Fish the best of
Tillamook

fish Tillamook Bay’s Famous Chinook Salmon

The name Tillamook is Native American for “Land of Many Waters” and refers to the five rivers which enter the bay - the Miami, Kilchis, Tillamook, Trask and the Wilson.  Oregon’s second largest estuary after the Columbia River is home to 59 different species of fish at various times of the year.  Nestled on the northern edge of Tillamook Bay, the iconic fishing village of Garibaldi is home to some of the best fishing on the West Coast.

Tillamook Bay Spring Chinook

two men, one holding a chinook

COASTAL SPRING SALMON FISHING AT ITS FINEST

May-June

Tillamook Bay has some of the largest spring chinook in the Pacific NW coveted for their delicious meat high in oils containing healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. Regular consumption of these “healthy fats” have numerous health benefits including reduced inflammation as well as lowering the risk of heart disease. 

A Tillamook Bay springer averages 15-20 lbs, significantly bigger than their Columbia River counterparts. If the ocean is calm we offer combo trips targeting spring salmon, dungeness crab & bottom fish. Bottom fishing is great fun for anglers of all ages and skill levels as we use light tackle and success rates are very high.

Lingcod and black bass are the most common bottom fish harvested and all species make for incredible table fare. The mild tasting white meat has an incredible flaky texture and is great for making fish tacos.

Tillamook Bay Fall Chinook

two men each holding a chinook

Catch an impressive Tillamook Bay “Hawg”

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER

Surrounded by the rugged coastal mountains, the Tillamook area is a popular tourist destination known for its century old Tillamook creamery and aviation industry. But it’s the Tillamook Bay “hawg” chinook though that are the most impressive. This fishery boasts chinook weighing from 20-30 pounds with an occasional 40-pounder caught. If you like the idea of boating huge kings in a scenic shallow bay, this is the place to be during the fall.

T-Bay and its tributaries produce some of the largest chinook on the west coast. This is a later returning run which starts to heat up in September. Fresh fish continue to stack up in the bay in good numbers until the fall rains flush them up the rivers. We target fish both offshore and inside the bay depending on weather conditions, tides and run timing.

  • "When I fish with you I feel as if I am with a long time fishing buddy."

    “Sky, I wanted to thank you for 2 wonderful trips… When I fish with you I feel as if I am with a long time fishing buddy. Someone who fills in the blanks without overwhelming my experience. Someone who is a team mate in fish catching, complimenting my skills yet knowing my strengths. Other guides I have fished with all but tag the fish. You allowed me to get the big ones without the “Catch the damn fish” attitude. See you on the next trip.”

    –Neil Erickson, Portland, OR

  • "My daughter, son, wife, and myself all caught salmon to take home."

    “Sky, just a quick note to say thank you for the great fishing trip ! I thought it wonderful that my daughter, son, wife, and myself all caught salmon to take home. You put in a herculean effort on our behalf ! We were all especially thrilled that my daughter Anna caught such a big salmon her first trip out ! Thanks for providing us with great gear, your expertise, your friendship, and good company on our Columbia River fishing trip. Let’s plan on doing it again next year !”

    – Greg Shoffner & family, Bend, OR

  • "My mom and son...came back just gushing about what a good time they had."

    “Hi Sky, I wanted to thank you again for accommodating my mom and son. They came back just gushing about what a good time they had, and I thoroughly enjoyed several great salmon dinners! My mom is excited to go out with you again, so I’m sure that you will be hearing from her, eliminating me as the middle-man!! Thank you again. You made one kid and one grandma very happy indeed.” 

    – Kathy Sloan, Portland, OR

What to expect

woman holding a chinook

What to Bring

  • A Sack Lunch

  • Layered, waterproof apparel: For more information, visit our blog.

  • Head gear: Baseball cap, boonie or other wide-brimmed hat in summer. A knit cap in colder conditions and chilly mornings.

  • Sunglasses: Polarized glasses help you see the fish better and protect your eyes from flying hooks.

  • Sunscreen & Lip Ointment

  • Phone and/or Camera: Don’t forget your camera or video camera!

man holding a salmon

What’s Included

  • Rods and Reels: All fishing equipment, bait & tackle is included. You do not need to bring your own gear. We fish with top of the line G. Loomis Rods, Shimano Reels and the highest quality terminal tackle and bait.

  • Life Jacket: All of our boats are equipped with two life vests per customer, an off-shore Type I vest as well as a Type V auto inflatable life vest.

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