The Best Places to SUP Fish in Oregon: Exploring Oregon's Waters for Anglers

Oregon is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering diverse landscapes and abundant waterways that are perfect for stand-up paddleboard (SUP) fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, paddleboarding opens up a whole new world of fishing opportunities. In this article, we will guide you through the best places in Oregon for SUP fishing, highlighting the top locations in northern, western, eastern, central, and southern Oregon. We will also recommend the best types of lures to use at each location and the type of fish you can catch.

Key Highlights

  1. Comprehensive Guide: Explore top SUP fishing spots across Oregon, from northern rivers to coastal bays.
  2. Diverse Locations: Detailed insights on fishing in various settings, including Columbia River Gorge, Willamette River, and more.
  3. Target Species and Lures: Expert recommendations on the best types of lures and the fish you can catch at each location.
  4. Stunning Scenery: Each recommended fishing spot is not just great for angling but also offers breathtaking natural beauty.
  5. Accessible for All Levels: Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting, find spots that cater to every skill level.
  6. Seasonal Tips: Get advice on the best times for fishing and how to make the most of Oregon's waters throughout the year.

fishing paddle board

Northern Oregon:

  1. Columbia River Gorge:

    The Columbia River Gorge is a prime location for SUP fishing, with its stunning scenery and excellent fishing opportunities. Target species in this area include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and walleye. Effective lures to use in the Columbia River Gorge are soft plastic crawfish imitations, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits. Explore the calm waters of the gorge, cast your lure near submerged rocks and structures, and get ready for some exciting catches.

  2. Willamette River:

    The Willamette River is a popular destination for SUP fishing, offering a variety of fish species and picturesque surroundings. Target species in this river include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and trout. When fishing the Willamette River, try using topwater lures such as buzzbaits or poppers early in the morning or late in the evening. As the day progresses, switch to soft plastic worms or jigs to entice the bass.

  3. Trillium Lake:

    Trillium Lake, located near Mount Hood, provides a serene and scenic setting for SUP fishing. This picturesque mountain lake is home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout and brook trout. When fishing at Trillium Lake, use trout-specific lures such as spinners, spoons, or small crankbaits. Troll or cast your lure near submerged logs or along the lake's edges to maximize your chances of catching trout.

  4. Hagg Lake:

    Hagg Lake, nestled in the coastal range near Forest Grove, is a popular destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. This 1,100-acre reservoir offers opportunities to catch a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, and yellow perch. Effective lures for Hagg Lake include plastic worms, crankbaits, and jigs. Focus your efforts around submerged brush piles, fallen trees, and rocky structures to entice the fish.

  5. Detroit Lake:

    Detroit Lake, situated in the Cascade Mountains, is a scenic reservoir renowned for its fishing opportunities. This 3,500-acre lake is stocked with kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass. When targeting kokanee salmon, try using small dodgers and hoochies or micro-sized spoons behind a flasher. For rainbow trout, use spinners, spoons, or floating bait such as Power Bait. Explore the expansive waters of Detroit Lake and enjoy the thrill of landing a beautiful fish.

Western Oregon:

  1. Alsea River:

    The Alsea River is a productive fishing destination on the central Oregon coast, known for its runs of salmon and steelhead. This picturesque river offers opportunities to catch chinook salmon, coho salmon, and winter steelhead. Effective lures for the Alsea River include spinners, spoons, and jigs in various colors and sizes. Be prepared for the exhilarating fight of a salmon or steelhead as you paddle and fish along the scenic Alsea River.

  2. Rogue River:

    The Rogue River, located in southwestern Oregon, is a legendary fishing destination renowned for its salmon and steelhead runs. This iconic river provides ample opportunities to catch chinook salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead. When fishing the Rogue River, try using drifting techniques with bait or lures such as spinners or plugs. Drift your presentation along the river's productive runs and deep pools, and be prepared for some thrilling hookups.

  3. Siltcoos Lake:

    Siltcoos Lake, near Florence, is a tranquil coastal lake known for its bass and panfish populations. This 3,400-acre lake offers excellent opportunities to catch largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. Try using topwater frogs, buzz baits, or soft plastic worms when targeting bass. Use small jigs or live bait under a bobber for crappie and panfish. Explore the scenic beauty of Siltcoos Lake and enjoy a day of productive SUP fishing.

  4. Tenmile Lakes:

    Tenmile Lakes, located near Reedsport, are a popular destination for anglers seeking a variety of fish species. This interconnected system of lakes offers opportunities to catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and trout. Effective lures for Tenmile Lakes include plastic worms, crankbaits, and jigs. Fish around submerged vegetation, fallen trees, and rocky structures to target bass and other game fish.

  5. Siuslaw River:

    The Siuslaw River, flowing through the coastal town of Florence, is an excellent spot for SUP fishing in western Oregon. This river is known for its runs of salmon and steelhead, offering anglers the chance to catch chinook salmon, coho salmon, and winter steelhead. Effective lures for the Siuslaw River include spinners, spoons, and jigs in various colors and sizes. Drift your presentation along the river's productive runs and deep pools to entice the fish.

Eastern Oregon:

  1. Wallowa Lake:

    Wallowa Lake, located in the northeastern part of the state, is a scenic alpine lake surrounded by mountains. This 3,000-acre lake offers opportunities to catch kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and lake trout. When targeting kokanee salmon, use small dodgers and hoochies or micro-sized spoons behind a flasher. For rainbow trout and lake trout, try using spinners, spoons, or floating bait such as PowerBait. Enjoy the tranquility of Wallowa Lake and the thrill of catching fish amidst the stunning mountain scenery.

  2. Owyhee Reservoir:

    The Owyhee Reservoir, situated in southeastern Oregon, is a vast body of water known for its warm water fishing opportunities. This reservoir offers chances to catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Effective lures for Owyhee Reservoir include plastic worms, crankbaits, and jigs. Fish around submerged structures, rocky points, and drop-offs to target bass and other game fish.

  3. Brownlee Reservoir:

    Brownlee Reservoir, located on the Snake River in eastern Oregon, is a popular fishing destination for both warm water and cold water species. This reservoir offers opportunities to catch smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Effective lures for Brownlee Reservoir include plastic worms, jigs, and crankbaits. Focus your efforts around rocky points, submerged brush piles, and deep channels to entice the fish.

  4. Ochoco Reservoir:

    Ochoco Reservoir, situated near Prineville, is a picturesque destination for SUP fishing in central Oregon. This reservoir provides opportunities to catch rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and crappie. When targeting rainbow trout, try using spinners, spoons, or floating bait such as PowerBait. For bass and crappie, use plastic worms, jigs, or small crankbaits. Enjoy the serene beauty of Ochoco Reservoir and the thrill of catching fish from your paddleboard.

  5. Phillips Reservoir:

    Phillips Reservoir, located near Baker City, is a scenic reservoir nestled in the mountains of eastern Oregon. This reservoir offers opportunities to catch rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. Effective lures for Phillips Reservoir include spinners, spoons, and floating bait such as PowerBait. Explore the calm waters of Phillips Reservoir and enjoy a day of SUP fishing surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.

Ocean and Bay Locations:

  1. Yaquina Bay:

    Yaquina Bay, in Newport, is a popular SUP fishing destination along the central Oregon coast. This bay offers opportunities to catch a variety of fish species, including salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon. Effective lures for Yaquina Bay include spinners, spoons, and bait such as sand shrimp or herring. Paddle along the bay's channels and near the jetties to target the fish.

  2. Coos Bay:

    Coos Bay, situated on the southern Oregon coast, is a productive fishing area with a diverse range of fish species. Anglers can target salmon, steelhead, striped bass, and various bottom fish. Effective lures for Coos Bay include spinners, spoons, and bait such as sand shrimp or anchovies. Explore the bay's channels, estuaries, and nearshore areas for a rewarding SUP fishing experience.

  3. Tillamook Bay:

    Tillamook Bay, on the northern Oregon coast, is a renowned fishing destination known for its salmon and steelhead runs. This bay offers opportunities to catch chinook salmon, coho salmon, and winter steelhead. Effective lures for Tillamook Bay include spinners, spoons, and bait such as sand shrimp or eggs. Paddle along the bay's productive areas and tributaries for an exciting day of SUP fishing.

  4. Winchester Bay:

    Winchester Bay, near Reedsport, is a scenic bay on the central Oregon coast that provides excellent SUP fishing opportunities. This bay offers chances to catch a variety of fish species, including salmon, steelhead, and bottom fish such as lingcod and rockfish. Effective lures for Winchester Bay include spinners, spoons, and bait such as sand shrimp or herring. Explore the bay's channels and nearshore areas for a memorable fishing adventure.

  5. Nehalem Bay:

    Nehalem Bay, located on the northern Oregon coast, is a beautiful bay known for its salmon and steelhead runs. Anglers can target chinook salmon, coho salmon, and winter steelhead in this bay. Effective lures for Nehalem Bay include spinners, spoons, and bait such as sand shrimp or eggs. Paddle along the bay's productive areas and tributaries for a thrilling SUP fishing experience.

Conclusion:

fishing from a paddle board

Oregon's diverse waterways provide endless opportunities for SUP fishing. Whether you choose the tranquil lakes and rivers of northern, western, eastern, central, or southern Oregon, or venture out to the coastal bays and oceans, each location offers its own unique fishing experience. Remember to check local regulations and obtain the necessary licenses before heading out. With the right lures and techniques, you'll have a fantastic time exploring Oregon's waters, catching fish, and enjoying the beauty of nature from your paddleboard. If you are looking for places to paddle board in Oregon check out the article on where to paddle board in Oregon or our article on The Ultimate Guide On Finding Places To Paddle Board Near You. We also have an incredible article on the best places to paddle board in the United States, The best places to paddle board in the United States a state-by-state tour of where to paddle board with Glide Paddle Boards.