UTERWalleye fishing in Oregon freshwater
In Oregon freshwater, walleye peak February–June and November and are around year-round, spawning in April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. February: Columbia pre-spawn trophies — The Dalles to John Day.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Walleye in Oregon freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryPeakColumbia pre-spawn trophies — The Dalles to John Day.
- MarchPeak
- AprilSpawning
- MayPeak
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberAround
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish walleye 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 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 34–78°F water, best at 55–70°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch walleye in Oregon freshwater?
Peak season is February–June and November, with fish spawning in April (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Walleye are here year-round. February: Columbia pre-spawn trophies — The Dalles to John Day.
Where do walleye hold in Oregon freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river, bridge, dock / pilings — around Deschutes River, Willamette River, John Day River, Rogue River, Crane Prairie, Columbia River.
What is the best bait for walleye in Oregon freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. 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. 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 walleye 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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