The Umpqua River is one of the premier fishing destinations in the Pacific Northwest. There are several boat launches and entrance points along the 33 mile stretch of accessible river. While exploring the Oregon Coast you can find boat access in downtown Reedsport at the Rainbow Plaza Boat Launch complete with a boat wash and a fish cleaning station. The Umpqua river is known for its strong salmon runs, the river attracts anglers from all over the country looking to land Chinook (King) Salmon and Coho (Silver) Salmon. This guide will cover everything you need to know for a successful salmon fishing trip, including the best seasons, fishing techniques, key locations, regulations, and gear recommendations.
1. Overview of Salmon Species in the Umpqua River
The Umpqua River is home to two primary species of salmon:
Spring Chinook Salmon (King Salmon)
Run: March to June
Size: 10-40 pounds
Best Fishing: April to early June
Preferred Areas: Lower and Main Umpqua, particularly near Scottsburg and Winchester Bay
Fall Chinook Salmon (King Salmon)
Run: August to November
Size: 10-50 pounds
Best Fishing: September to October
Preferred Areas: Estuary near Reedsport, tidewater areas, and tributaries
Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon)
Run: September to November
Size: 5-15 pounds
Best Fishing: Mid-September to early November
Preferred Areas: Lower Umpqua and coastal tributaries
2. Best Fishing Locations on the Umpqua River
The Umpqua River is divided into three main sections: the North Umpqua, South Umpqua, and Main Umpqua River. Here are some of the top spots for salmon fishing: Lower Umpqua River (Winchester Bay & Reedsport)
Best area for fall Chinook and Coho salmon, especially in late summer and early fall.
Trolling near the bay and estuary is highly effective.
Popular techniques: trolling with herring, spinners, or wobblers.
Scottsburg & Elkton Area
This stretch is excellent for spring Chinook from April to June.
Back-bouncing roe or plug-cut herring works well here.
Main Umpqua River (Between Elkton and Roseburg)
Great for fall Chinook in September and October.
Plunking or back-trolling with plugs and bait can be effective.
North Umpqua River (Near Winchester Dam)
Primarily known for steelhead, but some salmon fishing opportunities exist in late fall.
Fly fishing and drift fishing are common.
3. Best Times & Seasons for Salmon Fishing
Salmon Type Peak Season Best Fishing Areas
Spring Chinook April - June Lower & Main Umpqua, Scottsburg
Fall Chinook August - October Winchester Bay, Reedsport, Elkton
Coho Salmon September - November Lower Umpqua, coastal tributaries
4. Fishing Techniques for Salmon in the Umpqua River
Trolling (Best for estuary and tidewater areas)
Use plug-cut herring, anchovies, or spinners behind a flasher.
Target deeper channels and ledges in Winchester Bay and Reedsport.
Back-Bouncing (Effective for deeper runs and pools)
Drop a lead weight with cured salmon roe to the bottom, then bounce it slowly along the riverbed.
Best for spring Chinook in the Scottsburg area.
Plunking (Great for high water conditions)
Cast a Spin-N-Glo, wobblers, or baited hooks into slow-moving water near shore.
Works well from bank fishing spots along the Main Umpqua.
Drift Fishing (Popular for North Umpqua & Mainstem)
Use a sliding weight with eggs, sand shrimp, or beads.
Works well in deep runs and holes, particularly in the Elkton and Roseburg areas.
5. Recommended Gear for Salmon Fishing
Rods: 8’6” to 10’6” medium-heavy rods for trolling and back-bouncing.
Reels: Baitcasting or level-wind reels with at least a 40-50 lb braided mainline.
Lures & Bait:
Trolling: Plug-cut herring, anchovies, flashers, spinners.
Drift fishing: Salmon eggs, sand shrimp, beads.
Plunking: Spin-N-Glo, Kwikfish, wobblers.
Terminal Tackle:
40-60 lb leader for trolling.
20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader for drift fishing.
6. Fishing Regulations & Licensing
Oregon Fishing License Requirements
All anglers over 12 must have an Oregon fishing license.
A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for salmon fishing.
Daily bag limits and season restrictions vary.
Regulations to Follow
Spring & Fall Chinook: Generally, 2 per day limit, with seasonal variations.
Coho Salmon: May be hatchery fish only (marked by a clipped adipose fin).
Barbless hooks may be required in certain sections of the river.
Check current Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) regulations before fishing.
7. Tips for a Successful Umpqua River Salmon Trip
Check river levels: High water can make fishing challenging, while lower flows can concentrate fish.
Fish the tides: In the estuary, incoming tides often push fresh salmon upstream.
Use scent attractants: Salmon have a strong sense of smell—try adding garlic, anise, or krill scents to your bait.
Be patient: Salmon fishing requires persistence, especially when waiting for fresh runs.
Talk to local bait shops: Winchester Bay, Reedsport, and Elkton have shops that offer real-time fishing reports.
8. Local Resources & Guide Services
If you're new to the area or want to maximize your chances of catching salmon, consider hiring a local guide. Some recommended options include:
PACIFIC CHARTERS (Winchester Bay) – Specializes in trolling for salmon.
UMPQUA ANGLERS – Offers guided drift boat fishing trips.
STEEL BLUE CHARTERS – Specializes in estuary salmon fishing.
For updated regulations, fishing reports, and license information, visit the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) website: https://myodfw.com.
