Fishing.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

River fishing, on the other hand, can be pretty action-packed. January is one of the best times to fish for Steelhead<\/strong> that race along Alsea, Clackamas, Coos, and Coquille rivers. Similarly, Trout<\/strong> angling is productive in lakes across the state<\/a>.<\/p>

Also, this time of year offers good fishing if you want to face Oregon’s freshwater monster – Sturgeon<\/strong>. While it’s typically prohibited to keep any of them, you’ll find good catch-and-release fishing along the lower Willamette<\/a> and Columbia Rivers, and Tillamook Bay. <\/p>

February<\/h2>

The saltwater conditions in February mirror those of January. This means any fishing will be highly weather-dependent. The seas are often too choppy to navigate at this time of year, but if you do get to hit the ocean, expect plenty of bottom fish to put in the cooler.<\/p>

\"An
Photo courtesy of Out Fishin.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

On the freshwater front, heavy rainfall can sometimes turn the rivers muddy, creating unfavorable conditions. But if the rivers remain fishable, you can expect your outing to be productive. There’ll be Steelhead<\/strong> biting across Oregon, including in rivers such as Siletz<\/a>, Siuslaw, Rogue, Wallowa, and more. On the Willamette River, you’ll sometimes even catch early-season Chinook<\/strong>.<\/p>

Finally, the catch-and-release Sturgeon<\/strong> fishing remains solid throughout winter. Tillamook Bay and the Willamette River offer plenty of action and a chance of reeling in a big one.<\/p>

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What anglers said about fishing in Oregon<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>

March<\/h2>

Oregon’s winter Steelhead<\/strong> fishing reaches its peak in March. You’ll find these feisty fish in rivers all over the state, offering thrilling fights if you’re skilled enough to hook them. After this month, these fish will begin to tail off, so make sure to get on the water now if you’re keen on battling Steelies at their best.<\/p>

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Photo courtesy of A. Rose Guide Service.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

Meanwhile, you can also expect Trout<\/strong> fishing to pick up. While streams are typically still closed for fishing, many lakes across Oregon get stocked with Trout during March. This means there’ll be lots of hungry fish waiting for you to catch them.<\/p>

Also, with the spring being closer than ever, Chinook Salmon<\/strong> fishing will improve. You can catch early season Salmon in rivers such as the Rogue, Willamette, and Umpqua, but keep regulations in mind! As for saltwater fishing, the bottom bite remains as strong as ever but the unstable weather conditions remain your main obstacle.<\/p>

April<\/h2>

With the spring arriving, the winter Steelhead<\/strong> fishing that’s been going strong since the beginning of the year begins to dwindle. There are still opportunities to catch them, mind you, but it’s not the same hectic action you’d find in the previous months.<\/p>

\"An
Photo courtesy of Oregon Fly Guide.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

However, Trout<\/strong> angling remains stellar, with more and more lakes getting stocked. If you’re looking for ideas on where to go, Detroit Lake is a popular <\/strong>Trout hotspot.<\/p>

In the rivers, Salmon<\/strong> fishing begins to heat up, but be mindful of the regulations as not all waters will allow you to target them. The lower Rogue River<\/a> and the Umpqua River feature good early season Salmon, as does the Willamette River, especially below the dam. Sturgeon<\/strong> fishing is also fair, with the mighty Columbia River remaining the top spot.<\/p>

But let’s not forget Bass<\/strong>! April marks the start of the Bass fishing season in Oregon. During this time, the fish usually follow their pre-spawn pattern, which means they’ll feed aggressively. In some places, such as the Dalles Pool<\/a>, you’ll also get the chance to land some big Walleye<\/strong>. Meanwhile, on the saltwater front, it’s still all about bottom fishing.<\/p>

May<\/h2>

Saltwater fishing finally starts picking up come May. The weather is more favorable and more fish start showing up. Oregon’s all-depth Halibut<\/strong> season usually opens this month. With them, you might also get the chance to reel in some ocean Salmon<\/strong>, provided the regulations allow for it.<\/p>

\"A
Photo courtesy of Pastime Fishing Adventures.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

When it comes to freshwater opportunities, Trout fishing is still as solid as ever. But what’s even better is that most rivers and streams finally open in the latter half of May. Visit the Deschutes River, and you’ll get to reel in native “Redside” Trout<\/strong> during the salmonfly hatch.<\/p>

To add even more variety into the mix, spring Chinook<\/strong> will also be biting. As was the case in April, the Rogue and Umpqua Rivers remain top choices. However, there’s also great fishing in the Portland<\/a> area along the Willamette River and its tributaries, as well as in Tillamook Bay and the rivers that feed into it.<\/p>

Lastly, Bass<\/strong> fishing is hot all over Oregon, with both Smallmouth<\/strong> and Largemouth<\/strong> scattered across the different rivers and lakes. You might also see the first signs of summer Steelhead<\/strong> beginning their runs.<\/p>

June<\/h2>

By June, the stormy weather becomes less of a nuisance, making it easier to get out into the Pacific. Salmon fishing may be an option, too, depending on the regulations. But even if Salmon fishing is closed, you’ll find solid bottom action, with lots of tasty critters biting.<\/p>

\"An
Photo courtesy of Oregon Fly Guide.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

On the rivers, it’s a summer Steelhead<\/strong> bonanza. The Snake, John Day, and the Grande Ronde all offer excellent fishing, among others. The Columbia River<\/a> is also a solid choice, where you’ll also get to reel in Chinook Salmon, as they often make a run in June. On the Deschutes River, the native Redband Trout<\/strong> will still be active.<\/p>

Besides the fish we named so far, Walleye<\/strong> will also bite with fervor in June. They typically spawn in May, leaving them hungry in the period after. For these fish, the Dalles Pool remains your go-to location.<\/p>

And if you’re into Bass<\/strong>, you can expect great fishing throughout the month. However, as the weather gets warmer and warmer, Bass will start leaving the shallows and move to their summer haunts.<\/p>

July<\/h2>

Oregon enters its peak fishing season in July. More and more Salmon<\/strong> begin racing along the Pacific coast, making it the perfect time to hit the ocean. One of the prime spots, called the “Rock Pile,” lies off the coast of Newport<\/a> and it’s where you’ll get to catch all the local favorites. Later in the month, Tuna<\/strong> begin showing up offshore, setting the stage for a summer full of excitement.<\/p>

\"Two
Photo courtesy of Premier Guide Service.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

Meanwhile, freshwater fishing is just as outstanding with plenty of Steelhead<\/strong> and Salmon to catch if you know where to go. For Steelhead, the Columbia River and its tributaries are still incredibly productive. As for Salmon, try fishing above Willamette Falls and in the river’s tributaries.<\/p>

With the waters nice and warm, Bass<\/strong> will be hiding in deep holes and around underwater structures. So while there are definitely good opportunities to reel them in, you’ll have to hop on a boat or head out early. You’ll also see Walleye<\/strong> bite throughout July, especially along the Columbia River.<\/p>

August<\/h2>

As you can probably tell by now, there’s good fishing in Oregon throughout the year. However, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better time than August. This is primarily because Oregon’s most famous fishery opens this month. We’re talking, of course, about Buoy 10.<\/p>

\"An
Photo courtesy of Shirley Catch Guide Service.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

For those not familiar with this amazing fishery, Buoy 10 designates a section of the Columbia River near Astoria<\/a>. Here, you’ll get to experience some of the best Salmon fishing Oregon has to offer. Your main target will be Chinook Salmon<\/strong>, with silvery Coho<\/strong> arriving in bigger numbers towards the second half of the month. And in case you can’t get to Buoy 10, Coos Bay<\/a> is a very solid alternative at this time.<\/p>

Meanwhile, if you head upriver and fish the Columbia near Portland, you’re likely to catch Steelhead<\/strong>. However, the colder Deschutes River is an even better choice at this time of year. Elsewhere, the Steelhead action typically falls into a lull, which luckily won’t last long.<\/p>

Offshore, you’ll find plenty of Albacore Tuna<\/strong>. These fish lurk 15 and more miles from the coast, which means you’ll have to get ready for a bit of a ride. However, August is arguably the best time to target them. Also, keep an eye out for all-depth Halibut<\/strong> openings.<\/p>

September<\/h2>

The fantastic Coho<\/strong> and Chinook<\/strong> fishing continues in September. You’ll mostly want to be fishing in the various bays along the coast at this time of year. Here, you’ll also find another special treat – Dungeness Crab<\/strong>. Further from land, it’s still Albacore Tuna<\/strong> season, though they’ll be making their way out by the end of the month.<\/p>

\"Three
Photo courtesy of Pacific Offshore Charters.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

On the rivers, you can expect summer Steelhead<\/strong> to start making their runs upriver. The fishing will be getting better as it gets deeper into September and the waters cool down. Speaking of cooler waters, Trout<\/strong> fishing will also improve with more stockings taking place starting in fall.<\/p>

The same applies to Bass<\/strong>. With the temperatures finally dropping, you’ll see them on the move again. During this time, you can go after Bass around transitional, mid-depth ledges, humps, and points.<\/p>

October<\/h2>

As we enter fall, Sturgeon<\/strong> fishing improves again! While these majestic river beasts can be caught year-round in Oregon’s waters, October is one of the better months to go for them. The best fishery is, of course, the Columbia River.<\/p>

\"A
Photo courtesy of Prospector’s Fishing Adventures.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

Meanwhile, Coho<\/strong> and Chinook<\/strong> Salmon<\/strong> begin entering the river systems across the state. Tillamook Bay<\/a> is the go-to place for Chinook in October, and the rivers that feed into it will become productive as it gets deeper into fall.<\/p>

Steelhead<\/strong>, on the other hand, can still be found in the Deschutes River, especially at the beginning of the month. Some other options include the Grande Ronde and the Imnaha Rivers.<\/p>

Finally, Trout<\/strong> fishing is also excellent. Hotspots include the Williamson River, Henry Hagg Lake, and the Sprague River. Most streams and rivers will close at the end of October, meaning it’s your last chance to fish them for Trout.<\/p>

November<\/h2>

With Salmon migrating upriver and Tuna leaving the offshore waters, saltwater fishing in November is all about Rockfish<\/strong>. And although not as consistent as in October, there’ll still be plenty of crustaceans to harvest inshore. You can also expect more and more rainy days, which may get in the way of your saltwater plans.<\/p>

\"An
Photo courtesy of Prospector’s Fishing Adventures.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

While the Trout<\/strong> fishing season has ended on most streams and rivers, the action is still ongoing on Oregon’s lakes. The recipe for good fishing is simple – base your destination on the Trout stocking schedule<\/a> and there’ll be fish to catch.<\/p>

When it comes to Salmon fishing, it’s again a question of where you go. While the peak season has passed on most major rivers, some still offer good numbers of fish. The Wilson, Trask, Elk, and Chetco<\/a> are just some of the rivers where Chinook Salmon<\/strong> will still gobble up your bait.<\/p>

For late-season Steelhead<\/strong>, the Rogue River is one of the best picks. The same goes for the Snake River if you’re up for a more remote trek.<\/p>

December<\/h2>

As the year winds down to a close, the weather will again start working against you, especially when it comes to saltwater fishing. You’ll have to wait for favorable conditions to even have the option to fish the ocean. But if you’re in luck, you can expect big Lingcod<\/strong> and Rockfish<\/strong> to gobble up your bait.<\/p>

\"An
Photo courtesy of Pastime Fishing Adventures.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

Freshwater fishing, on the other hand, is bountiful. It’s the very start of the winter Steelhead<\/strong> season, with their numbers growing with each passing week. The Coos River, as well as the Willamette and Clackamas, are solid choices for Steelhead.<\/p>

December is also a good time to fish for Sturgeon<\/strong>. Along some parts of the Columbia River, you may even be allowed to keep some, but that’s dependent on each the latest regulations. Tillamook Bay is also a great place for catch-and-release fishing.<\/p>

Oregon Fishing Seasons FAQs<\/h2>\n
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\n When is the Salmon fishing season in Oregon?<\/span>\n \n <\/path><\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n
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Every year, the Oregon Salmon fishing season and regulations are defined in mid-April. The season usually opens on May 16 and runs through April the following year. This means that Salmon fishing is possible year-round, however, the exact regulations on species and area will vary. For example, Chinook Salmon saltwater fishing is restricted from the California border until Cape Falcon until August, while hatchery Coho Salmon are fair game. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n When does the Oregon Trout fishing season take place?<\/span>\n \n <\/path><\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n
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Even the Oregon DFW<\/a> claims that there\u2019s good Trout fishing in the state \u201c365 days a year.\u201d That being said, the fishing peaks in spring and fall, when most Trout species are spawning. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n When is the Crab fishing season in Oregon? <\/span>\n \n <\/path><\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n
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You can go crabbing in Oregon year-round. However, you should make sure to have a shellfishing license and check that your catch is within size limits, especially for Dungeness Crab. For more information, consult the Oregon DFW\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n