Fishing in Coos Bay
Regardless of the season, visitors of Ko-Kwel Casino Resort are drawn to our area for much more than the thrilling games, fine dining, and enjoyable events. In fact, what draws our guests back time and time again is the year-round opportunities to fish in the picturesque waters of Coos Bay, Oregon.
Whether you’re in it for the thrill of the catch or looking to spend some peaceful moments casting your fishing line in the deep sea’s blue waters, Coos Bay is the destination you’ve been looking for. Unlock the secrets to mastering the art of fishing in this area with the following essential breakdown of everything you need to know about fishing in Coos Bay, OR.
Native Fish of Coos Bay
Whether you’re cruising along the bay in a fishing boat or angling from the shore, Coos Bay is home to an ample population of fish. Depending on closures and the regulations imposed each season, you’ll have the chance to catch and keep the following species:
Salmon
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- Most Commonly Found Species: Chinook and Coho
- Habitat: Fresh and Salt Water
- Appearance:
- Chinook: Chinook can be identified by black spots on back, silver sides, red belly and fins, black gumline.
- Coho: Coho can be identified by dark green backs and heads, red sides, white gumline
- Best season to fish them: August-Novembe
Halibut
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- Most Commonly Found Species: Pacific Halibut
- Habitat: Salt Water
- Appearance: Pacific Halibut can be identified by muted greyish-brown colors, a flat body, and the unique characteristic of swimming sideways.
- Best season to fish them: May-September
Rainbow Trout
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- Habitat: Fresh Water
- Appearance: Rainbow Trout can be identified by their olive color and speckled body with a red stripe along the side, and white tips on fins.
- Best season to fish them: August-November
Steelhead Trout & Winter Steelhead
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- Habitat: Fresh and Salt Water
- Appearance: Steelhead Trout can be identified by their olive color, speckled body, and a red stripe along the side. These are the same fish species as Rainbow Trout but with a different lifestyle.
- Best season to fish them: August-March
Cutthroat Trout
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- Habitat: Fresh Water
- Appearance: Steelhead Trout looks similar to rainbow trout, but has red or orange on the underside of the jaw, and no white tips on the fins.
- Best season to fish them: August-November
Lingcod
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- Habitat: Salt Water
- Appearance: Lingcod can be identified by their spotted grey/brown (sometimes green), elongated body, and their large mouth with sharp teeth.
- Best season to fish them: Year-round
Rockfish
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- Most Commonly Found Species: Black, Blue, Deacon, China, Quillback, Copper, Canary, Vermilion
- Habitat: Salt Water
- Best season to fish them: Year-round
Albacore Tuna
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- Habitat: Salt Water
- Appearance: Albacore Tuna can be identified by their blue/silver back, sides, and belly, and their long side fin.
- Best season to fish them: July-September
Largemouth Bass
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- Habitat: Fresh Water
- Appearance: Largemouth Bass can be identified by the green on their back and sides, their white belly, a dark stripe along their side, and their large mouth.
- Best season to fish them: April-August
Surf Perch
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- Habitat: Salt Water
- Appearance: Surf Perch can be identified by their silver/brass colored body, and the red/brown vertical lines on their body.
- Best season to fish them: April-July
Charter Fishing Options
If deep-sea fishing in Coos Bay, Oregon is what you’re after, consider one of our area’s fishing charters to take you out. Although timeframes and prices may vary, you can expect to spend 8-12 hours on your excursion with average prices ranging from $200-$600. Even though equipment is usually provided, you should be prepared to bring your own lunch and obtain your own fishing license for certain species (such as salmon). With so many options to choose from, you’re bound to find an experience that is exactly to your liking.
Bandon Charters
Charleston Charters
- Sharky’s Charter Fishing (Our Partner of Choice)
- Betty Kay Charters
- Pacific Charter Services
- Coos Bay Charters
- Pacific Pond Charters
Accommodations
Those who love to fish opt to lodge at Ko-Kwel Casino Resort | Coos Bay due to our close proximity to the water. In fact, our property touches the shoreline of Coos Bay, right between its North Bend Upper Range and Ferndale Lower Range.
This makes us the perfect fishing haven for folks looking to make a catch. We also offer a convenient and exciting fishing experience with our Stay & Play package in partnership with Sharky’s Charters. This package combines the best of both worlds, treating you to a 4 hour rockfish excursion for up to five people and a one night stay in two double queen rooms in our luxury Hotel.
Ko-Kwel Casino Resort | Coos Bay is a fisherman’s paradise, and we take pride in being the perfect home base to explore the best fishing spots in the Coos Bay area. With accommodations that include 203 rooms and 102 RV parking spaces, you can tailor your trip exactly as you wish. After an exhilarating day on the water, unwind and try your luck at our casino or indulge in mouth-watering dishes at our on-site restaurants. For more information, call us today at 800-953-4800.
Ideal Fishing Locations
- Tenmile Lake: Located 30 mins from Ko-Kwel Casino Resort. Best quality lake for Largemouth Bass; perch or trout can also be caught here.
- Empire Lakes: Located 10 mins from Ko-Kwel Casino Resort. These lakes are stocked a couple times a year with trophy sized trout.
- Coos Bay: Located 14 mins from Ko-Kwel Casino Resort. Salmon swim up the bay to spawn from about August/September – early November.
- Point Adams Jetty or Cape Arago State Park: Piers, rocks, and jetties in these locations allow you to bottom fish without requiring a boat.
- West Form of the Millicoma River or North Fork of the Coquille River: Best area to find outstanding Winter Steelhead.
- Pacific Ocean: Albacore Tuna swim in the summer currents about 30 miles offshore. At times, Dorado and Bluefin can be found among them.
- Horsfall Beach: Year-round surf perch fishing is available with a generous bag limit of 15 fish per day.
Things To Do
Cruise through world-renowned sand dunes on an ATV, go deep-sea charter fishing, golf at top-rated courses, or even hike amongst waterfalls. Experience the thrills of the Southern Oregon Coast at Ko-Kwel Casino Resort Coos Bay.