Willamette River Fishes

A school of Redside Shiners swims underwater while light comes through the water

Our fish identification website was developed by the PNW Research Station, Oregon State University and Oregon Sea Grant to help share the fishes of the Willamette River basin with you.

Our goal was to help inform people about the fishes found throughout the Willamette River to connect managers, watershed councils, classrooms, and communities with our river. For each native and nonnative fish, we highlight identification tips, natural history, range, size, habitat, diet, data gaps, and conservation actions.

Many researchers and managers have contributed to the current knowledge about the Willamette River and its fishes. The team of the Willamette River Fishes Decadal Study curated the information found on this website.

A view of the Willamette River from the front of a boat on a sunny day with fluffy clouds. The river is banked by green shrubs and trees.

About the Willamette River Basin

A Coho Salmon with a bright red body swims along a gravel bed in a river at spawning time.

Native Fishes of the Willamette

A Green Sunfish swims near a large club of algea.

Non-Native Fishes of the Willamette