There are three main parts to the Deschutes River, the lower, middle and upper Deschutes River. And each section offers something spectacular for all trout fishermen. However, it's the lower Deschutes River that I want to highlight as on of the best trout fishing spots in Oregon. 

The Lower Deschutes is likely Oregon’s most well known and most sought after spot to fly fish for both native trout as well as steelhead. It’s estimate that trout populations in this stretch of the river are over 3500 trout per mile in the first 50 mile stretch below Pelton Dam. 

And if that’s not enough to satisfy your trout fishing desires, the Deschutes is host to an excellent annual return of summer steelhead. It’s no wonder that some sources claim that the Deschutes River “...is not only one of Oregon’s finest rivers but also one of the greatest rivers in the West.”

2. Diamond Lake

Known for its incredible kokanee fishery, Odell lake is also a fantastic destination for both rainbow trout and lake trout.  Even though many trout anglers will travel to Odell to fish for large lake trout, very few fishermen aren't aware of the huge rainbows that are directly underneath them. 

The rainbow trout fishing at Odell Lake starts getting good around the first of July and remains good well into the fall.

Odell is notoriously windy, but it typically starts calm in the morning and sometimes settles again late in the day. The West Bay area is most protected and often can be fished successfully all day.

Odell Lake, which is over 6 miles long, sits off Highway 58 just east of Willamette Pass, roughly midway between Eugene and either Bend or Klamath Falls and slightly over a 3-hour drive from the Portland area. Odell lake is open for fishing from late April through October.

4. Fall River

The Fall River, located in Central Oregon, is a 10 mile tributary to the Deschutes River (#1 on this list). It’s a spring fed creek and provides epic trout fishing opportunities for fly fishermen all year long. 

During the spring, summer, and fall seasons there are reliable hatches of mayflies and caddis. However, many anglers choose to brave the snowy banks of the Fall River during the winter months in pursuit of rainbow trout with dry fly action. With 300 days of sun per year, even winter time is a good time to fish here. The peaceful serenity of Fall River is difficult to put into words. It’s a location where its beauty is an experience and not just something to see.

The Fall River is mostly open to the public and there are numerous locations to access it from the bank. According to Flyfishersplace.com, who offers guided fly fishing trips on the Fall River, 

“From the Headwaters, down through the campground, horseshoe bend and the fish hatchery is all very accessible water with only one small piece of private property. From the Hatchery to the Bridge on road 4360 there is another section of private water with just a little public access above the bridge. From the Bridge down to the Falls is all good water. All of the water from the Headwaters to the Falls is open for year round fishing. Below the Falls is mostly public except the last little piece where it flows into the Deschutes. The area below the Falls down to the Deschutes is open in late-May and closes at the end of September.”

You should know, however, that there are specific regulations for the Fall River. I recommend checking out the ODFW website to catch up on the most recent Fall River fishing regulations. 

5. Wallowa Lake

If you’ve never been to the northeast corner of the state, then you are truly missing out on one of the most beautiful areas that the Oregon has to offer. And it’s not just beauty that is offered here. It also happens to have one of the best trout fishing lakes in Oregon.

At 300 feet deep, Wallowa Lake is home of some of the largest Lake Trout you’ll ever catch. If rainbow trout are what you’re after, then the shallower waters of the lake also happen to hold numerous amounts of rainbow trout, just waiting for a spinner or fly to pass by. 

Some rainbow trout in Wallowa Lake are as large as 5 to 10 pounds, thanks to the efforts of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s fish hatchery and frequent fish stocking schedule. Over 40,000 rainbows are stocked in this lake each summer!

Some of the best places on Wallowa Lake to catch rainbow trout are around the marina and the inlet to the lake.

6. Upper Klammath Lake

Located near the California border and adjacent to the city of Klammath Falls, Klammath Lake is one of Oregon’s largest natural lakes which also happens to be home of some of the worlds largest native rainbow trout. 

Klammath Lake is a very shallow body of water which produces an ample amount of food for its resident rainbow trout. As a matter of fact, the food sources for these fish are so prolific these trout will often times grow larger than their sea run counterparts, steelhead. 

The best way to approach trout fishing in Klammath Lake is to either troll or cast large lures. The other tip I can give is to not be afraid to move around. Trout are continuously on the move in search of baitfish and other aquatic life. 

During the summer months, the lake can become choked with algae. If this is the case during your visit, try heading closer to the inlets of streams as trout will congregate here as oxygen is plentiful compared to the main part of the lake.

7. McKenzie River