Where To Go

Note: For more information on these popular fishing sites, and to find other sites like them, go to the Regional Map and click on the National Forests in your area.

The 20 National Forest Units of the Pacific Northwest Region offer diverse opportunities for boaters, backpackers, and "bank-walkers" to fish and/or explore our beautiful streams and lakes. Most Forests have Easily Accessible fishing sites, like Lost Lake on Mt. Hood National Forest, and Kid's fishing sites encouraging the youngest anglers, like Shevlin Pond on the Deschutes National Forest. Many forests also have identified great sites for learning about streams and viewing fish, like Cascade Streamwatch, Mt. Hood National Forest (see Fishwatch Sites).

The Pacific Northwest also offers Saltwater fishing in the Siuslaw and Olympic National Forests. Read about Winchester Bay/Pacific Ocean, and the fishing opportunities there on the Siuslaw National Forest's "Lakes" page. Visit these National Forest web sites to learn more about the saltwater fishing available in these areas!

Generally, best opportunities for angling for salmon and steelhead are on coastal streams and bays, and the lower Columbia River and tributaries. Angling for warm-water species is well-distributed Region-wide, from the coastal lakes of the Siuslaw National Forest to the lakes of the upper Pend O'reille on the Colville National Forest. Sturgeon and Shad fishing are popular and productive in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Fishing for native trout is usually best in more remote areas of the National Forests, while trout are widely stocked in lakes and reservoirs at higher elevations to support popular fisheries.

Whether fishing or exploring on the National Forest's lakes, rivers and streams, care should be taken to preserve the aquatic environment for the future.

Kid's Sites

Shevlin Pond on the Deschutes National Forest is a perfect place for kids to go fishing because it is restricted to anglers 17 years and younger to limit the competition (So, dads, be careful just to help!!). This is a place kept just for kids! And to increase the chances that these young fishermen will get lucky in only a few casts, Shevlin Pond is stocked every other week through the summer with catchable sized rainbow trout! Go grab your gear, and run down to Shevlin Park!

Fishwatch Sites

Cascade Streamwatch is a national award winning program. Aquatic resources education for middle and high school students and adults is the focus of this exemplary program. Approximately 3000 Portland, Oregon students visit the site through cooperatively sponsored field trips. A new feature is an aquatic learning center which includes an underwater window that allows viewers a very special opportunity to watch fish and other aquatic resources in their natural state. Up to 100,000 visitors are projected for this Aquatic Education site.

Easily Accessible Sites

A fully accessible trail winds through old-growth Douglas fir forests, offering views of beautiful Lost Lake on the Mt. Hood National Forest. Lost Lake is a stunning, mid-elevation lake noted for crystal blue water, towering old growth forests and dramatic views of Mt. Hood. A private resort and Forest Service campground provide amenities. The lake deepens fairly quickly to a maximum depth of 175', and the best fishing is found near the shore. A lovely, 2 1/2 mile trail circles the lake.