Smallmouth Bass

While not as renowned as some other Oregon locations, the area around Mount Angel offers some decent smallmouth bass fishing, primarily in the Pudding River. This river system, though smaller, holds a surprising number of smallmouth, especially in the warmer months. Focus your efforts on areas with rocky bottoms, submerged wood, and current breaks. Summer is the peak season when the water warms up and the bass become more active. Topwater lures, crankbaits, and jigs are all effective. You can access the Pudding River from various bridge crossings and county roads. Be mindful of private property and only fish where you have legal access. The smallmouth in the Pudding River tend to be on the smaller side, averaging 1-2 pounds, but they are aggressive fighters and can provide plenty of action on light tackle. Local tip: Look for areas where smaller creeks feed into the Pudding River, as these areas often hold concentrations of bass.