Find the trout stocking schedules for upcoming free fishing weekends below. I will update them closer to the free fishing dates because stocking schedules often change.
Here are Oregon’s free fishing weekends in 2026:
- February 14 and 15: President’s Day Weekend
- June 6 and 7: Traditional Free Fishing Weekend
- November 27 and 28: Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving
Oregon has had a Free Fishing Weekend for years. These days, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife offers half a dozen free fishing days over three weekends on its annual calendar.
We’ve told you the days already but stick around for some great suggestions on where to go and cast your lines for your best chances of success.
But first, free fishing means that anglers don’t need a license, tag, or endorsement to go fishing, crabbing or clamming anywhere in Oregon on those designated days.
However, you must still follow all the other rules, such as catch limits, local or seasonal closures, etc. So, our best advice is to study statewide, zone, and specific water regulations before heading out.
The long-standing traditional Free Fishing Weekend is held the first Saturday and Sunday in June.
These days, ODFW typically designates additional free fishing days at other times of the year. Best bets in recent years have been near President’s Day (also near Valentine’s Day, which is also Oregon’s birthday) in February and just after Thanksgiving in November.
The Oregon State Legislature authorized the additional free fishing opportunities to help introduce more anglers to the sport.
Now, let’s look at some of your best options for catching fish and shellfish during free fishing days in Oregon.
February Free Fishing
In February, steelhead fishing is going strong with winter runs on the Oregon Coast and in several rivers near Portland.
Trout fishing is just getting started, but expect many lakes and ponds in the Willamette Valley to be stocked with trout.
At times, the annual herring run into Yaquina Bay at Newport might be going at this time. It’s a blast but timing is key. Check local reports for that because they come on their own schedule and leave the same.
Ice fishing might be a safe option if the weather has been cold enough in the Cascade Range and Eastern Oregon.
Also see: Oregon’s Best Fishing in February.
Trout Stocking for February Free Fishing (2026)
The following lakes and ponds will be stocked with trout during the week before Oregon’s first Free Fishing Days (Saturday, February 14, and Sunday, February 15).
The locations that are links will take you to detailed articles about fishing in those spots.
It’s also worth noting that quite a few waters, especially in the western parts of Oregon, also will be stocked in the two weeks before the following plans. Check the link below the stocking schedule to get ODFW’s full plans (always subject to changes).
| Location | Total |
|---|---|
| NORTHWEST OREGON | |
| Olalla Creek Reservoir | 2,700* |
| Alder Lake | 500 |
| Munsel Lake | 500 |
| Big Creek Reservoir 1 | 1,000 |
| Big Creek Reservoir 2 | 2,200* |
| Dune Lake | 300 |
| Cleawox Lake | 1,000 |
| SOUTHWEST OREGON | |
| Reinhart Park Pond | 300 |
| Selmac Lake | 5,000 |
| WILLAMETTE VALLEY | |
| St. Louis Pond | 1,000** |
| Mt. Hood Pond (MHCC Campus in Gresham) | 666 |
| Henry Hagg Lake | 1,000** |
| West Salish Pond | 500** |
| Row River Nature Park (Cottage Grove) | 1,000 |
| Silver Creek Reservoir (Silverton Reservoir) | 500** |
June Free Fishing
This is prime time for many types of fishing in Oregon.
ODFW often stocks a boatload of hatchery-raised trout in waters across Oregon during the spring, including ahead of June’s free fishing weekend.
They also plan a substantial number of events at family-friendly fishing sites to help inexperienced anglers learn to fish, although those events can be canceled as needed.
In June, trout fishing is excellent across Oregon for both stocked and wild fish.
Bass fishing is also a strong draw during these months, and fishing for panfish such as crappie, bluegill and yellow perch is also quite good.
Summer steelhead, shad, sturgeon, spring Chinook salmon and shellfish are also worth looking into in mid-to-late spring. Kokanee fishing is excellent in several deep lakes and reservoirs.
Low tides at the coast could offer good razor clamming, especially on the northern Oregon Coast.
Check with Oregon State Parks to see whether they’re having a free camping event at the same time, as they have some years.
Also see: Oregon’s Best Fishing in June.
November Free Fishing
Many trout lakes and ponds come back alive in the fall, especially those re-stocked with hatchery trout in the Willamette Valley.
Some likely spots to get stocked around then include Walter Wirth Lake (Salem), Waverly and Timber-Linn Lakes (Albany), Junction City Pond, and Alton Baker Canal in Eugene. Check the stocking schedule and the link to the Weekly Recreation Report at the bottom of this page for current conditions.
Additionally, several reservoirs around the state are nicely stocked a little earlier in the fall and would still be very good options by Black Friday.
A few reservoirs we’d suggest for good fall trout fishing include Lost Creek Lake in Southern Oregon, Cottage Grove Reservoir and Dorena Reservoir in the southern Willamette Valley, Foster Reservoir in the Central Willamette Valley and Henry Hagg Lake near Forest Grove, west of Portland. (Editor’s note: Foster Lake has been very muddy lately due to the extreme drawdown of Green Peter Reservoir upriver.)
Fall salmon fishing is winding down by late November, but there’s still time to catch some of Oregon’s top game fish and perhaps an early winter steelhead.
Catch and release sturgeon fishing can be excellent on the Willamette River.
Late November also can be an excellent time to go to one of Oregon’s best crabbing bays.
Also see: Oregon’s Best Fishing in November.
Find Your Fishing Spot
To help you choose your fishing spots on free fishing days and all year long, check out our Oregon home page for links to the best fishing in every Oregon county for opportunities near you. Another good resource is our month-by-month Oregon Fishing Calendar.
Either of those sources will take you to additional pages chock full of fishing information tailored to your interests, location, and time of year.
Consult ODFW’s website for updates related to free fishing, often in the form of news releases and through the weekly recreation report. You can find up-to-date regulations online as well.
Oregon Resources
ODFW Weekly Fishing Report
ODFW Trout Stocking Schedule
Oregon Fishing Regulations
National Weather Service