Trout stream fishing opens May 22 in many areas

May 18, 2016

One of Oregon’s prized redside trout. (ODFW photo)

SALEM, Ore. – Trout fishing enthusiasts can turn their attention to Oregon’s rivers and streams on Sunday when many of the state’s moving waters open for retention of trout.

Dozens of rivers and streams, including some of the state’s lesser known and explored tributaries, will open for trout fishing on Sunday, May 22.

While many lakes and some rivers are open year around, or opened earlier this spring, additional waters will now be available for trout anglers to explore.

Some popular fisheries opening this Sunday include:

• The Kilchis, Nestucca, Three Rivers, Salmon, Siletz, Siuslaw, Trask, and Wilson rivers in the Northwest Zone.
• Estacada Lake, Faraday Lake, North Fork Reservoir, North and South Santiam, Small Fry Lake, Tualatin River and tributaries, and Yamhill River and tributaries in the Willamette Zone.
• The Applegate, Chetco, Coos, Illinois, Rogue, and Umpqua rivers in the Southwest Zone.
• Popular stretches of the Deschutes and Metolius rivers in the Central Zone.
• The lower Williamson, Spring Creek, and Clear Creek in the Southeast Zone.

“Already there’s been some great fishing happening in many of the waters that opened in April,” said Mike Gauvin, ODFW Recreational Fisheries Program Manager for Inland Fisheries. “Now there are additional opportunities for beginning and experienced anglers to pursue.”

There are also places where you can get out and catch some impressive trout, including cutthroat, redsides, rainbows and browns. And don’t forget about bass, which are also now available in many of the streams that will open May 22.

The late spring trout opener is an important piece ODFW’s “Trout 365” strategy, which aims to recruit and retain anglers by focusing public attention on year-around trout fishing opportunities across Oregon. Those opportunities include more than 350 stocked ponds, high lakes trout fisheries, a new trophy trout program at five venues around the state, trout fishing “how to” videos, and family fishing events.

For a comprehensive listing, including open areas, bag limits, and gear/bait restrictions, please refer to the 2016 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, which are available free in print form at ODFW license agents, or on-line.

###