Your Guide to Umpqua River Bank Fishing

The Umpqua River is an angler's paradise, with the North and South Umpqua Rivers providing unique angling opportunities. Bring your rod and tackle for an unsurpassed fishing and outdoor adventure the next time you visit. 

Where to Fish at the Umpqua River

The region is brimming with fishing sites and species to target. What's known as the Main Umpqua is where the South and North combine, making an approximately 111-mile stretch that empties into the Pacific Ocean. Along its journey, the river passes through many quaint towns and angling spots. 

North Umpqua River Fishing

The North Umpqua River is a 106-mile stretch of water, canyons and forests. The upper region is ideal for fly fishing with its world-class steelhead fishery and moderate and continuous flow year-round. Some have named it as the best stream in the Pacific Northwest. The renowned stretch between Rock Creek and Soda Springs Dams is a strictly fly-fishing-only section.

South Umpqua River Fishing

The South Umpqua is about 115 miles long and famous in winter for its steelhead and bass fishing.

What Are Popular Targets in Umpqua River?

The region offers a wide variety of fish species year-round.

Salmon — Native Game Fish

When fishing in the Umpqua River, salmon is a popular target:

• Spring chinook: Springers are tasty and may be smaller than their fall cousins, but still sizable. Spring chinooks typically arrive in March, are abundant in April/May, and are still prevalent in June at the North Umpqua above Winchester Dam to Rock Creek.
• Fall chinook: Winchester Bay and mainstream Umpqua are ideal for fall chinook or “kings.” These fish congregate in cooler bay waters and are abundant by August and September. 
• Coho chinook: The prized salmon or "silvers" bite best in the bay and lowest part of the river. Coho overlaps with fall chinook, but the best landing is September/October. 

Always be sure of the latest rules — seasonal changes occur.

Steelhead — Native Game Fish

Steelheads are another native game fish:

• Summer steelhead: The spring arrival moves through the bay and mainstream fast. The best landing is in the colder water of North Umpqua, and the highest harvest is between Rock Creek and Winchester Dam, where conventional fishing is allowed. North Umpqua often sees the most steelheads in May/June and Winchester Dam in June/July.
• Winter steelhead: The Umpqua River sees good runs of wild winter steelheads and hatcheries. Anglers must release all wild fish but can keep fin-clipped hatchery fish depending on state laws. The first arrivals appear in December, with January/February being better landing months.

Trout — Native Game Fish

The cold waters of the North Umpqua are the best region for trout fishing. There is a good population of native cutthroat and rainbow trout. To harvest trout and have the ability to switch bait, head toward Slide Creek Dam. 

Smallmouth Bass — Non-Native Game Fish

Smallmouth bass is rife throughout the Umpqua River system. The best targeting opportunities are the free-flowing mainstream sections to the South Umpqua's lower stretches. The highest numbers of bass are landed in summer, and the biggest fish are reeled in during spring.

Get Ready for a Fishing Excursion to Remember  

Sutherlin / Umpqua Valley KOA is the ideal base for Umpqua River fishing. When you're done for the day, you can kick back at our campground that's renowned for matchless amenities and great stays.

Start your fishing adventure — book your stay today!