If you’re planning a road trip up the Oregon Coast, be sure to make a stop in Brookings. In fact, anglers who are eager to get a taste of the Pacific Northwest can make this little town the first thing on their list. Brookings, OR is a great introduction to the local angling scene, and features some of the best Steelhead and King (Chinook) Salmon fishing in the state. From the open ocean to numerous rivers, Brookings fishing charters will get you hooked!
Top fishing spots
The Coast
Anglers in Brookings have nearly instant access to the open ocean and offshore reefs. With plenty of opportunities available roughly 15 miles from the harbor, you won’t have to travel far to find good bottom fishing around here. Rockfish and Lingcod are biting year-round and peak during spring. Oregon’s Halibut season typically opens from May to October, which makes ocean fishing that much better! You can also count on a steady supply of Crabs. King Salmon show up in late spring and reach their peak at the start of fall, when anglers in Brookings enjoy hooking into trophy-sized fish!
Chetco River
The Chetco River runs straight between Brookings and Harbor—you’ll drive right over it if you’re traveling along the Oregon Coast Highway. These waters host fall Salmon and winter Steelhead runs. Anglers start fishing the Chetco as early as August when King Salmon move in, then switch their focus to Steelhead from December through March.
Rogue River
Located roughly half an hour outside of town, the Rogue River is a favorite among anglers in Brookings. Between winter Steelhead, spring and fall King Salmon, and Coho Salmon, this river offers year-round action. It also happens to be the best river in the state when it comes to catching these species.
Spring Chinook make their way into the river in March, peaking in April and May. Coho and fall Chinook make their entrance around August, while winter Steelhead dominate the river from December through March. You can catch Steelhead in these waters outside of the winter season, too, including “half-pounder” Steelhead (12-16” young Steelies who head to sea and back again in the same year).
And then some…
Depending on where the bite is best on any given day, you could spend your time in Brookings fishing in a variety of rivers. The Coos, Coquilles, Elk, Sixes, Smith, and Klamath Rivers are all within reach, and many local guides trailer their drift boats and jet boats around southwest Oregon to make the most of these fishing grounds. Peak seasons and regulations vary by river, but you can usually expect a good shot at fall Salmon and winter Steelhead.
Need to Know
Regulations
Anglers age 12 and older must carry a valid OR fishing license.
Open seasons and regulations for Salmon, Steelhead, and Halibut are announced each year and can change at any time. Every river has its own set of rules and the open seasons for Salmon and Steelhead aren’t always the same everywhere you fish. Hiring a local guide is the best way to follow regulations.
Brookings Fishing Techniques
You can use a wide range of techniques while fishing in the rivers around Brookings. It’s common to target Salmon by trolling anchovies or small plugs, back bouncing, and side drifting roe. You can also throw spinners or pull plugs, depending on conditions. Use 8-10 lb test leaders to challenge yourself a little!
Anglers catch Steelhead mainly on spinning and fly fishing gear. Fly fishing in the Rogue is top-notch in autumn.
Ocean fishing involves trolling for Salmon and bottom fishing or drift fishing for Halibut, Lingcod, and Rockfish.
Budget
Brookings fishing charters generally cost $150-$250 per person. Half day trips (5 hours) are usually $150 per person, while full day trips (8-10 hours) cost $200-250, depending on the size of your group and your target species. If you’re fishing off the coast, you can book a private charter for $400-$700.
Getting There
Brookings is easily accessible by car, but it takes a few hours to get there from major towns and cities in Oregon (over 4 hours from Eugene, 2.5 hours from Medford). If you’re driving along the coast, the Oregon Coast Hwy will bring you straight through town. You can also catch an Amtrak-operated bus in Klamath Falls, which will bring you directly to Brookings.
Many local charter boats are docked at the Port of Brookings, right across the Chetco River in the town of Harbor. River fishing trips launch from numerous locations and you’ll have to consult your guide ahead of time to find out where you’re meeting.
Spend a little time fishing in Brookings on your next west coast road trip and experience some of the best waters in the state!