Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Umpqua National Forest provides an endless number of fishing opportunities for the experienced and beginning angler.
Lake and Pond Fishing
- Fishing on national forests and grasslands is sometimes more than a sport. For some, the rewards of lakes, rivers and streams feed families at home or at the campsite.
- State laws apply to fishing laws and regulations on all national forests and grasslands. Some states prohibit putting fish remains into the waters, lakes, streams or rivers after you have cleaned and gutted your catch. Some states set limits on the number of fish you can catch and when. Other rules are imposed by the national forest and grassland, such as not fishing during derbies or in areas posted as closed. Know the rules before you angle to your favorite fishing spot.
- Thin strings of nylon or other materials can help bring home a king salmon, the most prized fish in Alaska, or a speckled trout from the cool Gold Medal Colorado rivers that flow through national forests.
- Many of our larger lakes and reservoirs on national grasslands and forests allows motorized boats to operate in their waters, with different restrictions applied depending on the horsepower of each vessel. Please check with the corresponding state’s office for specific information.
River and Stream Fishing
- If using a boat to fish, wear a life jacket and make sure each passenger wears one, too.
- Inspect waterfronts daily—the natural environment is subject to change without notice.
- Don’t fish in areas where it is not permitted. These areas have been declared “off limits” to protect wildlife, vegetation, or for your safety.
- When choosing a site for fishing, always consider safety factors. Because fishing is practiced in a variety of environments, evaluate factors specific to safety in each environment.
- Bring along extra safety items such as water, flashlights, maps, and a cell phone or radio.
- Always wear foot gear appropriate to the conditions.
- Stay dry, warm and protected from the elements. Wear a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Wear thin layers of clothing that progress outward to include water and wind protection as the final layer.
- Use appropriate insect protection measures, including proper clothing and repellents.
- Keep fishing knives sharp and cover the blade when not in use.
- Handle fish carefully.
- Use caution when baiting and removing hooks.
- Rivers, creeks and reservoirs within the national forest system offer great opportunities for fishing. Many of the slow-moving bodies of water, especially reservoirs, offer an excellent variety of fishing opportunities.
Hunting
- Our national forests offer many types of hunting opportunities for hunters of all ages and experience levels. Each year visitors enjoy hunting high in the mountains in thick lodge pine stands, in open grassland canyon benches and in sagebrush valleys.
- Hunting activities are regulated by the corresponding state’s forest service office. Follow the state laws and regulations pertaining to hunting, including seasons, dates and licensing. For licenses, regulations and detailed game unit information, visit the corresponding state’s fish and game department.
- While the Forest Service does not sell hunting licenses, a license is required to hunt in various states. Visit the corresponding state’s wildlife website for more hunting information.
Archery
- Archery and target shooting are allowed some of our national forests.
- Check with the forest or ranger district before you head out in order to verify archery is permitted. Some areas have designated archery ranges.
- Bow hunting is allowed on some national forests. Hunting is a seasonal activity, and the rules are simple: Follow the state laws and regulations pertaining to hunting, including seasons, dates and licensing.
- Forests and grasslands may place some areas as off limits to hunting. Check in with your local Forest Service ranger to be sure you are following all the rules.
- All bows with arrows should be cased and unloaded while in a recreation area or other public areas.
- Shooting is prohibited:
- In or within 150 yards of a developed recreation site, a residence, or any place where people are likely to be.
- In any manner or place where any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge.
- Across bodies of water or a Forest Service road.
- Into or within any cave, mine or open shaft.
- If you want to hunt with bow and arrow, you must follow state laws as well as forest rules. You must follow state laws and regulations pertaining to seasons, dates, and licensing.
- Visit state fish and game or wildlife websites for hunting licenses or permits, regulations, and season dates.
Recreational and Target Shooting
- Target shooting
- Target shooting is allowed some of our national forests.
- For recommended areas and additional information contact the local ranger districts
- Fundamentals of shooting:
- Treat every gun as if as if it is loaded
- Never let the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you do not intend to shoot.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to shoot.
- Always be sure of your target and what is beyond.
- Ricochets can cause fires. Conditions in the forest can be dry at any time of year. When shooting firearms, please take safety precautions and be mindful that hot projectiles and sparks from ricochets can ignite fires in dry, grassy, brushy fuels.
- Federal Rules
- According to the Code of Federal Regulations (title 36), recreational shooting can take place on the National Forests and Grasslands under these conditions:
- You are at least 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied area
- You are not shooting across or on a National Forest System Road or an adjacent body of water.
- You are not shooting into or within a cave
- You are not shooting in any manner or place where any person, property or resource is exposed to injury or damage due to such discharge
- You are not firing any tracer bullet or incendiary ammunition.
Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities
Apple Creek Campground
Site Temporarily Closed
This campground is operated by a concessionaire under permit from the Umpqua National Forest.Apple Campground has seven campsites that are nestled on the bank of the Wild and Scenic North Umpqua…
Broken Arrow Campground
Site Temporarily Closed
Set back from the shores of Diamond Lake in lodgepole pine forest, this is a quiet, idyllic playground for golden mantle ground squirrels. This picturesque spot boasts views of both Mount Bailey and…
Broken Arrow Group Campground
Site Temporarily Closed
Set back from the shores of Diamond Lake, Broken Arrow Campground is nestled in lodgepole pine forest. This picturesque spot has 121 campsites and boasts views of both Mount Bailey and Mt. Thielsen.…
Bunker Hill Campground
Site Open
This campground is operated by a concessionaire under permit from the Umpqua National Forest. Bunker Hill Campground clings to the northwest shore of Lemolo Lake in lodgepole pine forest. In the…
Cedar Creek Campground
Site Open
This campground is operated by a concessionaire under permit from the Umpqua National Forest.Cedar Creek Trailhead provides access to the Brice Creek Trail #1403 via a footbridge from the parking…
Crater Lake N KOA
Lemolo Lake Resort is just 15 miles from the North Entrance of Crater Lake, situated at 4300' feet in the Oregon Cascade range.This areas offers many recreation opportunities including, boating,…
Diamond Lake Campground
Site Open
Diamond Lake Campground is nestled among conifer trees along the east shore of the mile-high Diamond Lake. This campground offers 51 lakeshore camping sites as well as 187 inshore sites. During the…
Diamond Lake North End Boating Site
Site Open
This Diamond Lake North End Boat Launch is a very popular boat launch located near Diamond Lake Resort. This recreation sites offers great views of the lake and Mount Bailey along with a short jetty…
Diamond Lake Resort
Site Open
Diamond Lake Resort has evolved from a small fishing lodge built in the 1920s, to a modern family resort that offers year-round service. It is a favorite summer spot for fishing (rainbow trout),…
Eagle Rock Campground
Site Open
This campground is operated by a concessionaire under permit from the Umpqua National Forest.Nestled in mixed conifers and adjacent to North Umpqua River, Eagle Rock Campground is a quiet, shaded…