The fishing in Astoria, Oregon, is nothing short of iconic. Here, the mighty Columbia River meets the ocean to produce one of the most epic fisheries in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re one for Salmon, Steelhead, Dungeness Crab, or Tuna, this little corner of the coast has it all.

Astoria fishing charters are just as diverse as the options available to you, with your choice of rivers, bays, and the wide open waters of the Pacific Ocean. Come aboard and take advantage of all this and more—because why choose?

Astoria Fishing Grounds

The Columbia River

The Columbia River is famous for its Salmon and Steelhead runs. Oregon fishing guides generally fish this river from March through October, starting when the spring Chinook arrive. In June, summer Chinook and Steelhead enter the mix, followed by fall Salmon and winter Steelhead a few months later.

Anglers in Astoria become obsessed with Columbia River Sturgeon from May through July, when it’s possible to reel in plenty of whoppers weighing up to 150 lbs. Fishing for these plus-sized Sturgeon is strictly catch and release, but that doesn’t make the experience any less thrilling. Many anglers walk away exclaiming that they just had the fishing trip of a lifetime. You can fish for keeper Sturgeon as well, depending on the season.

The main event along this part of the Columbia River is the Buoy 10 fishery, which kicks off in August and runs until Labor Day in most years. During this time, anglers flock to the fishing grounds just west of Astoria to make the most of the river’s fall season. The best fishing usually starts a couple weeks in, when Salmon and Steelhead are caught in large numbers.

The Necanicum and Nehalem Rivers

When they’re not fishing the Columbia River, some locals turn to the Necanicum and Nehalem Rivers for winter Steelhead. This infamous, hard-fighting fish will keep you busy from November through March, just in time for the spring Chinook to take over again. 

It’s not uncommon for local guides in Astoria to head to other rivers in Oregon, as well, depending on where the fishing is best. The Nestucca, Wilson, Willamette, Wynoochee, and Cowlitz Rivers are just a few of the productive waters found farther inland.

Nehalem and Tillamook Bays

When you’re in the mood for something a little different, look for a fishing charter in Astoria that will take you to the coastal bays of Nehalem and Tillamook. You’ll find Salmon out here in spring, summer, and fall (because it just wouldn’t be the Pacific Northwest without Salmon everywhere!) accompanied by Lingcod, Halibut, Crab, and more.

One of the best times to venture into the coastal bays is winter, when bottom fishing produces the finest seafood on the west coast, including Dungeness Crab, Lingcod, Kelp Greenling, and Cabezon. Between May and September, it’s all about the Halibut.

Albacore Tuna make an appearance off the coast of Oregon from July to September, and charter boats in Astoria are poised to get in on the action (often less than 100 miles offshore). They’re not the largest of Tuna species, but these little guys will certainly give you a run for your money.

Types of Fishing

Trolling

Trolling is one of the most common methods you’ll see anglers using in Astoria. From Salmon and Walleye to Tuna, this technique gets the job done. A variety of lures such as Coyote spoons and plugs prove effective with Salmon. Some anglers also rely on mooching (drifting while trolling the bait) a cut-plug herring.

Walleye respond well to crank baits or night crawlers. Use these to locate fish in 10-30 feet of water and then switch to jigs and blade baits. Swim baits or round head jigs with night crawlers and curly tail grubs also work extremely well.

While trolling for Tuna, you’re likely to run multiple lines armed with a variety of lures such as cedar plugs, large diving plugs, and Tuna jigs.

Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing offshore produces Lingcod, Halibut, Cabezon, and other species. Anglers catch these fish using jigs, Herring, Octopus, and other baits.

Need to Know

Astoria fishing charters do not include a fishing license for customers. Anglers age 12 and above must purchase a license, available at many shops or online.

Size and bag limits apply to many species in Oregon and some may be closed to harvest at certain times. It’s always best to fish with a local guide so that you follow regulations properly.