Oregon features picturesque mountain streams, lakes, and reservoirs that are all great for fishing in Oregon. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, bluegill, and several trout species are commonly found in the streams and lakes of the state. The coastal streams are famous for their runs of silver salmon, Chinook salmon, steelhead, and sea-run cutthroat trout. Whether fishing in the crystal-clear waters of mountain streams or the murky sloughs of lowland rivers, fishing in Oregon is a popular pastime. Adults and children 12 and older must have a fishing license to fish in most places in the state.
Fishing Spots in Oregon
Here are some of the best fishing spots in Oregon. You’ll find plenty of salmon fishing in the state, along with a variety of other fish to catch.
Diamond Lake
There are several campgrounds on the shores of the 3,040-acre Diamond Lake, ranging from primitive to full hookups, and accommodating RVs up to 55 feet in length. The lake is located seven miles north of the north entrance to Crater Lake National Park. Fishing in the lake is legendary, with striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, catfish, carp, and rainbow trout available in high numbers. A four-lane public boat ramp, augmented by smaller ramps at some of the shoreline campgrounds, provides easy access to the lake. Boats, kayaks, and canoes are available for rent at any of the campground stores.
Paulina Lake
Located 36 miles southeast of Bend in Central Oregon, Paulina Lake provides a unique angling experience even by Oregon’s standards. Sitting at an elevation of 6,350 feet, Paulina Lake is the product of a collapsed volcano known as a caldera. The lake is alive with fish, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. RV campgrounds provide 68 RV campsites, some primitive, but most of which have full hookups.
Necanicum River
The Necanicum River runs into the Pacific Ocean at the northern coastal town of Seaside, OR. The river’s full length only covers 33 miles and is an excellent spawning ground for anadromous salmonids like Chinook salmon, coho salmon, chum salmon, steelhead, and sea-run cutthroat trout. A fish hatchery produces many hatchlings that return in the fall to spawn, followed in the winter months by the naturally produced fish. Fishing in Oregon at Necanicum is excellent from the late months of summer through the winter, and RV campgrounds like Seaside RV Resort provide plenty of campsites. Even with its 261 RV campsites, the resort is filled during these fish runs. The campground has full hookups, plus a pool and hot tub.
Mann Lake
Isolated and unique, Mann Lake is located in Southern Oregon on a plateau high on Steens Mountain. The lake has a large alkaline ratio, and only one subspecies of cutthroat trout — Lahontan cutthroat — can survive. The result is that Mann Lake is the sole provider of hatchery-raised Lahontan cutthroat trout, a wily and hard-fighting trout sought by many Oregonians as a trophy. RV campers can find primitive campgrounds here, as the lake is extremely remote.
Trillium Lake
Trillium Lake is about 40 miles east of Portland. Alongside the picturesque 63-acre artificial lake is Trillium Lake Campground, where RVs up to 40 feet in length can find a home. The campground provides 40 campsites, all of which are primitive. Though the lake is open year-round for fishing, camping is restricted from May 1 through October 31 due to snow accumulations. The lake teems with rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout, and many avid anglers strap on snowshoes during the winter months to hike into the lake and try their luck ice-fishing.
Where to Fish in Oregon
Fishing in Oregon is a fun family activity, and you can catch different fish depending on the season you’re in the state. Some species are available for limited times, such as the Columbia River sturgeon, which is available in the winter months. The incredible scenery typical of Oregon makes this a really unique experience for anglers, whether they’re local or come from outside the state.
Camping and Fishing in Oregon
If you’re going to camp and fish in Oregon, you’ll want certain supplies with you. Your fishing gear, of course, is an essential element. With several fishing sites offering multiple fish species, make sure to pack your tackle box with lures and tackle to attract all the species. You never know what will be biting until you get there. You will also want to bring cooking supplies with you, since freshly caught fish tastes the best. Finally, make sure to bring a refrigerator or freezer to store the excess fish you catch.
Though campsites are plentiful in Oregon, check the campgrounds online to see the types and number of spots available. Some sites only have primitive campsites, while others have multiple full-hookup sites available. Also, check for the maximum length of RVs allowed.
Include warm clothing, sunblock, and insect repellent on your list of necessities, regardless of the time of year you are fishing in Oregon. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about fishing.
With an RV rental, your fishing trip will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home on board your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
