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Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Striped bass in Oregon are not native but were introduced to the West Coast in 1878 when 132 fry were released in San Francisco Bay. Their migratory nature brought them to Oregon's Coos River system by the late 1800s.

Today, Oregon's striped bass populations are primarily found in the Coquille and Umpqua/Smith rivers on the south coast, with some presence in Coos Bay.

Also known as stripers

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish are characterized by dark olive backs, silver sides, and white undersides, with 6-9 distinctive black horizontal stripes running from behind their heads to their tails.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Oregon stripers spend most of their time in fresh water but make occasional and unpredictable trips to the sea.

Key Locations

  • Prime locations include the Smith River (particularly the area known as 'the guardrail'), Umpqua River, and Coquille River systems.
  • Oregon's striped bass populations are primarily found in the Coquille and Umpqua/Smith rivers on the south coast, with some presence in Coos Bay.

Specific Spots

  • Focus fishing efforts around confluences, deeper pools in river systems, and areas with current breaks that concentrate baitfish.

Striped Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Striped Bass in Oregon?

In spring and fall, use bait such as dead minnows or night crawlers. During summer, use flashy baits. Effective baits include fresh shad (excellent during spring runs), herring, anchovies, bloodworms, and pileworms.

When is the best time to fish for Striped Bass in Oregon?

The peak season runs from late March through late June, coinciding with shad runs that provide abundant forage. In spring and fall, fish are closer to the surface and more active.

How do you catch Striped Bass in Oregon?

Fish shad by day during spring runs and use them as bait at night for stripers. Focus fishing efforts around confluences, deeper pools in river systems, and areas with current breaks that concentrate baitfish.

What do Striped Bass eat?

They are opportunistic predators with an eclectic diet that changes seasonally and with fish size. Young stripers feed primarily on zooplankton and small invertebrates like amphipods, isopods, mysid shrimp, and marine worms.

Where do Striped Bass live in Oregon?

Oregon stripers spend most of their time in fresh water but make occasional and unpredictable trips to the sea.

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