Tillamook Bay is a treasured destination for me as a guide and charter operator. The bay is home to a diverse array of fish species, including salmon, various fish, and crabs. The salmon fishing here is especially remarkable, and I have enjoyed countless successful trips with my clients. For anyone looking for a top-tier fishing destination, Tillamook Bay is a must-visit, offering an experience sure to meet your fishing dreams.
Tillamook Bay is celebrated for its abundant king salmon, especially during the prime fall months of September and October. These months mark the peak of the Chinook salmon run, providing anglers with outstanding opportunities to reel in these prized fish and enjoy a memorable fishing adventure in Tillamook Bay.
Nestled in Oregon Tillamook is surrounded by coastal mountains, with numerous rivers and streams into the bay from these highlands. The bay’s waters remarkable diversity, including shallow mudflats, eelgrass beds, and rocky reefs. These varied ecosystems provide essential shelter and sustenance for a rich variety of fish and marine life, making Tillamook Bay a thriving and vibrant habitat.
What rivers flow into Tillamook Bay?
Tillamook serves as the meeting point for the Wilson, Miami, Kilchis, Trask, and Tillamook Rivers. These rivers are renowned for their abundant salmon runs, featuring Chinook salmon, steelhead, coho, and chum salmon.
Tillamook Bay salmon fishing.
Spring Chinook salmon are some of the largest Chinook salmon you’ll find anywhere, and Tillamook Bay is known for them. These salmon start entering the bay in May, and the season usually runs through June. May and June are a great time to do a salmon and bottom fish combo, as the ocean is usually very favorable in the spring. Salmon and rock fishing are great days out of Tillamook Bay. Book a fishing guide to help you find the best spots.
Tillamook Bay fishing charter and guide.
As a seasoned fishing charter operator and fishing guide in Tillamook Bay, commence my fishing trips in September, focusing on fall Chinook and coho salmon. Tillamook Bay is celebrated its exceptional king salmon fishing during the fall months, especially in and October. This period also marks an opportunity for crabbing. Consequently, I offer salmon-crab combination trips throughout this season. For those in search of an unforgettable fishing experience, I’m dedicated to guiding you through the premier fishing spots of Tillamook Bay.
I offer my salmon fishing guided and charter trips within the bay, commonly referred to as the. Ghost Hole. This spot is situated adjacent to Highway 101, close to the town of Garibaldi. Another favored fishing location of mine is along the jetties near the Coast Guard tower, marking the point where Tillamook Bay opens into the ocean. It is not uncommon to a 20-pound Chinook salmon in Tillamook Bay. In fact, some of the salmon that are reeled in are significantly larger. September and October are the optimal months for landing a 20-pounder.
If the weather is good, we will fish in the “bubble zone” outside the Tillamook Bay Bar. The bubble zone is a great place to catch salmon and bottom fish. We will be fishing from my 27-foot boat and using various techniques, including trolling, casting, and jigging. If you are interested in joining us on this fishing adventure, please contact us to reserve your spot.
Tillamook Bay Coho salmon fishing.
In addition to Chinook salmon, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will permit anglers fishing within the bay to retain single wild coho on Wednesdays and Saturdays during parts of September and October. It is advisable to check with ODFW for current fishing to remain updated, as regulations may vary annually. The 2025 season has not yet been established as of January, when this post was last updated.
Tillamook Bay crab fishing.
Tillamook Bay is a great place for fishing, including salmon and crabs. When the weather is nice, I like to set crab pots in the ocean. However, if you don’t like the ocean, you can drop your crab pots at Crab Harbor in Tillamook Bay. The best time of year for crabbing in Tillamook Bay is during the months of October and November. You may keep 12 legal-size male crabs each, as that is the Oregon limit.
Tillamook Bay Marina.
When fishing Tillamook Bay, the main marina to use is the Garibaldi Marina, located in Garibaldi, Oregon. This is really the only marina on the bay.
If you’re looking to hire a Tillamook Bay fishing guide or fishing charter, you can click here.
Hotels when fishing with a Tillamook Bay fishing charter or guide.
If you hire a Tillamook Bay fishing charter or fishing guide, you’ might want to book a hotel in Garibaldi.
Garibaldi Inn at the Bay: 227 Garibaldi Ave., Garibaldi, OR 97118. Phone: 503-322-2552
Harborview Inn & RV Park: 302 S 7th St., Garibaldi, OR 97118. Phone: 503-322-3251
The Hotel Garibaldi: 502 Garibaldi Ave., Garibaldi, OR 97118. Phone: 503-322-3338
Some of the top attractions around Tillamook, Oregon.
Book a day of fishing with a Tillamook Bay fishing charter
After a day of fishing, I like to relax and enjoy the scenery. Here are a few of my favorite places to visit in Tillamook, Oregon.
If you like a short hike, I highly suggest Munson Falls. It’s a beautiful waterfall in a picturesque setting. The falls are located in Tillamook State Forest, which is an easy drive from Tillamook Bay. website
I’m a big fan of the Tillamook Cheese Factory. It’s one of my favorite places to visit in this area. The cheese factory is located in Tillamook, Oregon, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. It’s a great place to visit if you’re interested in learning about how cheese is made. The factory offers tours that take you through the production process, from the cows to the finished product. The best part is that you get to sample some of the cheese at the end of the tour! The factory also has a gift shop where you can purchase a variety of cheeses, including the famous Tillamook cheddar. If you’re in the area, you should definitely check it out! website
Another place I like to go when I’m in Tillamook is the Tillamook Smoker; they have fresh jerky and pepperoni that are out of this world! If you’re in the area, you should definitely check it out. You won’t be disappointed! website
Tillamook bay fishing charter and clients catches 4chinook salmon.
Last Updated on by Marvin
