Oregon Chub
Oregonichthys crameri

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Overview
Body Type & Identification: A small, stout minnow with a rounded snout and short, deep body. Olive to silver with a dusky lateral stripe. The Oregon Chub is one of the great conservation success stories in North American fisheries — removed from the Endangered Species List in 2015 after successful restoration efforts. Endemic to the Willamette River basin of Oregon.
Preferred Water Temperature: 60°F–72°F. Found in slow, warm-water backwaters, oxbows, and beaver ponds of the Willamette Valley. Prefers still or very slow-moving water with abundant vegetation — habitat that was largely lost to valley development and flood control.
Habitat: Slow-water backwaters, sloughs, and oxbow lakes of the Willamette River system in western Oregon. Thrives in beaver-created ponds and marshy areas. Populations have been successfully restored to numerous sites throughout the Willamette Valley through an active recovery program.
Best Lures: Rarely targeted — very small species. Not a typical sport fish target.
Best Baits: Tiny worm pieces on micro hooks produce catches. Primarily of conservation and ecological interest rather than a sport fishing target. Check ODFW for current protected status before attempting to catch.
Top 5 Destinations: Willamette River backwaters OR — observe rather than fish; a conservation success story worth celebrating.
Identifying
Habitat
Water Conditions
Tackle & Bait
Top Fishing Locations
1 fishing location where you can catch Oregon Chub