Top 10 Saltwater Fish to Catch in Oregon
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Chinook Salmon
Verified
World Record
97 lb 4 oz
Les Anderson / 1985
Kenai River, Alaska
Les Anderson / 1985
Kenai River, Alaska
Signature Fact
Laboratory magnets made juvenile Chinook aim as if 'teleported' north or south, proving they navigate by Earth's field.
2
Pacific Halibut
Verified
World Record
459 lb 0 oz
Jack Tragis / 1996
Unalaska Bay, Alaska
Jack Tragis / 1996
Unalaska Bay, Alaska
Signature Fact
The IGFA all-tackle record hit 459 pounds-an 8-foot, refrigerator-door flatfish nicknamed a true "barn door.
3
Coho Salmon
Verified
World Record
33 lb 4 oz
Les Anderson / 1989
Skeena River, British Columbia
Les Anderson / 1989
Skeena River, British Columbia
Signature Fact
One of the few salmon that regularly crush topwater lures in saltwater-boils, cartwheels, absolute surface chaos.
4
Lingcod
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
Pending
Signature Fact
Some lingcod have naturally blue-green flesh that cooks snow-white, thanks to the pigment biliverdin.
5
Black Rockfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
23 lb 4 oz
James R. Toth / 2001
Washington, USA
James R. Toth / 2001
Washington, USA
Signature Fact
She can bank a mate's sperm for months, then unleash over a million live larvae in one birth.
6
Yelloweye Rockfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
39 lb 4 oz
David S. Nelson / 2017
Sitka, Alaska
David S. Nelson / 2017
Sitka, Alaska
Signature Fact
A 30-inch yelloweye might be older than your grandpa-verified to 120 years by "tree rings" in ear bones.
7
Pacific cod
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
Pending
Signature Fact
The species name macrocephalus literally means big head, and adults wear that oversized noggin proudly.
8
Striped Bass (Striper)
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
81 lb 14 oz
Gregory Myerson / 2011
Long Island Sound, Connecticut
Gregory Myerson / 2011
Long Island Sound, Connecticut
Signature Fact
Their eggs must stay drifting for about 48 hours-sink once, and the entire spawn suffocates.
9
Bonneville Cutthroat
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
18 lb 3 oz
Darwin L. Peterson / 1966
Strawberry Reservoir, Utah
Darwin L. Peterson / 1966
Strawberry Reservoir, Utah
Signature Fact
During Bear Lake's January Cisco Disco, they mob the shallows under ice, gorging so hard they cough scales.
10
Shortraker Rockfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
44 lb 1 oz
James R. Toth / 2001
Alaska, USA
James R. Toth / 2001
Alaska, USA
Signature Fact
Radiocarbon dating pegged a shortraker at over 120 years old-older than your grandfather's favorite reel.
FAQs
What fish can you catch in Oregon?
You’ll find chinook salmon, Pacific halibut, coho salmon, lingcod, black rockfish, and more on Oregon’s saltwater scene.
What is the best time of year to fish in Oregon?
Peak fishing in Oregon saltwater usually runs late spring through early fall, when most species are active.
Where are the best places to fish in Oregon?
Oregon’s saltwater action happens up and down the coast, from jetties to open water. Look for spots where salmon, halibut, and rockfish show up strong.
What gear do you need for fishing in Oregon?
Bring sturdy saltwater tackle, heavier rods for halibut, and medium setups for targeting salmon and rockfish.
What are the easiest fish to catch in Oregon?
Black rockfish and lingcod are usually the most accessible catches in Oregon’s saltwater, especially for newer anglers.
