Lance Fisher Fishing | Oregon Coast
Oregon Coast Fishing – Guided Fishing Trips and Fishing Charters
The Oregon Coast is filled with fishing opportunities throughout the entire year. Lance Fisher Fishing offers fishing charters and guide services in several locations including Astoria, Newport, Tillamook, and Winchester Bay. Salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, bottom fishing, tuna and Dungeness crab are all possibilities along one of the world’s most beautiful coast lines.
Our operation is family, friend, and business-friendly. Our boats range in size from 22-34′ and are clean, state of the art, and equipped with the best fishing and safety equipment. On Legion’s Mercy, our 34′ center console, we even offer a full bathroom. We’re about catching fish, but we want the whole experience to be top-notch. For more information about what our customers think of us, please check out our reviews.
Below you’ll find descriptions of all of our Oregon Coast fishing locations. Click on them to learn more about the various opportunities that each location offers. Or, you can just reach out to us and we can cut to the chase on the many Oregon Coast Fishing charters and guided fishing trips we offer.
We’re here to help! Call us or contact us through our Questions & Reservations form.
Astoria Fishing
Situated on the Oregon side of the mouth of the Columbia River, just 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean, Astoria is a world-class fishing destination. Anglers can take advantage of all that the ocean, estuary, and river have to offer. It may be best known for its Buoy 10 fall salmon season, but Astoria also offers steelhead, trophy sturgeon, salmon, and crabbing opportunities. There’s a lot of water to fish, some beautiful views, and a variety of fish to target where the Columbia meets the Pacific Ocean.
Astoria Fishing Opportunities
Newport Fishing
Newport is home to some pretty incredible fishing opportunities. Halibut fishing tends to top the list, but don’t forget about salmon, rockfish, lingcod and Dungeness crab. We’ll often run combination trips where customers can fish for a variety of species on the same day, which can make for some epic fishing and a full ice box.
- Newport Halibut Fishing
- Newport Salmon Fishing
- Newport Bottom Fishing
Tillamook Fishing
The Pacific Ocean, 2 bays, and 6 rivers allow us to fish year-round in Tillamook. Whether it’s salmon, steelhead, rockfish, ling cod, or Dungeness crab, Tillamook has options to choose from. It boasts one of the longest fall salmon runs as we’re able to chase Chinook from the ocean to the bays into the tidewater and eventually up into the rivers with the drift boat or raft.
- Tillamook Spring Salmon Fishing
- Tillamook Fall Salmon Fishing
- Tillamook Steelhead Fishing
- Tillamook Bottom Fishing
EXPLORE TILLAMOOK FISHING TRIPS
Winchester Bay Fishing
Located at the mouth of the Umpqua River, Winchester Bay is another top salmon fishery on the Oregon Coast. Salmon fishing in the area typically begins in July and goes through September. If you’re looking for a land/water experience, check out Winchester Bay Dunes, the tallest sand dunes in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, when you’re done fishing.
EXPLORE WINCHESTER BAY FISHING TRIPS
Frequently Asked Fishing Questions When Fishing the Oregon Coast:
What is the best month to fish on the Oregon Coast?
The best time to fish on the Oregon Coast depends on your target species, with prime seasons running from January through March for steelhead and late June through mid-October for Fall Chinook and Coho Salmon. Bottom fishing opportunities start in May and run into October
January – March: Peak Steelhead season on the rivers in Tillamook (Wilson, Kilchis, Nehalem, Trask, Nestucca)
- May – October: Bottom fishing for halibut, rockfish and/or lingcod out of Astoria, Tillamook, and Newport
June – July: Trophy Sturgeon fishing (catch-and-release all season, occasional keeper sturgeon dates) out of Astoria
- late June – September: Albacore Tuna out of Astoria or Newport
late June – October: Peak Fall Salmon run (Chinook and/or Coho). Starts in the ocean and moves into the rivers. Buoy 10 opens August 1st
- September – December: Dungeness Crab along the entire Oregon Coast
What kinds of fish can you catch on the Oregon Coast?
The Oregon Coast offers both salt and freshwater fishing. We chase halibut, salmon, tuna, rockfish, and lingcod on the Pacific Ocean. On the coastal rivers we fish for salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon.
What kind of crab can you catch in Oregon?
Oregon is home to Dungeness crab, one of the best tasting crab in the world. We offer crabbing trips in September and October, but can also drop the crab pots during our fishing trips when crabbing is good. At the end of your trip we’ll even have your haul cooked for you.
How much does a fishing license cost? Do we need tags as well?
For almost every location, everyone fishing must have an Oregon fishing license and appropriate tag. The only exception is if you’re a Washington resident fishing in Astoria, where your Washington fishing license, Catch Record Card, and CRSSE will work. If you’re purchasing an Oregon license to fish in Astoria, you will also need a Columbia Basin Endorsement. We’ll include a link to ODFW/WDFW and all of the details on what you’ll need in your trip confirmation. Yes, there are a lot of things to know and that’s why we’re here. We also put together some information on licensing that can help wherever you fish with us.
Do you provide the fishing gear, tackle, and bait?
Yes, we do! Everything you need to fish, from top-notch rods and reels to tackle and bait, is provided for you to use during your guided fishing trip with us. We’ll even clean and filet your catch at the end of your trip!
What safety gear do you have?
We take your safety very seriously. We carry Type I life jackets onboard and have adults wear lightweight, auto-inflatable personal flotation devices (PFDs) to make sure you’re comfortable and safe. Legion’s Mercy also has a fully serviced life raft and an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB). Keep in mind that some of this equipment is not common nor required for nearshore boats, but we like to be fully prepared.
What’s the difference between Lance Fisher Fishing and the bigger charter boats?
That’s a question we get asked a lot. We’re unique in what we have to offer. At Lance Fisher Fishing we run small private fishing charters. While our boats are licensed and built to fish up to 6 people at a time, I personally prefer to only fish 4 clients at a time. I will fish 6 clients upon request. For larger groups, we simply use multiple boats.
Big boat fishing charters could have as many as 40 people on a fishing trip. In my opinion a good fishing trip allows for lots of room to move around, and a boat that can navigate the area around Astoria quickly. Did you know that we often travel 20-30 miles per day? Many of the big boat charters only travel 10-15 miles per hour whereas our boats will travel up to 40 miles per hour. Furthermore, when we find fish, we often are moved off the fish by the tides. This causes us to run back up above where we’re fishing and then come through the area again. We may make these mile-long passes and subsequent moves to get up ahead of the fish up to 20 times in a day. While our 6-pack boats do this very easily, you will rarely see a big boat fishing charter use such a technique. It takes too long for boats like that to make these sort of moves and they burn too much fuel while doing it. You will pay less per person for the big boat fishing charters, but you will also get less of many of the things that will make your day on the water special.
How much do guided fishing trips cost?
Guided fishing trips on the Oregon Coast start at $250 per person for a full day on the water. This rate includes your professional guide, a seat in a premium jet sled boat, all high-quality rods and reels, and the specialized bait or lures required for your target species.
Factors that influence your trip price:
Group Size: We offer both shared boat options and private party charters for groups of 4 to 6 people. We even offer multiple boat trips if you have a larger group.
Note: Your fishing license and tags are not included in the guide fee and should be purchased separately prior to your trip.
What should we pack for a day of fishing on the Oregon Coast?
To stay comfortable on the water, we recommend dressing in layers as the Oregon Coast’s weather is unique. While it may be a beautiful 75 degree day in Portland, it could be 57 degrees and drizzling in Astoria. You wouldn’t have any indication of such from where you may be staying in Portland, or further south on the coast. It can also be the opposite, where it’s grey in the valley and sunny at the coast. There are also times when we will take on spray as we are traveling. Please bring the following items:
Layered Clothing: Even on warm days, winds can be chilly.
Rain Gear: Waterproof jacket and pants if rain is in the forecast. Legion’s Mercy is fully equipped. We offer rain gear and boots for those that need it when necessary.
Valid Fishing License: An Oregon license is needed for all trips other than Astoria, where Washington residents may fish with a WA fishing license. See details on our fishing license page.
Food & Drinks: Whatever you would like to eat or drink for the duration of the trip.
Sun Protection: Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen.
All of the details will be in your trip confirmation email, which we’ll send out once you book your trip.
Can kids fish?
Certainly! Fishing is a sport enjoyed by all ages, and the more the merrier. Kids can be quick to pick up on the motion of fishing, and by the end of your trip the kids may be teaching you a thing or two. Families are always welcome onboard our boats. A guided fishing trip allows you to simply enjoy the day with your kids or grandkids, while leaving all of the details to us. Just let us know how old your kids are and we’ll show you the best options available.
Will we get seasick?
It is something to think about when planning your trip, but there are options if you’re concerned. Many of our Astoria fishing trips can or do take place on the Columbia River, which is generally smoother than the ocean. Tillamook has bays and rivers that can be calmer than the ocean. There are great options for people who may prefer to stay off the ocean for a variety of reasons, and we’re happy to help coordinate things. Let us know if you’re prone to motion sickness when you’re reserving your trip so we discuss options. For those who book the whole boat, we can work to find the smoothest spots for the day. Ask your doctor about the scopolamine patch, which tends to work better than dramamine. Sea Bands work on pressure points on your wrists and can be helpful as well. We want you to have the best experience possible, so don’t hesitate to let us know if you have questions or concerns.
Why do tides matter?
Tides are a big deal for all bodies of water where there is tidal influence and the Oregon Coast is no different. Whether you’re hoping to fish the Columbia River or heading into the Pacific Ocean out of Tillamook we know which tides work best for different species and will help you choose the best fishing opportunity.
We will be flying home. How do we get our fish home from the Oregon Coast?
We get this question a lot. Enough to make a page to give you all sorts of information about how to get your fish home with the airlines.
Can I ship my fish home?
Almost all of our customers take their fish home with them, whether their driving or flying. If you do need to ship your catch home, there’s are some local shops that can help with that.
We’re from out of town. Where should we stay at the Oregon Coast?
When it comes to lodging, there are a variety of options to choose from, whether you prefer the larger chains, the smaller boutique hotels, or Airbnb. Some people love the hustle and bustle of being in town while others prefer to stay in quieter areas. Your trip confirmation will include the names of some local hotels that offer discounted rates to our customers, but there are numerous other options out there. If you don’t know the area and you’re trying to build your travel plan, feel free to ask questions. We’re always happy to help you create the best experience possible and part of that is lodging. No matter where you choose to stay, a short drive will get you to your launch location the morning of your trip.
How do we book our trip?
Give us a call or use our Questions and Reservations button. We’ll help guide you through your options, answer any questions, and help get you set for the fishing trip that is perfect for you. A deposit is all that’s needed to hold your date. We’ll send you a trip confirmation email with all of the details. The hardest part of the process is probably waiting for your fishing day to arrive. 🙂
We’re always happy to help. Let us know if you have questions or would like to book a trip.
Are you interested other fishing possibilities? Visit our locations in Portland, Oregon, SW Washington, and the Columbia River Gorge. You can also see our fishing trips throughout Oregon and Washington.