| Ocean Salmon Fishing |
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| Ocean Salmon Fishing Safety Information |
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Ocean salmon fishing this summer is expected to be the best we've seen in decades. Mid-coast chinook stocks are strong and liberal coho seasons will provide ample summer-long access to these exciting fisheries.
However, fishing in the ocean requires adequate skill, proper equipment and local knowledge. This page is designed to help you enjoy the fishery safely.
*Note: This is only a guide. Even skilled boat operators can be challenged by the Pacific Ocean. Unless you are equipped with an adequate boat, local knowledge and the needed equipment to monitor tides, weather, bar and ocean conditions, and navigate back to port if inclement weather strikes, we recommend you stay off the ocean or go with a charter.
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| Ocean Salmon Check List |
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The following check list will help you prepare for a safe day of fishing.
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| Common Questions About Ocean Fishing |
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Q) What's an adequate boat?
A) There is no easy definition of "adequate" because it all depends on weather, ocean conditions, operator experience and equipment. This is one case where:
- a larger boats is better than a smaller boat.
- a closed bow is better than an open bow.
- "V" hulls are better than sleds (flat bottom).
- high sides are better than low.
- high transoms are better than low or notched transoms.
- a well-tuned motor is a must, and an auxiliary motor (kicker) can be a life-saver, too.
The best combination is an experienced skipper and a well-equipped boat in good running condition.
Q) What should I carry when salmon fishing?
A) Here's a few must-have items (besides your fishing license and tag):
- Marine VHF Radio. Cell phones are NOT dependable in the marine environment. Coverage is spotty, batteries die quickly and searchers can't locate on their signal. VHF radios provide better coverage, are generally made for the marine environment, can be located by signal source, and are monitored by others who may be able to lend assistance in an emergency.
- Flares: Make sure they are fresh (see expiration date), and understand how to use them.
- Navigation equipment: GPS and other mapping electronics, if you know how to use them, can help you navigate home if inclement weather strikes.
- Charts: Study them and avoid danger areas.
Q) Where do most people get in trouble when ocean fishing?
A) Most accidents occur on the bar - that point where the river meets the ocean. Avoid crossing the bar on an ebb-tide - it is very unstable and unpredictable. At times, even on a calm day, breakers may form across much of the bar quickly and without notice. Always wear a life jacket when crossing the bar. Also, read this primer to learn how to cross the bar safely.
Q) How do I best ensure my survival in case of an accident?
A) Accidents often happen without warning, so always wear your life jacket. It's nearly impossible to put on after an accident occurs. A good life jacket will slow the onset of hypothermia and give you more time to be rescued. Even better is a float coat and the best is a survival suit that can provide many hours of protection against frigid ocean waters. EPIRB (Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon) units will bring rescuers right to you. Also, be sure to carry and use your VHF radio. Other boaters in your area can often provide quick aid.
For a more complete primer, read the Coastal Boating Guide introduction.
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| How to Plan a Safe Day on the Ocean |
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New to ocean salmon fishing? Here is a process to help plan your day.
1) Decide where you're fishing and consider your equipment. Large well-equiped boats have more options and more range. Small boat operators must work well within their equipment's limits. Make sure you know your boat's operating range, and plan a day that leaves you with at least one-third of a tank of gas.
2) Equip your boat. Make sure you have adquate life jackets for all aboard. Carry a VHF radio, visual distress signals (flares) and all the required equipment. Make sure you have an anchor and plenty of line. Carry a bucket, spare engine parts and tools, first aid kit and adequate food and water, plus emergency rations. However, don't overload your boat - you'll need all the freeboard and power you can get when crossing the bar or dealing with difficult weather.
3) File a float plan with a relative or friend. See above for a copy. Call if you cancel or when you return.
4) Know the weather and tides. Time your trip in and out so you cross the bar on slack or incoming tides. Check the weather regularly throughout the day.
5) Make sure you know what you're fishing for and how to identify fish. Catching a coho when it's chinook only can ruin an otherwise good day.
6) Leave the alcohol at home. A day on the ocean requires your full attention.
7) Know when to come in. Watch the ocean carefully, check the weather frequently, monitor the performance of your boat and the health of your passengers. Fatigue is a major contributing factor in accidents.
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| Crossing the Bar |
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The bar is the area where the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean meet with the shallower waters near the mouth of a river. Most accidents and deaths that occur on coastal bars are from capsizing.
Improper loading and/or overloading are major causes of capsizings. Improperly/overloaded boats have less stability and less freeboard, which can allow seas to break into the vessel, causing the boat to become even less stable.
Boats are more likely to capsize when crossing the bar from the ocean because the seas are on the stern and the operator may have less control over the vessel.
Boaters must make sure the bar is safe prior to crossing. Check with other boaters or the Coast Guard to find out the condition of the bar.
If you are caught on a rough bar running in:
- Make sure everybody aboard is wearing a personal flotation device.
- Keep the boat square before the seas.
- Keep the boat on the back of the swell. Ride the swell and stay clear of the following wave.
Avoid sudden weight shifts from passengers or gear moving around in the boat. If possible, have passengers lie down as near the centerline of the boat as possible.
Do not allow the waves to catch your boat on the side (beam). This condition is called broaching, and can easily result in capsizing.
Rough Bar Advisory Signs
Be aware of the location and status of rough bar advisory signs. These signs are 6ft by 6ft white, diamond shaped daymarks, with the words “ROUGH BAR” in black letters. Two alternating amber lights on the signs are activated when observed seas on the bar exceed 4 feet in height and are considered dangerous.
DO NOT CROSS THE BAR WHEN
THE LIGHTS ARE FLASHIING!
If the lights are not flashing, there is no guarantee that sea conditions are favorable.
Coastal bars may be closed to recreational boats when conditions on the bar create a hazardous condition. Failure to comply with the closure may result in voyage termination, and civil and/or criminal penalties. The regulations are enforced by Coast Guard boarding teams.
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| Safety Sheets |
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Quick Print info sheets for popular Oregon salmon ports (in PDF).
Crossing the following bars into the ocean is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted.
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Netarts Bay
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Necanicum River
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Salmon River
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Nestucca River
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Siletz Bay
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Alsea Bay
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Winchuck River
Related Links
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