If you're looking for a place to land your next Salmon or White Sturgeon trophy, Tillamook Bay fishing will be a revelation. With some of the best Salmon runs in Oregon and solid angling action throughout the year, Tillamook Bay is a must-visit destination.
What to Catch
Tillamook Bay is the meeting point of five rivers – Trask River, Tillamook River, Miami River, Wilson River, and Kilchis River – so it's hardly a surprise that fishing here is superb. Here's what you can expect at the end of your line.
Salmon
Chinook (King) Salmon are the most prized catches, especially because you can land some real lunkers that weigh 30 pounds or more. The fall Salmon run on the bay is legendary, and from late August up until Thanksgiving, these feisty fish are all anyone talks about. If you prefer fishing in warmer weather, make the most out of the spring Chinook run in May and June.
Coho Salmon are equally popular, especially because you can only target them in September and October. Chum Salmon are also in the cards in November, but they're always limited to catch and release.
White Sturgeon
The bay is also known for its year-round White Sturgeon fishery, which peaks in February and March. During this time, massive Sturgeon are on the prowl in the bay, so all you need to do is choose the right setup and wait for this ancient monster to gulp it down. Local anglers swear by sand shrimp.
Crabs and Clams
If you're visiting Tillamook Bay with the family and you're looking for a memorable outing, crabbing and/or clamming is the way to go. You can go crabbing all year, but summer months are the most productive. Dungeness Crab is the star of the show, which you catch by setting up crab pots early in the morning. Come back to get them later in the day, and you'll probably find a good haul that can easily turn into a delicious meal.
Clamming will be a bit more of a workout because you'll look for a variety of clams on muddy, sandy, and rocky bottom. You'll use specialized clamming rakes to find hidden razor, cockle, butter, and soft-shell clams. This is a lot of fun for all ages, and who doesn't want tasty clams for dinner?
What Trip to Choose
One of the best things about Tillamook Bay fishing is that you can be a novice or a pro, seven or 77 years old, and you'll enjoy your time on the water to the fullest. Whether you're heading out from Garibaldi, Tillamook, or Bay City, there are many charter captains who know the bay like the back of their hand.
Usually, there are shared and private trips on offer, as well as specialized expeditions that target one species, usually Salmon. Kids will have a lot of fun on shorter four-hour excursions, especially if you book a fishing/crabbing combo. Dedicated fishermen should book full day adventures that will grant them more time on the water and better chances of landing something brag-worthy.
Don't forget to buy your fishing license (and a shellfish license if going crabbing/clamming) and pack plenty of food and drinks to keep your energy up.
Want to see what one of the best Oregon fisheries has in store for you? Then head out to Tillamook Bay and have your rods at the ready!