Oxbow Reservoir - Oxbow, OR
Lake Information
| Fish Species: | Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie |
Oxbow Reservoir, nestled in Hells Canyon on the Snake River near Oxbow, Oregon, is a deep, clear impoundment known for its excellent multi-species fishing. It offers a diverse range of opportunities for rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and white sturgeon.
Fishing conditions are generally excellent, accommodating both coldwater and warmwater species depending on the season. Anglers successfully target trout by trolling or using bait. Smallmouth bass respond well to various lures around rocky structures, while catfish prefer bottom-fished baits. Crappie can be found near submerged timber, and sturgeon offer a challenging catch-and-release experience.
Access to Oxbow Reservoir is good via Highway 86, with public boat ramps and campgrounds available. Boat fishing is highly recommended for exploring its vast waters. Conservation efforts prioritize maintaining healthy fish populations. Anglers must strictly adhere to all Oregon/Idaho regulations, including bag limits and catch-and-release rules for sturgeon, ensuring the long-term health of this productive fishery within the iconic Hells Canyon.
Fishing conditions are generally excellent, accommodating both coldwater and warmwater species depending on the season. Anglers successfully target trout by trolling or using bait. Smallmouth bass respond well to various lures around rocky structures, while catfish prefer bottom-fished baits. Crappie can be found near submerged timber, and sturgeon offer a challenging catch-and-release experience.
Access to Oxbow Reservoir is good via Highway 86, with public boat ramps and campgrounds available. Boat fishing is highly recommended for exploring its vast waters. Conservation efforts prioritize maintaining healthy fish populations. Anglers must strictly adhere to all Oregon/Idaho regulations, including bag limits and catch-and-release rules for sturgeon, ensuring the long-term health of this productive fishery within the iconic Hells Canyon.
Latest Fish Reports
| Date | Report | Author |
| 4-10-2025 | Trout fishing can be good in Oxbow Reservoir earlier in the spring Trout fishing can be good in Oxbow Reservoir... more » |
OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff |
| 1-8-2025 | Trout fishing can be good in these reservoirs during the winter Trout fishing can be good in these reservoirs... more » |
OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff |
| 2-21-2024 | Throughout the cooler months, anglers can still catch bass in both reservoirs Throughout the cooler months, anglers can still catch... more » |
OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff |
| 8-23-2023 | Fishing for bass and catfish has been good recently Fishing for bass and catfish has been good... more » |
OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff |
| 6-1-2022 | Angling for trout may be good especially when water temperatures are in the low 50s Anglers have been successful catching bass in Oxbow... more » |
OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff |
Detailed Map
