Oregon’s Best Kept Fishing Secrets: Hidden Aquatic Paradises
If you’ve lived in and loved Oregon as long as we locals have, you know fishing is a vital piece of our state’s heart and soul. Not to mention, its stomach! With pristine Pacific rivers, hidden alpine streams, and serene high desert lakes, Oregon brims over with angling adventures to reel you in. Let’s unveil some of the Beaver State’s best under-the-radar fishing spots.
1. Diamond Lake
Nestled on the north side of Mt. Thielsen, Diamond Lake serves up trophy-sized rainbow trout, making it a fresh secret among Oregon’s fisher folks. The Diamond Lake Lodge rents boats and sells fishing licenses, providing you everything you need for your angling adventure.2. Fall River
Tucked away in Central Oregon near Sunriver, Fall River blesses fly fishermen with its crystal-clear waters, brimming with both rainbow and brown trout. And while you’re there, make a stop at the Fall River Campground and enjoy a serene, evergreen picnic advised by the local fish whisperers.
3. Davis Lake
Davis Lake, located in the shadow of beautifully rugged Mount Bachelor, offers fantastic largemouth bass fishing. Whether you’re there in summer’s peak, or enjoying a sneaky autumn weekend, Davis Lake is a gem that keeps local rods bending.4. The Metolius River
Winding through Metolius Springs in Camp Sherman, the Metolius River flows with quiet authority, promising the challenge of native bull trout for enthusiastic anglers. With local donut shop, Kokanee Cafe as a landmark, Oregonians and out-of-towners equally enjoy its Surfland fly fishing tactics.5. Siltcoos Lake
As Oregon’s largest coastal lake, Siltcoos is known for coast range cutthroat trout and largemouth bass. Werner’s Shrimp and Cocktail in Florence sells live bait, a secret weapon to help you snag that catch-of-the-day site beside the Siltcoos River outlet.6. Tumalo Creek
Tumalo Creek, near Bend, is filled with native trout, providing an intimate fishing experience. A quick trek from hiking nirvana, Tumalo Falls, this creek is perfect for those who enjoy combining their fishing with a side of scenic exploration.7. Knott Creek Reservoir
High in the Steens Mountain foothills, south of Burns, lies the serenely beautiful Knott Creek Reservoir. Known for its robust population of brown trout and rainbows, it might require some off-road maneuvering to reach, but the solitude and fish quantity will be well worth the travel.8. Upper Klamath Lake
Claimed to be Oregon’s largest freshwater body, the Upper Klamath Lake, offers an abundance of redband trout. Use Rocky Point Resort as your base, they exclusively cater to anglers making the whole experience more comfortable.9. Breitenbush River
Just east of Detroit lies the Breitenbush River, a haven for steelhead fishers that often gets overlooked in favor of neighboring Santiam River. Head to Marion Forks Fish Hatchery to gather local fishing wisdom about the best spots and techniques.10. Fern Ridge Reservoir
Just west of Eugene, Fern Ridge Reservoir boasts excellent warm water fishing for species such as crappies and bass. Guided by Route 99’s points and Loon Lake Lodge and RV Resort, the locals know well that the reservoir is a sweet spot in late spring, just when the water temperatures begin to rise.Oregon’s fishing secrets are often guarded like treasures, revealed only to those who truly appreciate the waterways’ charm and challenge. From tranquil mountain lakes to feisty coastal streams, every corner of our state offers an angling adventure to remember. Remember, the fish are waiting and the lines are meant to be cast. Happy fishing, friends!