Winter Fishing in Oregon: What’s Biting, Where To Fish & Tips for Successful Winter Angling

Many anglers pack away their gear when river banks become dusted with snow and the mornings become misty. But winter doesn’t have to mean an end to your fishing trips. Some of the best catches of the year can happen in the winter months. 

However, cold conditions come with unique challenges, especially during Oregon winters. 

With the right preparation, you can fish confidently while avoiding winter hazards. 

We will explore some winter fishing safety precautions, the best winter fishing spots, and the bait that will attract cold-water fish. 

Table of Contents

• Can You Fish in Winter in Oregon?
• Winter Fishing in Oregon: What To Catch and Where To Find It
• Safety Considerations for Winter Fishing in Oregon
• Top Tips for Oregon Winter Fishing
• FAQs About Winter Fishing in Oregon
• For the Best Winter Fishing in Oregon, Book a Trip With Pacific Drifter Guide Service

Can You Fish in Winter in Oregon?

Absolutely! It is not necessary to cease fishing activities in the winter in Oregon, although there are not as many anglers fishing during the season. However, fishing in winter will require adjusting tactics, understanding regional conditions, and using appropriate judgment to prioritize safety. 

If you have the patience and are willing to brave cold conditions, you can find great success in fishing in the  colder waters of the rivers that remain open. 

During the winter, it is still possible to catch fish, such as: 

• Winter steelhead 
• Trout
• Sturgeon
• Salmon 
• Walleye
• Panfish 

Before you set out on your next fishing adventure, make sure you are prepared for the weather conditions, are up to date on recent reports for the river you will fish in, and have the appropriate fishing gear. 

Winter Fishing in Oregon: What To Catch and Where To Find It

Winter Steelhead Fishing in Oregon

Winter steelhead migrate to freshwater in the late fall, winter and early spring. Several open rivers offer natural beauty and ideal fishing spots during the winter season. 

For the best winter steelhead fishing in Oregon, check out the:  

• Sandy River
• Clackamas River
• Wilson River 
• Trask River 
• Nestucca River 
• Nehalem River 
• North Fork Nehalem River 
• Kilches River

As you begin to plan a fishing trip, you may wonder how to fish for winter steelhead in Oregon. When fishing for winter steelhead, use bait that will entice them to bite. Many fishermen have luck using bait that is fluorescent pink or orange, and with scents like sand shrimp. Choose bait and adjust the size and presentation to match the water conditions. 

Baits to utilize include: 

• Egg sacks: Cured salmon eggs or trout eggs attract steelhead. 
• Pink rubber worms: They mimic natural worms. 
• Pink or black jigs: Highly effective, especially if tipped with sand shrimp
• Sand shrimp: A favorite of winter steelhead
• Spinners or spoons: copper, gold, or silver hardware is effective in faster-flowing water or with more aggressive fish. 

Winter Sturgeon Fishing in Oregon

There are two species of sturgeon in Oregon rivers, the green sturgeon and the white sturgeon. Only white sturgeon are permitted to be caught, and typically, they must be caught and released. In the Columbia River, retention season may occur for limited days in January and into the spring. In the Willamette River, sturgeon are usually required to be released. 

Baits to attract sturgeon include: 

• Nightcrawlers
• Smelt
• Sand shrimp
• Squid
• Salmon roe

In winter, sturgeon tend to stay on the bottom in deeper holes and are less active. Many anglers combine their bait with scent enhancers to attract the fish and use weights to keep the bait on the bottom. 

Winter Trout Fishing in Oregon

Fishing for trout in winter is possible in year-round open rivers, including: 

• Deschutes River 
• Metolius River 
• Crooked River 
• McKenzie River 
• Rogue River

Trout fishing may also be possible in some reservoirs and lakes, such as: 

• Prineville Reservoir 
• Wickiup Reservoir 
• East Lake 
• Hosmer Lake 
• Lava Lake 
• Harriet Lake 
• Krumbo Reservoir 
• Lake Selmac 
• Hagg Lake

Before you plan to trout fish, check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) regulations to ensure that the area is not closed. Many coastal streams may be closed for trout fishing in winter. 

Trout prefer easy meals close to the bottom during winter because they have a slower metabolism. 

Possible bait includes: 

• Worms 
• Maggots 
• Scuds 
• Small pieces of nightcrawlers 
• Insect larvae
• Cured eggs in spawn sacs
• Soft plastic shrimp or worms 
• Spoons 
• Jigs 

Anglers can boost bait with added scents like garlic and crawfish to make them more appealing. 

Safety Considerations for Winter Fishing in Oregon

Winter weather is not something to take lightly, especially when fishing. Before embarking on a fishing trip, always check the Oregon Department of Maintenance and Operations website to assess road conditions, river closures, and license requirements. 

Be prepared by: 

• Wearing appropriate clothing: Bundle up with layers of fleece or other warm material under your waders. Consider using foot and hand warmers to help maintain warmth as well. 
• Get traction to prevent falls: Utilize footwear, such as traction cleats over boots or boots with studs, to gain better traction when wading. Consider using a wading staff for additional support. 
• Wear a life vest: This is especially important on ice-bound lakes or rivers. 
• Carry a dry change of clothes: If you fall into the water, having a spare pair of clothes and changing immediately can help reduce the risk of hypothermia. 
• Travel safely: Be prepared for weather that can cause the roads to become unsafe. Always let someone know your plans, and check in with them when you leave and return.
• Fish with a buddy: Avoid fishing alone when possible, especially when ice fishing. 
• Test the ice thickness: Never try to go out on ice less than 4-6 inches thick. Test the ice with a heavy metal staff or ice chisel as you go. Avoid areas of flowing water. 
• Use a guide: Utilize a Portland fishing guide like Pacific Drifter Guide Service, who knows the area well. 

Top Tips for Oregon Winter Fishing

• Downsize your bait: Use smaller bait to mimic the natural food sources during winter. 
• Find slower waters: Fish in slower waters because fish will move out of heavy currents to conserve their energy due to slow metabolism in winter. 
• Cover the water methodically: This will ensure that you increase your chances of catching fish since they will not move far to retrieve bait in winter. 
• Fish late morning to mid-afternoon: Go out in the warmer part of the day when fish are more active and to increase your safety. 
• Dress appropriately and use proper gear: Wear layers and use precautions. Be aware of ice forming on line-guides and be extra cautious on ice. 
• Be aware of regulations: Use the ODFW website to check for license regulations, fishing seasons, and catch limits. 
• Adjust techniques: You may need to change your techniques due to slower-moving fish and changes in the water during winter. Utilize methods such as drift fishing for steelhead or power bait and fly fishing for trout. 

FAQs About Winter Fishing in Oregon

Do I Need a Special License To Fish in Winter?

You do not need a special seasonal license to fish in winter; however, you must have a valid Oregon fishing license. Before you fish, check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website because some rivers and bodies of water have seasonal regulations that must be followed. 

What Gear Works Best for Winter Fishing in Oregon?

Fishing in winter requires different gear than in other seasons due to cold water and changes in the movement of fish. Utilizing heavier rods and sensitive lines will assist with improving your chances for a catch. Additionally, slower presentations work well in cold water with fish that are moving more slowly due to lower metabolism. 

Popular winter fishing techniques include: 

• Drift fishing 
• Float fishing
• Jigging
• Using roe and artificial lures 

What’s the Best Time of Day for Winter Fishing In Oregon?

When the water temperature warms slightly, fish become more active. Therefore, fishing in the late morning and early afternoon will yield the best results. 

For the Best Winter Fishing in Oregon, Book a Trip With Pacific Drifter Guide Service

With over 30 years of experience fishing the Oregon waters, Jordan Rose of Pacific Drifter Guide Service has the expertise and knowledge to make your fishing experience successful and memorable. 

With intimate knowledge of the rivers and tributaries in the area, Pacific Drifter Guide Service’s expertise can keep you safe on winter fishing trips in rivers big or small. We have three boats to accommodate different river sizes and groups. 

Reach out today to book a trip!