Best Fishing Lakes In Oregon

Guide to top places to fish for bass, catfish, crappie and more in OR.

Crescent Lake, Davis Lake, Detroit Lake, Diamond Lake, Lake Billy Chinook, Odell Lake, Upper Klamath Lake and Wickiup Reservoir are the most popular places for fishing in Oregon, offering anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species. In winter, many of these waters freeze over allowing for good ice fishing.

Oregon boasts a plethora of fishing lakes, offering anglers a wide range of opportunities to pursue various fish species. The state is home to both warm water lakes and cold water lakes, each with its unique characteristics and fish populations.

Warm water lakes in Oregon provide excellent fishing for species such as bass, panfish, and catfish. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass can be found in many warm water lakes, offering exciting angling experiences. These predatory fish are known for their aggressive strikes and strong fights, making them popular targets among bass anglers. Warm water lakes also support thriving populations of panfish, including crappie, bluegill, and perch. Anglers can enjoy targeting these panfish using light tackle and various bait and lure techniques. Catfish, such as channel catfish and bullhead catfish, can also be found in warm water lakes, providing additional fishing opportunities.

Cold water lakes in Oregon are known for their trout fishing. These lakes are often stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout, offering anglers a chance to catch these prized game fish. Trout thrive in the cold, oxygen-rich waters of these lakes, making them ideal habitats for these species. Anglers can employ various techniques such as fly fishing, trolling, or casting with lures or bait to entice strikes from these trout. Additionally, some cold water lakes may also support populations of kokanee salmon, which provide an exciting angling experience with their acrobatic fights and tasty flesh.

Popular warm water lakes in Oregon include Wickiup Reservoir, Agency Lake, and Tenmile Lakes. These lakes offer diverse fish populations and attract anglers seeking bass, panfish, and catfish. Cold water lakes like Crater Lake, Diamond Lake, and Odell Lake are renowned for their trout fishing opportunities and stunning natural beauty.

It's important for anglers to be familiar with the fishing regulations and guidelines set by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife when fishing in these lakes. This includes knowing size and bag limits, fishing seasons, and any specific rules for particular water bodies.

Whether you prefer the thrill of bass fishing in warm water lakes or the serenity of trout fishing in cold water lakes, Oregon's fishing lakes provide a wealth of opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. The state's diverse fish populations and picturesque landscapes make it an angler's paradise, offering endless possibilities for memorable fishing experiences.

Bass

Brownlee Reservoir, Davis Lake, Fern Ridge Reservoir, Green Peter Lake, Lake Billy Chinook, Prineville Reservoir,Siltcoos Lake, The Columbia River and Wickiup Reservoir are considered the best options for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. More...

Catfish

The Columbia River, The Tualatin River, Snake River and Brownlee Reservoir are good choices for channel, white or flathead catfish. More...

Crappie

Brownlee Reservoir, Fern Ridge Reservoir, Henry Hagg Lake and Prineville Reservoir are the most popular for black and white crappie. More...

Sunfish, Perch & Panfish

Agency Lake, Brownlee Reservoir, Fern Ridge Reservoir and Upper Klamath Lake are the most popular of the larger lakes to fish for bluegill, perch and other sunfish. More...

Walleye

The Columbia River is considered the top water for walleye fishing. More...

Trout

Many streams and small lakes across the state are loaded with trout. Of the larger lakes, Crane Prairie Reservoir, Crescent Lake, Davis Lake, Detroit Lake, Diamond Lake, Green Peter Lake, Odell Lake, Prineville Reservoir, Siltcoos Lake, Upper Klamath Lake and Wickiup Reservoir are among the favorites for anglers pursuing rainbow, cutthroat, brook, brown, golden, lake trout and steelhead. More...

Striped Bass

The Columbia River, and other rivers in the state, are the best options for striped bass and hybrid striped bass. More...

Salmon

Rivers, big and small across the state offer excellent salmon fishing. For salmon fishing in the larger lakes, try your luck at Green Peter Lake, Lake Billy Chinook, Odell Lake, Siltcoos Lake, Upper Klamath Lake and Wickiup Reservoir are the most popular for chinook, chum, coho and kokanee salmon fishing. More...

Visit the Oregon fishing page for links to information covering a wide variety of fish species and destinations in the state. Visit the Oregon map to identify your best route to these top fishing locations. Look to our sister site for additional information about boating in OR at many of the most popular destinations in the state.

Best Destinations By State.