How To Get into Local Fishing

If you’ve ever thought about picking up fishing, you’re in one of the best places to give it a go! Oregon offers year-round fishing opportunities, so to help you take advantage of them, we put together a beginner’s guide with tips on what you need to know and where to go:

🎣 Gearing Up

Obviously, the main thing you’ll need is a fishing rod. Local fishing legend Keevin “Crappie Killa" Collier recommends beginners go for a spinning rod — either a 6-foot-6-inch or 7-foot pole. And don’t forget to invest in some quality fishing line!

For bait, go for the classic worms 🪱 You’ll also want a fishing bobber to help you see your line and a weight to sink the bait.

Need a place to start? Check out the bait and equipment selection at Keevin’s own Crappie Killa Bait Co.!

🪪 Getting A Fishing License

Before you can hit the water, you’ll need a license or tag. Through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website, you can get a year-long angler’s license or a one-, two-, or three-day pass. If you plan to catch salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or halibut, be sure to get the combined angling tag. (Need help identifying the fish you caught? The ODFW website has a handy guide of pictures and descriptions of various fish species and their habitats.)

🌅 Where To Go

When you’re finally ready to get casting, you’ve got a few options! Right downtown, you can fish off Duckworth Dock and there are plenty of spots on the shore of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. Or if you want to go a little further out of the city, check out Blue Lake Regional Park and Henry Hagg Lake.