Tillamook Bay Fishing Guide & Fishing Charters

If you’re looking for a professional Tillamook Bay fishing guide, Tillamook Bay, Oregon is one of the top salmon and crabbing destinations on the Oregon Coast. I offer guided Tillamook Bay fishing charters for Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and seasonal Dungeness crab trips out of Garibaldi, Oregon.

Tillamook Bay is famous for big fall Chinook salmon, strong coho salmon runs, productive crabbing, and easy access to both bay and ocean fishing. Whether you’re an experienced angler or booking your first guided fishing trip, my goal is simple — give you a safe, fun, and productive day on the water.

Book your Tillamook Bay fishing charter here or call/text to check available dates. 503-314-5087

Fall Chinook Salmon Fishing in Tillamook Bay

Tillamook Bay is best known for its outstanding fall Chinook salmon fishing. The best months are usually September and October, when large Chinook salmon move into the bay and surrounding waters on their way to the rivers.

These fish are powerful, aggressive, and some of the most exciting salmon to catch on the Oregon Coast. It is common for Tillamook Bay Chinook to run 20 pounds or more, and larger salmon are caught every season.

If you want a true Oregon Coast salmon fishing experience, a Tillamook Bay fishing guide can help you fish the right tides, areas, and techniques for the best chance at success.

Reserve a Tillamook Bay salmon fishing trip.

Tillamook Bay Coho Salmon Fishing

In addition to Chinook salmon, Tillamook Bay can also provide excellent coho salmon fishing during select seasons. Coho opportunities often happen in September and October, depending on yearly regulations and run strength.

Oregon salmon regulations can change from year to year, so anglers should always check the current rules with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife before fishing.

When coho retention is open, these trips can be a great option for anglers who want fast action and a chance to bring home fresh salmon.

Spring Chinook Fishing in Tillamook Bay

Tillamook Bay also has a spring Chinook salmon fishery, usually during May and June. Spring Chinook are known for their quality, bright meat, and strong fighting ability.

During this time of year, weather and ocean conditions may also allow for salmon and bottom fishing opportunities. When conditions are safe, combo-style trips can be a great way to enjoy more of what the Oregon Coast has to offer.

Contact me about spring Chinook fishing dates.

Tillamook Bay Crabbing Charters

Tillamook Bay is also a great place for Dungeness crab fishing. Crabbing is especially popular in the fall, and salmon and crab combo trips are a favorite for clients who want to bring home both fish and crab.

When ocean conditions allow, crab pots may be set outside the bay. When staying inside the bay is the better option, areas such as Crab Harbor can provide a more protected crabbing experience.

Oregon’s Dungeness crab limit is typically 12 legal male crabs per person, but regulations should always be checked before your trip through the ODFW crabbing and clamming regulations.

Learn more about my Oregon Coast crabbing trips.

Where We Fish in Tillamook Bay

As a Tillamook Bay fishing charter captain, I choose fishing locations based on tides, weather, bar conditions, and where fish are moving. Some well-known areas in and around Tillamook Bay include:

The Ghost Hole — a popular salmon trolling area near Garibaldi
The Jetties — near the mouth of Tillamook Bay where the bay meets the ocean
The Bubble Zone — outside the Tillamook Bay bar when ocean conditions are safe
Crab Harbor — a protected area often used for crabbing inside the bay

Every trip is planned around safety first. Conditions on the Oregon Coast can change quickly, so fishing locations are always selected based on the best and safest opportunity for that day.

You can check local marine and bar conditions through the Port of Garibaldi weather and bar reports.

Rivers That Feed Tillamook Bay

Tillamook Bay is fed by several productive coastal rivers that support salmon and steelhead runs. These rivers help make the bay one of Oregon’s best-known fishing destinations.

These rivers produce Chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, and other coastal fish runs that make Tillamook Bay such a productive fishery.

Boat, Gear & Fishing Techniques

Trips are run from my 27-foot guide boat, equipped for safety, comfort, and serious fishing. Depending on the season and conditions, we may use several proven techniques to target salmon and bottom fish.

Trolling for salmon inside Tillamook Bay
Fishing near the jetties when conditions are safe
Bottom fishing when ocean conditions allow
Setting crab pots for Dungeness crab

All trips are designed to give anglers a fun and productive Oregon Coast fishing experience.

Garibaldi, Oregon Fishing Charter Launch Area

Most Tillamook Bay fishing charters launch near Garibaldi, Oregon. Garibaldi is the main fishing town on Tillamook Bay and gives anglers quick access to the marina, launch ramps, bay fishing areas, and ocean water when conditions allow.

The Garibaldi Marina is one of the most convenient locations for fishing charters on Tillamook Bay.

Hotels Near Tillamook Bay Fishing Charters

If you are traveling for a Tillamook Bay fishing charter, staying in Garibaldi is usually the most convenient option. It keeps you close to the marina, launch ramps, restaurants, and early morning meeting locations.

Popular lodging options near Tillamook Bay include:

Garibaldi Inn at the Bay — Visit website
Harborview Inn & RV Park — Visit website
The Hotel Garibaldi — Visit website

Booking a hotel close to Garibaldi can make your fishing trip easier, especially for early morning departures.

Things to Do Near Tillamook Bay After Fishing

Tillamook and Garibaldi offer plenty to do after your fishing trip. Many clients turn their fishing charter into a full Oregon Coast getaway with family, food, sightseeing, and outdoor activities.

Nearby attractions include Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site and the Tillamook Creamery.

Whether you are booking a one-day salmon trip or planning a multi-day Oregon Coast fishing vacation, Tillamook Bay is a great place to fish, crab, and enjoy the coast.

Book a Tillamook Bay Fishing Guide

If you’re ready to fish Tillamook Bay, I would be happy to help you plan your trip. Fall salmon dates in September and October can fill quickly, especially during peak Chinook season.

For the best chance at getting the date you want, reach out early. You can call, text, or fill out the trip inquiry form and I’ll get back to you.

Book your Tillamook Bay fishing guide or charter here.