Newport, Oregon, offers excellent fishing opportunities with its rich coastal waters and diverse marine habitats. Whether you’re a novice angler or a seasoned fisherman, Newport provides a variety of species to target. Here are the top 10 fish to catch in Newport:

 

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also known as king salmon, are the largest species of Pacific salmon and a prized catch among anglers. Known for their size, strength, and delicious flesh, Chinook salmon are a highlight of Newport’s fishing scene. These fish migrate from the ocean into Newport’s rivers and estuaries, such as the Yaquina River and Alsea River, during their spawning runs. Spring and fall are prime seasons to target Chinook salmon in Newport.

 

To catch Chinook salmon, anglers often use trolling techniques with flashers and herring or anchovies as bait. Fishing near river mouths and estuary entrances increases your chances of hooking into these powerful fish. Focus on deeper channels and eddies where Chinook salmon gather to rest and feed before continuing their journey upstream to spawn.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also known as silver salmon, are another popular salmon species in Newport’s waters. These fish are prized for their acrobatic leaps and strong fights once hooked. Coho salmon typically enter Newport’s rivers and estuaries, including the Siletz River and Yaquina Bay, during their fall spawning runs. Anglers can target Coho salmon from late summer through fall.

 

To catch Coho salmon, anglers use a variety of techniques including drift fishing with bait such as cured roe, spinners, and brightly colored lures that mimic baitfish. Fishing near current breaks and deep pools where Coho salmon gather to rest and feed is effective. Pay attention to water temperature and flow conditions as Coho salmon are sensitive to changes in their environment.

 

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead trout are anadromous rainbow trout known for their silver coloration and tenacious fights. Newport’s rivers and streams, particularly the Alsea River and Siletz River, offer excellent opportunities to catch these prized fish during their winter and spring runs. Steelhead trout enter freshwater to spawn, making them accessible to anglers from December through May.

 

To catch steelhead trout, anglers use a variety of techniques including drift fishing with bait such as cured roe, jigs, and fly fishing with streamer patterns. Steelhead trout are known for their aggressive strikes, especially in deeper pools and runs where they seek refuge from strong currents. Pay attention to water clarity and flow rates as these factors influence steelhead behavior.

Lingcod

Lingcod are a favorite among anglers for their aggressive strikes and delicious white meat. Found along Newport’s rocky coastal areas and near underwater structures, lingcod provide year-round fishing opportunities. These ambush predators are known for their camouflage and ability to hide among rocks and kelp beds.

 

To catch lingcod, anglers use heavy tackle and bottom fishing rigs baited with large swimbaits, jigs, or live bait such as squid or herring. Fishing near rocky reefs and underwater ledges where lingcod lie in wait for prey is effective. Lingcod are known for their powerful fights once hooked, requiring anglers to use strong gear and patience to land these prized fish.

Rockfish

Newport is renowned for its diverse rockfish species, including black rockfish, vermilion rockfish, and yelloweye rockfish. These bottom-dwelling fish inhabit rocky reefs, kelp forests, and underwater structures along Newport’s coastline. Rockfish provide year-round fishing opportunities for anglers seeking a variety of colors and sizes.

 

To catch rockfish, anglers use bottom fishing rigs with jigs, bait rigs, or shrimp flies tipped with bait such as squid strips or shrimp. Fishing near rocky outcrops and underwater pinnacles where rockfish congregate is productive. Pay attention to depth and structure as different rockfish species prefer specific habitats within Newport’s coastal waters.

 

Dungeness Crab

While not a fish, Dungeness crab is a popular catch in Newport’s coastal waters. These large, tasty crustaceans inhabit sandy and muddy bottoms in bays, estuaries, and nearshore areas. Newport offers ample opportunities for recreational crabbing from boats, docks, and shorelines.

 

To catch Dungeness crab, anglers use crab pots or traps baited with chicken, fish carcasses, or other bait. Set traps in shallow waters or near docks where Dungeness crab are known to feed. Crabbing season typically runs from December through August, with peak months in the spring and early summer when crab are most active.

Halibut

Halibut fishing off Newport’s coast is highly sought after during the summer months. These large, flatfish inhabit sandy or gravelly bottoms in deeper waters along Newport’s continental shelf. Halibut provide a challenging and rewarding fishing experience for anglers targeting trophy-sized fish.

 

To catch halibut, anglers use heavy-duty rods and reels with large circle hooks baited with squid, herring, or octopus. Fishing near underwater drop-offs, ledges, and steep contours where halibut feed is effective. Patience is key as halibut often require a deliberate approach to entice them to strike.

 

Surfperch

Surfperch are abundant along Newport’s sandy beaches and rocky shores, providing year-round fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. These small to medium-sized fish are known for their spirited fights and make excellent table fare.

 

To catch surfperch, anglers use light tackle with bait such as sandworms, shrimp flies, or small pieces of clam. Fishing near the shoreline where surfperch feed on small crustaceans and invertebrates is productive. Pay attention to wave action and tidal movements as surfperch are often found in areas with sandy bottoms and submerged structures.

 

Pacific Cod

Pacific cod are found in Newport’s offshore waters and provide steady action for anglers year-round. These bottom-dwelling fish are known for their firm, white flesh and are a favorite for fish tacos and fillets. Pacific cod inhabit rocky reefs, underwater pinnacles, and deep channels along Newport’s continental shelf.

 

To catch Pacific cod, anglers use baited jigs, cut bait, or live bait such as herring or squid. Fishing near rocky outcrops and underwater structures where Pacific cod congregate is effective. Pay attention to depth and bottom composition as Pacific cod prefer specific habitats within Newport’s offshore waters.

Sea Bass

Various species of sea bass, including black bass and striped bass, inhabit Newport’s coastal waters and provide exciting fishing opportunities for anglers. These predatory fish are known for their aggressive strikes and can be found near kelp beds, rocky reefs, and submerged structures.

 

To catch sea bass, anglers use a variety of techniques including casting with jigs, swimbaits, or live bait such as anchovies or sardines. Fishing near rocky outcrops and kelp forests where sea bass hunt for prey is productive. Pay attention to tidal movements and current patterns as sea bass are often found in areas with strong water flow and abundant food sources.

 

Newport, Oregon, offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities for anglers seeking a variety of fish species and fishing experiences. Whether you prefer freshwater rivers, estuaries, or saltwater fishing off the coast, Newport’s rich marine ecosystem provides ample opportunities to target Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, steelhead trout, lingcod, rockfish, Dungeness crab, halibut, surfperch, Pacific cod, and sea bass. Remember to check local fishing regulations, obtain necessary licenses, and practice ethical angling practices to ensure sustainable fishing for future generations. Plan your fishing adventure in Newport and experience the thrill of catching some of the region’s most prized fish!