Nine Things You Need to Know to Plan Your Oregon Coast Fishing Adventure

Fishing, crabbing, and clamming on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston has long been a favorite pastime for locals and visitors of all generations, and these days, it’s enjoying a surge in popularity like never before. Fishing, crabbing, and clamming are among the most popular ways for beginner and seasoned anglers to enjoy the great outdoors and make memories that will last forever.

Whether you want to fish by boat, by foot, by kayak, or by charter, there is a fishing adventure that is waiting for you on Oregon’s Adventure Coast!

If you have a competitive streak, from June through October each year, the Coquille River STEP Association and the Coquille Indian Tribe team up to put on a Smallmouth Bass Derby. Anglers who reel in a tagged smallmouth bass can win prizes ranging from $20 to $1,000! To get your catch scanned, stop by one of three locations: Sturdivant Park in Coquille on Saturdays (4–8 pm), the Myrtle Point Boat Ramp on Sundays (4–8 pm), or Pioneer House in Powers on Thursdays (4–8 pm).Visit the Facebook Page for More .

Here are nine things you need to know as you plan your trip:

#1 - Fishing License Requirements. An Oregon fishing license is required for those ages 12 years or older. Daily licenses are available. Most fishing charters, bait shops, and sporting goods stores can supply these for you. Take a look at our fishing license requirement page for where to buy a license and bait.

You don’t need a license to fish, crab, or clam anywhere in Oregon during designated Free Fishing Weekends! The remaining dates on the ODFW schedule for the year include:

• November 27–28, 2026 (Friday & Saturday over Thanksgiving Weekend)
• February 13–14, 2027 (Saturday & Sunday over Presidents' Day Weekend)
• June 5–6, 2027 (Saturday & Sunday - the traditional June Free Fishing Weekend)

#2 Current Fishing, Crabbing and Clamming Regulations. This is very important as conditions and regulations often change in Oregon! Check with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife for the latest recreation reports and regulation updates for our region.

#3- Current Conditions. Tides and weather play a major role in when and where you can safely fish, crab, or clam. Always check the weather before heading out, and familiarize yourself with the tides by checking the following sites:

• Tides4Fishing.com - Times and Solunar Charts
• TidesChart.com - Tide Times and Tide Charts

#4- Local Fishing Seasons. There are fish for every season and an endless choice of prime fishing spots to select from. Follow our seasonal fishing guide below, or download this Fishing Information Rack Card (PDF) to keep track of what is in season.

#5- Best Fishing Spots. You’ll have your choice of prime fishing spots to select from with more than 30 lakes and rivers to choose from in Coos County, and endless bay and ocean fishing spots. Do you want Fresh Water Fishing Options or Saltwater Fishing – Ocean & Bay ? Depending on what you want to catch, you can do both! Here are some local fishing spots recommended by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) .

IN COOS BAY

• COOS BAY BOARDWALK
  • Salmon
  • Relatively easy bank fishing for fall Chinook and coho salmon from the boardwalk in downtown Coos Bay. Located at the foot of Anderson St. and Central Ave.
  • Amenities: picnic
• DORA’S PLACE BOAT RAMP
  • Salmon, shad
  • Boat ramp on lower Millicoma River about 1/4 mi. upriver from its confluence with South Coos River. Take Coos River Hwy 241 east out of Coos Bay. About 3 miles out of town, cross the green Chandler Bridge and continue up Coos River about 4 miles to Dora’s Place.
  • Amenities: boat launch or ramp
• EMPIRE BOAT RAMP & PIER
  • Surfperch, crab, salmon
  • Fishing and crabbing pier, boat ramp and fish cleaning station. Located at the west end of Newmark Ave. in Coos Bay’s Empire District.
  • Amenities: boat launch or ramp; picnic; restrooms
• EMPIRE LAKES
  • Rainbow trout, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, largemouth bass
  • Rainbow trout and warm water fishery in both Middle and Lower Empire lakes. The lakes are within John Topits City Park and have primitive gravel launches for canoes, kayaks and non-motorized boats. Paved trail system around the lakes. Two entrances off Newmark Ave. in Coos Bay near Southwestern Oregon Community College.
  • Amenities: boat launch or ramp; picnic; restrooms
• MYRTLE TREE BOAT RAMP
  • Salmon, shad
  • Take Coos River Hwy 241 east out of Coos Bay. Turn left to pass under the green Chandler Bridge and continue up the Coos River Hwy about 4 miles.
  • Amenities: picnic; restrooms; campground
• ROOKE-HIGGINS BOAT RAMP
  • Salmon, shad
  • Fall salmon and spring shad fishing in tidewater of the Millicoma River. Take Coos River Hwy 241 east out of Coos Bay. Cross the green Chandler Bridge and continue up the Coos River and Millicoma River about 6 miles. Located next to Rooke-Higgins County Park.
  • Amenities: boat launch or ramp; picnic; restrooms; campground

IN NORTH BEND

• BUTTERFIELD LAKE
  • Rainbow trout, bass, warmouth
  • Butterfield is the only area lake known to have warmouth, a small but aggressive panfish. Primitive, gravel launch for non-motorized watercraft. From North Bend, take Hwy 101 about 6 miles north to Riley Ranch County Park/Campground.
  • Amenities: restrooms; picnic; campground
• HORSFALL BEACH
  • Surfperch
  • Beach fishing for redtail surfperch. From North Bend, take Hwy 101 north across the McCullough Bridge. Turn left onto Trans-Pacific Parkway to Horsfall Rd. in Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Go 2 miles to parking area. Hike over dunes to beach.
  • Amenities: picnic; restrooms; campground; day use, fee, or parking pass required
• SAUNDERS LAKE
  • Rainbow trout, bluegill, largemouth bass
  • Rainbow trout and warm water fishing. From North Bend, take Hwy 101 north about 7 miles to Jack Ripper County Park.
  • Amenities: boat launch or ramp; picnic; restrooms

IN CHARLESTON

• BASTENDORFF BEACH/SOUTH JETTY
  • Surfperch, rockfish, razor clams
  • From Charleston, travel south on Cape Arago Hwy about 0.5 miles and turn right onto Coos Head Rd. to the beach. Surfperch fishing and razor clams on the beach. Surfperch, rockfish, and other marine fish can be caught off Coos Bay’s South Jetty.
  • Amenities: restrooms
• CHARLESTON DOCKS
  • Crab, baitfish, smelt, clamming
  • Recreational crabbing off docks in the Charleston Marina boat basin and docks just upstream and downstream of the Charleston Bridge. Jigging for baitfish and surf smelt available when these fish are “running.” Bay clam beds nearby.
  • Amenities: boat launch or ramp; picnic; restrooms

There are many other fishing destinations on this list, including several more in Coos County. Click here to see the full list.

#6- Where to Find Tour Guides & Charters. When you’re in the mood to have someone else show the way, trust one of our many professionals to show you a great time. From chartered boats to ATV tours, you’ll be able to see Oregon’s Adventure Coast from a local’s point of view. See Tour Guides & Charters for more information.

#7-Where to Buy or Rent the Equipment You’ll Need. Not sure where to get a fishing rod, tackle, or bait? No problem. With so many options for adventure, you might need a little equipment to help you along the way. Here’s a list of resources to help you get the most out of your time here: Equipment Rent & Buy

Be sure to visit one of our bait shops while in the area; they’re always willing to share pointers with visiting anglers. Print out our Fishing Information Rack Card (PDF) to keep this information handy on your trip.

#8- Where to Stay. As you plan your vacation to the Oregon Coast, browse our list of places to stay located throughout Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston. Choose the one close to all the activities and events you are planning during your trip! You can pick accommodations on the Oregon Coast that suit your needs and preferences, whether you need a place to stay that is pet-friendly, offers a fitness center, has a kitchen, and includes other amenities.

Look through these options and take the next step in planning your trip to the Oregon Coast! The following properties mention certain fishing amenities in their description!

IN COOS BAY

Edgewater Inn- 275 E. Johnson Avenue- 541-267-0423 | 800-233-0423 Fishing/observation deck offers beautiful views of the bay.

Kelley’s RV Park- 555 S. Empire Boulevard- 541-888-6531 Crab rings available for guests.

Lucky Logger’s RV Park - 250 E. Johnson Avenue - 541-267-6003 Located right on the waterfront in Coos Bay.

Plainview Motel & RV Park- 91904 Cape Arago Highway- 541-888-5166 Ask about free use of crab rings and fishing poles!

IN NORTH BEND

Itty Bitty Inn- 1504 Sherman Avenue- 541-756-6398 Guests can borrow crabbing gear and learn how to cook, clean & enjoy the catch.

Riley Ranch County Park- 93507 Riley Ranch Lane- 541-396-7755 Offers lake fishing & recreation opportunities. Butterfield Lake is open to boats but limits the size & restricts to electric trolling motors only.

IN CHARLESTON

Bay Point Landing Modern Camping Resort - 92443 Cape Arago Highway- 541-351-9160 A modern camp experience open year-round with RV sites, cabins and Airstream trailer rentals with a sandy beach.

Beach Bound RV Park- 63319 Bastendorff Beach Rd - 925-786-1228 Located just steps from Bastendorff Beach, and close to Shore Acres, Sunset Bay and Cape Arago State Parks.

Captain John’s Motel- 63360 Kingfisher Drive 541-888-4041 Located near the Charleston Marina, offers fish cleaning stations.

Charleston Harbor Inn- 63361 Kingfisher Rd- 541-888-1178 | 877-888-1178 Within walking distance of the Charleston Docks, boat parking available.

Bastendorff Beach County Park- 63379 Bastendorff Beach Road- 541-888-5353 Overlooks Bastendorff Beach and has a fish-cleaning area.

Sun Outdoors Coos Bay- 90281 Cape Arago Highway - 541-888-2598 Use of crab traps & clam digging equipment. Beach access & general store.

Sunset Bay State Park Campground- 89814 Cape Arago Highway- 541-888-4902 Sunset Bay State Park features beautiful sandy beaches, beachcombing, fishing, swimming, boating.

Click here to see more lodging options including house rentals.

#9 What to Pack. For the optimal Oregon Coast fishing adventure, you must pack accordingly. What to pack depends a bit on the type of fishing, but here’s a solid baseline.

Clothing (layer up)

• Waterproof rain jacket and pants
• Fleece or wool mid-layer; mornings are chilly even in July
• Quick-dry pants (avoid cotton, which stays cold when wet)
• Waterproof boots or waders
• Warm hat and a brimmed hat/sunglasses (polarized helps you see fish and cuts glare)
• Extra socks and a full change of clothes in a dry bag

Gear

• Rod and reel suited to your target (surf, jetty, river, or bay all differ)
• Bait & Tackle if you’re using it: hooks, weights/pyramid sinkers for surf, swivels, leaders, lures or bait (if you don’t have this at home you can always get this at one of our local shops)
• Pliers, line clippers, knife, and a fillet knife
• Bait bucket or cooler with ice for your catch
• Net or gaff depending on what you’re after

Safety and comfort

• Oregon’s Adventure Coast Visitors Guide - Request or download one here
• Oregon fishing license (required for ages 12+) and a shellfish license if you’re clamming/crabbing
• Tide Schedule & Beach Safety Awareness
• Your Oregon State Park Annual Pass (if you have one)
• Waterproof Bag and/or other sealable bag to hold your electronics and valuables
• Sunscreen; the overcast fools people into burning
• Headlamp if you’re fishing dawn/dusk
• First-aid kit
• Cash- some locations may charge a fee for access
• Plenty of water and snacks
• Tide table for the day (critical for surf, jetty, and bay fishing, and for safety)

No matter what’s happening in the outside world, the fish are always biting and there is always a place here for you to relax and recharge!