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Fishing regulations at John Day River, OR
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in Oregon can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Smallmouth bass as of April 10th, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.
Smallmouth bass
Seasons
Open
Bag limit
5
Memorable
3 > 15
Measurement
Total Length
Aggregate
5
General Northwest Zone Regulations
- Except as otherwise noted angling for all species in streams above tidewater is restricted to artificial flies and lures May 22 - Aug 31.
- A valid Columbia River Basin Endorsement must be in possession when fishing for salmon, steelhead, or sturgeon in the mainstem Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream and in all the rivers and their tributaries that flow into the Columbia River.
- Use of bait allowed in bays and tidewaters year round.
- Anglers may not continue to angle for jack salmon or trout after retaining a limit of adult salmon or steelhead.
- See marine zone for additional regulations that apply to coastal bays.
- Multi-species restrictions: It is unlawful for any person to fish for, or take and retain, any species of salmon, Pacific halibut, or marine fish while possessing on board any fish not allowed to be taken in the area at that time.
Exceptions to Northwest Zone Regulations
Alsea River (Mainstem) and Bay
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Apr 30 and Nov 1 - Dec 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31, up to USFS River Edge Boat Landing.
- Open for other fish as described in Marine Zone.
- No angling from a floating device above Mill Cr.
Alsea River, North Fork
Mouth to angling deadline marker above Alsea Hatchery fishway
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31.
- No angling from a floating device.
- No angling 100 ft above and below Alsea Hatchery fishway.
Alsea River, South Fork
Mouth to bridge at McBee Park
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31.
- No angling from a floating device.
Barney Reservoir
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Bear Creek (Clatsop Co.)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon.
Bear Creek and Tributaries (Lincoln Co.)
- Closed.
Beaver Creek (Columbia Co.)
Mouth to 200 ft below lower falls
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon.
Beaver Creek (Lincoln Co.)
Mouth to county bridge near Ona
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
Beaver Creek (Nestucca Basin, Tillamook Co.)
Mouth to West Beaver Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
East and West Beaver Cr including tributaries
- Closed.
Big Creek (Clatsop Co.)
RR trestle to hatchery deadline
- Open for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon Jan1- Aug 15 and Oct 16 - Dec 31
- Use of bait allowed.
- Closed Aug 16 - Oct 15.
- See Columbia Zone/Select Area regulations for downstream of RR trestle.
Above hatchery
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Big Creek (Lane Co.)
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Apr 1 - Nov 30.
Big Elk Creek
Mouth to Bear Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Aug 1- Dec 31.
- Open for wild steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31. Bag limit is 1 per day/3 per year.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
Bear Cr to Grant Cr Bridge
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Open for wild steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31. Bag limit is 1 per day/3 per year.
Bob Creek and Tributaries
- Closed.
Cape Creek
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Apr 1 - Nov 30.
Cape Meares Lake
- 1 bass per day.
Clatskanie River
Mouth to Swedetown Bridge
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon.
Cook Creek (Tillamook Co.)
Mouth to South Fork
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
Cummins Creek
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
Deadwood Creek
Mouth to West Fork
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
All tributaries
- Closed.
Devils Lake
- Only hatchery trout may be harvested.
- No harvest of grass carp.
Drift Creek (Alsea Basin, Lincoln Co.)
Mouth to lower Wilderness Boundary (RM 10)
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Apr 30 and Aug 1 - Dec31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1- Dec 31.
Lower Wilderness Boundary (RM 10) to 200 ft below Bohannon Falls
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31.
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed.
Drift Creek (SiletzBasin, Lincoln Co.)
Mouth to steel bridge entering Mennonite Camp
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1- Mar 31 and Aug 1 - Dec31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
Steel bridge entering Mennonite Camp to Sampson Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
Ecola Creek
Mouth to confluence of North and West Forks
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Apr 1 - Nov 30.
Fall Creek
Mouth to Carns Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31.
Fishhawk Lake
- Open for trout May 22 - Oct 31.
- 2 trout per day, 8 inch minimum length.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Five Rivers
Mouth to Buck Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31.
- See Lobster Cr.
- Closed to Chinook salmon angling.
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed.
Gnat Creek
RR bridge to Aldrich Point Rd Bridge
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon.
- See regulations for Blind Slough / Knappa Slough in Columbia Zone.
Aldrich Point Rd Bridge to Falls
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon.
- Use of bait allowed.
Hunt Creek
Above Hunt Cr Falls
- Catch-and-release all year for trout.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Indian Creek
Mouth to West Fork Indian Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
All tributaries
- Closed.
John Day River (Clatsop Co.)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon.
- Use of bait allowed.
Kilchis River
Hwy 101 bridge to Tilden BluffRdBridge (RM 11)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Jul 31.
- Open for fall Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Catch-and-release for chum salmon Sep 16 - Nov 15.
Tilden Bluff Rd Bridge to NorthFork
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Closed all year to salmon angling.1
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed.
Klaskanine River (Mainstem)
Marker at Youngs River confluence to Youngs River LoopBridge
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon.
- Use of bait allowed.
Youngs River Loop Bridge to North Fork
- Open for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Aug 15 and Oct 16 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
Klaskanine River, North Fork
Mouth to hatchery dam
- Open for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Aug 15 and Oct 16 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Closed between hatchery deadline marker and hatchery dam Aug 1 - Nov 30.
Above hatchery dam
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Klaskanine River, South Fork
Mouth to first falls (RM 4.7)
- Open for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Aug 15 and Oct 16 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
Above first falls
- Open all year for trout.
- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Lake Creek
Mouth to Indian Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1 - Dec 31.
- Closed all year to salmon angling.
Indian Cr to Fish Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Sep 1 - Nov 30.
All tributaries not listed
- Closed.
Lake Lytle
- 1 bass per day.
Lewis and Clark River
Alternate Hwy 101 bridge to 200ft below Warrenton Reservoir Dam
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinooksalmon.
- Use of bait allowed.
- No angling within 200 ft of fish ladder on Warrenton ReservoirDam.
Above Saddle Mt State Park access bridge
- Open all year for trout.
- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Lily Lake
- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Little Nestucca River
Hwy 101 to USFS bridge at Dolph
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Jul 31.
- Open for fall Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Closed from ODFW markers up to Upton Falls.
- Closed from ODFW markers up to Stella Falls.
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed.
Lobster Creek
Mainstem and tributaries above confluence with Little Lobster Cr
- Closed.
Lost Lake (Clatsop Co.)
- All landlocked salmon are considered trout.
Miami River
Above Hwy 101 bridge
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31.
- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon May 22 - Jul31.
- Open for fall Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Catch-and-release for chum salmon Sep 16 - Nov 15.
All tributaries
- Closed.
Necanicum River
Mouth to Hwy 53 bridge at Necanicum Jct including Neawanna Cr tidewater below 12th Ave Bridge
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon May22 - Dec 31.
Tributaries and river sections not listed including Neawanna Cr above 12th Ave Bridge
- Closed.
Nehalem River (Mainstem) and Bay
Up to Foss Rd (CC) Bridge (RM15.1)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for Chinook salmon Jan 1- Sep 15. Wild Chinook salmon may be harvested; 1 per day as part of daily salmon/steelhead bag limit.
- Open for Chinook salmon Sep16 - Dec 31.
Foss Rd (CC) Bridge (RM 15.1) to Hwy 26 bridge at Elsie
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Closed all year to all salmon angling.
Above Hwy 26 bridge at Elsie
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Sep 1 - Nov 30.
- Closed all year to all salmon angling.
Nehalem River, North Fork
Mouth to Hwy 53 bridge
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for Chinook salmon Jan1 - Sep 15. Wild Chinook salmon may be harvested; 1 per day as part of daily salmon/steelhead bag limit.
- Open for Chinook salmon Sep16 - Dec 31.
- Angling from Nehalem Hatchery Platform open only toanglers with Disabled Veteran Angling License or Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit.
Hwy 53 bridge to 4th bridge on Hamlet Rd near MP 6
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
t 1 /o
Neskowin Creek
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Apr 1 - Nov 30.
- Closed to all angling on all tributaries.
Nestucca River and Bay
Up to First Bridge (near Beaver)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Jul 31.
- Open for fall Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
First Bridge (near Beaver) to
Moon Cr
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Jul 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Closed to salmon angling Aug1 - Dec 31.
Moon Cr to Elk Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1- Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed (including Clarence Creek Pond).
Netarts Bay and Tributaries
- Open for other fish as described in Marine Zone.
- Closed to salmon, steelhead, and trout angling.
Plympton Creek
- Catch-and-release all year for trout above second falls (RM1.4),artificial flies and lures only.
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon.
Rock Creek (Clatsop/Columbia Co.)
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Sep 1 - Nov 30.
Rock Creek (Lane Co.)
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Apr 1 - Nov 30.
Rock Creek (Lincoln Co.)
Mouth to Big Rock Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
Salmon River
The following apply to open sections below: *- Open for wild steelhead (1per day and 3 per year)and hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Mar31 and Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
- Gear Restriction: Angling restricted to single point hook metal based lures, fly fishing, or bobber fishing Sep 1 - Dec 31 See Salmon/Steelhead Bobber Fishing Rule pg 18.
- Closed to salmon angling.
Salmonberry River
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Apr 1 - Nov 30.
- Closed to angling on all tributaries.
Sand Lake Estuary
Mouth to Jewell Cr
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed.
Schooner Creek
Mouth to Erickson Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
Scott Creek
- Closed.
Siletz River and Bay
The following apply to open sections below: *- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Open for Chinook salmon Apr 1 - Jul 31 (1 wild Chinook salmon per day and 2 per season).
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Apr 1 - Jul 31 (1 wild Chinook salmon per day and 2 per season).
- Open for Chinook salmon Oct7 - Dec 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Apr 1 - Jul 31 (1 wild Chinook salmon per day and 2 per season).
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Use of bait allowed.
Above the marker 900 ft below Siletz Falls and all tributaries above the falls
- Closed.
Siltcoos Lake
Above Hwy 101 bridge, below RR trestle on Maple Cr Arm, and below Fivemile Rd crossing on the Fiddle Cr Arm
- Open for coho salmon Oct 1 - Dec 31 (Wild Coho Aggregate Bag Limit applies).
- Closed to two rod angling for all species during coho salmon season.
Siuslaw River (Mainstem) and Bay
Up to Lake Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Aug 1 - Dec31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
- Open all year for other fish (see pg 26-27) in tidewater.
Lake Cr to Whittaker Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed for Chinook salmon.
Above Whittaker Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Oct 1 - Nov 30.
- Closed for Chinook salmon.
Siuslaw River, North Fork
Mouth to Meadows Bridge at MP11
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Aug 1 - Dec31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
Above Meadows Bridge at MP 11
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
All tributaries
- Closed.
Skipanon RiverHarbor St. Bridge to Alt. Hwy
101 Bridge
- Open all year for hatchery Chinook salmon and hatchery coho salmon.
Slickrock Creek
- Closed.
Soapstone Creek
Mouth to first bridge on Soapstone mainline Rd
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed.
Sunset Lake
- 1 bass per day.
Sweet Creek
Mouth to head of tidewater
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Aug 1 - Dec31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
- Open for other fish in tidewateras described in Marine Zone.
Head of tidewater to 200 ft belowfalls near MP 10
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Oct 1 - Nov 30.
Tahkenitch Lake
Above Hwy 101 bridge, below first road crossing on Mallard Arm, and below the 059 bridge on the Fivemile Arm
- Open for coho salmon Oct 1 - Dec 31 (Wild Coho Aggregate Bag Limit applies).
- Closed to two rod angling for all species during coho salmon season.
Tenmile Creek
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Apr 1 - Nov 30.
Three Rivers
The following apply to open sections below: *- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Jul 15.
- Use of bait allowed.
- No angling from a floating device
- Anti-Snagging Gear Restriction: Leader length must be between 18and 36 inches and only one singlepoint hook 3/8 inch gap or less May1 - Jul15 (See Anti-SnaggingGear Restriction Rules pg 18).
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Jul 15 and Oct 1 - Dec 31.
- Open for fall Chinook Salmon Oct 1 - Dec 31.
- Youth angling (ages 17 and under)only Jun 1 - Jul 15 from CedarCr Hatchery deadline to marker below Gauldy Mt Rd Bridge.
- Closed Jul 16 - Sep 30.
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for fall Chinook Salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
All tributaries
- Closed.
Tillamook Bay
All tidewater upstream to Hwy 101 bridges on Kilchis, Miami, Wilson and Trask Rivers, and Burton Bridge on Tillamook River
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon inside the jettytips Jan 1 - Jul 31.
- Open for fall Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
All tributaries not listed
- Closed.
Tillamook River
Above Burton Bridge
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1- Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31.
- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon May 22 - Jul 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
All tributaries not listed
- Closed.
Town Lake
- 1 bass per day.
Trask River (Mainstem)
Hwy 101 bridge to confluence of North and South Forks
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Jul 31.
- Open for fall Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Gear Restriction: Angling restricted to fly fishing or bobber fishing from marker at Loren's Drift (RM 9) up to Cedar Cr Boat slide (RM 10.9) May 1 - Jul 31. (See Salmon/Steelhead Bobber Fishing Rule).
- Closed from marker at Dam Hole (MP 7 on Trask River Rd) up to Blue Ridge Cr Sep 1- Nov 30.
- Closed 200 ft above and 900ft below Gold Cr at Trask Hatchery Jul 16 - Oct 15.
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed.
Trask River, East Fork
All tributaries
- ClosedTrask River, North ForkMouth to Bark Shanty Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
All tributaries
- Closed.
Trask River, South Fork
Mouth to Edwards Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
All tributaries
- Closed.
Vernonia Pond
- 1 bass per day.
- 10 crappie per day.
Whittaker Creek and Tributaries
- Closed.
Wilson River (Mainstem)
Hwy 101 bridge to South Fork
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Jul 31.
- Open for fall Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Closed to salmon angling above Jordan Cr (RM 21.9) Aug1- Dec31.
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed.
Wilson River, LittleNorth Fork
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
Wilson River, South ForkMouth to marked deadline
near MP 1
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed.
Yachats River
Mouth to North Fork Yachats River
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31, 1 per day and 5per year.
Yaquina River and Bay
Visible ends of jetty tips to Simpson Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Aug 1 - Dec31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Apr1 - Dec 31.
- Open for other fish as described in Marine Zone.
Simpson Cr to first bridge on Eddyville-Nashville Rd
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
Youngs Bay and River
Hwy 101 bridge to marker at confluence of Youngs Bay and Klaskanine River (including Walluski River tidewater) and Youngs River mainstem (See map in Columbia Zone)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon.
- Use of bait allowed.
Above Youngs River falls
- Catch-and-release all year for trout, artificial flies and lures only.
Lakes: 5 per day, 3 daily limits in possession unless noted under Exceptions.
Streams: No limit.
No more than 3 over 15 inches in length in lakes.
No minimum length in streams.
Angling restricted to artificial flies and lures in streams above tidewater, May 22-Aug 31. See Exceptions where use of bait is allowed.
Lakes: Open all year.
Streams (including tidewaters and bays): Open during trout, salmon or steelhead seasons, except tidewater areas of Columbia River tributaries downstream from the city of St. Helens are open all year.
For more information please see Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations
Micropterus dolomieui
General Northwest Zone Regulations
- Except as otherwise noted angling for all species in streams above tidewater is restricted to artificial flies and lures May 22 - Aug 31.
- A valid Columbia River Basin Endorsement must be in possession when fishing for salmon, steelhead, or sturgeon in the mainstem Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream and in all the rivers and their tributaries that flow into the Columbia River.
- Use of bait allowed in bays and tidewaters year round.
- Anglers may not continue to angle for jack salmon or trout after retaining a limit of adult salmon or steelhead.
- See marine zone for additional regulations that apply to coastal bays.
- Multi-species restrictions: It is unlawful for any person to fish for, or take and retain, any species of salmon, Pacific halibut, or marine fish while possessing on board any fish not allowed to be taken in the area at that time.
Exceptions to Northwest Zone Regulations
Alsea River (Mainstem) and Bay
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Apr 30 and Nov 1 - Dec 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31, up to USFS River Edge Boat Landing.
- Open for other fish as described in Marine Zone.
- No angling from a floating device above Mill Cr.
Alsea River, North Fork
Mouth to angling deadline marker above Alsea Hatchery fishway
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31.
- No angling from a floating device.
- No angling 100 ft above and below Alsea Hatchery fishway.
Alsea River, South Fork
Mouth to bridge at McBee Park
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31.
- No angling from a floating device.
Barney Reservoir
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Bear Creek (Clatsop Co.)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon.
Bear Creek and Tributaries (Lincoln Co.)
- Closed.
Beaver Creek (Columbia Co.)
Mouth to 200 ft below lower falls
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon.
Beaver Creek (Lincoln Co.)
Mouth to county bridge near Ona
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
Beaver Creek (Nestucca Basin, Tillamook Co.)
Mouth to West Beaver Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
East and West Beaver Cr including tributaries
- Closed.
Big Creek (Clatsop Co.)
RR trestle to hatchery deadline
- Open for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon Jan1- Aug 15 and Oct 16 - Dec 31
- Use of bait allowed.
- Closed Aug 16 - Oct 15.
- See Columbia Zone/Select Area regulations for downstream of RR trestle.
Above hatchery
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Big Creek (Lane Co.)
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Apr 1 - Nov 30.
Big Elk Creek
Mouth to Bear Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Aug 1- Dec 31.
- Open for wild steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31. Bag limit is 1 per day/3 per year.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
Bear Cr to Grant Cr Bridge
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Open for wild steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31. Bag limit is 1 per day/3 per year.
Bob Creek and Tributaries
- Closed.
Cape Creek
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Apr 1 - Nov 30.
Cape Meares Lake
- 1 bass per day.
Clatskanie River
Mouth to Swedetown Bridge
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon.
Cook Creek (Tillamook Co.)
Mouth to South Fork
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
Cummins Creek
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
Deadwood Creek
Mouth to West Fork
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
All tributaries
- Closed.
Devils Lake
- Only hatchery trout may be harvested.
- No harvest of grass carp.
Drift Creek (Alsea Basin, Lincoln Co.)
Mouth to lower Wilderness Boundary (RM 10)
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Apr 30 and Aug 1 - Dec31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1- Dec 31.
Lower Wilderness Boundary (RM 10) to 200 ft below Bohannon Falls
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31.
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed.
Drift Creek (SiletzBasin, Lincoln Co.)
Mouth to steel bridge entering Mennonite Camp
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1- Mar 31 and Aug 1 - Dec31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
Steel bridge entering Mennonite Camp to Sampson Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
Ecola Creek
Mouth to confluence of North and West Forks
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Apr 1 - Nov 30.
Fall Creek
Mouth to Carns Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31.
Fishhawk Lake
- Open for trout May 22 - Oct 31.
- 2 trout per day, 8 inch minimum length.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Five Rivers
Mouth to Buck Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Apr 30 and Dec 1-31.
- See Lobster Cr.
- Closed to Chinook salmon angling.
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed.
Gnat Creek
RR bridge to Aldrich Point Rd Bridge
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon.
- See regulations for Blind Slough / Knappa Slough in Columbia Zone.
Aldrich Point Rd Bridge to Falls
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon.
- Use of bait allowed.
Hunt Creek
Above Hunt Cr Falls
- Catch-and-release all year for trout.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Indian Creek
Mouth to West Fork Indian Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
All tributaries
- Closed.
John Day River (Clatsop Co.)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon.
- Use of bait allowed.
Kilchis River
Hwy 101 bridge to Tilden BluffRdBridge (RM 11)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Jul 31.
- Open for fall Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Catch-and-release for chum salmon Sep 16 - Nov 15.
Tilden Bluff Rd Bridge to NorthFork
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Closed all year to salmon angling.1
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed.
Klaskanine River (Mainstem)
Marker at Youngs River confluence to Youngs River LoopBridge
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon.
- Use of bait allowed.
Youngs River Loop Bridge to North Fork
- Open for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Aug 15 and Oct 16 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
Klaskanine River, North Fork
Mouth to hatchery dam
- Open for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Aug 15 and Oct 16 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Closed between hatchery deadline marker and hatchery dam Aug 1 - Nov 30.
Above hatchery dam
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Klaskanine River, South Fork
Mouth to first falls (RM 4.7)
- Open for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Aug 15 and Oct 16 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
Above first falls
- Open all year for trout.
- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Lake Creek
Mouth to Indian Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1 - Dec 31.
- Closed all year to salmon angling.
Indian Cr to Fish Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Sep 1 - Nov 30.
All tributaries not listed
- Closed.
Lake Lytle
- 1 bass per day.
Lewis and Clark River
Alternate Hwy 101 bridge to 200ft below Warrenton Reservoir Dam
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinooksalmon.
- Use of bait allowed.
- No angling within 200 ft of fish ladder on Warrenton ReservoirDam.
Above Saddle Mt State Park access bridge
- Open all year for trout.
- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Lily Lake
- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
Little Nestucca River
Hwy 101 to USFS bridge at Dolph
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Jul 31.
- Open for fall Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Closed from ODFW markers up to Upton Falls.
- Closed from ODFW markers up to Stella Falls.
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed.
Lobster Creek
Mainstem and tributaries above confluence with Little Lobster Cr
- Closed.
Lost Lake (Clatsop Co.)
- All landlocked salmon are considered trout.
Miami River
Above Hwy 101 bridge
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31.
- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon May 22 - Jul31.
- Open for fall Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Catch-and-release for chum salmon Sep 16 - Nov 15.
All tributaries
- Closed.
Necanicum River
Mouth to Hwy 53 bridge at Necanicum Jct including Neawanna Cr tidewater below 12th Ave Bridge
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon May22 - Dec 31.
Tributaries and river sections not listed including Neawanna Cr above 12th Ave Bridge
- Closed.
Nehalem River (Mainstem) and Bay
Up to Foss Rd (CC) Bridge (RM15.1)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for Chinook salmon Jan 1- Sep 15. Wild Chinook salmon may be harvested; 1 per day as part of daily salmon/steelhead bag limit.
- Open for Chinook salmon Sep16 - Dec 31.
Foss Rd (CC) Bridge (RM 15.1) to Hwy 26 bridge at Elsie
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Closed all year to all salmon angling.
Above Hwy 26 bridge at Elsie
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Sep 1 - Nov 30.
- Closed all year to all salmon angling.
Nehalem River, North Fork
Mouth to Hwy 53 bridge
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for Chinook salmon Jan1 - Sep 15. Wild Chinook salmon may be harvested; 1 per day as part of daily salmon/steelhead bag limit.
- Open for Chinook salmon Sep16 - Dec 31.
- Angling from Nehalem Hatchery Platform open only toanglers with Disabled Veteran Angling License or Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit.
Hwy 53 bridge to 4th bridge on Hamlet Rd near MP 6
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
t 1 /o
Neskowin Creek
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Apr 1 - Nov 30.
- Closed to all angling on all tributaries.
Nestucca River and Bay
Up to First Bridge (near Beaver)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Jul 31.
- Open for fall Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
First Bridge (near Beaver) to
Moon Cr
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Jul 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Closed to salmon angling Aug1 - Dec 31.
Moon Cr to Elk Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1- Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed (including Clarence Creek Pond).
Netarts Bay and Tributaries
- Open for other fish as described in Marine Zone.
- Closed to salmon, steelhead, and trout angling.
Plympton Creek
- Catch-and-release all year for trout above second falls (RM1.4),artificial flies and lures only.
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon.
Rock Creek (Clatsop/Columbia Co.)
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Sep 1 - Nov 30.
Rock Creek (Lane Co.)
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Apr 1 - Nov 30.
Rock Creek (Lincoln Co.)
Mouth to Big Rock Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
Salmon River
The following apply to open sections below: *- Open for wild steelhead (1per day and 3 per year)and hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Mar31 and Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
- Gear Restriction: Angling restricted to single point hook metal based lures, fly fishing, or bobber fishing Sep 1 - Dec 31 See Salmon/Steelhead Bobber Fishing Rule pg 18.
- Closed to salmon angling.
Salmonberry River
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Apr 1 - Nov 30.
- Closed to angling on all tributaries.
Sand Lake Estuary
Mouth to Jewell Cr
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed.
Schooner Creek
Mouth to Erickson Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
Scott Creek
- Closed.
Siletz River and Bay
The following apply to open sections below: *- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Open for Chinook salmon Apr 1 - Jul 31 (1 wild Chinook salmon per day and 2 per season).
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Apr 1 - Jul 31 (1 wild Chinook salmon per day and 2 per season).
- Open for Chinook salmon Oct7 - Dec 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Apr 1 - Jul 31 (1 wild Chinook salmon per day and 2 per season).
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Use of bait allowed.
Above the marker 900 ft below Siletz Falls and all tributaries above the falls
- Closed.
Siltcoos Lake
Above Hwy 101 bridge, below RR trestle on Maple Cr Arm, and below Fivemile Rd crossing on the Fiddle Cr Arm
- Open for coho salmon Oct 1 - Dec 31 (Wild Coho Aggregate Bag Limit applies).
- Closed to two rod angling for all species during coho salmon season.
Siuslaw River (Mainstem) and Bay
Up to Lake Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Aug 1 - Dec31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
- Open all year for other fish (see pg 26-27) in tidewater.
Lake Cr to Whittaker Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed for Chinook salmon.
Above Whittaker Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Oct 1 - Nov 30.
- Closed for Chinook salmon.
Siuslaw River, North Fork
Mouth to Meadows Bridge at MP11
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Aug 1 - Dec31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
Above Meadows Bridge at MP 11
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
All tributaries
- Closed.
Skipanon RiverHarbor St. Bridge to Alt. Hwy
101 Bridge
- Open all year for hatchery Chinook salmon and hatchery coho salmon.
Slickrock Creek
- Closed.
Soapstone Creek
Mouth to first bridge on Soapstone mainline Rd
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed.
Sunset Lake
- 1 bass per day.
Sweet Creek
Mouth to head of tidewater
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Aug 1 - Dec31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
- Open for other fish in tidewateras described in Marine Zone.
Head of tidewater to 200 ft belowfalls near MP 10
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Oct 1 - Nov 30.
Tahkenitch Lake
Above Hwy 101 bridge, below first road crossing on Mallard Arm, and below the 059 bridge on the Fivemile Arm
- Open for coho salmon Oct 1 - Dec 31 (Wild Coho Aggregate Bag Limit applies).
- Closed to two rod angling for all species during coho salmon season.
Tenmile Creek
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
- Closed Apr 1 - Nov 30.
Three Rivers
The following apply to open sections below: *- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Jul 15.
- Use of bait allowed.
- No angling from a floating device
- Anti-Snagging Gear Restriction: Leader length must be between 18and 36 inches and only one singlepoint hook 3/8 inch gap or less May1 - Jul15 (See Anti-SnaggingGear Restriction Rules pg 18).
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Jul 15 and Oct 1 - Dec 31.
- Open for fall Chinook Salmon Oct 1 - Dec 31.
- Youth angling (ages 17 and under)only Jun 1 - Jul 15 from CedarCr Hatchery deadline to marker below Gauldy Mt Rd Bridge.
- Closed Jul 16 - Sep 30.
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for fall Chinook Salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
All tributaries
- Closed.
Tillamook Bay
All tidewater upstream to Hwy 101 bridges on Kilchis, Miami, Wilson and Trask Rivers, and Burton Bridge on Tillamook River
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon inside the jettytips Jan 1 - Jul 31.
- Open for fall Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
All tributaries not listed
- Closed.
Tillamook River
Above Burton Bridge
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1- Mar 31 and May 22 - Dec 31.
- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon May 22 - Jul 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31.
All tributaries not listed
- Closed.
Town Lake
- 1 bass per day.
Trask River (Mainstem)
Hwy 101 bridge to confluence of North and South Forks
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Jul 31.
- Open for fall Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Gear Restriction: Angling restricted to fly fishing or bobber fishing from marker at Loren's Drift (RM 9) up to Cedar Cr Boat slide (RM 10.9) May 1 - Jul 31. (See Salmon/Steelhead Bobber Fishing Rule).
- Closed from marker at Dam Hole (MP 7 on Trask River Rd) up to Blue Ridge Cr Sep 1- Nov 30.
- Closed 200 ft above and 900ft below Gold Cr at Trask Hatchery Jul 16 - Oct 15.
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed.
Trask River, East Fork
All tributaries
- ClosedTrask River, North ForkMouth to Bark Shanty Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
All tributaries
- Closed.
Trask River, South Fork
Mouth to Edwards Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
All tributaries
- Closed.
Vernonia Pond
- 1 bass per day.
- 10 crappie per day.
Whittaker Creek and Tributaries
- Closed.
Wilson River (Mainstem)
Hwy 101 bridge to South Fork
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead.
- Open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon Jan 1 - Jul 31.
- Open for fall Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Closed to salmon angling above Jordan Cr (RM 21.9) Aug1- Dec31.
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed.
Wilson River, LittleNorth Fork
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
Wilson River, South ForkMouth to marked deadline
near MP 1
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
Tributaries and river sections not listed
- Closed.
Yachats River
Mouth to North Fork Yachats River
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug1 - Dec 31, 1 per day and 5per year.
Yaquina River and Bay
Visible ends of jetty tips to Simpson Cr
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Aug 1 - Dec31.
- Open for Chinook salmon Apr1 - Dec 31.
- Open for other fish as described in Marine Zone.
Simpson Cr to first bridge on Eddyville-Nashville Rd
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan1 - Mar 31 and Dec 1-31.
Youngs Bay and River
Hwy 101 bridge to marker at confluence of Youngs Bay and Klaskanine River (including Walluski River tidewater) and Youngs River mainstem (See map in Columbia Zone)
- Open all year for hatchery steelhead and hatchery Chinook salmon.
- Use of bait allowed.
Above Youngs River falls
- Catch-and-release all year for trout, artificial flies and lures only.
Regulations for
46°09′37.8″N 123°43′22.1″W
FAQ about John Day River fishing
the John Day River is a stream located in Clatsop County, Oregon, United States. Its coordinates are:
46°09′37.8″N 123°43′22.1″W
.Find the best fishing spots on the John Day River by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
The most common species in the John Day River are:
- Smallmouth bass - 9 members reported to have caught this fish
- Chinook salmon - 1 members reported to have caught this fish
- Largemouth bass - 2 members reported to have caught this fish
The latest John Day River fishing reports are:
- @annalizzard reported a nice Mottled sculpin.
- @Adam_fishing02 reported a nice Steelhead.
- @TrentonGK reported a nice Smallmouth bass.
- @renneajordan reported a nice Largemouth bass.
- @renneajordan reported a nice Smallmouth bass.
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