Best Fish to Catch in Lincoln City, Oregon

Oregon is home to many fishing opportunities, which is one of the many reasons why anglers head to the area. From the smorgasbord of species to reel into friendly fishing guides that take you to the best spots, it will always be a memorable day in the waters. So, this might have you prepping for your trip already, searching for the best fish to catch in Lincoln City.

Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place! This article will talk about the fish you can catch in the area, so read on.

Best Fish to Catch in Lincoln City, Oregon

The Pacific Northwest is completely alive with tons of fish. It’s a haven for anglers and fish enthusiasts alike, whether you want to fish along gentle streams or head out to the deeper waters for offshore adventures. No matter how old you are or your skill level, there’s always a fishing activity you’ll surely enjoy.

Take a look at the best fish to catch in Lincoln City:

Salmon

Young wild coho salmon are also abundant in Lincoln City, where you can find them rear in Devils Lake before they take a quick journey to the ocean. You can even find salmon weighing up to 50 pounds on the Siletz River!

Many anglers might confuse silvery young coho with either trout or landlocked sockeye salmon. While the latter are great gamefish across Oregon, you can’t find them in Devil’s Lake.

There are five salmon species you can find in the Pacific Northwest, which are:

• Chinook
• Coho
• Chum
• Sockeye
• Pink salmon

The Coho, chinook, and chum salmon are most common in Oregon. Expect these fish to run year-round from one river to another, with the first being spring Chinook starting in March. We recommend targeting Chinook salmon from April to June for better success.

Rainbow Trout

Did you know that the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife would stock Devils Lake with rainbow trout multiple times a year? They do so usually during the early season from March to spring.

Moreover, the ODFW frequently sponsors a yearly springtime family fishing event in Devils Lake, usually from the Regatta Park. But even without the event, the Regatta Park is a great place you can begin fishing for trout as they have a large fishing dock, boat launch, and quality park amenities.

It’s best to go trout fishing a few days or weeks following trout stocking, but fortunately, the lake is cool enough for most fish to hold over longer, growing larger. You can catch a few fish year-round and use trolling for trout, which is the go-to tactic. Bait fishing is also one of the more popular ways to lure and catch freshly-stocked trout, but artificial lures and flies still work well.

Do note that the ODFW has set rules and restrictions when catching trout. Native cutthroat trout and salmonids without healed fin clips should be released unharmed. ODFW would only stock trout with clipped adipose fins, which are fleshy fins on the fish’s top rear portion on the front part of the tail. The clipped areas are usually already healed on stocked fish.

Fun fact: Rainbow trout are also known as the Oregon steelhead or red band trout, being the largest race of rainbow in the state. These are one of the best fish you can catch when in Lincoln City if you want to put up a fight!

Largemouth Bass and Panfish

With so many private docks and lily pads in Devils Lake, along with other aquatic plants and structures like tree branches and pilings, anglers can expect a ton of bass.

If you want to go bass fishing in Lincoln City, then you’ve come to the right place. Anglers report fair catches of largemouth bass. These are widespread across western Oregon in low and mid-elevation lakes or ponds. You can also find them in the backwaters of large rivers.

The bass in the state can go over 25 inches long and weigh about 12 pounds. These fish are greenish on the back and sides, have a white belly, and a dark horizontal stripe on the side.

While they aren’t the hugest species, they still put up a challenge at times. It’s a great species to target if you’re a beginner angler trying to brush up your skills. If you plan to catch largemouth bass, go for times when the water temperatures are at least 50 degrees F.

Other than that, you can also find yellow perch and bullhead catfish, and though they run small, they have delicious meat!

Grass Carp

Besides salmon, bass, and panfish, you might also be able to snag yourself grass carp, an unusual fish species for Oregon. It’s a sterilized species native to Asia, which was planted in Devil’s Lake years ago as the waters had an intense weed problem during the warm season. Grass carp took care of the issue and helped achieve a cleaner lake.

While you can reel a grass carp in, they are protected and are considered catch-and-release species. You wouldn’t want to bring one home to eat anyway.

You can find all these fish thriving in Lincoln City’s popular spots like Devils Lake. Schooner and Drift Creeks, and the Salmon and Siletz Rivers. Besides the fish mentioned above, you can also find crappie, catfish, bluegill, and yellow perch. There are also lots of lingcod and rockfish you can catch and bring home for dinner!

Wrapping It Up

Who knew that there were so many kinds of fish you can target when in Lincoln City? Hopefully, our list of the best fish to catch in Lincoln City helped you out!

If you’re still looking for a fishing charter or guide to take you around the waters, contact us now! We can connect you with our wide network of charters and guides in the area.

Why Choose a Native Oregonian as Your Fishing Guide

Whether you’re fishing for the first time, a seasoned angler, with family, or going solo, it will always be an amazing experience in Oregon as long as you research and plan ahead. You can increase the chances of catching the fish you want with a fishing guide, especially when you go with a native Oregonian.

But why choose a native Oregonian as your fishing guide? We’ll share the benefits they offer below, read on!

Why Choose a Native Oregonian as Your Fishing Guide

Choosing a native Oregonian as your fishing guide is especially beneficial when you are a beginner angler or it’s your first time in Oregon. That said, it’s also beneficial for seasoned anglers in familiar areas because of various reasons, such as:

Native Oregonian Fishing Guides Know Where the Fish Are

You get to save a lot of time and have an easier trip with a native Oregonian as your fishing guide compared to going to the waters yourself. Just like how the locals know where the best places are on land, native Oregonian fishing guides know where to look for a good catch when fishing.

A local fishing guide would know all the best fishing spots to find specific species. Not only that, but they may know a few hidden gems they will lead you to! That way, your trip is less of a waiting game for a bite and more of an adventure as you reel fish in with the help of a guide.

They Can Read the Water Well

Various regions and bodies of water would have different intricacies to master in terms of fishing. A native Oregonian as your fishing guide knows the area well enough to navigate the waters that you wouldn’t be able to. Moreover, they can teach you how to read the waters, too.

Local fishing guides can show you which areas are treasure troves for specific fish species like salmon or walleye. They can also share what drop-offs to avoid heading to and how to apply fishing techniques for future trips.

Receive Help with Your Fishing Gear

If you’re a beginner without any gear, not to worry! Many fishing guides will provide the angling gear needed for the specific fishing trip you want, whether inshore or offshore. While you can bring your own gear, the provided gear is beneficial for those who have no idea what gear to buy or who just want to fish a few times.

If you plan to bring your own gear, a guide will advise you on what rods, reels, bait, or other tackle to pack ahead to prevent wasting time carrying or struggling with equipment deemed useless for the trip.

Whether you bring or rent fishing gear, a guide will teach you how to use the equipment properly and the techniques you can use with it. Novice anglers can learn a lot to heighten their chances of catching fish on that trip, while seasoned anglers can learn new techniques to get them more fish on future trips!

They Teach You the Craft

You can never grow as an angler if you won’t challenge yourself and expand your knowledge! While you can learn on your own, you can always learn better with an experienced teacher, especially a local who has had years of training, knowledge, and experience for his passion for fishing.

Fishing guides can be valuable to even the most advanced fishermen, and you can collaborate with a professional to hone old techniques, learn new ones, and discover new things you haven’t learned about fishing spots, unfamiliar species, and a lot more.

Besides that, fishing guides possess the appropriate licenses for you to fish, and they are aware of the rules and regulations when fishing in Oregon. That way, they can easily identify the species you just caught and whether you can keep it or release it (after taking a quick photo)!

Get a Safer and More Enjoyable Fishing Trip

Navigating new waters is a bit tricky, especially if it’s your first time in the area or even on the waters themselves. There’s the chance of getting lost or stumbling into the wrong current or channel, which isn’t only risking your chance of getting fish, but also your safety.

As the name suggests, a fishing guide will guide you around the area so there’s no worry about doing the navigating yourself. Moreover, most guides are trained in basic first aid, so if an accident happens or you get hurt, they can help stabilize you and go back to land for further medical assistance.

You will also have less responsibility as you won’t have to worry about maneuvering the boat, getting out to the waters, and checking over the list of supplies you need, as someone else will take care of all that for you. When you have a guide with a boat, you just need to bring yourself!

Besides making your trip a safe one, you can bet that a native Oregonian as your fishing guide can make the experience more fun! Adventures would always be more satisfying when sharing them with others, may it be your friends, family, or a professional who can teach you many things.

When you go fishing with a guide who shares the same passions and interests as you do when it comes to fishing, your trip becomes all the more enjoyable. You can build a new professional relationship, learning trade secrets along the way.

Wrapping It Up

You can’t go wrong with a native Oregonian as your fishing guide! They know the waters, fish activity, and the techniques to use for more success. Plus, you can learn insider tips about traveling and fishing around Oregon to make the most out of your trip.

If you don’t have a fishing guide or charter yet, contact us now! We can provide the services you need to get a memorable trip and lots of fish.

The Best Fish to Catch in Depoe Bay Oregon

Depoe Bay is the world’s smallest bay, attracting thousands of visitors yearly. It’s mere minutes from productive fishing for nearshore and deepwater rockfish species on the Oregon Coast, among other types of species. Just like in other places around Oregon, you can surely get a bite and reel in a lot of fish to either bring home for their delicious meat or release after a quick picture.

But if you’re a first-timer or beginner to fishing, especially in Depoe Bay, this might have you wonder: What’s the best fish to catch in Depoe Bay? What can you expect when spending the day fishing in the area?

We share popular fish species to expect and some tips on when to catch them for more success. Read on!

The Best Fish to Catch in Depoe Bay Oregon

Before getting into the best type of fish to catch, let’s also talk about the times to catch fish in Depoe Bay. If you’re keen on catching salmon, lingcod, and flounder, you’ll want to go fishing from June to September. Summer is a great season as the waters are warm and the fish are abundant, enjoying the temperatures.

Fall is great as well, with chum salmon fishing being the best in the area from October to December. However, the temperatures are cooler with fish in deeper waters for warmth. Spring is also suitable for fish biting but fewer people than summer.

Now, let’s get on to the fish you can catch when in Depoe Bay!

Halibut

Halibut is one of the most popular species on the west coast for great reasons. These fish will put up an astounding fight, weigh a few hundred points, and taste delicious! If you’re looking for a fish that will give you a challenge and have you bring delicious meat home, then halibut is an excellent choice.

We recommend you target halibut anytime from May to September. Note that their season is closed from January to April and October to December.

As for the best time to catch halibut, it will depend on the tides. If the tides move, then it may be challenging to keep the bait on the bottom because of the currents. You can catch halibut at low tide, but it’s best to do so during high tide.

Also, do note that halibut are bottom feeders that usually hide in sand and silt, ambushing prey. The most common bait for halibut is squid, herring, and at times, salmon scraps after cleaning them. You’ll want to use bait with a lot of weight so it can reach the bottom and stay there until you get a bite.

Halibut like hanging around offshore reefs and wrecks, though you may find them in open waters, too. Since halibut is like hiding under the sand to feed, so you’ll want to try fishing the edge of reefs where sand meets it.

Salmon

The most common types of salmon in the area are coho, chum, and chinook salmon. For most of Oregon, all salmon except coho are open from mid-March to the end of October. Coho season is open from mid-June to the end of September.

If you’re wondering what time to catch coho, opt for the morning, since salmon are more active when the sun isn’t as harsh.

Salmon like feeding on baitfish and eggs. You can also try using imitation plastics on a jig or inline spinners, usually, one that’s either silver or brightly colored.

If you plan to fish from a boat, you can use trolling as your chosen fishing technique, using crankbaits, spoons, inline spinners, or live bait.

Salmon from Oregon, including Depoe Bay, are ocean-run, so they would live in the ocean most of their lives and then head to rivers during the spawning season. When in the ocean, salmon is found near islands, structures, or underwater currents. In rivers, spot salmon in eddies or deep holes.

Trout

Brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout are the most common species in Oregon, with their season open year-round in lakes. It’s best to target them from late May to the end of October and to fish for them in the morning since the sun isn’t as harsh and predators, like birds, can’t see through the water to catch them.

Trout is similar to salmon, from their bait to the technique used. Trout can bite on small spoons, inline spinners, flies, and live bait. You can opt for trolling in lakes or to fish in deeper spots as you go jigging spoons or live bait. If you will fish in streams, common baits include flies and inline spinners.

Trout is also like deep and cold water, so opt for areas deeper than the surrounding water. In streams, you can check for dark patches of water, some with edits that surround a dropoff. As for lakes, fish along shelves leading to deeper waters where you can cast or jig.

Lingcod and Rockfish

These two fish species are available all year long with the high seasons from December to May. These fish aren’t sensitive to the time of day but are more affected by tides. It’s best to fish right before high tide so your bait stays on the bottom.

You can use herring as bait for rockfish and lingcod, as well as other oily and silvery baitfish. Go for larger bait or jigs since these species are larger than other species on reefs, so bigger baits keep the other species from trying to bite.

Wrapping It Up

Depoe Bay is filled with wonderful species giving anglers a challenge and delicious meat to bring home. We hope that this article on the best fish to catch in Depoe Bay helped you out! Just remember that there’s also more to a fishing trip than planning what fish to catch though, it also depends on the weather, water conditions, and if you plan to get a reputable fishing charter.

Best Places to Stay in Depoe Bay Oregon

Depoe Bay Oregon is one of the most beautiful areas to go to with a dramatic shoreline, world-class whale watching opportunities, and numerous things to do, like fishing. It’s set on a stretch of Oregon’s Pacific Coast, so expect a lot of fun under the sun, whether you’re enjoying the beach, out fishing, or checking out the tourist attractions.

Of course, when you’re planning your next trip to any area, one of the first things to do is to plan where to stay when in Depoe Bay Oregon. We list down the best places to stay, so read on!

Best Places to Stay in Depoe Bay Oregon

Depoe Bay Oregon is home to many hotels, resorts, motels, hostels, and services apartments. We narrow down our list to what’s considered the best based on our research and reviews.

Whale Cove Inn

The Whale Cove Inn is considered an adults-only hotel for those over 16 years old, so this is the best for couples rather than families. It’s perfect for romantic getaways and honeymoons because of the rooms and amenities offered. The best part is that Whale Cover Inn is a marine wildlife refuge and one of the best areas you can go whale watching and hike in the natural rainforests nearby.

Every suite features a balcony or terrace with a private hot tub where you can relax after a long day out. Since it’s a suite-only hotel, expect spacious rooms and other amazing facilities, like a gourmet restaurant serving up delectable dishes using the finest foraged and local farm ingredients.

SCP Depoe Bay

If you’re a family or large group of friends, then the SCP Depoe Bay is a suitable option. This is an eco-friendly surf lodge facing the harbor, mere minutes from the ocean. Think of it as an upscale hostel at an affordable price, where sustainability is the main focus.

All the rooms are lovely, as it features minimalist décor with a chill atmosphere for guests to feel cool and cozy. There are 13 rooms available with communal areas like the kitchen, living room, dining area, and gym. Every room has its balcony or terrace, as well as spectacular views of the harbor and contemporary artworks displayed everywhere.

Another perk is accessibility. You will be walking distance from the nearest whale watching center and the Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint. And because you’re minutes away from the ocean, you can go surfing, fishing, kayaking, cycling, or do other watersports, too.

If you’re in the mood to shop, then you’re a short drive away from the Lincoln City Outlets and other nearby tourist attractions.

Four Winds Motel

For those on a budget and looking for something accessible to the waters, the Four Winds Hotel is an adequate option. It’s one of the most affordable places that are accessible to whale watching and deep-sea fishing, with fishing charters a few minutes’ walk away. There is also beach access and you’ll be nearby delicious restaurants.

The rooms are simple, with each room including free WiFi, cable TV, attached bathrooms, and sea-inspired décor. There is even a swimming pool, fitness facility, and hot tub you can take advantage of!

Clarion Inn Surfrider Resort

The Surfrider is a hidden gem and a combination of a luxury resort and restaurant, sitting on a cliff over the Pacific Ocean and between Depoe Bay and Lincoln City. It overlooks the Fogarty Beach, so you have a spectacular, panoramic view of the ocean. You will also get direct beach access, with whales living in the waters below the resort.

You also get to take advantage of fantastic amenities, such as an indoor pool, sauna, business center, event center, and game room. All the rooms are comfortable, with some rooms featuring decks, balconies, and even kitchenettes!

Travelodge by Wyndham Suites

If you’re looking for something simpler and more affordable, then you will appreciate the Travelodge by Wyndham. It has everything you need in a hotel room, such as fast WiFi, comfortable beds, and accessibility to numerous attractions around Depoe Bay Oregon.

It does not include world-class amenities like pools, spas, fitness centers, and the like. However, you still get stellar 24/7 service. You can also request a room with a balcony to get lovely views and the cool ocean breeze.

Whale Pointe Resort

This is a property owned by Wyndham Resorts and is now one of the most popular luxury accommodations on the Oregon Coast. It overlooks the Pacific Ocean, with nearly every room featuring oceanfront views of Depoe Bay’s rugged rocky coastline.

You can get all the luxury amenities in this resort as it features multiple swimming pools and spas, along with other activities like exercising in the fitness center, playing in the game room, enjoying drinks in the lobby, or walking downtown to visit attractions and shop. You can also have other activities scheduled such as hiking, beach combing, fishing, kayaking, biking, clamming, tennis, and whale watching.

Channel House Inn

The Channel House Inn is nestled within the magnificent views of the Oregon Coast, combining the luxury feel of a first-class hotel with the comfort and ambiance of a small country inn.

From here, you can breathe in the fresh ocean breeze as you take in the panoramic views, sunsets, and whales. The property is perched on an oceanfront bluff so your room can have whirlpools, gas fireplaces, and oceanfront decks. Every room is designed with contemporary décor and natural elegance in mind for any guest’s comfort.

Wrapping It Up

We hope that our list helped you find the best place to stay when in Depoe Bay Oregon. Now that you’ve narrowed down your accommodation options, it’s time to figure out what to do when in the area already. If you’re into fishing, contact us now and you can book a fishing charter for an adventure!

Best Ways to Prepare Dungeness Crab

Ah, the Dungeness crab. They are best known for their detectable white flesh and rich brown meat; these crabs are a prized catch in the Pacific waters. You can either purchase them from seafood markets or catch them yourself if you’re around the Pacific coast.

Whether you bought some or caught Dungeness crabs in Newport, Oregon, what’s the next step? Cooking them, of course! You want to really bring out the flavors of the crab’s sweet and succulent flesh, right? But what if you don’t know how to prepare Dungeness crab?

Not to worry, as we show you the best ways to prepare Dungeness crabs and recipes you can follow. Read on!

Best Ways to Prepare Dungeness Crab

Before we show you ways to prepare Dungeness crab, we first want to show you how to prepare and clean it first for basic cooking.

Here are the steps to prepare the crab for cleaning:

1. If you have a live Dungeness crab, you’ll need to kill it by stabbing the crab in the middle of its body, right above the abdominal flab. Set the crab aside for ten minutes until all the dark water from the crab’s insides drain out.
2. Gently rewarm the crab with a stockpot of water. Let that water boil first, then turn off the heat. Submerge the crabs in hot water, gently warming them. Doing this will prevent the crabs from overcooking (for a second time), which would result in tough meat.
3. Allow the crabs to rest in the warm bath for about ten minutes or once fragrant. Drain the water, then rinse your crabs under cool water to stop the cooking process and cool the crab shells down enough to be handled. It also removes any crab guts oozing out while it was warming.

Now, here are the steps to cleaning and preparing your crab:

1. Use your thumbs to break the crab’s apron, using your thumb to break it off from the back of its shell. Note that female crabs have wider aprons that are more oval, and it’s best to throw female crabs back into the waters to maintain the population.
2. Stick your thumb into the left hole after removing the apron, lifting it firmly but gently. The carapace will detach from the crab’s body, with attached guts trailing behind. You can keep it to serve or dry it for other reasons, just remove all the squishy bits from every nook and cranny, then rinse.
3. Remove and discard all of the spongy, inedible gills from all sides of the body. Crack off the mandibles and throw them out. These are the crab’s mouthparts located in front.
4. Rinse all the goo from the body, so the only things left are the meat and shell.
5. Turn your crab upside down, gripping it on both sides. Place your thumbs near the crab’s midline on its back, where the carapace was. Push up with your thumbs, pull down with your hands, and add some force for the crab to crack cleanly and easily along the centerline. Pull it apart and serve with your preferred sauces and garnishes!

Note that you can clean Dungeness crabs before cooking, which can help keep the mess out of the pot while allowing more crabs in the pot. You just need to pre-chill your crab before following the steps above.

Roasted Dungeness Crab

Besides warming the crab in water, you can also try roasting it. Here’s another simple recipe you can follow.

Ingredients:

• One tablespoon of black peppercorns
• Six tablespoons of unsalted butter at room temperature
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• One Dungeness crab
• Lemon wedges

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Use your flat side of the knife to press down and crush the black peppercorns, chopping them roughly. Heat butter in the microwave, then add your salt and black pepper. Stir well.
3. Coat your crab in the butter-pepper mixture, then roast it in the oven for 30 minutes.
4. Remove the crab from the oven, and garnish it with parsley and lemon wedges. Serve and enjoy!

Crab Chowder

Instead of the typical cooked or roasted whole crab, why not make it into a thick, creamy chowder? Serve it with bread, and you’ve got a whole meal right there!

Ingredients:

• Two tablespoons of unsalted butter
• One finely chopped yellow onion
• Four stalks of celery, sliced
• One tablespoon of fresh thyme, finely chopped
• Salt and black pepper
• Seven potatoes, cut into ½-inch pieces
• Two cups of whole milk
• 15 ounces of fish broth
• One cup of heavy whipping cream
• Eight ounces of clam juice
• 5 pounds of chopped Dungeness crab meat

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Place the onion, celery, thyme, salt, and pepper in the pot, cooking and stirring until the onions and celery begin softening, taking about five minutes.
2. Add the potatoes, milk, broth, cream, and clam juice. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it cook for another ten minutes until the potatoes soften.
3. Pour the broth mixture into a blender (no more than half the blender pitcher) and pulse it a few times before you leave it to blend. Puree the soup in batches until it’s smooth.
4. Return the pureed soup to the pot, stirring in the crab meat. Cook until the soup is hot and the crab is properly heated, taking about five minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve with bread. Enjoy!

Wrapping It Up

Hopefully, our article on the best ways to prepare Dungeness crab gave you an idea of how to serve it to your loved ones. Don’t wait any longer and follow any of these recipes now to create delicious dishes for everyone to be impressed by. You can even check out our guides on cooking other fish species.

And if you haven’t caught Dungeness crabs yet, don’t wait to purchase them in supermarkets. Instead, why not go crabbing? Contact us now, and we can connect you with charters and guides who can get you started catching your own Dungeness crabs to take home!