Why I fish Astoria in the off-season

Fishing in Astoria Oregon is extremely popular. Buoy 10 and ocean salmon fishing typically get the headlines. The popular and “famous” fisheries really only cover the months of July and August though. Fishing for 2 months of the year sounds really great to most people. It doesn’t make for a good business model as a fishing charter trying to work nearly year round. It would also be really painful for a dedicated angler. So what is there to do in Astoria in the off-season? Astoria’s great secret is that the fishing can be good, and I mean really good, nearly year round.

Why should I fish Astoria in the off-season?

You can spend your money on what’s most important

Whether it’s hotels, restaurants, flights, or other parts of your vacation, Astoria in the off-season is simply more affordable. With less competition for rooms, seats, and other amenities the local businesses lower their prices to attract business. Even gas prices can be lower. This doesn’t mean the quality goes down or options disappear though.

During peak season, hotels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals can be hard to find on short notice near Astoria. By “near Astoria” I’m including everything from Long Beach, WA to Cannon Beach, OR and east to Clatskanie, OR. Hotel rooms at large national chains can run over $450 per night for a last minute booking. Costs elsewhere can be much higher. Some vacation rentals can save you money but locations may not be ideal. Many fishing charters (not me) also charge a premium for Buoy 10 fishing trips from August 1st through Labor Day. The costs of rental cars and flights at Portland International Airport also jump during the main summer travel season. All of these extra costs can easily raise the price of your vacation significantly. That impact multiplies if you are bringing family.

If you’re a hotel aficionado, getting a premium room at a property with extra amenities is a priority. In-house dining and massage are a must after a day on the water for some. It sounds good even to me and I’m not a big luxury buff. During peak season, getting a last minute room at a top end hotel can be nearly impossible. You will instead find yourself spending just as much for fewer frills. Personally, I go someplace to enjoy the location. For me, Astoria’s greatest values are in the scenery, the food, the downtown, the history, and of course, the fishing.

The bottom line here is: spend your money on what you will remember. The fishing, food, shops, hiking trails, museums, and beaches will all generate more memories per dollar than anything else.

You can pick the days when the fish are here or when you’re available

This may not matter if you’re flying in, but a lot of people who fish value flexibility. My local clients will often hold off on a booking until they know that the fishing is lights out good. During peak season, that may not be a choice. For a dedicated group rather than someone filling a single empty seat, this gets even harder. During the August Buoy 10 salmon season, the best days on the best charters can be taken quickly. July tends to be a bit more flexible getting seats on a boat and the weather is generally pretty good. You may also find yourself trying to day-trip from farther away. Outside of the peak months it’s pretty easy to get a seat within a few days. I get calls and messages from my regular clients asking about the fishing all the time. Many charters, including myself, post fishing updates.

Most local attractions are still available in Astoria during the off-season

I get it. Not everyone that travels with you will want to fish all the time. Unlike some coastal towns that close up shop during the winter, Astoria tends to stay open for business year round. The Oregon Film Museum, the Columbia River Maritime Museum, downtown shops, and restaurants all stay open. Some attractions, like the Sunday Market do close in the winter, but are often open through the spring and fall. The Liberty theater continues to host shows as well. This means that any non-fishers in your group will have plenty to do.

What can I fish for in the off -season in Astoria?

Fishing in Astoria during the off season provides opportunities that you simply can’t access during the peak times. Either the fish aren’t there, or they aren’t in a place that makes it easy to fish for them. The high demand for catching a Chinook salmon shifts the focus of most charter operators exclusively that direction.

Salmon – Coho and Spring Chinook

Salmon fishing in Astoria begins in earnest at the end of March with the arrival of the Spring Chinook run. Also known as Spring Kings, these are my favorite fish to eat. Their meat can be almost buttery in texture and holds up well when cooking. It’s almost impossible to accidentally overcook them. The limit is usually 1 Chinook. There is also the possibility of a bonus steelhead. Charter trips during this time are usually pretty easy to come by and hotels will be at their cheapest. This is probably the most spotty fishery when it comes to seasons as well as good days and bad days. When it’s good, it can be really good.

On the other end of the calendar, Fall Coho will have strong runs through October. These are my second favorite salmon to eat. Especially in Mid September, the fall Coho run can dwarf the August Chinook run. Additionally, you don’t have to worry nearly as much about the crowds while fishing. Early limits have been fairly common in recent years and the Coho populations in the Columbia have continued to improve.

White Sturgeon

The catch and release white sturgeon fishery is a springtime highlight. It is also my top recommendation if you want to fish in Astoria in the off-season. While you can’t take one home with you, these beasts put up one heck of a fight. This is one of the unsung “bucket list” fish of Astoria. The percentage of extra large fish has been increasing lately as well. Six and seven foot long fish are becoming the norm. A retention fishery for White sturgeon is not expected for a while though. The Columbia River is one of the few places you can fish for North America’s largest freshwater fish. Astoria is a hot spot for them.

Bottom Fish

Lingcod and Rockfish are available year round but Spring is the best time for them. Significant populations exist near the South Jetty of the Columbia River which allows for relatively quick access. Later on in the season the better fishing tends to be much farther south. This requires spending much more of your trip traveling rather than fishing. Several charters offer trips for these fish starting in March and going through October. Spring and fall bottom fish charters are definitely more weather dependent than most other trips. If this is your time, be prepared with a backup plan.

Dungeness Crab

Exclusive to fishing Astoria in the off-season, Dungeness crab are the highlight of the late fall and early winter. Most charters offer trips from October until the commercial season opens in mid to late December. Some trips can still be found into January. The crab population at the mouth of the Columbia remains extraordinary. Dungeness typically weigh in at 2-3lbs each (in the shell). There’s also a generous limit of a dozen crab per person each day. One limit of crab is easily enough for a meal or two for a family of four. Crabbing trips are generally only a half day long which reduces the cost. With a limit, the price per pound is often competitive with the cost at the supermarket.

Albacore Tuna

Most of the nearby Albacore tuna charters leave out of Hammond or across the river in Ilwaco, WA. While not a species that I offer on my trips, several charter services that specialize in tuna fishing are nearby. 5-10lb Albacore tuna start showing up off the coast in Late June with numbers building through July and August. This fishery goes strong through October. In El Niño years the warm currents that hold tuna here for strong fishing through the late fall. A typical tuna trip involves a fairly long run off the coast. Tuna pull hard and can be plentiful when you get on them. That frenzy can make the trip worthwhile.

Other Species

There are plenty of other species nearby available to fish for. Several of the local lakes (Sunset, Coffenbury, and Cullaby) are regularly stocked with trout and excess steelhead. They also harbor populations of small mouth bass, large mouth bass, and yellow perch. Some of the sloughs nearby even host significant crappie populations. While charters are not generally available for these species, you can typically find public access at parks or by kayak.

While not exactly a secret, the beaches also hold opportunities for Surf Perch and razor clams. Surf perch tend to be more abundant in the summer time but can be caught year round. Razor clams require a negative tide to find. You should always check the Oregon Department of Health’s website to see if clamming is open. They test the clams regularly to make sure that they don’t contain any toxic algae. Surf perch tend to be better on an incoming tide so this makes a fantastic one-two combination. To make it a triple header, use the Peter Iredale approach to the beach at Fort Stevens state park. Once you’re done on the beach head to Coffenbury Lake for yellow perch, bass, and trout.

These opportunities are generally going to be a DIY type experience since there really aren’t charters for them. Equipment can be purchased at many locations around town. If you’re looking for more “professional quality” then I suggest Englund Marine (directions). They also have staff that can help advise you on equipment and techniques. Otherwise nearly all of the big box stores carry what you need to get started.

What other outdoor things can I do near Astoria in the off-season?

The hills, mountains, and beaches near Astoria provide almost everything an outdoors enthusiast could want. Mushroom hunters will find plenty of opportunity to track down tasty fungi in the Clatsop state forest. Several hiking trails offer amazing views ranging from mountain wildflowers to coastal tide pools. Birders will enjoy a major stopover on the Pacific Flyway. Hunters have plenty of options for deer, elk, and waterfowl in the area as well.

Related Astoria Fishing Charter Trips

Spring Chinook Charter
Columbia River Sturgeon Fishing Charter
Bottom Fishing Charter
Astoria Crabbing Charter