UTERSmallmouth bass fishing in Oregon freshwater
In Oregon freshwater, smallmouth bass peak May–October and are around year-round, spawning in June, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: John Day River float — the best smallmouth river in the West.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Smallmouth bass in Oregon freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilArriving
- MayPeak
- JuneSpawningJohn Day River float — the best smallmouth river in the West.
- JulyPeak
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish smallmouth bass near Deschutes River, Willamette River, John Day River
Steelhead and salmon rivers, the Deschutes' redsides, the John Day's smallmouth, Columbia walleye and shad, and Cascade lakes.
What to use for smallmouth bass
- CrayfishHooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye.
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- LeechesHooked once through the sucker end on a #8 to #4 hook under a slip bobber or on a live-bait rig — walleye and smallmouth can't leave them alone.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 45–82°F water, best at 60–74°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch smallmouth bass in Oregon freshwater?
Peak season is May–October, with fish spawning in June (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Smallmouth bass are here year-round. June: John Day River float — the best smallmouth river in the West.
Where do smallmouth bass hold in Oregon freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir, bridge, dock / pilings — around Deschutes River, Willamette River, John Day River, Rogue River, Crane Prairie, Columbia River.
What is the best bait for smallmouth bass in Oregon freshwater?
Live bait: crayfish, minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. Crayfish: Hooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for smallmouth bass in Oregon freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and change — read the current rule at https://myodfw.com/articles/oregon-fishing-hunting-regulations-and-updates before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://myodfw.com/fishing/licensing-info.
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All about smallmouth bass · Oregon fresh water, the whole year