Oregon Bottom Fishing: Private 5-Hour Charter
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 5hour bottom fishing charter targeting rockfish speciesJig fishing technique using copper pipe jigs over reef structuresSingle guest capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
Picture yourself out on the Pacific, rod in hand, targeting some of Oregon's most prized rockfish species on your own private charter. This isn't your typical crowded party boat trip – you'll have the entire vessel to yourself for 5 solid hours of bottom fishing action. We launch based on tide conditions to maximize your time over productive reefs, and trust me, these Oregon waters hold some serious fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your jig fishing technique or someone ready to experience world-class bottom fishing, this charter delivers the goods without the crowds.
Your day starts early, timing our departure with the tides to put you over the best bottom structure when conditions are prime. Oregon's coastal waters are renowned for their diverse rockfish populations, and we'll be targeting the reefs and rocky outcroppings where these fish congregate. The beauty of a private charter means we can adjust our game plan based on what's biting – if the lingcod are aggressive on one reef, we stay put. If the yellowtail rockfish are schooled up elsewhere, we make the move. You'll have my full attention and decades of local knowledge working for you, not split between a dozen other anglers. The trip runs 5 hours or until we hit limits, whichever comes first – and let me tell you, filling the cooler happens more often than you'd think on these productive Oregon reefs.
We'll be running copper pipe jigs tipped with shrimp flies – a deadly combination for Oregon rockfish that's been producing for generations of local anglers. The technique is straightforward but effective: drop your jig down to the bottom structure, lift it a few feet, then work it with short pumps and drops. The copper pipe cuts through the current better than lead, getting you down to where the fish are holding even when there's decent water movement. Those shrimp flies add just the right amount of action and scent to trigger strikes from curious rockfish. I'll have you dialed in on the right retrieve speed and jigging cadence within the first few drops. The key is feeling the bottom, staying in contact with your jig, and recognizing when a rockfish picks it up – sometimes it's a solid thump, other times just a slight tick on the line. Each reef fishes a little different, so we'll adjust our approach as we work through different spots throughout the day.
The variety of rockfish species we encounter on these Oregon bottom fishing trips keeps things interesting from the first drop to the last. Canary rockfish are absolute customer favorites – these bright orange beauties typically run 2-4 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, often schooling up in good numbers over the mid-depth reefs. When you hook into a decent canary, you'll feel every head shake and run they make. Lingcod are the apex predators of these reefs, and landing one is always a highlight of any trip. These toothy giants can push 20+ pounds and ambush prey from rocky crevices. Spring and early summer are prime time for lings as they move shallow to spawn. Widow rockfish school up in impressive numbers and provide fast action when you locate them – they're silvery, sleek fish that pull hard and fill the cooler quickly. Yellowtail rockfish are another schooling species that can make for banner days, especially during summer months when they're feeding aggressively. Chilipepper rockfish round out our target list – they're deeper dwelling fish with beautiful red coloration and excellent table fare. Each species has its own personality and preferred habitat, which keeps every drop interesting and every trip different.
This private 5-hour bottom fishing charter represents some of the best value fishing Oregon's coast has to offer. You're getting dedicated guide service, proven techniques, and access to productive reefs that consistently produce quality rockfish. The single-angler capacity means this trip books up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot. Whether you're looking to learn jig fishing techniques, target specific rockfish species, or simply enjoy a day on the water without crowds, this charter delivers. Oregon's rockfish populations are healthy and regulations allow for generous limits on most species, so you'll likely head home with a cooler full of fresh fillets. The combination of copper pipe jigs and shrimp flies is a time-tested approach that works year-round, though spring through fall typically offers the most consistent action. Don't wait on this one – prime tide windows and weather days fill up quickly, and you'll want to secure your spot for what could be your best Oregon fishing trip yet.
Sebastes PinnigerThese bright yellow-orange beauties are some of the most colorful rockfish you'll encounter off Oregon's coast. Adults typically run 20-24 inches and school up over rocky reefs in 100-400 feet of water. What makes them special is their stunning appearance - those three orange stripes across their head are unmistakable. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Canaries respond well to our copper pipe jigs with shrimp flies, especially when we find them schooled up during spring and summer months. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't rush it to the surface. These fish can live 75 years, so show some respect and use your descending device if you're releasing.
Sebastes GoodeiChilipepper rockfish are the workhorses of our bottom fishing trips, offering consistent action and exceptional eating quality. These slender, bright red fish typically measure 16-20 inches and school up along rocky drop-offs and reefs in 150-600 feet of water. What makes them special is their red flesh that keeps longer than other rockfish, plus they have a sweet, firm texture that's perfect for grilling. Peak season runs September through April when they're spawning and feeding heavily. Chilipeppers often suspend mid-water while foraging, so don't just fish the bottom. My go-to technique is working shrimp flies at multiple depths until you find the school. Once you locate them, stick with that depth - these fish don't move around much.
Ophiodon ElongatusDon't let the name fool you - lingcod aren't actually cod, but they're one of the most sought-after bottom fish we target. These aggressive predators grow large, with females reaching 30+ inches and packing serious attitude. You'll find them lurking in rocky lairs from 30-300 feet, using their mottled coloring to ambush prey. What guests love most is their fierce fight - they'd rather battle than flee, plus their firm white meat is outstanding eating. Peak season runs fall through early spring when they move shallow to spawn. Pro tip: once you hook a ling, keep constant pressure and reel steady. They'll try to dive back into their rocky hideout, so don't give them slack or you'll lose your jig in the rocks.
Sebastes EntomelasWidow rockfish are mid-water schoolers that make for some of the most productive fishing when we locate them. These brassy-brown fish typically run 16-18 inches and love to suspend over deep reefs in 200-600 feet of water. Unlike bottom-hugging rockfish, widows come up in the water column to feed, especially at night. They're prized for their lean, delicate meat with a subtle nutty flavor that chefs love. Best fishing happens during spring and summer when schools move closer to shore. The key to success is finding the schools on the fish finder, then working your shrimp flies through them methodically. Once you hook into a school, keep your jigs in that same zone - where there's one widow, there's usually plenty more.
Sebastes FlavidusYellowtail rockfish are among the most cooperative fish we target, making them perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. These greenish-brown beauties with bright yellow tails school heavily over rocky structure in 50-300 feet. They average 11-14 inches but fight harder than their size suggests. What sets them apart from other rockfish is they can handle pressure changes better, so catch-and-release mortality is lower. Their flaky, mildly sweet meat makes excellent fish and chips. We catch them year-round, but spring and summer offer the best numbers when they're actively feeding. Here's the trick: use a long leader setup and keep your jigs moving through the school. Yellowtails are active during the day, so work the entire water column until you find where they're holding.
Portland