If you plan on fishing in Oregon, the hardest part can be deciding where to start. Between the state’s rivers, lakes, bays, and extensive coastline, you can indulge in almost everything the west coast has to offer here.

Oregon fishing charters are all about making the most of these opportunities, with a chance to hook into Salmon, Steelhead, Tuna, trophy Sturgeon, and other fish at the top of your bucket list. It’s nearly impossible to sum up the local fishing scene, and harder still to pick a bad spot to cast your line! You could practically close your eyes and point to any place on the map, and there’s bound to be decent angling nearby. For those who like to rely on a little more than blind faith, we’ve put together a brief rundown of Oregon’s sportfishing scene.

Top Fishing Spots in Oregon

The Oregon Coast

Oregon boasts more than 350 miles of coastline, which means a whole lot of saltwater fishing opportunity. You can expect astonishing variety here, whether you cast your line in the deep sea or choose to make the most of coastal bays. Tillamook, Coos Bay, and Astoria are just a few of the local hot spots where you can find calm waters and abundant catches, even in winter.

Target species on the Oregon coast include Chinook and Coho Salmon, Lingcod, Rockfish, Halibut, Crab, and Clams. Some bays see good Sturgeon fishing in cooler months, while the heat of summer leads to Tuna season offshore and some of the best deep sea fishing Oregon has to offer.

River Fishing

Locals will tell you that casting lines in the rivers around here is every bit as thrilling as a day at sea. In fact, rivers are the go-to destination for many guided fishing trips in Oregon, where you can catch Salmon, Sturgeon, Steelhead, Shad, Walleye, and much more.

Anglers from far and wide come to make the most of Oregon’s rivers each year, most notably the renowned Columbia River. The best time to fish this river is late summer and early fall, when you can catch trophy Sturgeon and target one of the most spectacular Chinook Salmon runs in the world. Some of the best fishing along the Columbia is accessible from Astoria, Portland, and Bonneville Dam, depending on the time of year.

Many Oregon fishing guides move around the state to take advantage of each river’s peak season as local species migrate. Smaller rivers such as the Willamette, Clackamas, Wilson, Nestucca, and Umpqua offer strong spring Salmon fishing in addition to Steelhead runs in summer and winter. For some of the best Trout fishing in the state, head to the Deschutes River between May and October.

Lake Fishing

For even more opportunities, try casting a few lines in the local lakes. You’ll find freshwater fishing holes all over Oregon, but some of the most famous sit near the coast. Tenmile Lake north of Coos Bay boasts some of the best Largemouth Bass fishing Oregon has to offer. This lake and many others also host Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Catfish, Yellow Perch, Sunfish, and Crappie.

Oregon Fishing Techniques

From the deep sea to the rivers, trolling is one technique that anglers in Oregon consider tried and true. This method comes with a few variations, depending on where you fish and the target species. Trolling with diving plugs and spinners in the rivers can help you catch Salmon, whereas cut-plug Herring works best near bay entrances.

Bottom fishing in the bays and offshore produces Halibut, Lingcod, and Rockfish. On occasion, anglers catch the same species while surf fishing from local piers and jetties in Oregon.

When it comes to the notorious Steelhead, there’s nothing more exciting than light tackle and fly fishing. It’s common to target this species in the rivers near Portland by plunking with Spin-N-Glos, especially in summer.

Need to Know

Oregon fishing charters typically include all the essentials such as rods, reels, tackle, bait, and local expertise. If you book a guided fly fishing charter but don’t plan to bring your own gear, be sure to ask your guide if they provide fly rods ahead of time.

Anglers age 12 and older must buy a fishing license, available online. If you plan on fishing for Salmon, Sturgeon, or Steelhead in the Columbia River or its tributaries, you must also purchase a Columbia River Basin Endorsement.

It’s legal to target many species in Oregon year-round, but you can’t always keep your catch. Wild Trout caught in the rivers are limited to catch and release, along with Sturgeon fishing at most times. If you want to keep your catch, be sure to check local regulations ahead of time, or consult a local guide.