Astoria Bottom Fishing
Fishing Trip Dates:
April – October
Charter Options:
Fishing charters for groups and individuals. Private fishing guide available.
Astoria Bottom Fishing Trips
Astoria has some incredible bottom fishing with the feeding grounds of the Pacific Ocean only a short boat ride from the ports of Astoria, Warrenton, Hammond and Ilwaco. Black rock fish, kelp greenling, lingcod and cabezon make up an incredible array of delectable eats for our customers. These trips are action packed and even better on the high end, light tackle gear we provide our clients.
We might jet down to some of the most scenic places on earth with ocean side views of Tillamook Head or Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock. We also have bottom fishing right along the north and south jetties in water as shallow as 20’. Wherever the best fishing is, we’ll be there.
Season dependent salmon and crab fishing can be added on to our bottom fishing trips. Yes, it’s seafoodpalooza on many of our Lance Fisher Fishing trips. At the end of the day, we’ll clean and vacuum pack your bottom fish so that there’s nothing to do when you arrive back home. It’s all included in our service that is known throughout the North Coast as the best fishing guide and charter service in the region.
Have questions? Need help planning your trip. Give us a call or send us a note at the link below. We’re here to help!
Astoria Bottom Fishing Season
While bottom fishing is open year round, we want to give our customers the best experience possible. That means we look at weather and ocean conditions when it comes to planning our seasons. We typically start fishing the ocean when the ocean salmon season opens in mid to late June. School is out for kids, the weather is warming up, and the fish are biting. We’ll run ocean bottom fishing trips through July and then switch gears to salmon fishing when Buoy 10 opens in August. Bottom fishing starts up again after Labor Day and fall days can bring salmon, rockfish, lingcod, and crab to the nets.
2023 Astoria Bottom Fishing Season
We start running bottom fishing trips in April and continue targeting rockfish and lingcod through mid-October. Current daily bag limits are 5 rockfish and 2 lingcod per person. Right now the ocean is open for salmon fishing and combination trips are popular from now through early October.
FAQ’s and Info
How much do guided fishing trips cost?
We have a variety of fishing trip options to choose from and we personally book each trip so we can answer questions and help you find just the right trip. Our pricing depends on whether you prefer a shared or private trip and which boat you’re fishing out of. We have options for all budgets.
How much does a fishing license cost? Do we need tags as well?
Both Oregon and Washington fishing licenses can be used when launching from Astoria. If you’re not a Washington resident you will need an Oregon license, and it’s easier to get your license through Oregon’s online system anyway. Just be sure to add the Columbia River Endorsement before you check out.
Day licenses for both states include your salmon/steelhead/sturgeon tag and run about $25 per day. Annual and multi-day fishing licenses and tags work great for those who plan to fish more throughout their stay or year. Both can be purchased online or at a local retailer. We’ll include all of the details regarding licenses in your trip confirmation email and you can also learn about them on our Fishing Licenses page.
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 and I’ve written a pretty thorough answer on our Astoria page. Our service isn’t for everyone, but our boats, personalized touches, and outstanding service are the only way to go for many of our customers. You can check it out here.
We will be flying home. How do we get our fish home?
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 on the airlines.
What do we need to bring?
We provide all of the necessary fishing equipment, tackle and bait. All you need to bring is yourself, dressed in appropriate clothing for possible conditions (layers are always good), your fishing license, and whatever you would like to eat/drink for the day. All of the details will be in your trip confirmation email, which we’ll send out once you book your trip.
What should we wear when fishing in Astoria?
Astoria has its own unique weather environment. The combination of the warm waters of the Columbia River and the cooler waters of the Pacific Ocean can make for some pretty weird weather. 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. On the other hand it could be 85 and sunny. Layers are the key when fishing in Astoria.
It’s a REALLY good idea to have rain gear on board. Don’t have it? We have plenty. I fish in shorts and a T-shirt and always have a sweatshirt for the morning. If needed, I simply put my rain gear over my shorts and T-shirt and am able to quickly slip it off should the weather decide to get nice. There’s plenty of storage room in my boat, so bringing a bag with your layers is no problem.
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. 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 depends on you. 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. We actually have great fishing available that 1 in a 100 will get sick in. Also, ask your doctor about the scopolamine patch. Scopolamine has been life changing for many that couldn’t fish due to sea sickness. We want you to have the best experience possible, so don’t hesitate to let us know if you have questions or concerns.
Tides – Why do they matter?
Tides are a big deal for all bodies of water where there is tidal influence and Astoria is no different. Whether you’re hoping to fish the Columbia River or heading into the Pacific Ocean we pay attention to the tides to lead us to the fish and to keep our customers, crew, and boats safe. You can learn more here.
We’re from out of town. Where should we stay?
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 link. We’ll help guide you through your options, answer any questions and help get you into 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.