Top Fishing Spots In Oregon
Oregon is home to some of the most incredible fishing spots in the entire Pacific Northwest. From its dramatic coastline to its mountain streams, anglers have been trying their luck in Oregon’s waters for decades to great success. Conservation efforts throughout the state have ensured that its trout, steelhead, and salmon populations have remained strong in spite of the popularity of the region. As such, nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts can rejoice— no fish will be harmed during your fishing vacation in Oregon.
(Except in the regulation-approved bait fishing areas, of course.)
RV camping is an excellent way to experience the best that Oregon’s fishing spots have to offer. Because with so many amazing fishing spots in Oregon, why limit yourself to just one area?
RVnGO’s picks for the top fishing spots in Oregon below will send you from the coast to the mountains and everywhere in between.
Coastal Oregon
Astoria
On the northernmost tip of the coast, Astoria marks the first American settlement west of the Rockies. The city finds its berth on the Columbia River as it exits into the Pacific Ocean, and fans of The Goonies will recognize the streets as belonging to the iconic adventure movie.
In August, the Columbia River becomes flush with coho salmon and chinook in high numbers as the waters sweep through the city. As such, Astoria is a highly popular fishing spot in Oregon during the later portion of the summer month.
It’s important to keep your salmon fishing to the river in Astoria, as the region of the Pacific Ocean to the west of the city is protected by the Columbia River Salmon Conservation Zone.
Newport
Halfway down the Oregon coast is the city of Newport, teeming with wildlife life. Home to two lighthouses, a seabird aviary, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport is a destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
If you’re looking for prime ocean fishing, Yaquina Bay Charters and Newport Oregon Fishing Charters are both highly recommended for their experience in the industry. Both charters offer private reservations for trips that include halibut, salmon, seabass, dungeness crab, and more!
If you’re looking to fish solo, check out the following places along the Newport coast:
- Agate Beach Recreation Site
- Beverly Beach State Park
- Lost Creek State Recreation Site
- South Beach State Park
Gold Beach
Further south, Gold Beach and its Rogue River Inlet offer a mix of Ocean bottom fishing and river fishing.
There’s no bad time of year to visit Gold Beach because each season offers something different. In the winter months of December through March, steelhead travel up through the Rogue River. From March to June, spring chinook salmon migrate from the ocean to the Rogue in search of their spawning grounds. From July to December, the Rogue River Bay is home to coho salmon and summer steelies.
If you’re interested in bottom fishing for ling cod, we recommend checking out Five Star Charters.
RV Camping On The Oregon Coast
RV Resort At Cannon Beach | Sea & Sand RV Park | Honey Bear By The Sea
Willamette Valley
McKenzie River
One of the most popular fishing spots in Oregon is the McKenzie River and its tributaries. Crossing through the lush Willamette Valley, the McKenzie is home to rainbow and cutthroat trout, spring Chinook, and steelhead. The prime fishing months for these fish in the region are from June to July.
As one of the most stocked rivers in Oregon, you’ll find plenty of opportunities among the 20 different types of fish native to the river. For fly fishers, wild redside rainbow trout are available for catch-and-release angling all year.
If you’re looking to take your fish home to cook, the region of the McKenzie from Hendricks Bridge to Forest Glen Landing features a trout hatchery where bait fishing is allowed.
Be sure to check the regulations for the area that you’re planning on fishing before you go.
North Santiam River
The North Santiam River meanders through 92 miles of the Willamette Valley region in Western Oregon. Flowing from the mouth of Santiam Lake and through the Cascades, the North Santiam River is chock full of numerous varieties of trout and other fish.
Conservation efforts in recent years have ensured that the river remains stocked with spring Chinook and winter steelhead for catch and release fishing. Additionally, Mountain Whitefish are populous in the waters, as well as rainbow and cutthroat trout.
RV Camping In Willamette Valley
Paradise Campground | Fisherman’s Point Group Camp | Coldwater Cove Campground
Southern Oregon
Klamath Falls
The Klamath Basin of Klamath Falls offers anglers a diverse range of warmwater fishing options. In Upper Klamath Lake, you’ll be able to catch rainbow trout, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, and kokanee salmon in its tranquil waters. The waters of Klamath Lake are famous for producing absolutely enormous specimens, including redband rainbow trout that have reached up to 20 pounds in the past!
In addition to the basin, the Klamath River runs along 40 miles of rich woodland and is excellent for trout fishing from Fall to Spring. The smaller rivers and lakes that surround Klamath Falls are known for their smallmouth bass populations.
Klamath Falls is popular for its swimming and cliff diving among locals and tourists. Although the city is lovely, the woods that surround it are perfect for RVing almost year round.
Diamond Lake
Just north of Crater Lake National Park is the picturesque waters and resort grounds of Diamond Lake. Once a small fishing destination in the 1920s, Diamond Lake is a major hub for anglers in the Pacific Northwest. The lake is famous for its teeming rainbow and brown trout populations— over 300,000 are stocked annually.
The lake is also popular for its boating and canoeing/kayaking properties. With a backdrop of towering conifer trees and two mountain peaks on either side, it’s not difficult to see why the area is so special to lovers of the outdoors.
For RV camping at Diamond Lake, check out Diamond Lake Campground and Diamond Lake RV Park.
RV Camping In Southern Oregon
Odessa Campground | Mazama Campground | Crater Lake RV Park
Central Oregon
Deschutes River
One of the major tributaries of the Columbia River is located in Central Oregon. The mighty Deschutes River, with its Upper, Middle, and Lower sections, constitutes a triarchy in fly fishing in Oregon that may be the best of all.
The Upper Deschutes River is spring-fed from the Cascade Mountains and known for its rainbow and brook trout, as well as Mountain Whitefish. The ideal season for fly fishing the Upper Deschutes is from Spring until mid-October.
The fishing sections of the Middle Deschutes River are somewhat harder to reach than the Upper or Lower portions. However, the areas of Tumalo Falls, Crooked River Ranch, and Tetherow Crossing provide easy access for anglers. Peak fly fishing months are April and May, where you can find plenty of stone and salmon hatches.
The Lower Deschutes River is one of the most well known fly fishing spots in the entire Pacific Northwest. The river is open all year for trout and hatchery steelhead, while Chinook and coho salmon migrate from August to late October in the region. In addition to the gorgeous scenery that surrounds the Lower Deschutes River, its incredibly fertile waters ensure that there’s plenty of fish to go around in the sought after locale.
RV Camping In Central Oregon
Bend-Sunriver RV Campground | Lava Lake Campground | Twin Lakes Resort