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Oregon Coast Fishing Guide
From freshwater alpine lakes and rivers to offshore charters, Oregon’s fishing opportunities span across the state all year round. Fishing is one of the many favorite pastimes of both guests and locals, so if you’re looking to unwind under the evergreens by casting a line at one of the many premier fishing locations on the northern coast— you’re in luck! We’ve put together this guide to fishing on the Oregon Coast with tips from local anglers to help you plan the ultimate fishing getaway during your next trip to Cannon Beach.
Fishing Rules & Regulations
Ways To Make Your Catch
Lake Fishing
Flyfishing
If you enjoy flyfishing, then head towards the mountains to one of the many mighty rivers that feed into the ocean in northwestern Oregon and try your luck at steelhead, salmon, trout, and bass. The Nehalem & Wilson Rivers are a few minutes south, and the mouth of the Columbia River Gorge is just a short drive north and all offer a huge variety of euryhaline fish (a fish that can be in both fresh and saltwater). During the summer, the only type of fishing allowed on most streams and rivers is fly fishing as it’s spawning season for many native fish.
A local tip: Use caution when wading into the water for flyfishing. The water will be cold and moving fast from snow melt, so be sure to come prepared!
Shore Fishing
If you’re looking to spend your days on the sandy beaches doing some shore fishing for rockfish, surfperch, and flatfish, you can do so from just about anywhere on the coast! All beaches in Oregon are public land so you can cast out from just about anywhere that feels good, but it’s important to know where your target likes to congregate. You can often find rockfish and surfperch close to shore near where waterways run into the ocean and near tidepools and jetties.
A Local Tip: Many shorefish prefer habitats near rocky areas where they can hide from predators. Please practice extreme caution and leave no trace principles on the rocks as they are part of the delicate tidepool ecosystems and can be extremely slippery
Fishing Charters
Crabbing & Clamming
With 360 miles of coastline, it’s no surprise that crabbing and clamming are so popular! Digging for razor clams is a great way to get the kids worn out. Check out more about clamming here.
Crabbing for Dungeness and red rock crab is most often done via boat. There are a lot of great charter companies in the area with experienced guides that can help you get crab pots in the water, then pots full of crabs on the stove! You can also drop pots from docks, many local fishing shops have crab pots available to rent. Learn more about crabbing on the Oregon coast here.
Book Your Rental For Your Oregon Coast Fishing Trip
There’s a lot to know about angling opportunities in northwest Oregon. You can fish in freshwater, from the beach and jetties, and even learn from a sportfishing guide! We hope that you found this guide helpful in planning your Cannon Beach fishing trip. Don’t forget to book your vacation rental for an unforgettable stay on the Oregon coast!