Maybe, but I need help.

[plumbertom]

I live in Eugene.
I Love fishing for channel catfish.
The problem is, there are no Channel catfish around home.
But, I've fished the John Day below the falls and had a good time and caught fish.
But that requires hauling my boat up to and east along the Columbia in order to access the water there.
I've been told there is good channel catfishing to be found at Clarno where 218 crosses the John Day.
I'd like to take my grandson there and get him started on Catfishing.
But here's what I need to know;
First, is there a reasonable expectation of catching Channel catfish in that area?
Second, are you allowed to night fish at that recreation area?
Third, is there anyplace along the river in that area where camping is allowed where a tent can be set up close by?
There must be some who fish that area that can give me some insight.
That's a 200-mile drive from home to that river, and I'd hate to make the trip only to find that the fishing wasn't at least reasonable.

 

[plumbertom]

Or that I couldn't find a place to sleep.

 

[Chromatose]

Google Cottonwood Canyon Channel Catts

https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=195

 

[Chromatose]

Keep eyes open near the end the launch is key.

 

[plumbertom]

Good video, but it doesn't seem to mention where.
My problem is not that I lack knowledge as to how, but where to find catfish in Oregon.
When I lived in SoCal, more than 10 years ago now, there were channel cats in almost every pond you could find. As well as channel cat and flathead cat in the Colorado River, which was within a four-hour drive.
From what I can discover, Oregon is adamantly opposed to having catfish in state waters.

 

[Snopro]

As well as channel cat and flathead cat in the Colorado River, which was within a four-hour drive.
From what I can discover, Oregon is adamantly opposed to having catfish in state waters.

Thought we were trying to keep it under 200 miles. If you are willing to drive 4 hours there is plenty of great cat fishing in Oregon to be had. Video is at the Snake. Flatheads and Channels out there.

I'd suggest here if you like unimproved camping and big cats from shore.

45°41'31.2"N 120°45'30.8"W​

If you want to trailer the boat go here.

45°39'41.6"N 120°30'22.6"W​

If you can buy a WA license, Lacamas, Kress, and Vancouver lake all have channels and are about 2.5 hours from you. WA actually has a channel stocking program.

​

 

[plumbertom]

Thought we were trying to keep it under 200 miles. If you are willing to drive 4 hours there is plenty of great cat fishing in Oregon to be had. Video is at the Snake. Flatheads and Channels out there.

I'd suggest here if you like unimproved camping and big cats from shore.

45°41'31.2"N 120°45'30.8"W​

If you want to trailer the boat go here.

45°39'41.6"N 120°30'22.6"W​

If you can buy a WA license, Lacamas, Kress, and Vancouver lake all have channels and are about 2.5 hours from you. WA actually has a channel stocking program.

​

Yeah, I was kinda hoping to keep under 200 miles, but I've concluded that's not feasible.
And I have been to that second spot with my boat.
Fishing the Snake is a long drive, so I'd have to plan a trip for at least three days of fishing, and probably as many nights camping.
That's a big undertaking for me.
Non-resident fishing licenses are just not in my budget.
Just buying the basic Oregon license with shellfish so I can get crab when I can afford to go, is about all I can do.

 

[Snopro]

Hit that first spot for a low budget trip. Fun to fish all night and they should be quality size. In 3 weeks great shad fishing during the day within walking distance.