An Oregon Steelhead fishing adventure really showcases the best angling action that this state has to offer. The “Silver Bullet” is beloved by anglers all across the USA for its ferocious fighting power, and Oregon is no different! It boasts two runs of both hatchery and wild Steelhead varieties, which means year-round angling opportunities. The Beaver State is the perfect place to test your skills against one of the world’s favorite game fish.
Oregon’s many rivers are home to a thriving Steelhead population, with anglers being able to experience both summer and winter runs. The first summer Steelies usually show up any time between March and November, depending on the location. Basically, the closer to the coast a river is, the earlier its Steelhead run will take place! The winter run occurs from November through to March, just before this species spawns.
Knowing where to go is an important part of planning your Oregon Steelhead fishing trip. If you’re most interested in targeting the summer run, make sure you add the lower Columbia, Deschutes, and Snake Rivers to your list. In contrast, the Chetco, Coos, Kilchis, Nehalem, and Big Creek Rivers, as well as the south fork of the Umpqua, only host the Steelhead winter run. The Clackamas and Willamette Rivers, among others, experience both runs.
You’ll find local Steelhead fishing guides dotted all around Oregon. Your best bet is to pick your location depending on when you want to fish. Coastal cities such as Tillamook are great for targeting the summer Steelhead run, as are cities close to the coast such as Portland. Fishing guides all over the state offer a variety of trips, from shorter adventures perfect for newbies to long trophy-chasing excursions.
