Where are the best places to fish in Oregon this fall? ODFW weighs in

Fall is beginning to settle into Oregon, bringing cooler temperatures and new opportunities for anglers, hunters, and other people heading outdoors.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says fall salmon seasons are now underway on coastal rivers, while trout, bass, rockfish and other species are providing additional fishing opportunities across the state.

This year also brings more opportunities to catch wild Chinook and coho salmon in some areas.

Here’s a look at some of the best fishing opportunities around Oregon heading into September.

Where can you fish for fall salmon on the Oregon Coast?

Fall Chinook are beginning to move into several coastal bays and rivers.

Nehalem Bay has been producing Chinook in the bay and tidewater, with multiple fish caught on some recent days, according to the agency.

Anglers have also encountered a few hatchery coho.

Farther south, Nestucca and Tillamook bays are beginning to see fall Chinook, while the Siuslaw, Siletz and Alsea rivers are also starting to produce fish lower in their systems.

Recent rain could help bring additional salmon into coastal rivers.

Anglers looking for something different can also target sea-run cutthroat trout in coastal streams, bays and tidewater.

ODFW says fishing has recently been good, with cutthroat becoming increasingly active as fall approaches.

Where is trout fishing good in Oregon this fall?

September can also be a good time to head toward Oregon’s lakes and rivers for trout.

In northwest Oregon, higher-elevation lakes are beginning to cool, improving conditions at places including Lost Lake, South Lake, Hebo Lake, Lake Tahoe and Town Lake.

Central Oregon has several promising options.

Anglers have reported excellent fishing for stocked and holdover trout at Three Creek Lake.

Additionally, East Lake has been producing rainbow trout in the 16- to 18-inch range. Some brown trout measuring more than 24 inches have also been reported.

Anglers at Paulina Lake have also had success with both trout and kokanee, with kokanee averaging around 13 to 14 inches this year.

The Metolius River is another option heading into fall, with September and October considered a good time to target trout.

Where can you fish for bass, perch and other warmwater fish?

Anglers don’t have to stick with salmon and trout.

Warmwater fishing remains active at lakes and reservoirs around the state, particularly for bass, perch, crappie and bluegill.

In northwest Oregon, Cape Meares Lake and Coffenbury Lake have healthy bass populations, while Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes offer opportunities for largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill.

Smallmouth bass and yellow perch can also be found around underwater structures and drop-offs at Foster Reservoir.

On the Willamette River, anglers can target walleye and smallmouth bass between Salem and Corvallis.

Where can you fish for salmon on the Columbia River?

Fall salmon fishing also continues on the Columbia River.

Buoy 10 remains an option for both boat and bank anglers through September, while walleye fishing has recently been good in The Dalles and John Day pools.

Because Columbia River salmon regulations can change during the season, anglers should check the latest ODFW regulation updates before heading out.

What ocean fishing and crabbing opportunities are available?

Oregon’s coast offers more than salmon fishing this time of year.

Rockfish catches have been picking up, while anglers can also try surfperch from beaches along the southern Oregon Coast.

Horsfall Beach and Whiskey Run are among the areas where red-tailed surfperch can be found.

Crabbing is also open in many areas, although ODFW says ports are currently seeing recently molted male crab. The crab may be legal to keep, but softer shells can mean they contain less meat or lower-quality meat.

Ocean salmon regulations have also changed in some areas, making it important to check current rules before fishing.

What should Oregon hunters know this fall?

Fishing isn’t the only outdoor activity picking up as Oregon moves toward fall.

ODFW has released its 2026 Big Game Hunting Forecast, which includes regional information from wildlife biologists and other staff working around the state.

Hunter education courses and field days are also filling as hunting seasons begin. Youth upland game bird hunts and range events are available in some areas for hunters preparing for the season.

Hunters planning to travel outside Oregon can also request a replacement hunter safety card if one is needed.

Check Oregon fishing regulations before heading out

Fishing opportunities and regulations can change throughout the season, particularly for salmon and steelhead.

Anglers should check current ODFW regulations, closures and emergency updates before heading to the water. Bag limits, open areas and bait restrictions can vary by river, lake and species.

ODFW is also reminding hunters and anglers to report suspected poaching. Reports can help protect Oregon’s fish and wildlife as more people head outdoors during the fall hunting and fishing seasons.