Promising Pacific Fishing: Catching Rockfish, Lingcod, and Chinook off the Oregon Coast

As of October 13, 2024, the fishing scene in the Pacific Ocean off the Oregon coast is looking promising, despite some challenging weather conditions.

### Weather and Tides
Today, the weather is partly cloudy with a gentle breeze, making it a decent day to be out on the water. The sunrise was at 7:27 AM, and sunset is expected at 6:14 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 10:44 AM and a low tide at 4:17 PM, which can influence fish activity.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw good action for rockfish and lingcod. According to reports, most boats did well on rockfish, with some really nice catches. Lingcod were also plentiful, especially around Depoe Bay and Newport. For salmon, the focus is on Chinook, as ocean salmon fishing remains open shoreward of the 40-fathom line from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain through October 31. However, coho salmon fishing is currently closed in this area.

### Catches
Yesterday's catches included a variety of rockfish species such as black rockfish, deacon rockfish, and yellowtail rockfish. Lingcod were also common, with some boats averaging around one lingcod per angler. For those targeting salmon, the catch rates were lower, with an average of about 0.35 salmon per angler, but Garibaldi saw slightly better rates at 0.44 salmon per angler.

### Best Lures and Bait
For rockfish and lingcod, using jigs and lures that mimic their natural prey works well. A favorite among locals is the use of squid or shrimp as bait, especially for lingcod. For salmon, trolling with anchovies and flashers is highly effective, particularly in areas where the fish are moving into and out of the estuary with the tides.

### Hot Spots
Depoe Bay and Newport are currently hot spots for rockfish and lingcod. For salmon, the area around Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain is your best bet, especially near the estuary entrances where salmon are moving in with the tides. Garibaldi is also worth a visit, given its slightly higher catch rates for salmon.

Overall, it's a good time to be out on the water, especially if you're targeting bottom fish or looking to catch some Chinook salmon before the season closes. Always check the latest regulations and ensure you have the necessary gear and licenses.