Fishing Fun: 6 Oregon State Parks to Reel in the Big One

From tranquil lakes to rushing rivers, Oregon’s diverse landscape offers prime real estate for anglers among its many state parks. You’ll find excellent fishing experiences for all ages and skill levels.

Gather your fishing rods, reels and lines and keep reading to discover some of the best state parks in the Beaver State for fishing fun whether you’re trailering a boat, heading out from a private boat lift rental or launching from a marina ramp.

Fort Stevens State Park

Located near the mouth of the Columbia River, at the state’s Northern tip, Fort Stevens State Park is a great destination for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Anglers can try their luck catching salmon, steelhead and sturgeon while enjoying scenic coastal views of the Pacific or Coffenbury Lake. 

• Water: Fresh and salt
• Key Species: Sturgeon,chinook salmon, steelhead, sunfish
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore, kayak

Silver Falls State Park

Known for its forested trails and breathtaking waterfalls, Silver Falls State Park near Salem also offers great fishing opportunities in Silver Creek. The creek is home to native trout, making it a perfect spot for fly fishing enthusiasts to enjoy from a private boat slip for rent. This park is not as well-known for fishing as other Oregon parks, but its stunning scenery and fly-fishing access makes it a must-visit. 

• Water: Fresh 
• Key Species: Rainbow and cutthroat trout
• Fishing Type: Boat, fly, shore

Prineville Reservoir State Park

The 3,000-acre reservoir at Prineville Reservoir State Park, near Bend, is a favorite among anglers seeking warm-water species such as bass, crappie and catfish. The expansive reservoir has dock and boat ramps and provides plenty of space for both shore and boat fishing.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Catfish, smallmouth and largemouth bass, trout, crappie
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore, pier

Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

Detroit Lake State Recreation Area is one of Oregon’s premier fishing destinations. The 3,500-acre reservoir is fed by the North Santiam River. Situated near Salem, it’s popular with those fishing for rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. The park offers camping, boat ramps and fishing docks, making access easy for visitors coming from private boat docks for rent. 

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, yellow perch
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore, pier

Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park

Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, located near Florence, features two freshwater lakes - Cleawox and Woahink. Cleawox has a fishing dock and is popular with families, while Woahink has deeper water and underwater structures that attract a diverse array of fish. Anglers can cast a line for trout, bass and perch while surrounded by the beauty of Oregon’s coastal dunes.  

• Water: Fresh 
• Key Species: Cutthroat trout, yellow perch, bass, bluegill
• Fishing Type: Boat, kayak, shore

Hells Canyon State Park

Although partially located in Idaho, Hells Canyon State Park provides access to the Snake River, which is famous for its world-class fishing. The canyon, which was carved by the Snake River, is part of North America’s deepest river gorge. Anglers can catch smallmouth bass, trout and even giant sturgeon in this rugged, scenic area near Oxbow. The park offers camping, picnic areas and boat ramps.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Bass, rainbow trout, white sturgeon, catfish, steelhead
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore