Umpqua River Smallmouth Bass Fishing | SOA Charters

Reel in the Action: Smallmouth Bass on the Umpqua

Get ready for a half-day of non-stop smallmouth action on Oregon's legendary Umpqua River. This trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking to tangle with hard-fighting bass in one of the most beautiful settings the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Our experienced guides know every bend and eddy of this fishery, ensuring you'll be on the fish from the moment we launch.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll be cruising the Umpqua in our slick 17-foot Power Drifter, a boat that's built for these waters. With its 60/40 jet drive, we can slip into shallow riffles and glide over rocky sections that other boats can't touch. This means access to honey holes where the smallies are stacked up and ready to crush your lure. The comfortable seating and smooth ride let you focus on fishing, not on nursing a sore back.

Summer on the Umpqua is something special. With water temps hovering around a balmy 78°F, you're in for a treat. Between casts, cool off with a quick dip or just dangle your feet over the side. It's not just about the fishing – it's about soaking in the whole river experience. And speaking of soaking, don't forget your sunscreen and a hat. The Oregon sun can be sneaky!

Tackling the Smallmouth

We've got all the gear you'll need to get after these feisty bass. Our go-to setup is typically a medium-light spinning rod paired with 6-8 lb test line. For lures, we'll have a mix of soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater lures. The Umpqua's smallmouth aren't picky, but they do have their moods. Some days they want it slow and subtle, other days they're blowing up on anything that moves.

One of the best techniques we use is what we call the "drift and drag." We'll let the boat drift naturally with the current, dragging our lures along the bottom or working them through likely holding spots. It's a relaxed way to fish that lets you really take in the scenery while still keeping your bait in the strike zone.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

The Umpqua isn't just a river – it's a slice of Oregon paradise. As we float, you'll be surrounded by towering Douglas firs, rocky cliffs, and the occasional bald eagle soaring overhead. It's the kind of place that makes you forget about your phone and remember why you love being outdoors.

But let's be real – the fishing is what brings most folks back year after year. The Umpqua's smallmouth population is healthy and growing. It's not uncommon for our clients to land 20-30 fish in a half-day trip, with many in the 2-3 pound range. And there's always the chance of hooking into a real bruiser pushing 5 pounds or more.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Smallmouth Bass: These bronze-backed brawlers are the stars of the show on the Umpqua. Pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter in freshwater. Smallies on the Umpqua typically range from 1-3 pounds, but fish over 4 pounds are caught regularly.

What makes Umpqua smallmouth so special is their aggressive nature and the variety of ways you can catch them. In the morning and evening, it's hard to beat the excitement of a topwater bite. Watching a bass explode on your lure in a shower of spray is the kind of thrill that keeps anglers coming back for more.

During the heat of the day, these fish often retreat to deeper pools or hide in the shade of overhanging trees. This is when finesse techniques shine. Slowly working a soft plastic along the bottom can produce some of the biggest fish of the day.

The best time to target Umpqua smallmouth is from late spring through early fall. As the water warms up, these fish become more active and their metabolism kicks into high gear. This means more aggressive feeding and more opportunities for anglers to hook up.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're a seasoned bass angler or you've never picked up a rod before, our Umpqua River smallmouth trip is guaranteed to be a blast. You'll get hands-on instruction from our expert guides, access to prime fishing spots, and memories that'll last a lifetime.

Don't miss out on your chance to experience world-class smallmouth fishing in one of Oregon's most stunning settings. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak summer months. Give us a call or book online today to secure your date. We can't wait to show you why the Umpqua River is a smallmouth bass angler's paradise!