Oregon Fishing Report: Fall Chinook Frenzy Ignites Rivers and Coastlines

As September deepens, Oregon’s rivers, bays, and coastal waters are alive with action. Anglers across the state are chasing fall Chinook, coho, and steelhead while also cashing in on trout, kokanee, and bass opportunities inland. From the Columbia River to the Rogue Bay, this is one of the best times of year to be on the water.

Columbia River: Chinook Action Peaks

Metro anglers are finally seeing big returns of fall Chinook in the Columbia River from St. Helens to Bonneville Dam. With cooler water temperatures, fish are more active, and gear like 360 flashers paired with small spinners, Super Baits, and SpinFish are producing catches in the 20-pound range.

Retention season is nearly over, but there’s hope for an extension later this month if run counts hold up. Peak passage at Bonneville is usually no later than September 13, so biologists will soon know whether the run is meeting expectations.

Willamette River and Tributaries

The Willamette River is beginning to see stronger coho returns. Serious anglers often target fish above Willamette Falls, where both hatchery and wild coho can be retained. Last year the run exceeded 40,000 adults, raising hopes for another strong season.

Below the falls, anglers occasionally intercept coho bound for the Clackamas River, though these catches remain rare in the mainstem.

Clackamas River

It’s early, but coho are entering the Clackamas. Anglers have been hooking fish from the lower river up to Barton Park. The “Bowling Alley” hole has been one of the most consistent spots so far. While numbers are lower compared to last year, the run is officially underway, with early fish already counted at the NF facility.

Sandy River

Reports from the Sandy River are promising, though conditions have been variable. Recent thunderstorms turned the upper river muddy, but coho are being caught and 25 have returned to the hatchery so far. With cooler weather and the next significant rain event, anglers can expect improved numbers throughout the system.

Oregon Coast: Coho, Chinook, and Beyond

Offshore Coho and Estuaries

Calm seas have delivered outstanding coho fishing out of Garibaldi, Pacific City, Depoe Bay, and Newport. These fish are larger than average, with anglers reporting excellent action alongside spectacular wildlife sightings.

Fall Chinook are beginning to nose into estuaries along the north and central coast, though returns have been slow so far. A strong coho run could help make up for modest Chinook numbers.

Albacore, Halibut, and Crabbing

Albacore tuna fishing remains hot, with consistent catches out of most north coast ports. Interest in halibut is tapering, but crabbing—both ocean and bay—is improving, with higher-quality crab available this time of year.

Sea-run cutthroat trout are another great coastal option. Nearly every estuary system is holding fish, and trolling with lake-style gear, like a lake troll and trailing worm, is proving effective.

Central and Eastern Oregon

Columbia River Gorge

The mouth of the Deschutes is producing some of the state’s best fall Chinook fishing right now. Trolling with 360 flashers and hard plastic baits is the go-to method. Pressure is heavy, but action is steady.

Lower Deschutes River

Steelhead numbers are improving, though warm water has made fishing spotty at times. With cooler weather, conditions should improve. Fly anglers are using spey rods and swinging small hare-wing flies. Some are having success nymphing, but many prefer the challenge of swinging with floating lines.

Crooked River

The Crooked River is fishing exceptionally well, offering multiple techniques for success. Anglers are Euro nymphing with Perdigons, swinging soft hackles, or matching PMD hatches. Indicators like NZ Wool and small OROS are working best.

Metolius River

Green Drakes are beginning to show, and the intensity of September hatches is expected to pick up with cooler weather. Flav mayflies and larger Drakes in sizes 8 to 12 are selective targets, but patience and variety in fly size can pay off.

Davis, East, and Little Lava Lakes

Davis Lake: Bass fishing is solid near the lava flow, with trout concentrated near Odell Creek. Most bass are 2–3 pounds. Trout fishing remains catch-and-release.
East Lake: Strong Callibaetis hatches are driving action. Productive flies include Captive Duns, Comparaduns, and Callibaetis nymphs. Chironomid fishing is also steady.
Little Lava Lake: Callibaetis and beetle patterns are producing excellent results, complemented by leeches and chironomids under indicators.

Southwest Oregon

Rogue River

The Rogue Bay Chinook fishery has slowed somewhat, likely due to changes in dam outflow, but anglers are still finding coho and the occasional steelhead around Lobster Creek. Upstream, pressure has increased for fall Chinook, though catches remain spotty. Plugs are working best for targeting both salmon and steelhead.

Coos and Coquille Rivers

Wild coho retention opens with an increased limit of three fish, creating buzz among anglers in the Coos Bay area. This new regulation is expected to draw significant participation.

Offshore and Lakes

Offshore anglers are still bringing in limits of lingcod, halibut, tuna, and rockfish. Crabbing is productive across most ports. Inland, lakes like Lost Creek, Diamond, Howard Prairie, and Fish Lake are holding good water levels and producing trout.

Trout and Kokanee

Across the east side lakes, trout and kokanee fishing has been excellent. Odell, East, and Paulina Lakes are particularly strong. Kokanee are starting to darken as they prepare to spawn but remain catchable through September. Trout fishing at Hosmer and Little Lava Lakes is also solid, with recent stockings boosting opportunities.

Devils Lake has been stocked with rainbow trout, offering a fun option for kayakers and float tubers.

Looking Ahead

The coming weeks could be decisive for Oregon’s fall salmon runs. With Bonneville counts nearing their seasonal peak, biologists will soon confirm whether the Chinook return matches predictions. A stronger-than-expected coho run could also boost opportunities across rivers and estuaries.

Meanwhile, inland trout and bass fisheries remain productive as cooler weather enhances conditions. Whether chasing salmon in the Columbia, trolling for kokanee in high lakes, or working flies on the Crooked or Metolius, anglers have no shortage of options this September.

For many, the fishing report boils down to this: grab your gear, watch the weather, and don’t miss the fall frenzy while it lasts.