Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities in Oregon. Posts are by ODFW Communications Team

06/12/2026

One of the best ways to protect Oregon’s iconic Klamath Lake Redband Trout is to practice good catch and release techniques to safely handle these fish and return them to the water.

Some things to consider -

- Rubber nets are highly recommended
- Don’t drag your fish up onto the bank
- Cut your line at the hook if the fish is hooked deep
- Keep the fish’s head and gills in the water at all times
- Land your fish quickly
- If you have to weigh the fish, weigh it in the net
Release the fish as quickly as possible

There are many different guidelines for safely handling fish. The main point of these recommendations is to address some of the problems that lead to Redband trout mortality from poor handling practices during catch and release.

Please share this with a fishing friend!

CatchAndRelease

06/12/2026

The number of issues impacting Klamath Lake Redband trout can seem overwhelming, but there is a coalition of partners working hard to save these magnificent fish. Trout Unlimited Klamath Restoration Director Tommy Cianciolo highlights the work and the many partners working to restore native habitat, reconnect wetlands and floodplains to help create a better environment for Klamath Lake Redband trout, and, by extension, many other fish and wildlife species in the Klamath Basin.

If you see this video series and know someone in or around Klamath Falls, please share these videos with them.

06/12/2026

The 2026 Controlled Hunt Draw Results Are Now Available

06/12/2026

Going catch-and-release only for an iconic sport fish like the Klamath Lake Redband trout, which can exceed 28 inches and 15 pounds, is always a tough decision. With some of the lowest spawning numbers ever recorded, changes were necessary to protect these fish as they navigate a harsh lake environment and seek shelter in spring-fed rivers and creeks in the Klamath Watershed.

06/11/2026

With one of the worst spawning years ever for Klamath Lake Redband trout, an iconic fish still swimming in Oregon waters since the last ice age, ODFW staff are taking steps to protect these fish, including a catch-and-release-only rule (flies and artificial bait only) in Upper Klamath Lake and spring-fed creeks from June 15 to October 31.

There are other ongoing measures to protect and preserve these amazing fish, but district staff wanted to highlight some of the reasons for declining Redband populations before focusing on conservation efforts.

Poor water quality in Klamath Lake and loss of food sources are two big factors, but there are many issues lining up to cause problems for redband trout in the region.

If you live in Klamath Falls or the surrounding area or you know someone who does, please share this video series with them.

Welcome to another Warmwater Wednesday, a weekly look at some of our favorite warmwater species to fish for in Oregon. B...
06/11/2026

Welcome to another Warmwater Wednesday, a weekly look at some of our favorite warmwater species to fish for in Oregon. Based on the quiz we ran on our Facebook Stories, most of you know a Smallmouth bass when you see one. For those who don’t, here’s a little review.

Smallmouth bass are golden green or dark bronze with a wide variety of shades in between. They have dark vertical bars, and the upper jaw does not extend beyond the eye, which is how you can tell them apart from Largemouth bass.

These fish are smaller than Largemouth bass as well and can reach 23-inches and more than 7-pounds in Oregon waterways.

Smallmouth bass are more likely to be found in rocky cover rather than vegetation or woody
debris, and like Largemouth bass, they’re more active in water temperatures above 50 degrees.

Fish for Smallmouth on rocky points, around boulders, ledges and drop-offs. You are even more likely to catch Smallmouth in a riffle where you find them in rivers.

Most of the same lures that work for Largemouth bass will work for smallies, especially plastic grubs, crankbaits and spinners, just size down slightly for their smaller profiles.

06/10/2026

ODFW is taking steps to protect native redband trout by requiring catch-and-release fishing for them and flies and artificial lures only (no bait) for all species from June 15 to Oct. 31 on Upper Klamath Lake and spring-fed creeks that feed into it.

Klamath lake Redband trout are declining due to a variety of factors, including poor water quality in Klamath Lake, low stream flows, less food in cold-water refuges and a lack of rearing habitat.

Redband trout are more vulnerable to angling pressure in these areas because these spots serve as cold-water refuge areas during the summer and early fall. Closing harvest during this time will give more adult fish in these refuges a higher chance of surviving to spawn. ODFW saw a good response at Agency Lake after it went to catch and release only.
“This temporary rule is intended to help these fish get through the summer and survive to spawn this winter Our goal is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the population and return to a regular fishing season in the future,” Ramirez continued. “But for now, it’s important that we take steps to protect these fish.”

These angling rule changes are just one way to help native fish recover. State, federal, and non‑profit partners throughout the Klamath Basin have also been working on major habitat restoration projects to improve water quality and create better conditions for fish and other wildlife.

Please see the link in our stories and in our profile for the full press release.

FishingKlamathLake

Warmwater Wednesday: Pumpkinseed Welcome to Warmwater Wednesdays, a weekly look at some of our favorite warmwater specie...
06/03/2026

Warmwater Wednesday: Pumpkinseed

Welcome to Warmwater Wednesdays, a weekly look at some of our favorite warmwater species to fish for in Oregon. Based on the quiz we ran on our Instagram Stories, most of you know a Pumpkinseed when you see one. For those who don’t, here’s a little review.

The pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) is a member of the true sunfishes, which includes fish like bluegill, warmouth and green sunfish. If you’re looking for fun, easy fishing, check out these colorful little panfish.

Where you’ll find them: In shallow, warm-water areas like lower elevation ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and river backwaters across Oregon. They love warm water and drifting near w**d beds, sandy or gravel bottoms, and around downed trees or debris.

How to spot them: Watch for brilliantly colored fish with orange or red ear spots, orange cheeks, and wavy blue–turquoise stripes. Their backs shine olive to brassy-green, often flecked with gold or emerald.

When to fish: Late Spring is prime time—the fish are spawning in ½ to 6 feet of water, especially in quiet coves sheltered from the wind.

Bait & tackle tips:

- Try a simple bobber rig with a size 10, 12, or 14 hook.

- Best baits? Worms, mealworms, crickets, or pieces of nightcrawler—perfect for young anglers too!

Why we love Pumpkinseeds:

They’re bright and beautiful, great for youth and novice anglers wanting easy action.
Not huge, (typically up to 6″) but spirited and fun on light gear.

They’ll bite year-round in the right spots.
Looking for a kid-friendly fishing adventure?

Grab some bait, head to a warm, vegetated cove, and enjoy a relaxing day watching the water.

Keep your eyes in the skies over Southwest Oregon, and you may soon see an old friend returning from the brink.
06/02/2026

Keep your eyes in the skies over Southwest Oregon, and you may soon see an old friend returning from the brink.

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97302

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