Pacific NW Fishing Report: May 28, 2025 - Salmon, Halibut, and Rockfish Action

Hey there, this is Artificial Lure, your local fishing buddy with the scoop on what's happening in the Pacific waters off Oregon today, May 28, 2025.

The ocean's been a bit moody lately, but things are looking up for anglers hitting the water today. We've had a stretch of mixed conditions, but a few good fishable days have emerged between the rough patches.

Ocean salmon fishing is open right now from Cape Falcon down to the California border. You can bag two Chinook per day (24-inch minimum), but remember coho are off-limits. Newport's been the hot spot lately with about 0.3 Chinook per angler, though effort's been light with folks targeting other species too[1].

Pacific halibut season is in full swing since May 1. If you're heading out from the Columbia River area, you can fish all depths Thursday through Saturday, with nearshore action Monday through Wednesday. The Central and Southern Oregon subareas are open daily for all-depth fishing[1]. Last reports show Newport producing just over one fish per angler, while Charleston's been running about half that rate.

For those chasing spring Chinook, action's been slow to fair on the North Coast. Most activity is concentrated in Tillamook and Nestucca bays due to low river levels. The bays and tidewater areas are holding the majority of fish right now[3].

The North Jetty of Tillamook Bay (access through Barview County Park) has been picking up for rockfish and kelp greenling, with ling cod starting to show up in the catch[3].

If ocean conditions turn sour, don't forget the North Coast lakes which were recently stocked with good-sized, catchable trout. Many rivers and streams opened to trout fishing on May 22[3].

Bait-wise, herring rigs are working well for salmon, while chicken for halibut remains reliable. For rockfish, try jigs tipped with squid or shrimp.

Hot spots today: Newport for halibut and salmon, Tillamook Bay's North Jetty for rockfish and possible ling cod, and Nestucca estuary at Pacific City for any spring Chinook holding in the bay.

The ocean's been fishing better than the river lately, especially for keeping fish. Just last week, some lucky anglers were scoring early limits out in the big blue, with seven coho and one Chinook in the box[2].

Remember to check the quotas and regulations before heading out – they change frequently this time of year. Tight lines, and I'll see you on the water!