Walleye

While Drain, Oregon isn't the first place that comes to mind for walleye, the nearby Umpqua River system and connected reservoirs hold some surprisingly good fishing opportunities. Focus your efforts on the warmer months, from late spring through early fall, when the walleye are most active. Look for them in deeper pools and near submerged structure, especially where the river widens into reservoir-like sections. Try trolling crankbaits or jigs tipped with nightcrawlers along the bottom. A local tip: the stretch of the Umpqua near Elkton, about a 30-minute drive from Drain, offers decent boat access. Be aware that river levels can fluctuate, so check conditions before heading out. Also, the walleye here tend to be smaller, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers – making for a fun day on the water. Remember to check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for specific size and bag limits for the Umpqua River basin.