How to Go Depoe Bay Coho Salmon Fishing

Coho salmon, also known as the silver salmon, would weigh between 4-12 pounds, though you may catch even heavier ones! They are known for their silver sides, white belly, and dark-spotted back, making them attractive to look at. These are very popular when it comes to Depoe Bay Coho salmon fishing, caught using a variety of techniques and sometimes taken home to cook!

For those going Depoe Bay Coho salmon fishing, then you’re in for a treat! However, there is a lot to learn when it comes to targeting this certain fish species. Read on to learn all about Coho salmon fishing in the beautiful Depoe Bay!

About Depoe Bay Coho Salmon Fishing

The Coho salmon looks similar to the Chinook salmon, though it has a white gum line on its lower jaw. The Coho salmon would also have darker colors in and out of its gum lines, having spots on its tail’s upper lobe.

But once Coho salmon heads to freshwater, they turn red on their sides, while their backs, heads, and find turn dark green. These fish can reach over 25 pounds, but usually, they won’t exceed over 15 pounds.

Now that you’re familiar with what the Coho salmon is, the next question is: How are you going to fish for them in Depoe Bay?

Here are the things you should know about Depoe Bay Coho salmon fishing:

When Do They Come to the Depoe Bay?

Coho salmon adults would return to Oregon during the fall season, after their 3^rd year. Female Coho salmon would dig a few reefs, depositing between 3,000 to 4,000 eggs.

Once the eggs hatch, these young fish will gather in schools, heading to shallower areas nearing stream banks. When they get older, they will disperse, becoming aggressive, not just with other fish, but towards each other!

Coho salmon would rear for around 18 months in freshwater, then another 18 months in oceans.

Coho Salmon Habitat

You will find Coho salmon in small and relatively low-gradient tributary streams for spawning. They would head to areas with pea or orange-sized to spawn and for rearing young fish. Coho salmon also like to stay in a complex and in-stream structure such as tree-lined banks or woody debris.

Depoe Bay Coho Salmon Fishing Technique

Drift fishing is one of the most common techniques to use when in freshwater like Depoe Bay. Make sure your bait bounces off the bottom and moves at the current’s speed.

Another technique to use is plunking. This is when you cast a spoon or spinner but rather than it drifting with the current, it would anchor in a spot where Coho salmon would most likely meet with it.

You may also want to try float fishing when in smaller tributaries or even fly fishing, which is known to be very effective.

If you will be fly fishing, I recommend that you use a 7-8 fishing rod, or something lighter if you don’t like the chum. Focus on a high-quality fishing reel that features a smooth drag. If possible, use a full sink clear fishing line, or sinking tip lines. If you don’t have these on hand, you may also use a full floating line, which is pretty useful, depending on the conditions.

As for the flies to work with, the following are pretty effective:

• California Neal,
• g sucking leech
• Different-colored Christmas trees
• Different types of rolled minnow

Coho Salmon are Protected

Did you know that the lower Depoe Bay Coho salmon is actually a threatened species? There are organizations, including the NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region and the Science Centers, that work to conserve and protect the Coho salmon, thanks to the Endangered Species Act.

In 1986, the Coho salmon has declared an extinct species in Idaho, though, through efforts of tribes, the species was reintroduced. Today, they return in numbers supporting a fishery in various rivers and streams in the Oregon state, including Depoe Bay.

This is why there are limitations and restrictions put in place to ensure that they don’t go extinct in the area. There are also various recovery programs and partnerships in place.

Currently, the ODFW announced Coho salmon fishing season dates and quotas this June 2021. The season opened on June 12, with the quota being 120,000 fin-clipped fish, or with the season-ending on August 28.

Try Depoe Bay Coho Salmon Fishing Charters

Now that you’re more familiar with Coho salmon and how you can fish them in Depoe Bay, the next question is: How will you navigate the waters?

While it may seem fun to maneuver the boat on your own or with loved ones, this may not be the most feasible option for first-timers in the area or those who are complete beginners to fishing. That’s where a fishing charter comes along.

With fishing charters like us here at Pastime Fishing Adventures, you won’t have to worry about navigation and safety in the waters, as our professional guides and crew will be able to care for everyone on board. Furthermore, they provide quality fishing equipment, knowledge, and additional facilities for the entire group to enjoy their time in Depoe Bay.

That way, you can focus more on fishing for Coho salmon and having fun. You can check out what more we have to offer as a fishing charter here, from our rates down to our experiences and what we offer.

Wrapping It Up

The Depoe Bay is an amazing area with a lot of fishing opportunities, including Coho salmon. There are various techniques you can use to catch these types of fish and with the right strategy, you can catch a few to brag about after the trip!

Are you planning to go to Depoe Bay Coho salmon fishing? Then you may want to consider hiring a reputable fishing charter to navigate the waters and help you get the catch you’ve been dreaming of! Contact us now at Pastime Fishing Adventures for a quotation based on your specific needs.

Depoe Bay Dungeness Crab Fishing: Your Ultimate Guide!

Oregon is known as one of the best states to head to when it comes to crabbing. With their abundance of juicy Dungeness crabs around, you can see why some many locals and travelers head to different areas of the state to bring home a crab or two.

One particular area people travel to is Depoe Bay, which is popular for its Dungeness crab fishing opportunities. There are even fishing charters and guides that can help you go crabbing if you’re totally new to the activity.

That said, how can you go crab fishing when in Depoe Bay? Read on to learn more about Depoe Bay Dungeness Crab Fishing!

Depoe Bay Dungeness Crab Fishing

Depoe Bay is known as the world’s smallest bay, attracting thousands of visitors yearly. It’s an ideal area to visit because it’s merely minutes away from productive fishing opportunities for various fish species. While you may find more Rock crabs, Dungeness crabs are also around, ready to be caught. 

Make sure that you are fully acquainted with the rules and limitations when crabbing in Depoe Bay. There is a 24-crab limit for rock crabs regardless of the crab’s sex or size. As for Dungeness crab, the daily limit is 12 male crabs that are over 5 ¾ inches across their backs.

The Best Time to Go Crab Fishing

Fortunately, crab season is all year long when in Depoe Bay, though it’s best to go crab fishing in September when crabs are more ‘filled out’ with a higher percentage of high-quality meat.

Crabbing and fishing from port docks are allowed from 1.5 hours before sunrise up to 1.5 hours after sunset. All crabbing equipment will need to be out of the docks outside these hours.

While you can go crabbing any time of the day, certain times are better than others. It is best to go crab fishing during the ‘slack tide’, which are times of either peak high or low tide.

When swift tidal exchanges occur, crabs would bury themselves. But during slack tide, crabs are usually foraging around, as they will be less affected by the tidal currents.

One of the favorite times to harvest crab is usually the 1-hour time slot on every side of high tides. During these times, the tides are moving very slow, so the crabs are allowed to walk around and forage without having to fight currents. That said, you can still trap crab at any time.

Different Gear Available

What gear can you use when it comes to Depoe Bay Dungeness crab fishing? You will need the following:

• Your shellfish license
• Pots or rings (make sure that you check all of your pots and rings for any kinks and knots before using them)
• Crab measuring device
• A cooler to keep the crabs
• Gloves for protection
• Sunscreen
• Extra clothes and closed-toe shoes

You can either bring your own equipment or rent among any of these three crab traps:

Danielson Crab Traps

Danielson Crab Traps is known as the soaker type of trap. This means you’ll have to pull your trap only after it’s soaked for over an hour. This trap works by luring the crab with a bait bag into the cage through the openings, so when it enters, it can’t escape.

You can use these to catch Dungeness crabs from sandy bay bottoms that have ell grass. They are also found in rocky and sandy bottoms.

Crab Ring Traps

This trap is pretty straightforward. You just need to bait crabs into this ring trap, then pull it up when you feel crabs inside it.

The simplest type of crab ring trap is the two-ring crab net. You just need to pull this trap up as quickly as you can once the outer ring forms a wall. That way, the crab won’t escape.

Depending on the day’s crab activity, you’ll need to ring up this trap every 5-10 minutes.

Crab Trappers

Crab trappers have two metal netted sides that are 24 inches long. When it lays flat, it would have a slightly circular shape. This is the only crap trap you can use to catch crabs from a beach, shore, dock, pier, or boat.

Baits

Besides the different traps to use, you will also need bait! Fresh or slightly rotten meat works well, as crabs have strong senses of smell. You can use the following:

• Chicken
• Fish carcass
• Clams
• Shad
• Turkey
• And a lot more!

Pungent food piques their interests, so secure these baits in a bait holder. Make sure to secure your bait well in your line or trap, then you’re ready to throw the trap in and wait!

Hiring a Fishing Guide

If you are interested in crab fishing, you might want to consider hiring a fishing charter! They will be able to provide everything you need so you can focus on catching crab, from the professional crew to the boat and equipment.

Fishing charters are equipped with the crabbing gear you need to get started. And if you’re a first-timer, guides will be there to teach you how to use the gear, as well as the crabbing techniques to use to get as many Dungeness crabs as possible.

Wrapping It Up        

There are so many areas to go crabbing in when in Oregon, with Depoe Bay being one of them. With the right techniques and crabbing strategies, you’ll be able to catch a few of these tasty crabs to bring home and eat. Just make sure that you stock up on a lot of butter and ready your favorite recipes.

Hopefully, you learned a ton about Depoe Bay Dungeness crab fishing! If you plan to go crabbing around Oregon, you may want to consider getting a fishing charter to handle the trip and gear for you. Contact us to learn more about our packages and rates now!

How to Choose the Best Columbia River Fishing Charters

If you’re looking to catch the ‘Big One’, then Columbia River is one of the top places to visit! It’s known for the best angling action in the Pacific Northwest, with a variety of fish to catch. And what better way to make your trip memorable than to hire the right Columbia River fishing charters so you and your loved ones can focus on the waters and fishing?

What’s great about Oregon is that there are so many fishing charters for you to choose from when you need them. There are a lot of Columbia River fishing charters to hire to navigate the waters, too! However, it can get a bit confusing as to which fishing charter you should choose.

With that in mind, read on as I show you how to choose the best Columbia River fishing charters to help you out.

How to Choose the Best Columbia River Fishing Charters

Fishing charters are trips run on private vessels conducted by experienced fishing guides and/or captains, usually with additional crew members. These are great for beginner fishermen or those who want to target specific species. You can have your fishing charter tailored to suit your level of expertise, from novices to experienced anglers.

You’ll be surprised to know that there are a lot of factors to consider when selecting Columbia River fishing charters suitable for you. To narrow down your options, here are a couple of factors you need to consider:

The Fishing Experience

Before you begin browsing for boats and talking to captains, you need to know what kind of charter you want. There are various charter services to choose from, with many of them specializing in specific fishing styles.

Shared or Private?

Would you like a private boat all to yourself, or are you fine with sharing the boat with others?

Shared charters are a great choice for those who are more experienced. This is because the crew would be busy helping everyone else who is on the boat, so beginners might feel lost. Also, you won’t have much of a say about how or where to fish.

As for private charters, they will provide a tailored experience. You get to fish at your own pace and target the specific species you’d like to catch.

If you’re not familiar with fishing and just began the sport, then the crew will teach you the basics and more fishing techniques to help you catch the specific fish species. Plus, you’ll have a personal guide that can teach you more about the area!

Private charters are more expensive, though they’ll give you even more than what you pay for.

Where to Fish

Your day out in the waters will be based on where you’ll be fishing. While we’re focusing on Columbia River, let’s talk about the different areas to fish in, which are:

• Inshore trips would stay in the sheltered waters that are near land, just a few miles away from the shore. Inshore trips are also made in brackish rivers, mangroves, or shallow bays. The fish are smaller with calmer seas, you can begin fishing right away, and it’s great for first-timer anglers and younger children.
• Nearshore trips are farther away, usually around the local reefs and wrecks, so expect the fish to get bigger. You’re about 2-9 miles from the shore, so expect wavy waters. These are great for beginners and older kids, and for those with more experience can practice new techniques.
• Offshore trips will take you very far out to the point you’re losing sight of the land! These trips would take the entire day, made for the serious anglers with the rough waters. The trips are more than 9 miles from the shore and would reach depths of a few hundred feet!
• Deep-sea fishing is also known as big game fishing, where you are taken to areas over 100 feet deep. You’re usually on a bigger boat and with heavier tackle, making it best for the experienced and expert anglers out there.

For Food or Sports?

Will you want to catch fish for food, or are you more of the ‘catch-and-release type of angler and just want the thrill?

If you book private charters, then you can adjust the day to better suit your group’s priorities. Be clear on what factors are most important.

For instance, do you want to get a trophy fish or a full cooler? Or do you want to focus more on having fun with family and/or friends? This will help you identify what kind of trip to get and so you’ll be able to communicate your wants to the captain clearly.

The Captain

The captain would usually make the trip, which is why it’s important to communicate with them before booking. When talking to the captain, ask them how long they have been fishing in Columbia River and if they are local, knowing the different fishing seasons of Columbia River. Having experienced guides will help you get a great trip out in the waters for a sure catch!

You can learn more about the captain through the fishing reports. This is what will help you know what fish they catch, the types of charters they run, and everything else related to their fishing charters. Make sure they are licensed and have the appropriate permits to run a fishing charter as well.

Furthermore, look into reviews! These are what will help you learn more about the captain, their boats, services, communication styles, and more.

Wrapping It Up

Hopefully, this article helped you learn what to consider so you can choose the right Columbia River Fishing Charters for you. You can start your search with us here at Pastime Fishing Adventures and contact us for a quotation today!

If you believe we’re the right for your fishing needs, don’t hesitate to hire us and reap the advantages and facilities we offer all our clients. Happy fishing!

Your Guide to Columbia River Shad Fishing

There are many opportunities for catching shad in the Pacific Northwest, where you can find a lot of eager fighters and tough fighters. They are related to herring, making great game fish, and just like salmon and steelhead, they are anadromous. This means that they would spend most of their lives in the ocean before they go to freshwater rivers to spawn.

This is why Columbia River shad fishing is quite popular during spawn season. But that isn’t the only thing you should focus on. To get even more insight on how to catch shad in Columbia River, read on!

Columbia River Shad Fishing

American shad are Columbia River’s signature fish. While salmon and steelhead used to be the most prolific fish species in the area, their numbers reduced throughout the years. Compared to the 1-3 million from salmon and steelhead annual runs, shad would average in 4-5 million!

In fact, the US Geological Survey estimated between 10-20 million adult shad entering Columbia every year. And given the fact that shad isn’t native to Columbia, these are big numbers!

You can see why Columbia River shad fishing is quite popular with these numbers, being a favored game fish. So let’s dig into the shad facts and how you can fish for them in the Columbia River.

Where to Target Shad

Shad would swim close to the shores, usually within 30-45 feet of land. This makes them very accessible to bank fishers, though boaters parking in migration lanes. If you’re planning to hire a fishing charter, then I highly recommend that you go for inshore trips when catching shad.

The typical spots shad should target would be below wing jetties, rocks, among other covers giving shad a break from currents.

You’ll find shad in varying depths, depending on where you are fishing for them. In Columbia River, you’ll usually find shad around 5-20 feet deep, with the depth varying even further based on environmental conditions like the currents and sunlight.

This is why you need to identify the depth and locations shad would be running in certain spots of the Columbia River.

When to Target Shad

The shad spawn season at varying times, and this depends on the location. Warm water would spur shad on, so you can expect shad to spawn earlier up north.

The best time to fish for shad is a few hours before dark, though fishing any time of the day is still productive.

Take note that shad don’t feed during the spawning process. Because of this, treat shad as you would treat salmon, inciting a strikeout of annoyance. You can do this by bright-colored casting shad darts and/or crappie jig heads.

During overcast days, you can target shad in shallower waters, sometimes resting behind breaks or in pools. During clear and sunny weather, they tend to hold closer to the bottom, even in deeper waters, as a way to avoid direct sunlight. They have a light aversion, which is why morning and evening fishing, as well as overcast days, will give you more chances of catching shad.

For bright and sunny days, target shad by fishing 15 feet or so deep, again depending on the location, among other environmental factors.

Specifically, in the Columbia River, the target areas would be right below any obstructions. Before the dams of Columbia River, shad would stack up in thick schools before they climb fish ladders.

Take note that shad spawn may coincide with salmon fishing, and as mentioned, it’s best to treat shad as you would with salmon. This may mean that you might end up catching salmon instead of shad. While this is great, you’ll have to take note of the restrictions and regulations when catching both salmon and shad.

Catching Shad

As said before, shad do not actively feed in freshwater. They will stop their feeding cycles as they leave the ocean, only striking if annoyed or seeing something like food.

This is why using lures such as shad darts from your boat or shore delivers positive results.

Another tip is to target schools of shad and follow it, so you can catch shad all day long! If you already know where the schools pass during migration, set up in that area so you won’t wait too long for them to come in.

As for the gear, use a fishing rod with a 6-12 pound test with lures or hooks that are about 1 to 1/0 in size.

Columbia River Shad Fishing on Boats

Are you planning on hiring a fishing charter to fish in the Columbia River? Here are some quick tips on how to go boat fishing for shad:

It’s best to work with lures when casting from boats, as it would be easier to find schools, moving with them, or parking in travel lanes.

One simple setup is by attaching a 3-way swivel to the mainline and connect a 4-foot leader to one loop and your spoon or lure. Then, place a 2-foot dropper line that has enough weight based on current conditions, lowering your setup to the bottom, right behind the anchored boat.

Doing this will have your lure do the work as it moves through the current. When a school of shad comes in, you’ll then come across fast action. That said, prepare a light or medium-action fishing rods, such as a bass or trout fishing rod.

Wrapping It Up

There is so much to learn about shad fishing, from what shad are down to the gear and techniques to use when in the Columbia River. If you want to make your experience an even more memorable one, consider getting a fishing charter for higher chances of catching shad. That way, you are more focused on having fun fishing and learning more about catching Columbia River shad!

I hope you learned a lot about how to go shad fishing in Columbia River successfully. Keep this information in mind once you start planning your trip to Oregon and have a fun experience!

A Helpful Guide to Columbia River Walleye Fishing

The Columbia River is known for its amazing fishing opportunities, from sturgeon to walleye! Walleye is very popular in the area, with many anglers believing that the next world record of the largest number of walleye would be from the Columbia River. This fish species is well sought out not just because they are plentiful, but because they taste great when cooked well.

So it won’t be a surprise if you’re looking to catch a few walleye yourself, whether you’re a beginner or advanced fisherman. Read on to learn all about Columbia River Walleye fishing!

Columbia River Walleye Fishing

To successfully go Columbia River walleye fishing, you have to learn all about the fish species, techniques, and where to catch it in the area. Check out the facts to learn about below.

About the Walleye

The walleye fish are found in Columbia, Snake, and Willamette rivers. They prefer clean, cold, and large lakes and rivers that have gravel or sand bottoms.

The larger walleyes would mostly live in areas where fish are mostly available, though they would also feed on crayfish, frogs, snails, among other food sources. Younger walleye would feed on zooplankton until they shift to various other types of food sources.

The eye colors of the walleye would vary, but they are usually dark olive-brown on the top while being almost white under. They have 2 dorsal fins that are well separated, with the first having a large black spot at the rear. Walleye have opaque eyes, hence the species name, and prominent features such as canine teeth.

The Fishing Technique

Fortunately, walleye gear isn’t complex, though there would be a time and place for every method.

It’s best to fish for them through trolling slowly, using either a small minnow or worm spinner combo, plugs, spoons, or just plain spinners. You can also try to cast then slowly retrieve night crawlers nearing the bottom.

Another method is to troll in downstream directions slightly quicker than the currents. This can have you locate walleye when scattered. If possible, you can try nighttime trolling using a harness to pull in bigger walleye.

When you have found a school of walleye biters, you may switch to a vertical presentation. When doing so, use blade baits or lead head jigs. Use the lightest jig head you can as you maintain bottom contact, also using a taut-line to feel any nips. There are different colors to choose from, but the best ones are white or chartreuse for better visibility as you go deeper.

When You Should Fish for Walleye

You can fish for walleye all year long, though it’s best to fish during the winter!

Typically, early walleye fishing would begin in March until April, as this is pre-spawn. Avoid May, as this is during the main spawn and walleye will be less active. The same would go for June and July.

There will be a ton of juvenile shad that migrates from the Pacific Ocean come August to September. This would make foraging easy so the fish won’t care about the bait anglers would throw-in.

Once fall season begins, ideally October, that’s when you get nicer walleye fishing days. Big fish like walleye, salmon, and steelhead would begin moving up towards Columbia, so you’ll have a lot of fishing opportunities!

Where to Find Walleye

These fish are nocturnal feeders and would move inshore at dusk frequently, feeding in schools. They are usually found along the edges of drop-offs. You can also find them in the mouths of tributary streams, which is where cold water would enter. Since they’ve got eyes made for low-light vision, walleye would stay in deeper waters and/or weedier areas come daytime.

Take note that Columbia River is quite windy, so the water may get rough in a snap. When using smaller boats on vast waters, be careful and give yourself time to return to launch rather than try to hurry and panic!

To avoid getting lost or risking your safety on a small boat, you may want to hire a fishing charter to navigate across the Columbia River. The professional crew will be able to settle in an area where you can find walleye, even providing equipment and tips on how to get a successful catch!

Columbia River Fishing Regulations

Now that you’re familiar with Columbia River walleye fishing, the next question is: what are the rules and regulations you should know about?

Here are notable rules and limitations when fishing for walleye in the Columbia River:

1. The area is open to fish for warm water species all year long, and this includes walleye. As of writing, there aren’t any bag limits for walleye, though you should not use live fish as fresh bait.
2. You must have a valid fishing license either from Oregon or Washington. If you are fishing in tributaries, slopes, and/or other similar waters outside the main river, you need a license from the state you are fishing in.
3. Always stay updated about the changing rules and bag limits not only for walleye but for other species you plan to catch in the Columbia River. You can find it in the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations

Wrapping It Up

Hopefully, you learned a lot about how to go walleye fishing in the Columbia River. With the proper techniques and knowledge of this fish species, you can catch them successfully and bring one or two home for your next meal. You can heighten the chance of a catch with a fishing guide who can show you where and how to fish in the Columbia River!

If you’re planning to go Columbia River Walleye fishing soon, then make sure that you get a reputable fishing charter! Let us guide you around the waters and give you the best experience, contact us now for a quotation. Happy fishing!