What’s Your Ideal Oregon Coast Fishing Adventure?

PacificPond Charters and Captain Jeff, pictured here, were great assistance to use on this shoot.

There are plenty of fish in the sea on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend & Charleston, and plenty of ways to catch them!

Fishing is much more than just a sport or a pass time on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend & Charleston. It’s a way of life. Our communities have a long history of welcoming anglers of all backgrounds and skill levels who have traveled here for world class fishing that can’t be experienced anywhere else. With the bay, ocean, and 30+ freshwater lakes and rivers, our area is a prime destination for all sorts of fishing adventures - whether it’s from the shore, charter boat, jetty, bridge, and even by kayak.

The question is, what’s your fishing style ? Do you prefer saltwater fishing or freshwater fishing ? Crabbing & Clamming ? What about kayak fishing ? To help you discover our exhilarating adventures, we have put together a list of different ways to embark on an epic fishing adventure to suit your family, your lifestyle, and the time of year you will be traveling.

**Unless it is a Free Fishing Weekend , a fishing license (or a shellfish license for clamming) is required for those aged 12 years or older. Daily licenses are available. Most fishing charters, bait shops and sporting goods stores can supply these for you. You can purchase a shellfish or a fishing license locally in stores like Bi-Mart, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Fred Myer, the ODFW Office (licenses only) in Charleston and Walmart. Click here to see the fishing license requirement and/or information about a shellfish license. **

What’s Your Ideal Fishing Adventure?

Deciding on the type of fish you want to catch will play a huge role in where you will fish. If you’re looking for trout, your best bet will be to stick to the lakes that have been stocked with trout. Is it Surfperch you want? You’ll want to hit one of our beaches, like Bastendorff Beach, Horsfall Beach and Cape Arago State Park. Want to go digging for clams? Clamming is excellent during low tides near Charleston, Coos Bay, off Cape Arago Highway, and Clam Island. Whether it’s bass, salmon, trout or tuna - anglers can find a range of fish here. Here are some species commonly caught here:

• SALMON FISHING. Most Pacific salmon fishing occurs April through November, and state and federal agencies regulate sport seasons for Coho and Chinook salmon. The Fish and Wildlife Commission has set the 2022 ocean salmon seasons. See this year’s ocean salmon seasons .
• HALIBUT FISHING. Pacific halibut is not a bottom fish species; it is managed with its own allocation and regulations. Halibut is a spring and early summer fishery. You can find more 2022 season dates and regulations on the ODFW’s Sport Halibut Season Page .
• ALBACORE TUNA. Fishing for Albacore Tuna has typically been best in late July, August, and sometimes into September, but anglers travel 20-30 miles offshore to find the best fishing.
• BOTTOMFISH. Bottomfish are available year round – weather permitting – and a charter trip usually ends with an ice chest full of fish. We recommend checking with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife for the most up-to-date recreation report for bottom fish catch limits. More information can be found on the sport bottom fish seasons page .
• RAINBOW TROUT. Rainbow trout are stocked into the lakes, and the lakes are open all year. Bluebill Lake, Bradley Lake, Butterfield Lake, Eel Lake, Empire Lakes, Sru Lake, Powers Park Pond, Saunders Lake, Tenmile Lakes.
• CRABBING. Crabbing on Oregon’s Adventure Coast can be done year-round off the docks, and anyone can easily rent or buy the necessary equipment . Here are a few tips we want to share from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife . Be sure to read their instructional flier How to Crab for important details.
• CLAMMING. Home to numerous bays, Coos Bay is an ideal destination for clamming. We expect tides to be ideal for clamming well into summer and even fall! Click here for ODFW’s Regulations Summary for Marine Shellfish, and read Clamming on Oregon’s Adventure Coast for more information.

After answering some key questions (like what kind of fish you’re after) and doing a bit of research, you’ll have a good idea of where you want to go.

KAYAK FISHING

Kayak fishing offers unsurpassed views of natural habitats and scenery that can only be found deep in the lakes, rivers and open water along the Pacific coastline. Many will say they are drawn to this watersport for its ease and simplicity. Kayak fishing is accessible to all skill levels and does not require expensive equipment. Renting a kayak on Oregon’s Adventure Coast can be done by visiting one or more of these local businesses:

• Waxer’s Surf Shop in Coos Bay is a great place to rent a quality kayak and other sports gear and equipment from helpful, knowledgeable staff members.
• Bahama Boards in Coos Bay is a fantastic place to purchase or rent kayaks and paddle boards, in addition to gear, clothing, and accessories you may need as you explore the Pacific ocean waters, lakes and rivers!
• Canoas Bay Bridge Rentals in North Bend also offers kayak rentals and other fishing necessities. For added convenience, you can also book a room at their Bay Bridge Motel!

If you are looking for the best spot for kayak fishing, look no further than Sunset Bay State Park ! Known for its calm waters and easy access to the beach, Sunset Bay State Park is an ideal location for kayak anglers who want to head offshore into the ocean in search of cabezon, lingcod, and halibut. Other ideal destinations for kayak fishing include Empire Lakes in Coos Bay, Siltcoos or Ten Mile lakes (great for bass, trout and perch); and the Umpqua, Coos or Coquille rivers are perfect detinations for kayakers searching for chinook salmon.

SURF FISHING

If casting your line from shore sounds appealing, you can choose from many locations for surf fishing, including Horsfall Beach, Bastendorff Beach and Cape Arago State Park, where anglers can find striped bass and surf perch. Please note, whenever surf fishing, consult tidal charts, weather conditions, and beware that sneaker waves occur on the Oregon Coast. REMEMBER TO NEVER TURN YOUR BACK ON THE OCEAN.

CHARTER BOAT FISHING

Thanks to the many charter boat companies in this area, fishermen of all levels can venture offshore for salmon, halibut, Albacore tuna and various bottom fish – from lingcod, to rockfish, to flatfish. Charter boat operators can help plan half-day and full-day trips for any size group. Always check the weather before heading out, and familiarize yourself with the tides by checking the following sites:

Tides4Fishing.com - Times and Solunar Charts & TidesChart.com - Tide Times and Tide Charts

Here is a list of some of our local companies to get you started:

• Betty Kay Charters, Charleston, OR. Captain Kurt and Captain Alan are ready to give you a memorable, fun fishing trip. They will go all out to find and get you fish, and will give you helpful tips and assist you. Your safety and fun are their focus. You will see the beautiful Oregon coastline while fishing near-shore in 60′ to 200′ of water. (541) 888-9021 www.BettyKayCharters.com
• Chinook Charters, North Bend, OR. Chinook Charters offers guided trips for ocean crabbing and rockfish, lingcod, halibut and tuna. (541)-662-0964 www.chinookcharters.webs.com
• Lucky Me Charters, Charleston, OR. Captain Roy leads fishing charters from Charleston Marina for tuna, salmon, snapper, lingcod, halibut and crab in a 2020 Hews 270 with twin 200hp. Not only does he have 45 years fishing the Pacific coast, Captain Roy is Coast Guard licensed and insured. Full day or 1/2 day trips available. Whale watching trips upon request. 541-948-3905 www.facebook.com/Lucky-Me-Charters
• Mayhem Charters, Charleston, OR. Join Mayhem Charters for a family-friendly fishing charter, FREE fishing pole for kids under 12! Fish for Lingcod, Rockfish, Salmon, Halibut. It’s one of the best fishing experiences on the Oregon Coast. Mayhem Charters supplies everything you need, just bring your license, enjoy and catch the big ones! https://www.boatingcharter.com
• Pacific Charter Services, Charleston, OR. Deep Sea Charter Fishing in Coos Bay and Charleston, Oregon, offering exclusive daily trips for the entire family. Say goodbye to the “party boat” experience, and hello to “personalized” (6-pack) guided fishing adventure. Pacific Charter provides all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait needed for your fishing trip for a maximum of 6 people. (541) 378-304 www.PacificCharterServices.com
• PacificPond Charters, Charleston, OR. PacificPond Charters is a small boat sport fishing guide in Charleston, Oregon, led by Captain Jeff, whose mission is to provide a safe and fun environment while targeting trophy size fish in the waters off the Oregon Coast. 541-294-5252 www.facebook.com/PacificPondCharters
• Sharky’s Charters, Charleston, OR. Captain John operates one of the fastest boats in Charleston, a 2016 26 foot North River “Seahawk” outfitted with the latest in electronics and fishing tackle. With over 30 years experience fishing the Pacific coast, you will have a safe, fun, and fact-filled adventure. Currently offering fishing, crab, salmon, and tuna. Sharky’s Charters specializes in small groups and can take up to six people fishing. (541) 260-9110 https://sharkyscharterfishing.com/

Now that you’re in the know, let’s help you plan your next fishing trip to Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston! Contact us to get even more tips, as well as the inside scoop, for finding the best local food and activities any time of the year, and visit our Adventure Page for more ideas and inspiration. Download our Visitor Guide (PDF)

MORE FISHING RESOURCES ON OREGON’S ADVENTURE COAST

• Trip Idea: A weekend of fishing and so much more on Oregon’s Adventure Coast
• Fishing By Style
• Crabbing and Clamming
• Clamming on Oregon’s Adventure Coast
• Crabbing on Oregon’s Adventure Coast
• Equipment Rent & Buy
• Kayak Fishing 101 on Oregon’s Adventure Coast
• Fishing License Requirements
• Fishing on Oregon’s Adventure Coast/
• How to Catch Your Own Dungeness Crab Meal Off the Oregon Coast
• Fresh Water Fishing Options – By Body of Water
• Saltwater Fishing – Ocean & Bay
• Travel Oregon: Gone Fishing on Oregons Adventure Coast