It’s right up there with the Great Lakes,” Chin said. “Oregon is a world-class bass fishery and is one of the best in the country. He believes Oregon is a prime spot to be a bass angler. That’s why I was so excited to join Edward Chin on a trip for smallmouth bass on the Willamette River.Ĭhin is a two-time Oregon state bass angling champion, high school bass fishing coach, president of the BASS Federation of Oregon and fishing guide. Only 26 percent of Oregon anglers fished for warm-water species such as bass, according to the most recent Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife survey.īass fishing in Oregon is something that I’d never tried.

Smallmouth of largemouth bass, in contrast, is often a distant afterthought. Salmon, steelhead or trout are the most likely picks for Oregonains. Plastic grubs, crankbaits, and spinners are all effective.When you think about fishing in Oregon, what comes to mind? Other seasonal behavior is similar to that of largemouth bass, as are the angling techniques used to catch them, but because smallmouth are generally smaller, the lures used are also often smaller. As with largemouth, the male aggressively guards the nest and fry, making them easier to catch at this time. Spawning activity begins when water temperatures reach about 58☏.

In the spring they move inshore in lakes and reservoirs and into the shallows of streams as the water warms. The best places to look for them are near rocky points, boulders, ledges, or drop-offs. Smallmouth are more likely to be found where cover consists of rock rather than vegetation or sunken wood. Like largemouths, smallmouth bass are less active and much harder to catch when the water temperature is below 50☏. Technique: Much of what was written about largemouth bass also pertains to smallmouth. Adult smallmouth feed mostly on fish and crayfish. They also prefer lakes and reservoirs with rocky shorelines and limited vegetation. Habitat: Smallmouth bass are adapted to flowing waters and do well in warm streams with deep holes and rocky ledges. Somewhat smaller than the largemouth, smallmouth bass in Oregon may reach 23-inches and exceed 7 pounds. The upper jaw does not extend beyond the eye. Features: Smallmouth bass are golden green to bronze with dark vertical bars and blotches on the side.

Smallmouth bass oregon fishing planet