Fishing

Click here for current Oregon fishing and shellfish regulations and permit information.

A variety of fishing adventures await you in the Cannon Beach area.  However, due to unpredictable environmental conditions and because some species are endangered, care must be taken to observe regulations, restrictions, and closures. 

Season openings may change frequently, therefore the Department of Fish and Wildlife should be called for current information.  In Oregon, call (503) 338-0106 regarding fresh water fishing and (503) 325-2462 for salt water species.

Pacific Ocean salmon, sturgeon, and Albacore tuna are prized fish in the area.  Charter boat rates range in price, depending on the length of the trip, boat size, and service offered.  Reservations are necessary for most trips, especially on weekends and holidays.  Charter boats are available in Astoria, Warrenton, and Ilwaco.

To charter a fishing trip, contact one of these local charters or visit www.ifish.net:

Crabbing is a North Coast favorite.  Dungeness Crab can be caught in most of the bays along the coast.  Nehalem Bay, south of Cannon Beach, has bayside marinas with boat rentals.  They can provide all the equipment and bait.  Crabbing requires no license and is an all-year activity.  Only male crabs with a minimum shell width of 5 and 3/4 inches may be kept.  There is a 12 crab limit per person.

Clams are another popular local shellfish.  Razor clams are found on Seaside and Gearhart beaches.  Soft shelled clams can be found in Nehalem Bay and many varieties of clams are available further south in Tillamook Bay.  Before going out on a shellfish gathering adventure, be sure that the season is open.  

For fresh water fishing, your best bet are the local lakes.  Coffenbury, Cullaby, and Sunset lakes are stocked with Rainbow trout and are open year round.