Oregon, with its long and diverse coastline, is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. From expansive sandy beaches to dramatic cliffs, the Oregon coast offers countless opportunities to conquer the ocean and enjoy the thrill of fishing. Renowned not only for its majestic natural landscapes, Oregon is also home to a variety of fish species, promising unforgettable fishing experiences for both beginners and seasoned anglers alike. Let’s explore the must-visit fishing spots on the Oregon coast, where you can immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of nature and test your fishing skills.
Cannon Beach: Iconic Oregon Coast Surf Fishing Destination
Cannon Beach, with the magnificent Haystack Rock rising from the sea, is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in Oregon but also an ideal destination for those passionate about fishing. This expansive beach offers ample space for you to choose your fishing spot, breathe in the fresh air, and listen to the soothing sound of waves.
Surfcasting at Cannon Beach:
Cannon Beach is famous for surfcasting, where you stand on the shore and cast your bait far out to conquer fish species living near the coast. With diverse terrain, from fine sand to rocky outcrops, Cannon Beach attracts various fish depending on the season and weather conditions.
- Popular Fish Species: Pacific Halibut, Cod, Rockfish, and occasionally Salmon during migration season.
- Effective Baits: Lures such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or natural baits like sandworms, shrimp, and small squid.
- Ideal Timing: The best time for surfcasting at Cannon Beach is in the early morning or late afternoon when the tide is low. Check the tide charts before you go for the best experience.
- Fishing Tips: Look for areas with complex seabed structures like reefs or strong currents, as these are often where fish congregate to feed.
Explore the Surrounding Area:
Beyond Cannon Beach, the surrounding area boasts many other attractive fishing spots such as Hug Point State Recreation Site and Ecola State Park. Hug Point, with waterfalls cascading onto the beach and tide pools, is a great place to explore and fish for smaller species. Ecola State Park, just north of Cannon Beach, offers panoramic coastal views and numerous trails leading down to pristine rocky beaches where you can try your hand at rockfish fishing from the shore.
Cannon Beach, Oregon offering a great surfcasting experience
Seaside Beach: A Family-Friendly Fishing Paradise
Located just north of Cannon Beach, Seaside is a vibrant coastal town, and Seaside Beach is renowned as an ideal destination for families and fishing beginners. The wide, flat, and easily accessible beach provides favorable conditions for surfcasting and other beach activities.
Easy Fishing at Seaside Beach:
Seaside Beach has fine sand and fewer rocks, making surfcasting easier, especially for children and novice anglers. You don’t have to worry about snagging your hook on rocks or moving with difficulty on rough terrain.
- Popular Fish Species: Similar to Cannon Beach, you can catch Pacific Halibut, Cod, Rockfish, and occasionally Salmon at Seaside Beach. In addition, during the summer, you may also encounter Surfperch near the shore.
- Simple Baits: Both lures and natural baits are effective. For Surfperch, sandworms or small shrimp are good choices. For larger fish, you can use fish or squid bait.
- Good Fishing Areas: The area near the Seaside Promenade pier and the Necanicum River estuary are often good fishing spots at Seaside Beach.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Seaside Beach has many amenities such as public restrooms, picnic areas, and fishing gear rental shops, making it very convenient for families to fish and play all day.
Explore Seaside Promenade:
After fishing, you can stroll along Seaside Promenade, a famous 2-mile-plus boardwalk along the coast. Here, you can enjoy ocean views, savor local cuisine, and participate in other recreational activities.
Pacific City and Cape Kiwanda: Adventurous Fishing and Stunning Scenery
Pacific City, located south of Tillamook, is famous for Cape Kiwanda and Pacific City Beach, also known as McPhillips Beach. This is a unique fishing destination, combining surfcasting on the beach and fishing from kayaks or small boats near Cape Kiwanda.
Surfcasting and Kayak Fishing:
Pacific City Beach is a long and wide beach, ideal for surfcasting. However, the highlight of Pacific City is the opportunity to fish from kayaks or small boats around Cape Kiwanda. This headland creates a diverse habitat for many fish species, and kayaking offshore offers a more adventurous and exciting fishing experience.
- Diverse Fish Species: In Pacific City, you can catch various fish species such as Pacific Halibut, Rockfish, Lingcod, Cod, and Salmon. The area around Cape Kiwanda is particularly famous for Rockfish and Lingcod.
- Specialized Baits: For surfcasting, both lures and natural baits are effective. If you are fishing from a kayak or boat, use specialized lures for Rockfish and Lingcod such as jigs, swimbaits, or live bait like sardines or squid.
- Safety Precautions: Kayak or boat fishing near Cape Kiwanda requires certain skills and experience. Always pay attention to weather conditions and ocean waves, and ensure you are fully equipped with life jackets and necessary safety gear.
Explore Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area:
Besides fishing, Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is also a great destination for nature exploration. You can climb to the top of Cape Kiwanda for panoramic coastal views, visit the giant sand dune, and photograph Oregon’s second Haystack Rock.
Newport and Yaquina Bay: Pier Fishing and Bay Exploration
Newport is a bustling port city on the Oregon coast, famous for the Yaquina Bay Bridge and Yaquina Bay. This area offers diverse fishing options, from pier fishing and bay shore fishing to offshore boat fishing.
Fishing on Yaquina Bay Bridge:
Yaquina Bay Bridge is a free and easily accessible public fishing pier, ideal for all ages and skill levels. You can fish directly from the pier and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the harbor.
- Popular Fish Species: Yaquina Bay Bridge is an ideal place to catch Rockfish, Surfperch, Flounder, and sometimes Salmon when they migrate into the bay.
- Simple Baits: Sandworms, shrimp, small squid, or small lures are all effective when fishing from the pier.
- Convenient and Easy: Fishing on Yaquina Bay Bridge is very convenient because you don’t need to walk far or prepare complex equipment. You can easily buy bait and drinks at shops near the pier.
Explore Yaquina Bay:
Yaquina Bay is a large and biologically diverse bay. You can rent kayaks or join boat fishing tours to explore the bay and catch various fish species. Yaquina Bay is also famous for oyster farming, and you can enjoy fresh oysters at waterfront restaurants.
Oregon Coast Aquarium:
If you are traveling with family, don’t miss the Oregon Coast Aquarium, one of the leading aquariums on the Pacific coast. Here, you can explore the underwater world of the Oregon coast and learn more about the fish and marine life you might catch.
Florence and Siuslaw River Mouth: River and Sea Fishing Blend
Florence, located at the mouth of the Siuslaw River, is a unique fishing destination where you can experience both freshwater and saltwater fishing. The Siuslaw River mouth is where the river and sea meet, creating a rich habitat for many fish species.
River and Estuary Fishing at Siuslaw River Mouth:
The Siuslaw River is famous for Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon during migration season. You can fish for salmon from the riverbank or rent a boat to fish on the river. The estuary area is also an ideal place to catch Striped Bass, a popular sport fish on the West Coast.
- Diverse Fish Species: In the Florence area and Siuslaw River mouth, you can catch Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Striped Bass, freshwater Trout, and various saltwater fish species offshore.
- Diverse Fishing Techniques: Depending on the fish species you want to catch and the fishing location, you can use various techniques such as lure fishing, fly fishing, live bait fishing, or surfcasting.
- Fishing Licenses: When fishing in the Florence area, ensure you have a valid fishing license for both freshwater and saltwater, depending on where you are fishing.
Explore Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area:
Florence is located near the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, a vast area with stunning coastal sand dunes. After fishing, you can explore the dunes by ATV, hike, or simply watch the sunset over the dunes.
Preparing for Your Oregon Coast Fishing Trip
To have a successful and memorable fishing trip on the Oregon coast, keep the following in mind:
- Fishing License: You need a valid Oregon state fishing license to fish in both freshwater and saltwater. You can purchase licenses online or at fishing gear stores.
- Weather: Weather on the Oregon coast can be unpredictable, especially in the fall and winter. Check the forecast before you go fishing and prepare warm, waterproof clothing.
- Fishing Gear: Choose fishing gear suitable for the fish species you want to catch and the fishing location. For surfcasting, you need a long and strong rod, surfcasting reel, strong fishing line, and appropriate bait.
- Safety: Always prioritize safety when fishing on the coast. Pay attention to ocean waves, tides, and terrain, and never fish alone in remote areas.
- Environmental Protection: Fish responsibly and follow regulations on conserving aquatic resources. Do not litter and keep the environment clean.
The Oregon coast is a natural treasure trove with countless attractive fishing spots waiting for you to explore. From expansive sandy beaches to majestic cliffs, from winding rivers to vast bays, Oregon offers diverse and rich fishing experiences for everyone. Plan your fishing trip today and enjoy memorable moments on this beautiful coastline.