The diverse Streams, Rivers and Lakes of the Willamette National Forest support dozens of species of fish, many of which are classified as game fish by the states of Oregon and Washington. Northwest game fish include predominately native coldwater fish species, such as Pacific Salmon, Trout and Char, as well as warmwater fish, largely introduced from Midwest and Eastern states.

Pacific Northwest Fish

Pacific Salmon (genus Onchoryhncus) include Chinook, Coho, Sockeye (Kokanee), Pink and Chum Salmon. Native Trout stocks are also classified with the Pacific Salmon, and include Rainbow, Redband, Westslope Cutthroat, Coastal Cutthroat, and Lahontan Cutthroat.

Native Char include Dolly Varden and Bull Trout. (Many stocks are federally or state listed as Threatened or Endangered Species, so be sure to check State Regulations before planning a fishing trip!). Stocked trout include these species plus several other imported species like Eastern Brook, Brown and Lake Trout.

Other common native game-fish on the National Forests include Northern Whitefish, White Sturgeon, and Northern Pike-minnow (squawfish). Common warmwater species include Walleye, Large- and Small-mouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, Bluegill and Channel Catfish.

Shad were introduced to the Region in the 1800's, and now return in the millions to the Columbia River. Some less common fish, such as Tiger Muskellunge and Striped Bass, are available on a few sites on or near several National Forests.

See Streams and Rivers and Lakes for information on fish found on the Willamette National Forest, and where to find them.