Astoria Fishing Report: Your Guide to a Great Catch
Well, if you’re thinkin’ about doin’ some fishin’ down in Astoria, ya came to the right place! This here town’s been all about fishin’ ever since folks started settlin’ in them parts. Heck, even back in 1880, almost one out of every five folks in Astoria was out there tryin’ to catch somethin’ to eat. We got all kinds of fish swimmin’ around these waters, and I’m here to tell ya where to go and what to expect, so you can come back with a good haul.
Fishing in Astoria: What’s Biting?
Now, if you’re headin’ out to the Columbia River, you’re in for a real treat. The fall salmon season’s still going strong, and it’ll keep goin’ right through to the end of the year, all the way up to December 31st, 2024. You can catch yourself some Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, and steelhead—lots of folks like those steelhead, real good fighters they are!
Astoria’s been a fishin’ town for generations, and it ain’t hard to see why. The Columbia River brings in a whole mess of fish, and all you gotta do is find the right spot. I heard from some locals that the best time to go is early in the mornin’ or just before the sun goes down. That’s when those fish seem to bite the best, but ya never know, sometimes they surprise ya!
Where to Fish in Astoria
If you’re wonderin’ where the best spots are, well, it all depends on what kind of fish you’re lookin’ for. For those big ol’ Chinooks, head up towards the mouth of the Columbia River. The water there’s deep and cold, and that’s where you’ll find the big ones. As for the Coho salmon, they tend to like the calmer waters a little more, so try fishin’ along the riverbanks or in the estuaries where the water’s a bit slower.
Don’t forget about the steelhead, neither. They like to hide out in places with plenty of rocks and fast water, so you might need to do a little wading to find them. But when you hook one, it’s worth the effort, I tell ya!
Sturgeon Regulations: Keepin’ It Legal
Now, I gotta remind ya, if you’re fishin’ for sturgeon, you best be aware of the regulations, ’cause the last thing you want is to get yourself in trouble. Up near the Bonneville Dam all the way down to The Dalles Dam, the sturgeon need to be between 38 inches and 54 inches, fork length. If you’re fishin’ anywhere from The Dalles Dam to McNary Dam, the sturgeon has to be at least 43 inches long. So, be sure to measure ‘em before ya take ‘em home!
Astoria’s Fall Fishing: What’s Hot Right Now
As for this time of year, let me tell ya, the fishin’ has been real good. People been pullin’ in some big ol’ Chinooks and a lot of Coho salmon too. The weather’s been holdin’ up real nice, not too cold yet, so it’s been a good time to get out there on the water. I heard from a few folks down at the docks that the best catches are still happenin’ up near the deeper spots in the river, especially if ya got a good boat to get out there.
Tips for Your Trip
- Bring a variety of baits: Sometimes they like worms, sometimes they want herring, so it’s always best to have a little bit of everything.
- Be patient: Fishin’ can be a slow game. Don’t get discouraged if the bites are light. They’ll come around when they’re good and ready.
- Check the weather: Wind and rain can make fishin’ tough, so make sure the weather’s lookin’ good before ya head out.
- Respect the rules: Always follow the fishing regulations, especially for sturgeon. The fines ain’t worth it!
If you’re lookin’ for a good time and some fine fishin’, there’s no better place than Astoria. It’s been that way for years, and it don’t look like it’s changin’ anytime soon. So pack up your gear, bring some good bait, and get ready for a catch. And don’t forget to stop by the fish market on your way out—you’ll be glad you did!
Until next time, happy fishin’!
Tags: [Astoria Fishing Report, Fishing in Astoria, Columbia River Fishing, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead, Astoria Sturgeon Regulations, Fall Fishing, Astoria Fishing Spots]
