On April 8, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) recommended that commercial ocean fishing for chinook salmon three miles off the Oregon coast, from Cape Falcon to the Oregon/California border, be closed to protect salmon returning to the Sacramento River in California. Those recommendations were adopted by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Commission May 15. Current ocean salmon fishing regulations can be viewed at: www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/salmon
How Do The Restrictions Affect Sport Fishing in Oregon?
The regulations are primarily for commercial fishermen. The only recreational fishing limit is for ocean chinook salmon. Anglers may still fish for salmon in select rivers and bays. And, ODFW reports recreational coho salmon fishing in the ocean will be abundant this year. Typically, due to fish behavior and depth, charter fishing boats go for coho salmon, not chinook, which means visitors taking fishing charter boats can anticipate a plentiful catch! The Oregon Coast also offers excellent fishing for halibut, rockfish and tuna, while inland rivers and lakes offer anglers the occasion to fish for trout and warm water species such as bass, crappie and bluegill.
Click here to view a map identifying Ocean Sport Salmon Seasons
Fishing Opportunities Are Abundant in Oregon This Year! Learn More...
To find local guides and fishing opportunities, and for the most recent information about fishing permissions and restrictions pertaining to the area of Oregon you plan to visit, please contact:
• Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) at 1.800.720.ODFW or www.dfw.state.or.us (includes a weekly fishing report for waters throughout the state)
• Oregon Coast Visitors Association at 1.888.628.2101
• Oregon Guides & Packers Association at 1.800.747.9552
• Oregon State Marine Board at 1.503.378.8587
• Travel Oregon at 1.800.547.7842
- Fishing Updates for Visitors, Tourism Industry, Media at www.traveloregon.mediaroom.com
- Guide Info at www.traveloregon.com/Experiences/Outdoor-Recreation/Fishing/Search.aspx
- Water Sports at www.traveloregon.com/Experiences/Outdoor-Recreation/Water-Sports/Search.aspx
- Coast Info at www.traveloregon.com/Explore-Oregon/Oregon-Coast.aspx
The complete 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations and information may be obtained at:
ODFW Headquarters, 3406 Cherry Ave. NE, Salem, OR 97303, or online at dfw.state.or.us