A Diverse Array of Fish and Fishing Opportunities

Freshwater lakes and streams, estuaries, and the ocean provide habitats for a wide variety of fish and shellfish that support both recreational and commercial fisheries.

Recreational fishing opportunities abound in waterways throughout the county. Chinook and coho salmon are caught in freshwater streams, estuaries, and in ocean fisheries. Steelhead and cutthroat trout are pursued in local rivers. Stocked rainbow trout and some warm water species such as largemouth bass care available in several lakes throughout the county. Marine fisheries target rockfish, lingcod, halibut, and albacore tuna. Crabbing and clamming are popular pursuits as well.

Throughout the year there is some kind of fishing available, regardless of a person’s skill level. Numerous professional fishing guides operate in the county, primarily angling for salmon and steelhead. Charter boats leave from Garibaldi and Pacific City, plying ocean waters for salmon, rockfish, lingcod, halibut, tuna, and crab. Fisheries vary by time of year and rules apply differently by location and species. So be sure to check the Sport Fish Regulations book or contact the local ODFW office for more information.

Commercial fishing fleets operate out of Garibaldi and Pacific City, supplying local markets with fresh seafood much of the year. Salmon, rockfish (often marketed as “sea bass”), lingcod, halibut, albacore tuna, and Dungeness crab are all landed into these ports. Pink shrimp fisheries occur in offshore waters.

Tillamook County is home to Whiskey Creek Shellfish Hatchery, one of the largest shellfish hatcheries on the West Coast. The hatchery grows and sells oyster, mussel, and clam larvae to farmers throughout the Pacific Northwest. Clams are commercially harvested from Tillamook Bay and private growers raise oysters in large numbers in local estuaries. If seafood is the menu, Tillamook County offers something to tempt your palate.

Fish and wildlife viewing opportunities exist in many location around the county. Fish hatcheries, such as the Trask River Hatchery, offer the chance to see fish up close (and even feed them!). Salmon can be observed spawning in local streams in the fall. Whale watching is available from shore or via charter boat trips at certain times of year. Birdwatching is an increasingly popular activity. Eagles, hawks, egrets, waterfowl, and many other species can be found throughout the county.