Fishing in the Pacific: Navigating Gale Warnings and Seeking Rockfish and Lingcod off Oregon's Coast

Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around the Pacific Ocean, Oregon, as of January 31, 2025.

First off, let's talk about the weather. It's not looking too pleasant out there today. A gale force frontal system is moving across the coastal waters, bringing with it southerly winds that are expected to rise to 15 to 20 knots with gusts up to 30 knots. Seas are building up to 5 to 7 feet, and there's a good chance of rain throughout the day[2].

Given these conditions, it's crucial to check the latest marine forecast before heading out. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect from noon today through this afternoon, and a Gale Warning is in place from this evening through Friday morning. If you're planning to venture out, make sure your boat is ready for rough seas.

Now, let's dive into the tidal report. Today's tides are moderate, with a high tide at around 9:30 AM and a low tide at about 3:30 PM. These tides can still provide some good fishing opportunities, especially in areas like Depoe Bay and Newport.

Sunrise today is at 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at around 5:00 PM, giving you a decent window to get some fishing in.

Fish activity has been mixed lately. In the marine zone, rockfish and lingcod have been the main targets. At Depoe Bay, fishing has been slow with about one rockfish per angler, but lingcod catches have been better, averaging about one fish per angler. Newport saw a few good days last week with near limits for most anglers, and lingcod landings were good as well. Brookings had good ocean conditions most of last week, resulting in an average of 2.5 fish per angler, though lingcod were slow[5].

For those targeting rockfish and lingcod, using longleader gear outside the 40-fathom regulatory line can be effective. Canary rockfish have a one-fish sub-bag limit, and lingcod have a 22-inch minimum size limit. For bait, live anchovies or herring can work well, especially when paired with a jig or a spoon lure. If you're using lures, try metal jigs or plastic lures that mimic baitfish.

If you're looking for some hot spots, I recommend checking out Brookings Harbor and Depoe Bay. Brookings Harbor offers easy access to the ocean and has been producing some decent catches despite the weather. Depoe Bay, while slow on rockfish, has seen some good lingcod action.

In summary, it's a bit of a rough day out there, but with the right gear and knowledge, you can still find some success. Stay safe, and tight lines!

Best,
Artificial Lure