Common Techniques to Catch Oregon Halibut

Oregon Halibut is one of the more popular targeted species to catch in the state. Because the recent salmon runs haven’t been bringing in as many fish compared to the past years, Halibut became a highly sought-out species.

Many Oregon fishermen presumed that you needed to head to Alaskan waters to catch trophy Halibut back then. While this might be true, you can also get your share of nice Halibut catches in Oregon.

If you’re planning to catch this specific fish species, you’ll need to prepare! Read on to learn all about the common techniques to catch Oregon Halibut.

Common Techniques to Catch Oregon Halibut

What’s so interesting about the Halibut is that their eyes are always on the right side of their bodies. These fish have a greenish-brown to dark brown or black eyed-side with light blotches. On the other hand, their blind side is colored white to milky-white.

Expect Halibut to have a large, stout, yet flat body, looking like an elongated diamond. On average, you’ll find Halibut in Oregon weighing about 35-40 pounds. While rare, you can discover Halibut monsters weighing over 100 pounds!

Whether you’re new to fishing or an expert at it, here are the tips and common techniques to catch Oregon Halibut successfully, whether on your own or with a fishing charter:

The Main Technique

Boat anglers would use heavy fishing rods for fishing near or directly on gravel bottoms in waters. Halibut are attracted by jigs, spoons, shrimp flies, or large herring deployed on heavy monofilament leaders or wire.

If Oregon Halibut are in shallow waters, they’ll hunt using their sight and hearing, though, in the deep, they hunt through their sense of smell. That said, expect these large flatfish to spend more time near the bottom of the waters, looking for food above and preferring colder waters.

Locating and Luring Oregon Halibut

Before anything else, you must find out where Halibut is, so you have a higher chance of catching one! As mentioned, Halibut prefer staying in or near the bottom of the ocean, about 40-80 feet deep. You won’t find Halibut below 120 feet, so stick with the 40-80 feet range.

Besides that, Oregon Halibut prefer staying around hydraulic relief zones, which are current-calming obstructions such as valleys, rock formations, or depressions, in the deep waters. We recommend using sonar or other types of electronic equipment to identify the contours and depths of the ocean. That way, you can discover excellent fishing spots!

Once you find a good spot, the next step is to prepare your bait. Make sure you select a bait that Halibut actually likes!

Other than the baits mentioned above, you can use live squid or octopus, as well as mackerel guts or heads. You can also use artificial bait like plastic fish colored like anchovies or sardines. Add attracting scents to your line and bait, chumming liberally and regularly to increase your chances of luring Halibut in.

You can draw Halibut in with luminescence and movement but avoid jerking motions. As for the fishing line, select one that’s strong yet lightweight, as you wouldn’t want Halibut snapping the line or experiencing a difficult time reeling your catch. We recommend a low-stretch and high-quality line with an 80-120 pound test strength.

Hook and Reel Your Halibut In

Drop your bait close to the bottom of the waters. If you hit bottom, reel a bit back, so you’re just a bit off the floor. Wait for half a minute for a bite before you move your bait by raising and lowering it a few feet. You can also move it side to side, attracting fish to the line.

If you haven’t gotten a bite after about 10-12 casts, then you may want to reposition. But when you do get a bite, don’t set the hook and pull! Halibut will most likely slip free if you do so.

Instead, let the fishing line lower into the water until it tightens. Then, set your hook, steadily pulling your line up with control. Wind and lower the rod, pulling again to bring the Halibut up close to the surface. Slow and steady is critical here, as Halibut would head to the surface without much resistance if you go gently.

Once the Halibut is right below the water’s surface, you may spook it! Don’t try fighting it or pulling it closer, as you risk losing your hook or breaking the line. Instead, give the Halibut some slack, allowing it to calm down. Then try again and slowly bring it up.

Claim Your Prize!

Now, you’re so close to catching an Oregon Halibut! You’ll have to weaken the Halibut before bringing it to your boat, as flailing fish can injure anglers. It’s best to ensure that the fish can’t put up resistance when it’s onboard.

Please do this by using a gaff or harpoon to wound the fish, aiming for the solid area behind its head. Drive your gaff or harpoon straight through and wait until the fish becomes tired, losing blood.

While some anglers use guns, this is NOT recommended and even illegal in many areas. Not only is it dangerous, but you also risk ruining the fish meat.

And there you have it! If the fishing season and regulations permit you to catch more than one Halibut, you can repeat the process. But if you’re good to go, you can enjoy your catch for your next homecooked meal. Congratulations!

Speaking of, make sure you have the appropriate fishing license and learn about Oregon’s Halibut and bottom fish seasons and regulations before you head out to the waters!

Wrapping It Up

Catching Halibut doesn’t need to be so complicated with the proper methods and preparation. Did you learn a lot about the common techniques to catch Oregon Halibut from our guide? We hope you did!

Now, if you’re planning to head to Oregon for your next fishing trip, don’t just prepare for the big Halibut. Prepare by contacting fishing charters like us to take you to your targeted fish species!