Fishing For Salmon In Oregon

Guide to fishing for chinook, chum, coho and kokanee salmon in OR.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Oregon is renowned for its incredible salmon fishing opportunities, attracting anglers from all over the world. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about salmon fishing and identify popular salmon waters in the state. Several salmon species can be targeted in the state's coastal waters and rivers, offering thrilling angling experiences.

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Chinook Salmon

One of the most sought-after salmon species in Oregon is the chinook salmon, also known as king salmon. These powerful and impressive fish can reach impressive sizes and provide anglers with thrilling battles. Lake Michigan's deep waters and nutrient-rich environment create the perfect conditions for chinook salmon to thrive. Anglers often target them by trolling with downriggers or casting spoons and crankbaits. The Tillamook Bay, the Columbia River, and the Rogue River are popular destinations for Chinook salmon fishing in Oregon.

Chinook Salmon, like all Pacific salmon, die after spawning. They grow large and put up a great fight when hooked. Fish for chinook with down riggers to troll around the thermocline. Use flashers, trailed with bait for best results. The current Oregon state record for chinook salmon stands at over 44 pounds.

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Coho Salmon

Another species of salmon found in Oregon is the coho salmon. These coho's can are often more available to be caught during the fall when they migrate closer to the shoreline. These acrobatic fish put up a fierce fight and are highly prized by anglers. Trolling with spoons, plugs, or flies is a popular method for targeting coho salmon. They can be found in coastal rivers and streams during their annual migration for spawning. The Siuslaw River, Nehalem River, and the Umpqua River are renowned for their Coho salmon runs in Oregon.

Coho Salmon are smaller in size compared to other salmon but still provide a thrilling fight when hooked. Coho salmon, also called silver salmon, are another prized species targeted by anglers in Oregon. These fish are known for their aggressive nature and aerial displays when hooked. Coho salmon offer thrilling battles, often leaping out of the water and making blistering runs. They can be caught by trolling or casting near shore areas during their migratory periods. Use small spinners, or bait on a bobber setup. Good bait options include wax worms, minnows, shrimp, and nightcrawlers.

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Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee salmon, a landlocked form of sockeye salmon, can be found in lakes. These fish are prized for their brilliant red color and tasty flesh. They are not the same as the ocean-run salmon species, but they still provide an exciting angling experience. Fish for them around structure with distinct drop-offs and depth changes. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. They are plankton feeders and very sensitive to water temperature. They school in lakes at depths which remain ideal temperatures. Once this depth is identified, schools can be found where they are easily caught. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space. Kokanee salmon are known for their hard-fighting nature, making them a sought-after catch among anglers. Anglers can target kokanee salmon using techniques such as trolling with flashy lures or using downriggers to reach deeper waters where the fish reside.

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Additionally, Oregon also has opportunities to catch other salmon species. Sockeye salmon, while less common, can be found in certain rivers and lakes in the state. Chum salmon and pink salmon are occasional visitors, primarily during specific runs or unique circumstances.

Salmon fishing in Oregon can be done from both boats and the shore, depending on the location and preferred method. Anglers employ various techniques such as trolling, casting, or fly fishing to target salmon. Baits and lures such as plugs, spoons, and baitfish imitations are commonly used to entice strikes from these powerful fish.

It's important for anglers to familiarize themselves with the fishing regulations and guidelines set by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife when pursuing salmon. This includes understanding the specific seasons, size and bag limits, and any special regulations for certain rivers or areas. Respecting these regulations helps preserve the health and sustainability of the salmon populations for future generations of anglers.

The major reservoirs offering salmon fishing in Oregon include Agency Lake, Crane Prairie Lake, Crescent Lake, Detroit Lake, Green Peter Lake, Lake Billy Chinook, Odell Lake, Phillips Lake, Siltcoos Lake, Upper Klamath Lake and Wickiup Reservoir. Several lakes in the state provide ice fishing for salmon.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Oregon State Record Salmon

The state record chinook salmon came from the Umpqua River.

The state record chum salmon was caught in the Kilchis River.

The state record coho salmon was caught from Siltcoos Lake.

The record kokanee salmon was taken out of Wallowa Lake.

About The Pacific Salmon Family

Pacific Salmon are born in and remain in freshwater streams for the early years of life. The number varies by species. Afterward they migrate to the Pacific Ocean waters where they bulk up and prepare for their once in a lifetime spawning run up the freshwater stream where they were born. They will instinctively return to their birthplace, spawn and die. They are found in the streams which empty into the ocean, and adjoining ocean waters.

The preferred method for catching salmon is fly fishing. Depending on the activity level, salmon may be caught on wet or dry flies. For more details check here for articles about fly fishing.

Salmon Organizations

Atlantic Salmon Federation

Atlantic Salmon Trust

Atlantic Salmon Museum

Pacific Salmon Commission

Pacific Salmon Foundation

Oregon Salmon Fishing

The preferred method for catching salmon is fly fishing. Depending on the activity level, salmon may be caught on wet or dry flies, as well as a variety of other lures and baits.

Salmon fishing waters and information, by state.

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