OBPC Favorite Places to Fish
If you’re a member of our fishing club, then you know there’s no shortage of bass-tacular spots in Oregon where you can reel in some warmwater fish. Our favorite hideouts include the expansive waters of the Columbia River and Multnomah Channel, where the bass practically jump into your boat. We also can’t resist a trip to the shimmering Henry Hagg Lake, where the fish are so abundant they could practically swim up and ask for a selfie! And let’s not forget about the classic Tenmile Lake, where every cast feels like making a splash in the big leagues. Just remember to keep your bait fresh and your puns fresh-er; after all, life is too short to fish without a little laughter!
Where to Fish
Lakes and Ponds
Discover the vibrant experiences and memories created by our members while fishing in Oregon’s beautiful waters.
Hartman Pond
Once used to rear hatchery salmon, Hartman Pond, formerly Wahkeena Pond, was developed into a public fishing area to provide angling opportunity for warmwater fish and seasonally stocked rainbow trout. This was made possible through the combined efforts of OBPC, ODFW, Oregon State Parks.
The pond was renamed to honor Bud and Marcia Hartman, two long-time members of the Oregon Bass and Panfish Club, for their decades of contributions to the advancement of warmwater angling throughout the State fo Oregon. The OBPC and other volunteers contiue to assist with efforts to maintian and improve fish habitat and angler access, and stock warmwater fish in Hartman Pond.
Henry Hagg Lake
This reservoir south of Forest Grove, an easy drive from Portland’s west side, has produced several Oregon state fishing records for smallmouth bass (including the current one) and even the state’s largest bullhead catfish. It also has a very popular fishery for stocked rainbow trout and plentiful panfish. There are decent populations of largemouth bass, often caught near grass and woody structure in the shallow creek arms. Crappie fishing is improving here; look for structure. Yellow perch and bluegill are abundant and fun for kids to catch, but they are usually small. The creek arms are best for numerous bullhead catfish.
Silver Lake, Washington
A popular location is Silver Lake, Washington, located east of Castle Rock in Washington. A boat is not really necessary but useful if you have one. If you have never been to Silver Lake, you are going to be surprised by how this shallow lake holds largemouth bass and tons of crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch.
Bank fishing is very good in the channels and backwaters to the right of the public boat ramp and the backwater adjacent to Highway 504. Remember to bring a chair or bucket to sit on.
Tenmile Lakes
Vernonia Lake
Vernonia Lake is a 45-acre pond offering largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, and bullhead catfish and is stocked by ODFW with trout and steelhead. Bring worms…lots of worms. It can be fished from the bank or from row boats, kayaks and canoes. Gas-powered outboard motors are not allowed.
Columbia River Basin
Discover the vibrant experiences and memories created by our members while fishing in Oregon’s beautiful waters.
Le Page Park - Lower John Day River
The lower John Day River Oregon is one of the best places to fish for smallmouth in the world. The smallies are both numerous and large. The John Day flows into the Columbia River just east of the small town of Rufus, a community on Interstate 84 between The Dalles and Arlington. Join us at Le Page Park. Visit the Events section for the dates of our next adventure to the John Day River!
The Boardman area has excellent river access and lots of holding water within reasonable distance. The Columbia also is often ranked on national lists for its top-rate smallmouth bass fishing, with very good numbers of fish and enough good ones to make tournament anglers happy.This pool also is pretty good for crappie if you can find holding water. Boat basins are one place to start for this. There are a variety of other warmwater fish species here as well, including yellow perch and some big catfish. Some of the warmwater species also can be found in backwaters and ponds fed by the Columbia, including McCormack Slough between Boardman and Irrigon and perhaps Messner Pond near Boardman.
Celilo Pool - Columbia River
Celilo Lake, the pool between the John Day and the Dalles Dam, can be a very productive fishery. The area around Miller Island is prime habitat for Smallmouth Bass and Walleye. This is a very popular spot for local Bass Clubs to conduct their club contests. Boaters have multiple ramps available depending on which part of the 15-mile-long pool you wish to visit. If you are not familiar with this stretch of water, travel carefully as there are rocky areas especially around Miller Island.
Willamette River Basin
Discover the vibrant experiences and memories created by our members while fishing in Oregon’s beautiful waters.
Multnomah Channel
The Multnomah Channel is a popular fishing area between the Willamette and Columbia Rivers in Portland, Oregon. Fishermen look forward to every cast in this vibrant water, full of warmwater fish like bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish.
Picture fishing in a beautiful setting, with the sun warming the water as you catch an energetic bass or a big crappie. Every catch gives a rush, and the thrill of catching a catfish adds to the fun.
In this lively scene, anglers share stories and advice, making the experience even better. The Multnomah Channel offers great fishing and connects you to nature and other fishing fans, making it a cherished place for outdoor fun.
This is a shallow bay located about seven miles north of the town of Scappoose. It provides access to the north end of the Multnomah Channel and has an excellent marina and RV park. It is influenced by the Columbia River and has miles of shallow shoreline for exploring. Popular for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Most warmwater fish species can be found between the marina and the entrance to the Multnomah Channel. Be sure and check the tides if traveling far in a small craft, best to use the tidal influence to your advantage. This is primarily a boating fishery as the bank access is limited and very muddy.
Gilbert River
This fairly short river connects Sturgeon Lake to the Multnomah Channel. It is located on Sauvie Island, so a parking permit is required. There is a handicapped angler accessible fishing platform at the Big Eddy area with some other bank fishing access in the same area. This area is known for some really nice Channel Catfish along with several other warmwater species. The lower end of the river is readily accessible from the Gilbert River boat ramp on the Island. This narrow river is shallow and affected by the tide flow. Please be advised to check for any special regulations as to the use of bait during certain times of the year.
Rogers Landing -
Rogers Landing is a beautiful park located in Newberg, Oregon, along the majestic Willamette River. It’s one of Yamhill County’s top recreational spots, offering a excellent warmwater fishing opportunities. The park features a three-lane boat launch, expansive parking, and scenic views that make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
