Oregon’s Department of Fish & Wildlife provides guides on the best fishing and whale watching this season. With winter approaching, the fish are less active and adjustments to fishing practices are needed.
Visit eregulations.com/oregon/ for 2021 big game & fishing regulation changes. As always, report your 2020 hunts.
Winter fishing calls for nymph baits below the surface but be prepared for surface dry flies too.
Light and small is the way to go for winter trout. Downsize your flies and tippets
Fish in slow, shallow areas like inside current seams and off the channel.
Fish during the warmest part of the day.
Thoroughly fly your line all over an area, as trout in the winter are not very active and would rather catch bait that is right in their face.
Beware of thin ice and use a wading staff in unpredictable areas.
The best areas for trout are the lower Deschutes, Crooked, Metolius, Fall, Klamath, Blitzen and Owyhee rivers. Check the ODFW’s website for weekly fishing updates.