Lake Umatilla

Boat Ramps: 15
Access Points: 17
Species: 21

Lake Umatilla, also known as the John Day Reservoir, is a 48,000-acre impoundment stretching 110 miles along the Washington-Oregon border between John Day Dam and McNary Dam. With over 220 miles of shoreline and an elevation of 268 feet above sea level, this expansive body of water offers excellent fishing opportunities for a wide variety of fish species. The deeper river channels, ledges, and humps throughout the lake create prime habitat for many game fish, making it a popular destination for anglers from both Washington and Oregon.

Washington licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Lake Umatilla and what's needed to catch them.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lake Umatilla. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Columbia River Heritage Trail

Access Point

Sailboard Beach Day Use Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Lake Umatilla

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Washington licenses and regulations

Washington Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Washington Fishing License

Residents and non-residents alike must have a license to fish or shellfish in Washington waters. Everyone age 15 and older needs a fishing license. You do not need a license if you are fishing for common carp, crawfish, bullfrogs, or collecting relic shells.

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Washington Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. This river is prone to emergency regulations. Stay up to date on specific river regulation changes. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Washington Stream Access Laws

In Washington, the public has a right to use streams that are capable of floating a “bolt of shingles” during high flows. While a bolt of shingles is not large, this test does eliminate some smaller streams capable of being floated in a kayak. Washington does not recognize a right to portage across private land.

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Take Lake Umatilla with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Lake Umatilla to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Umatilla to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.