Salmon Fishing Season Oregon

What’s great about planning your Oregon salmon fishing trip this year is that there’s not really much time in any season when salmon aren’t running. Salmon fishing season in Oregon is more about what kind of salmon you’re more likely to catch rather than whether they will be there since salmon run nearly year-round. You may not have to worry about them running, but you do need to know where they will be running and when.

Planning Your Salmon Fishing in Oregon

Salmon run almost year-round in one place or another in Oregon. June tends to be the best month for summer Chinook salmon fishing in the Columbia River, and the summer fishing season extends until early September in the Astoria area. However, there is almost always a lull in the presence of Chinook salmon during the summer due to their spawning habits. Later in the year, the fall Chinook run on the Columbia River lasts from early September until late November. In winter time, it’s best to try and catch Chinook salmon in the coastal rivers. Colder waters are also a great place to catch Coho salmon, which tend to linger in the coldest coastal fresh waters for a few years after spawning, but they may still be juveniles too small to keep. The colder months may make salmon fishing more difficult. Oregon has a relatively pleasant winter climate, but it can still be very cold in some of the best fishing spots. Salmon fishing season in Oregon may be virtually year-round, but the best fishing tends to pick up in early March with the spring Chinook salmon season. On the Columbia, Willamette, and Rogue Rivers, the best Chinook salmon fishing season in Oregon extends from April through June.

Things to Remember About Salmon Fishing Season in Oregon

Many local fishing guides offer angling trips to tourists and fishing enthusiasts, but it can still help to know what you’re looking for. If salmon is your target, you should ideally wait until the spring Chinook season in April or the fall Chinook season in August. Chinook salmon are the largest in the area and offer the most satisfying catches to most Oregon anglers. The type of fishing you prefer should also be a consideration when planning around the salmon fishing season. Oregon offers a tremendous amount of variety for fishing styles and locations. You could catch mature salmon on the Pacific Ocean if you prefer deep sea fishing or stick to a comfortable lakeside fishing spot if you’re interested in catching Kokanee. Coastal rivers and streams are ideal for all types of Oregon salmon, but the timing of your trip will determine which types of salmon you can catch throughout the year. Spend some time talking to locals and doing a little research before you head out for your next fishing expedition in Oregon. Salmon fishing season in Oregon may be almost year-round, but you should plan in advance for the type of fishing experience you prefer and your ideal catch. Sources: https://traveloregon.com/plan-your-trip/ask-oregon/what-is-the-best-time-of-year-and-place-for-salmon-fishing/ https://oregonsadventurecoast.com/blog/2017-03-21-how-to-plan-your-oregon-coast-spring-fishing-trip/ https://traveloregon.com/plan-your-trip/guides-tours/guides-charters/oregon-fishing-guides-service/