The 8 Best Fishing Lakes in Oregon

Explore the best fishing lakes in Oregon! Get tips and advice on the best fishing spots, from the Columbia to the Snake River, with reviews of the top lakes to fish in Oregon. Find out which lakes offer the best catches and the best fun for you and your family.

1. Crater Lake

Crater Lake is located in southwest Oregon’s Cascade Mountains and is the deepest lake in the United States, reaching depths of nearly 2,000 feet. It is renowned for its clear blue waters and steep cliffs.

Types of Fish: Kokanee salmon, Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, Catfish, Bullhead, Carp and Chub
Types of Fishing: Fly fishing, Bait casting, and Trolling
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available from gift shops around the lake
Fishing Guide Service: Private guide services are available
Closest Hotels: Annie Creek Lodge, Prospect Hotel & Motel, Crater Lake Resort, Union Creek Resort
Nearest Fishing Store: Annie’s Country Store, 2 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Oregon state fishing rules and regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing docks, and scenic views
Nearest Gas Station: Annie’s Country Store, 2 miles away

2. Applegate Lake

Applegate Lake is located in Applegate River in the southwestern portion of Oregon, just south of Medford. It is over 4,300 acres and has an average depth of 29 feet.

Types of Fish: Rainbow trout, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Catfish, Carp, Crappie, and Yellow Perch
Types of Fishing: Bait casting, Fly fishing, and Trolling
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available from local shops in Medford
Fishing Guide Service: Private guide services are available
Closest Hotels: Comfy Cottages, Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Super 8
Nearest Fishing Store: Applegate Trout & Tackle, 2 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Oregon state fishing rules and regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing docks, and scenic views
Nearest Gas Station: Applegate Lake Resort, 1 mile away

3. Clear Lake

Clear Lake is located in the Central Cascades region of Oregon and covers nearly 1,000 acres. It is located at the base of Mount Washington and is a popular spot for fishing and camping.

Types of Fish: Rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Catfish, Crappie, and Perch
Types of Fishing: Bait casting, Fly fishing, and Trolling
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available from local shops near the lake
Fishing Guide Service: Private guide services are available
Closest Hotels: Clear Lake Resort, The Cabins at Clear Lake, Clear Lake Resort, and Skyview Cabin
Nearest Fishing Store: Clear Lake Bait & Tackle, 5 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Oregon state fishing rules and regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing docks, and scenic views
Nearest Gas Station: Clear Lake Station, 5 miles away

4. Roaring River

Roaring River is located in the Clackamas River Basin in the north-eastern portion of Oregon, approximately 30 miles east of Portland. It is over 3,800 acres and is known for its diverse species of fish.

Types of Fish: Steelhead, Coho and Chinook salmon, Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Smallmouth bass, and Walleye
Types of Fishing: Fly fishing, Bait casting, and Trolling
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available from local shops in Gresham
Fishing Guide Service: Private guide services are available
Closest Hotels: Best Western Gresham, Red Lion Gresham, Quality Inn Gresham, and Comfort Inn Gresham
Nearest Fishing Store: Angler’s Covey, 8 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Oregon state fishing rules and regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing docks, and scenic views
Nearest Gas Station: Shell, 2 miles away

5. Diamond Lake

Diamond Lake is located in the Cascade Mountains in the southern portion of Oregon, approximately 100 miles east of Medford. It is over 1,900 acres and is known for its crystal clear waters.

Types of Fish: Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Kokanee salmon, Catfish, Crappie, and Smallmouth bass
Types of Fishing: Bait casting, Fly fishing, and Trolling
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available from local shops in Diamond Lake
Fishing Guide Service: Private guide services are available
Closest Hotels: Diamond Lake Resort, Cascara Vacation Rentals, and Diamond Hotel
Nearest Fishing Store: Diamond Lake Bait & Tackle, 5 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Oregon state fishing rules and regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing docks, and scenic views
Nearest Gas Station: Diamond Lake Resort, 5 miles away

6. Detroit Lake

Detroit Lake is located in Marion County in the mid-Willamette Valley of Oregon, approximately 35 miles southeast of Portland. It is nearly 2,400 acres and is a popular spot for fishing, camping, and boating.

Types of Fish: Kokanee salmon, Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Catfish, Bullhead, and Crappie
Types of Fishing: Bait casting, Fly fishing, and Trolling
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available from local shops in Detroit
Fishing Guide Service: Private guide services are available
Closest Hotels: Detroit Lake State Park Campground, High Lakes Resort & Campground, Fisherman’s Inn, and Twin Rivers Resort
Nearest Fishing Store: Detroit Lake Bait & Tackle, 2 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Oregon state fishing rules and regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing docks, and scenic views
Nearest Gas Station: Detroit Lake Marine, 4 miles away

7. Waldo Lake

Waldo Lake is located in the Cascade Mountains in the south-central portion of Oregon, approximately 50 miles southeast of Eugene. It is nearly 4,500 acres and is known for its still, crystal clear waters.

Types of Fish: Rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon, Mountain whitefish, Largemouth bass, Catfish, and Crappie
Types of Fishing: Fly fishing, Bait casting, and Trolling
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available from local shops in Oakridge
Fishing Guide Service: Private guide services are available
Closest Hotels: Oakridge Motel, Sunrise Lodge, and Willamette Inn
Nearest Fishing Store: Waldo Lake Bait & Tackle, 5 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Oregon state fishing rules and regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing docks, and scenic views
Nearest Gas Station: Shell, 3 miles away

8. Lost Creek Lake

Lost Creek Lake is located in Jackson County in the Southern region of Oregon, approximately 20 miles east of Medford. It is nearly 8,000 acres and is well known for its trout fishing.

Types of Fish: Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Kokanee salmon, Catfish, Smallmouth bass, and Largemouth bass
Types of Fishing: Bait casting, Fly fishing, and Trolling
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available from local shops in Shady Cove
Fishing Guide Service: Private guide services are available
Closest Hotels: Shady Cove Inn, Shady Cove Resort, and Lost Creek Lodge
Nearest Fishing Store: Lost Creek Bait & Tackle, 3 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Oregon state fishing rules and regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing docks, and scenic views
Nearest Gas Station: Shell, 2 miles away

9. Upper Klamath Lake

Upper Klamath Lake is located in Klamath County in the south-central region of Oregon, approximately 25 miles east of Medford. It is over 14,000 acres and is the largest freshwater lake in Oregon.

Types of Fish: Rainbow trout, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Walleye, Catfish, and Carp
Types of Fishing: Bait casting, Fly fishing, and Trolling
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available from local shops in Klamath Falls
Fishing Guide Service: Private guide services are available
Closest Hotels: Running Y Ranch, Klamath Lake Lodge, Klamath Falls Holiday Inn, and Comfort Inn & Suites
Nearest Fishing Store: Klamath Falls Bait & Tackle, 8 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Oregon state fishing rules and regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: Picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing docks, and scenic views
Nearest Gas Station: Chevron, 3 miles away

Find Good Fishing Spots in Oregon and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

If you’re looking for the best fishing locations in Oregon, then explore our interactive Google map below! We’ve identified some of the best spots across the state, from popular lakes to hidden gems. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, there’s something for everyone. From the crystal-clear waters of Crater Lake to the rugged beauty of the Oregon Cascades, the Beaver State has an amazing array of lakes and rivers to explore. So what are you waiting for? Grab your pole and tackle box and get ready to discover some of Oregon’s best fishing spots.

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Oregon

The weather in Oregon for sport fishing throughout the year is fairly mild, with temperatures ranging from the low- to mid-60s in the summer and low- to mid-40s in the winter. Rainfall is common throughout the year, with more frequent and intense storms occurring during the winter months. In the summer, the days are usually sunny, with little to no rain. Fishing conditions are usually good, with ample opportunities to catch a variety of fish species.