Looking for an experienced Tillamook Bay fishing guide or Tillamook Bay fishing charter for Chinook salmon, coho salmon, or Dungeness crab? Marvin’s Guide Service offers professionally guided fishing and seasonal crabbing trips out of Garibaldi, Oregon, on beautiful Tillamook Bay.
Tillamook Bay is one of the best-known fishing destinations on the Oregon Coast. Anglers come here for powerful fall Chinook salmon, seasonal coho salmon, spring Chinook opportunities, productive Dungeness crabbing, and access to nearby coastal waters when weather and bar conditions are safe.
Whether you are an experienced angler, planning a family fishing trip, or booking your first guided charter, my goal is to provide a safe, comfortable, fun, and productive day on the water.
Call or text Marvin at 503-314-5087 or send a Tillamook Bay fishing trip inquiry online.
Guided Tillamook Bay Fishing Charters
Tillamook Bay gives anglers several different fishing opportunities throughout the year. Depending on the season, current regulations, tides, weather, bar conditions, and fish movement, guided trips may target:
- Fall Chinook salmon
- Coho salmon when retention is open
- Spring Chinook salmon
- Dungeness crab
- Salmon and crabbing combination trips
- Nearby bottom fishing when ocean conditions and seasons allow
Every Tillamook Bay fishing trip is planned around the strongest available opportunity. I watch recent fishing reports, tides, weather forecasts, water conditions, bar reports, and current Oregon fishing regulations before deciding where and how we will fish.
Fishing conditions can change quickly on the Oregon Coast. I adjust the fishing location, presentation, trolling direction, depth, and speed throughout the day to help give clients the best realistic chance at success.
Fall Chinook Salmon Fishing in Tillamook Bay
Tillamook Bay is especially well known for its fall Chinook salmon fishing. September and October are generally the most popular months, although exact timing and available fishing areas can change from year to year.
Fall Chinook enter Tillamook Bay before moving toward the Wilson, Trask, Kilchis, Miami, and Tillamook rivers. These salmon are powerful fish and can provide some of the most exciting guided salmon fishing available on the Oregon Coast.
Fishing success can depend on tides, water temperature, rainfall, bait movement, wind, and where the salmon are traveling through the bay. Some days we may fish close to Garibaldi. On other days, the strongest opportunity may be farther into the bay, near the jetties, or outside the bay when conditions and regulations allow.
Common techniques include trolling herring, spinners, and other proven salmon presentations. The exact method depends on the tide, water depth, current speed, baitfish, and where salmon are being caught.
A knowledgeable Tillamook Bay salmon guide can help you fish productive areas, use the right techniques, and adjust as the tide and salmon movement change throughout the day.
Ask about available fall Chinook fishing dates or call/text 503-314-5087.
Tillamook Bay Coho Salmon Fishing
Tillamook Bay can also provide exciting coho salmon fishing during select seasons. Coho opportunities often occur during late summer and fall, but retention seasons, fishing areas, and limits depend on annual run forecasts and current regulations.
When coho retention is open, these aggressive salmon can provide fast action and a great opportunity for families, newer anglers, and experienced fishermen.
Coho salmon may be caught inside the bay, near the mouth of the bay, or in nearby ocean waters when seasons and conditions allow. The best location can change with the tide, weather, bait movement, and the location of the fish.
Oregon salmon regulations can change during the year. Before fishing, review the current ODFW Northwest Zone fishing regulations and the latest Northwest Oregon fishing report.
Spring Chinook Fishing in Tillamook Bay
Tillamook Bay also has a spring Chinook salmon fishery, with opportunities often developing during May and June.
Spring Chinook are prized for their excellent table quality, bright meat, and strong fighting ability. These fish move through Tillamook Bay and into nearby coastal rivers as they return from the ocean.
Spring fishing conditions can change with river flow, water temperature, tides, weather, and the strength of the salmon return. Some days the best opportunity may be inside the bay, while other days fish may be moving toward river channels or nearby coastal waters.
During this time of year, safe ocean conditions and current seasons may also create opportunities for salmon, bottom fishing, or combination-style trips.
Contact Marvin about available spring Chinook fishing dates.
Tillamook Bay Crabbing Charters
Tillamook Bay is also a popular destination for Dungeness crab fishing. Crabbing can be especially enjoyable during fall and winter, and salmon-and-crab combination trips are a favorite for clients who want the opportunity to bring home both fish and fresh Dungeness crab.
Crabbing success depends on tides, current speed, rainfall, freshwater runoff, salinity, bait, and where crab are concentrated inside the bay.
When conditions are favorable, crab pots may be placed in productive areas of Tillamook Bay. When ocean conditions, regulations, and safe access allow, other coastal crabbing opportunities may also be considered.
Clients can help bait, set, and pull the crab pots. When the gear comes aboard, we sort the catch, identify male and female crab, measure each crab, and release any crab that is not legal to retain.
Under current Oregon regulations, the daily Dungeness crab limit is 12 male crab per person, with a minimum size of 5¾ inches. Regulations and safety closures can change, so always check current information before your trip.
Planning a fall or winter trip? Learn more about my guided Oregon Coast crabbing charters for Dungeness crab near Tillamook Bay, Astoria, Hammond, and the lower Columbia River.
You can also review the current ODFW Northwest Oregon crabbing regulations.
Salmon and Crabbing Combination Trips
During the right season, a Tillamook Bay trip may combine salmon fishing and Dungeness crabbing.
We may begin by setting crab pots and allowing the gear to soak while we fish for salmon. Later in the trip, we return to the pots, pull the gear, and sort the crab.
Combination trips depend on:
- Current salmon and crabbing regulations
- Tides and current speed
- Weather and wind
- Bar and ocean conditions
- Recent salmon and crab results
- The amount of time available during the trip
Not every fishing day is suited for a combination trip. I will give you an honest recommendation based on the conditions and available opportunities.
Where We Fish in Tillamook Bay
As a Tillamook Bay fishing charter captain, I choose fishing locations based on tides, weather, water conditions, bar conditions, and where salmon or crab are being found.
Well-known fishing and crabbing 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 Pacific Ocean
- The Bubble Zone — outside the Tillamook Bay bar when ocean conditions and regulations allow
- Crab Harbor — a protected area often associated with crabbing inside the bay
- Bay channels and river mouths — areas salmon may travel through as they move toward coastal rivers
Every trip is planned around safety first. Oregon Coast conditions can change quickly, so the fishing area is always selected based on the safest and strongest available opportunity for that day.
You can check local marine weather, tides, and bar information through the Port of Garibaldi weather and bar reports.
Rivers That Feed Tillamook Bay
Tillamook Bay is fed by five coastal rivers that support salmon, steelhead, and other fish populations:
- Wilson River
- Trask River
- Kilchis River
- Miami River
- Tillamook River
These rivers help make Tillamook Bay one of Oregon’s best-known salmon fishing destinations. Salmon moving through the bay may eventually enter one of these river systems, which is one reason tides, rainfall, river flow, and water conditions can have such a large effect on the fishing.
Tillamook Bay Salmon Fishing Techniques
The fishing method used during your trip depends on the season, tides, water depth, bait movement, and location of the salmon.
Depending on conditions, techniques may include:
- Trolling herring for Chinook or coho salmon
- Trolling spinners and other salmon lures
- Fishing close to the bottom in deeper areas
- Adjusting trolling direction with the tide
- Fishing near bay channels and travel lanes
- Fishing near the jetties when conditions are safe
- Fishing outside the bay when seasons and ocean conditions allow
- Setting crab pots during combination trips
I provide the rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing gear needed for the trip. Beginners are welcome, and I will explain how to use the equipment and help throughout the day.
A Comfortable 27-Foot Tillamook Bay Guide Boat
Trips are run aboard my 27-foot Alumaweld Intruder guide boat, which is equipped for safety, comfort, and serious fishing.
The boat includes:
- A covered and heated cabin
- Modern GPS and navigation electronics
- Radar for coastal conditions
- Required safety equipment
- Quality rods, reels, bait, and tackle
- Room for salmon fishing and handling crab gear
The covered and heated cabin is especially helpful during cool, rainy, or windy Oregon Coast weather.
Garibaldi, Oregon Fishing Charter Meeting Location
Most guided Tillamook Bay fishing trips meet near Garibaldi Marina in Garibaldi, Oregon.
Garibaldi provides convenient access to Tillamook Bay, boat ramps, parking, lodging, restaurants, and nearby coastal attractions.
The common meeting location is:
Garibaldi Marina
302 Mooring Basin Road
Garibaldi, Oregon 97118
The exact meeting place and departure time will be confirmed before your trip. Do not assume the meeting location until you receive confirmation, because launch plans can change with tides, weather, ramp access, and fishing conditions.
Review the marina and other common departure areas on my Oregon fishing trip meeting locations page.
You can also visit the Garibaldi Marina website.
What Is Included With a Tillamook Bay Fishing Charter?
- Professional guided fishing service
- 27-foot covered and heated guide boat
- Rods and reels
- Salmon tackle and bait
- Crab pots and crabbing equipment when crabbing is included
- Required boat safety equipment
- Hands-on instruction for beginners
- Help landing and caring for your catch
- Fish cleaning after the trip when available
Fishing licenses, food, drinks, personal clothing, lodging, and fish processing or freezing services are generally not included unless specifically arranged.
What Should You Bring?
Oregon Coast weather can change quickly, so it is important to dress in layers and prepare for cool or wet conditions.
Bring:
- A valid Oregon fishing license and required tags
- An Oregon shellfish license when harvesting crab
- Warm layered clothing
- Rain gear
- Waterproof footwear
- Food and drinks for the day
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Any personal medication you may need
- A cooler to leave in your vehicle for transporting fish or crab home
I will provide additional instructions before the trip based on the weather forecast, meeting time, and type of fishing planned.
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, boat ramps, restaurants, and early-morning meeting locations.
Popular lodging options near Tillamook Bay include:
- Garibaldi Inn at the Bay — visit the hotel website
- Harborview Inn & RV Park — visit the hotel website
- The Hotel Garibaldi — visit the hotel website
Booking lodging close to Garibaldi can make your trip easier, especially when the fishing trip begins early in the morning.
Things to Do Near Tillamook Bay After Fishing
Tillamook and Garibaldi offer plenty to do after your fishing trip. Many clients turn their charter into a complete Oregon Coast getaway with family, food, sightseeing, and outdoor activities.
Nearby attractions include:
- Tillamook Creamery
- Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site
- Garibaldi waterfront and marina
- Oregon Coast beaches
- Local seafood restaurants
- Nearby hiking and sightseeing
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.
Why Fish With Marvin’s Guide Service?
- More than 25 years of professional guiding experience
- Experienced Tillamook Bay and Oregon Coast fishing guide
- Guided trips for Chinook, coho, and Dungeness crab
- Large 27-foot covered and heated guide boat
- Quality fishing gear, tackle, and safety equipment
- Beginner-friendly and family-friendly instruction
- Honest recommendations based on current conditions
- Licensed, insured, and safety-focused guide service
- Easy booking by phone, text, or online inquiry
I work hard to make every trip enjoyable, safe, and productive. Whether you have fished your entire life or have never held a salmon rod before, I will help you through the process and give you the opportunity to experience Tillamook Bay fishing.
Book a Tillamook Bay Fishing Guide
Ready to fish Tillamook Bay? Contact Marvin’s Guide Service to discuss available dates, current fishing opportunities, group size, meeting location, and trip details.
September and October fall Chinook dates can fill quickly, so it is smart to reserve early when possible.
Call or text Marvin: 503-314-5087
Book online: Send a Tillamook Bay fishing trip inquiry
Include your preferred dates, number of anglers, and whether you are interested in salmon fishing, crabbing, or a possible combination trip.
Related Oregon Fishing Trips
- Oregon Salmon Fishing Guide
- Oregon Coast Crabbing Charters
- Fishing and Crabbing Tillamook Bay
- Astoria Fishing Guide and Charters
- Buoy 10 Salmon Fishing Charters
- Columbia River Sturgeon Fishing Guide
- Oregon and Washington Walleye Fishing
Tillamook Bay Fishing Charter FAQs
What is the best time to fish Tillamook Bay for Chinook salmon?
September and October are generally the most popular months for fall Chinook salmon in Tillamook Bay. Spring Chinook opportunities often develop during May and June. Exact seasons and results can change each year.
What kind of salmon can you catch in Tillamook Bay?
Tillamook Bay provides opportunities for fall Chinook salmon, spring Chinook salmon, and coho salmon during open seasons.
Where do Tillamook Bay fishing charters leave from?
Most guided trips meet near Garibaldi Marina in Garibaldi, Oregon. The exact location and departure time are confirmed before the trip.
Do you offer Tillamook Bay crabbing trips?
Yes. Seasonal guided Dungeness crabbing and salmon-and-crab combination trips may be available when tides, weather, regulations, and crab conditions are favorable.
Can we combine salmon fishing and crabbing?
Yes, combination trips may be available during the right season. Availability depends on salmon regulations, crab regulations, tides, weather, and how much time is available during the trip.
Do beginners need fishing experience?
No. Beginners and families are welcome. Marvin provides the fishing gear and hands-on instruction throughout the trip.
What is included with a Tillamook Bay fishing charter?
The guide boat, rods, reels, bait, tackle, safety equipment, and professional guide service are included. Crabbing equipment is provided when crabbing is part of the trip.
What should I bring on the fishing trip?
Bring a valid fishing license, required tags, warm layered clothing, rain gear, food, drinks, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cooler to leave in your vehicle.
What happens if the weather is unsafe?
Safety comes first. The fishing location, departure time, or trip date may need to change when wind, ocean conditions, bar conditions, or other safety concerns make fishing unsafe.
How do I book a Tillamook Bay fishing guide?
Call or text Marvin’s Guide Service at 503-314-5087 or complete the online trip inquiry form.
