Oregon Chub

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.