The western US is a Trout fishing mecca, and Oregon offers some exceptional opportunities. Redband Rainbow Trout are native to the state, as are varieties of Cutthroats. There are several other species to enjoy and more rivers and lakes than most anglers can cover in a lifetime.
The diversity of landscapes and ecosystems where Trout live makes Oregon one of the most interesting places for Trout fishing. Keep reading to find out where you can chase giant Trout in some of the wildest places in the United States!
Why Go Trout Fishing in Oregon
The number of reasons for choosing Oregon as a Trout fishing destination is immense. For starters, native Trout are abundant and can reach enormous sizes in many parts of the state. The fisheries are also unique with high mountain streams, coastal rivers, and inland lakes and rivers.
Eastern Oregon has wild mountains more akin to those of Idaho and Montana, while the central high deserts offer some very “out there” places to explore. Southern Oregon has a major overlap with Steelhead, while resident Rainbow Trout are some of the biggest in the country!
If you want variety in species and sizes, remote locations, big hatches, and excellent fishing, look to Oregon. While I live in Montana where Trout are available around every corner, I still travel to Oregon to go Trout fishing. It’s just a great place to explore and fish.
Top Trout Species in Oregon
Redband Rainbow Trout
Oregon is home to other varieties of Rainbow Trout but I like to focus on the native Redband strain. They’re hard-fighting fish that occupy a significant portion of the state. You’ll find them in high desert creeks and big river systems like the Klamath. It’s a great species that comes in a wide range of sizes. Under the right conditions, Redbands can grow quickly and some will even top the 10-pound mark.
Steelhead
These fish are Rainbow Trout with an ocean-run lifecycle. I’m including them here because Oregon has some of the most significant opportunities for Steelhead in the lower 48 states! You’ll catch them in many of the same places you’ll find Rainow Trout. They can overlap in terms of technique, but anglers tend to target one or the other. Steelhead are one of the most exciting species you can catch in Oregon.
Brown Trout
Rainbows often take the attention in Oregon but there are a few places with incredible Brown Trout fishing. They live in rivers and lakes with healthy populations and trophy potential as well. There are few things more exciting than the potential of a big, predatory Brown Trout jumping your fly.
Cutthroat Trout
Native species include resident Coastal Cutthroats and Sea-run Cutthroats, while you can also find Lahontan Cutthroat Trout in many parts of Oregon. The former live in coastal river systems and are really amazing fish. They need clean, cold water to survive and are a ton of fun to catch. Not many anglers focus on these fish, as Steelhead and Salmon are present in the same waters, but I always put some time aside to go after them.
Brook Trout
There are tons of Brook Trout in the state of Oregon. Look to high mountain streams and lakes for the majority of opportunities, however, populations also exist in Wickiup Reservoir and a few other larger bodies of water in the state. These fish reproduce well in the mountain ecosystems and make great table fare.
How to Go Trout Fishing in Oregon
You can catch Trout using the usual methods in Oregon, but many of the rivers are perfect for fly fishing or ultralight spin fishing. The big reservoirs, meanwhile, can also benefit from strategic trolling techniques. However you choose to fish, check the regulations first and make sure your setup is legal.
- Fly fishing. Many Oregon rivers and lakes are perfect for fly anglers, and some are even regulated for fly only. Spring and summer hatches are excellent for dry flies, while nymphs and streamers can catch fish year-round.
- Trolling reservoirs and lakes. The big reservoirs in Oregon are especially great for trolling down deep. They can produce some massive Trout, and using flashers and downriggers to target the deep-dwelling giants is a great approach.
- Casting lures. You can’t go wrong casting spinners and jigs. Jig fishing is one of my favorite ways to Trout fish in general, and it can really produce in Oregon.
- Bait fishing. Worms, salmon eggs, cut bait, and other baits can catch Trout anywhere. Where legal, bait fishing is great way to catch a limit of Trout for the frying pan. Oregon also stocks hatchery fish in many lakes for catch-and-keep recreational fishing.
Where to Go Trout Fishing in Oregon
The list of Trout fishing destinations in the great state of Oregon is long! Every region has opportunities for anglers to enjoy. This list highlights a few of the most productive and exciting fisheries and regions, but it’s far from conclusive…
Owyhee River
I have to highlight this river because it’s one of the most attractive places to fish for Brown Trout in Oregon and in the entire western US. As a short tailwater fishery on the Idaho border, this small river is surprisingly productive and is extremely fertile. The fish are picky, so bring light leaders and your best fly imitations to fool larger-than-average Brown Trout.
Columbia River and Tributaries
The Columbia River system has fishing for a wide range of species, including Bass, Salmon, and Steelhead. In the upper reaches in Washington state, it also has an incredible Trout fishery. In Oregon, focusing on the tributary rivers is a good bet. You’ll find significant Redband populations in rivers like the Deschutes, with Steelhead in many of the rivers feeding the main river.
Cascades
This zone has a mix of reputable lakes and rivers with some of the highest density Trout populations around. Look to Wickiup Reservoir, the Metolius River, and the string of great fisheries coming off the Cascade Mountain range. It’s an endless lineup of great Trout fisheries in this area.
Eastern Oregon
The mountains of eastern Oregon are loaded with great Trout fishing in some very remote places. Hells Canyon of the Snake River, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, and the high reaches of mountain ranges in this region are made for those who like to get away. You’ll find Steelhead, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and plenty of elbow room in eastern Oregon.
Southern Oregon
Head to Klamath Falls to target huge Redband Rainbow Trout in the lake and surrounding rivers. The fishing in this area is world-class with whitewater sections of river, meandering spring creeks, and some of the largest Rainbow Trout anywhere on earth. The Rogue River is also a hotspot in the southern zone, and you can head to the coast for a string of great rivers as well. The amount of water to walk and boat for Trout and Steelhead in this zone is just fantastic.
Trout Fishing Seasons in Oregon
Oregon has a complex seasonal structure that’s divided by both region and individual body of water. Overall, the state has plenty of year-round fishing opportunities. Most lakes are open year-round for Trout, and numerous rivers are as well.
For places with seasonal limitations, the season typically opens on the third Saturday in May and runs through the end of October. There are exceptions within each region, however, and it’s important to carry and study the regulations book. I like to work through the book with a highlighter and pen to make notes and plans in the margins. It helps when deciding where I want to fish in any given season.
Oregon Trout Fishing Regulations
Every angler over the age of 12 years will need a valid fishing license in Oregon. There are youth licenses for 12–17 year olds, while those 18 and older will need a regular license. Other than that, for general category waters, anglers can keep up to five Trout each day, with only one exceeding 20 inches in length.
It’s important to understand, though, that these are the general regulations, and there are special regulations for many specific rivers and lakes. The regulations can change according to species, as well. For example, only two Coastal Cutthroat Trout can be kept.
Oregon is notorious for making changes to the regulations. For Steelhead and Salmon, they often change mid-season, making decisions based on returns. Consult the regulations and follow the website for the most current information.
Oregon Trout Fishing FAQs
Oregon is a World-Class Trout Destination!
Plenty of anglers know about the great Trout fishing Oregon has to offer. Many, like myself, make a point to visit every year or two to enjoy the great waters in this state! Bring your best flies, lures, and baits, and tie solid knots because the fish fight hard here. Even a small Redband Rainbow Trout will pull hard on your tackle. If you haven’t fished Oregon yet, it’s time to plan a trip!
Are you a die-hard Oregon Trout angler? We would love to hear your stories, tips, and tricks in the comments below!
The post How to Go Trout Fishing in Oregon: An Angler’s Guide for 2025 appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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