Tillamook Bay and the nearby Pacific Ocean offer a variety of fish, including salmon bottom fish such as lingcod, halibut, perch, and sea bass.
But Tillamook Bay itself is best known for the huge king salmon that it will offer in the fall, especially in September and October That is what gets me excited about being a Tillamook Bay fishing charter and guide.
What rivers feed Tillamook Bay?
Tillamook Bay has five rivers that feed into it: The Wilson, Miami, Kilchis, Trask, and Tillamook Rivers. Each of those has Chinook salmon runs along with some stellehead, coho, and chum salmon.
Tillamook Bay salmon fishing.
Tillamook is known for spring salmon also, which are some of the largest chinooks These spring salmon will start entering the bay in May and are usually allowed to catch into 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.
As an experienced Tillamook Bay fishing charter, I usually start my guided fishing trips here in September for fall Chinook salmon and coho salmon. September and October also happen to be an incredible time to go crabbing in Tillamook Bay, so I offer salmon-crab combo trips.
I will offer my guided Salmon fishing trips inside the bay at what is widely known as the Ghost Hole. This is an area located right alongside Highway 101 near the town of Garibaldi, Another one of my favorite places to fish is right along the jetties by the Coast Guard tower, which is where Tillamook Bay leads into the ocean.
When the ocean allows, we will cross the Tillamook Bay Bar and fish in what’s known as a bubble zone, right out front of the bay.
Tillamook Bay crabbing.
I also like to drop my crab pots in the ocean when conditions are good. But if you’re not a big ocean fan, I suggest going over to what the locals call Crab Harbor and dropping our crab pots there inside Tillamook Bay. October and November will be some of the best times for Tillamook Bay crabbing.
It is very common in September and October to catch a Chinook salmon over 20 pounds in Tillamook Bay, with some potentially much larger!
In addition to Chinook, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will allow anglers fishing inside the bay to keep a single wild coho on Wednesdays and Saturdays for part of September and October. Be sure to check with ODFW for current fishing regulations to stay up-to-date, as every year is different.
Tillamook Bay Marina.
The main marina to use when finishing Tillamook Bay 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 charter, you can click here.
Hotels when fishing Tillamook Bay
When salmon fishing in Tillamook Bay, I would suggest booking a hotel in Garibaldi. Here are some good options:
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.
If you like a short hike, I highly suggest Munson falls.
Tillamook Cheese Factory is one of my favorite places in the area. website
Tillamook smoker, I love fresh jerky and pepperoni. website
Clients with Chinook salmon caught in Tillamook Bay.
Last Updated on by Marvin
