Best Fishing Trips and Top Fishing Guides in Tillamook Bay Oregon
Fishing in Tillamook Bay.
Tillamook Bay is the not only the second largest coastal bay in the state of Oregon, but it’s also the largest bay on Oregon’s north coast. In addition to crabbing and clamming, the bay is known for being a top fishing location to catch salmon, perch, and lingcod.
Species of Fish in Tillamook Bay
Spring Chinook Salmon
Spring is the perfect time to fish for king salmon in Oregon, and there’s no better place than Tillamook Bay to cast a line. Regarded as one of the most delicious salmon, Chinook begin appearing at the end of April, but you should wait until May or June if you want to experience the height of the Chinook season. Depending on the weather, you may be able to catch Chinook on Tillamook Bay well into July. Anglers often head to Trask River at the southeastern area of the Bay for the best chances of reeling in a Chinook during the spring in Oregon.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon can be caught in Tillamook Bay in both the late summer and the fall. The height of the season occurs during September and October. However, keep in mind that Coho salmon are strong biters that aren’t afraid to attack trolled baits. The majority of the Coho salmon in Tillamook Bay are making their way toward the Trask River. Oftentimes, a strong rainfall will compel them to go directly to the rivers, which ends the primary season for Coho fishing in the bay.
Trout
You may come across rainbow trout when hunting for salmon in the Tillamook Bay. Even though they are seldom caught in saltwater, these fish are easy to target in the later months of summer and during the early fall.
Sturgeon
Tillamook Bay is home to some of the best sturgeon fishing in the state. Commonly caught in the winter and spring, white sturgeon make their way into the bay to feast on clams and shrimps. The best months to catch sturgeon are February and March. But by the time summer comes, the species have moved to the Columbia River, where they usually stay until fall. You’re most likely to find sturgeon within the upper portion of channels in Tillamook Bay or in the famous sturgeon Hole located on the Tillamook River’s Tidewater. However, you may find run into some lurking within the smaller channels located in the middle and western portion of the Bay as well.
Lingcod
Another highly anticipated catch in Tillamook Bay is the lingcod, which comes to the nearshore at the end of winter to spawn. Beginning near the end of February, you can anticipate catching lingcod all throughout March until the end of April. Since lingcod are often discovered near rocky areas, be sure not to cast over them if you’re hoping for a bite.
Rockfish
Black rockfish are frequently found in nearshore, rocky areas, such as the Tillamook Bay piers. Much like freshwater bass, these fish are strong and are known to attack bait. The optimal period for rockfish starts in the middle of spring and continues throughout summer until the weather gets chillier in the fall.
Consult with These Guides for Your Best Fishing Trip in Tillamook Bay
Your best chance of success in Tillamook Bay is with a top fishing guide who knows the waters like the back of his hand. Connect with one of the guides on our list of the best fishing charters to optimize your next fishing experience in Tillamook Bay.