Oregon Fall Fishing Picks Up as Hunters Prepare for October Season Openings

Oregon — Fall salmon fishing is underway along the Oregon coast, while cooler temperatures are improving trout fishing in lakes, reservoirs and rivers across the state, according to an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife recreation update.

The agency also highlighted game bird season openings on Oct. 10, chronic wasting disease testing for harvested deer and elk, and hunter education opportunities as fall hunting activity increases.

On the northern coast, salmon fishing has been fair to good in the Nehalem, Tillamook and Nestucca basins. Low river flows have kept much of the activity concentrated in bays and upper tidewater areas, where fish are holding before moving upstream.

Coho fishing is picking up, particularly in Nehalem and Tillamook bays. The update lists wild coho fishing opportunities in the Nehalem, Tillamook and Nestucca basins on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 28, subject to basin-specific limits.

Farther south, anglers have reported successful fall Chinook fishing in the Siletz, Alsea, Siuslaw, Salmon and Yaquina rivers. Wild coho opportunities are also available in the Siletz, Siuslaw and Yaquina, as well as Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes, which opened for wild coho fishing Oct. 1.

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Because harvest limits and open areas vary, anglers should review ODFW’s fall coastal salmon management updates before fishing.

Trout anglers have several options beyond the salmon runs. Cape Meares, Town, Coffenbury, Lost and Sunset lakes received trophy trout in September, including fish weighing approximately two to three pounds.

In southwestern Oregon, cooler weather has improved trout fishing conditions at many lakes and reservoirs. ODFW reported catches at Hemlock Lake and Lake of the Woods and highlighted recently stocked trophy trout at Fish Lake.

Central Oregon anglers have reported good fishing at Hosmer, Little Lava, East and Paulina lakes, with excellent trout fishing reported at Three Creek Lake. Cooler temperatures and clearer water have also improved rainbow trout fishing at Crane Prairie Reservoir.

The Metolius River offers fall trout fishing opportunities, while stocked trout have supported fishing on the Fall River near the hatchery and headwaters. The Fall River below the falls closed to angling Oct. 1 to protect spawning trout.

In northeastern Oregon, Morgan Lake has reopened with bass and trout opportunities, and Penland Lake has been producing limits of rainbow trout. Spawning kokanee in the Wallowa River above Wallowa Lake also offer a wildlife-viewing opportunity within Wallowa Lake State Park.

In southeastern Oregon, ODFW reported strong yellow perch fishing in several waters around Upper Klamath Lake and good crappie fishing at Owyhee Reservoir. Anglers should check species-specific restrictions, including seasonal catch-and-release requirements for redband trout in Upper Klamath Lake and connected waters.

For hunters, ODFW encouraged planning ahead to have harvested deer and elk sampled for chronic wasting disease. Successful hunters who pass an operating CWD check station must stop, according to the update. Additional sampling options include participating taxidermists, meat processors and ODFW offices. Details are available through the agency’s CWD testing guidance.

Hunters preparing for October game bird openings can consult the 2026–27 game bird hunting forecast and applicable season regulations. ODFW also offers hunting workshops and skills classes, although hunter safety courses and field days may have limited availability.

Anglers should check ODFW’s current regulation updates before heading out, particularly for Columbia and Snake river fisheries, where rules can change during the season.