Oregon offers opportunities to target salmon, which migrate between freshwater rivers and coastal waters depending on the season.
According to catch data from over 20 million anglers on Fishbrain, these are the best baits used to catch Salmon.

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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 Chinook salmon as of April 2nd, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.
Seasons
Bag limit
Min size
Measurement
Aggregate
Oregon Central Zone Closed for Salmon and Steelhead in all waters unless noted by species under Exceptions.
In the aggregate: 2 adult salmon or steelhead per day, 20 per year. 5 jack salmon per day, 2 daily jack limits in possession with the exception that one additional hatchery steelhead may be retained per day for a total aggregate of 3 adult fish harvested daily. Wild salmon bag limits are determined on an annual basis. See myodfw.com for more information.
Closed for coho salmon, except as listed under the Deschutes River and hatchery coho salmon as listed under Eagle Creek, Herman Creek and Hood River.
Only hatchery steelhead may be taken.
See Exceptions in Central Zone under Deschutes or Hood River basins to determine where harvest of Chinook and coho salmon is allowed. Harvest of wild steelhead is not permitted in the Central Zone.
There is no annual limit on hatchery salmon or hatchery steelhead so long as the appropriate number of Hatchery Harvest Tags have been purchased to record the catch.
Angling restricted to artificial flies and lures in streams. See Exceptions where use of bait is allowed.
Note: Changes to salmon regulations for the Columbia River system are available online at myodfw.com. Check regulations before you fish.
For more information please see Oregon General Statewide Regulations
Chinook, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

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