Tillamook Bay Fishing Charter (Experienced Salmon Guide)

Tillamook Bay a cherished location for me as a guide and charter operator. The bay boasts a diverse of fish species, salmon, various bottom fish, and crabs. The salmon fishing is particularly outstanding, and I have had many successful outings here with my clients. For those seeking a premier fishing destination, Tillamook Bay is a must-visit, sure to fulfill your fishing aspirations.

Tillamook Bay is renowned for its plentiful king salmon, particularly during the fall season, with September and October being exceptionally productive. During these months, anglers can anticipate catching Chinook salmon as the run reaches its peak, offering an exceptional fishing experience in Tillamook Bay.

Tillamook in Oregon is encled by coastal mountains, with numerous rivers and streams flowing into the bay from these nearby highlands. The bay’s waters are notably diverse, featuring shallow mudflats, eelgrass beds, and rocky reefs. These varied habitats offer refuge and nourishment for a wide array of fish and marine life.

What rivers flow into Tillamook Bay?

Tillamook Bay is where the Wilson, Miami, Kilchis, Trask, and Tillamook Rivers meet. These rivers are well-known for their salmon runs, which include Chinook, steelhead, coho, and chum salmon.

Tillamook Bay salmon fishing guide

Spring Chinook salmon are some of the largest Chinook salmon you’ll find anywhere, and Tillamook Bay is known for them. These salmon start entering the bay in May, and the season usually runs through June. May and June are a great time to do a salmon and bottom fish combo, as the ocean is usually very favorable in the spring. Salmon and rock fishing are great days out of Tillamook Bay. Book a fishing guide to help you find the best spots.

Tillamook Bay fishing charter and guide

As an experienced fishing charter and guide in Tillamook Bay, I begin my charter fishing trips in September, targeting fall Chinook and coho salmon. The bay is renowned for its king salmon fishing during the fall months, particularly in September and October. Additionally, it’s a prime time for crabbing. Hence, I provide salmon-crab combo trips during this season. For those seeking a memorable fishing adventure, I’m eager to guide you through Tillamook Bay’s premier fishing locations.

I offer my salmon fishing charter trips within the bay, commonly referred to as the Ghost Hole. This spot is situated adjacent to Highway 101, close to the town of Garibaldi. Another favored fishing location of mine is along the jetties near the Coast Guard tower, marking the point where Tillamook Bay opens into the ocean. It is not uncommon to a 20-pound Chinook salmon in Tillamook Bay. In fact, some of the salmon that are reeled in are significantly larger. September and October are the optimal months for landing a 20-pounder.

If the weather is good, we will fish in the “bubble zone” outside the Tillamook Bay Bar. The bubble zone is a great place to catch salmon and bottom fish. We will be fishing from my 27-foot boat and using various techniques, including trolling, casting, and jigging. If you are interested in joining us on this fishing adventure, please contact us to reserve your spot.

Tillamook Bay Coho salmon fishing

In addition to Chinook salmon, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will permit anglers fishing within the bay to retain single wild coho on Wednesdays and Saturdays during parts of September and October. It is advisable to check with ODFW for current fishing to remain updated, as regulations may vary annually. The 2025 season has not yet been established as of January, when this post was last updated.

Tillamook Bay crab fishing

Tillamook Bay is a great place for fishing, including salmon and crabs. When the weather is nice, I like to set crab pots in the ocean. However, if you don’t like the ocean, you can drop your crab pots at Crab Harbor in Tillamook Bay. The best time of year for crabbing in Tillamook Bay is during the months of October and November. You may keep 12 legal-size male crabs each, as that is the Oregon limit.

Tillamook Bay Marina

When fishing Tillamook Bay, the main marina to use is the Garibaldi Marina, located in Garibaldi, Oregon. This is really the only marina on the bay.

If you’re looking to hire a Tillamook Bay fishing guide or fishing charter, you can click here.

Hotels when fishing with a Tillamook Bay fishing charter or guide

If you hire a Tillamook Bay fishing charter, you’ll want to book a hotel in Garibaldi. The Garibaldi Inn at the Bay, Harborview Inn & RV Park, and The Hotel Garibaldi are all good options.

Garibaldi Inn at the Bay: 227 Garibaldi Ave., Garibaldi, OR 97118. Phone: 503-322-2552

Harborview Inn & RV Park: 302 S 7th St., Garibaldi, OR 97118. Phone: 503-322-3251

The Hotel Garibaldi: 502 Garibaldi Ave., Garibaldi, OR 97118. Phone: 503-322-3338

Some of the top attractions around Tillamook, Oregon.

Book a day of fishing with a Tillamook Bay fishing charter

After a day of fishing, I like to relax and enjoy the scenery. Here are a few of my favorite places to visit in Tillamook, Oregon.

If you like a short hike, I highly suggest Munson Falls. It’s a beautiful waterfall in a picturesque setting. The falls are located in Tillamook State Forest, which is an easy drive from Tillamook Bay. website

I’m a big fan of the Tillamook Cheese Factory. It’s one of my favorite places to visit in this area. The cheese factory is located in Tillamook, Oregon, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. It’s a great place to visit if you’re interested in learning about how cheese is made. The factory offers tours that take you through the production process, from the cows to the finished product. The best part is that you get to sample some of the cheese at the end of the tour! The factory also has a gift shop where you can purchase a variety of cheeses, including the famous Tillamook cheddar. If you’re in the area, you should definitely check it out! website

Another place I like to go when I’m in Tillamook is the Tillamook Smoker; they have fresh jerky and pepperoni that are out of this world! If you’re in the area, you should definitely check it out. You won’t be disappointed! website