Fishing in Cannon Beach, Oregon

 

Fishing Near Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach isn’t just a postcard-worthy coastal town—it’s also a fantastic base for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're hoping to cast a line from the shore, join a deep-sea fishing charter, or reel in salmon on a quiet river, there’s no shortage of options here. The area supports a wide variety of fishing experiences, from surf fishing and jetty casting to guided offshore trips and freshwater river fishing for salmon and steelhead.

Oregon requires a fishing license for anyone age 12 and up. The easiest way to get one is online at myodfw.com. A 1-day angling license is $22 and covers most day trips. If you're crabbing or fishing for salmon, steelhead, or sturgeon, you'll also need the appropriate tag.
 

Deep Sea Fishing in Cannon Beach, Oregon

While Cannon Beach doesn’t have its own fishing harbor, several deep-sea charters operate nearby out of Garibaldi, Netarts, and Tillamook Bay—all within a 30- to 60-minute drive. These charters take guests out into the Pacific Ocean to fish for lingcod, rockfish, halibut, salmon, and tuna, depending on the season and trip type.

For these charters, you should expect early morning departures, thrilling ocean swells, and big rewards. Many trips include crabbing, gear rental, and fish cleaning at no extra cost, though, be sure to verify with your company so you know exactly what’s included.

Trips range from 4 to 12 hours, depending on target species and distance offshore.
 

Fishing Charters Near Cannon Beach, Oregon

You’ll find fishing charters all along the Oregon coast from Astoria to Warrenton to Tillamook and beyond. Some of our favorites are about 40 minutes from Cannon Beach at Garibaldi Charters and Siggi-G’s.

Garibaldi Charters (Garibaldi, OR)

Light-Tackle Bottom Fishing with Crabbing

• Price: $150/person
• Duration: 4–6 hours
• When to Go: March – September
• Physical Demand: Level 2
  This popular nearshore trip is beginner-friendly and includes bottom fishing for rockfish and the option to drop crab pots if ocean conditions allow. Fish are cleaned, and crab is cooked right on site.

Deep Reef Lingcod and Rockfish with Crabbing

• Price: $200/person
• Duration: 6–8 hours
• When to Go: March–June and September–October
• Physical Demand: Level 3
  For more experienced anglers, this offshore trip offers the chance to catch large lingcod and rockfish in deeper waters.

Summer Afternoon Light-Tackle Bottom Fishing

• Price: $135/person
• Duration: 3–4 hours
• When to Go: Late May – Early August
• Physical Demand: Level 2
  A shorter version of their popular trip, ideal for families or those who prefer a later start.
• View full list of Garibaldi Charters trips

Siggi-G Ocean Charters (Garibaldi, OR)

Siggi-G is a family-run outfit known for friendly service and a focus on quality. Their crew handles catch processing from start to finish.

• Offshore Bottom Fishing + Crabbing (conditions permitting): $175/person
• Other Options: Halibut, salmon, and tuna trips available during limited seasons—call 503-322-3285 for availability.

Other Fishing Charters Near Cannon Beach

Is Surf Fishing Recommended for Cannon Beach?

Yes, but with a few tips in mind. Surf fishing can be a relaxing and rewarding way to spend part of your beach day, especially near the rocky outcroppings north or south of Haystack Rock. You’ll want to bring a longer surf rod (10–12 ft), and pay close attention to the tides.

• Common Surf Fishing Varieties: redtail surfperch (year-round), greenling, and the occasional striped bass.
• Best Seasons: Spring through early fall, with early morning or dusk being the best time to cast.

Pro tip: Use sand shrimp, mole crabs (sand fleas), or Berkley Gulp! Sandworm lures as bait. Waders aren’t required but can help on high surf days.
 

Freshwater Fishing Near Cannon Beach

Just inland from Cannon Beach, you'll find excellent freshwater fishing on the Nehalem River and Wilson River. These areas are known for:

• Fall salmon runs (July–December)
• Winter steelhead (January–April)
• Sturgeon and trout in certain zones

Freshwater Guide and Outfitter: Pacific Roots Adventures



Want to avoid the guesswork of where to fish and what lure or bait to use? Pacific Roots Adventures offers guided river trips with top-tier gear and over 20 years of local expertise. Trips depart from several North Coast locations depending on the season and river conditions.

Rates at Pacific Roots Adventures:

• Power Boat Fishing: $275–$300 per seat for full-day trips (2-person minimum)
• Drift Boat Fishing: $250–$300 per seat
• Private Boats: $1350–$1650 depending on trip type and size
• All gear included: Shimano reels, G. Loomis rods, bait, and safety gear
• What you need: One-day fishing license ($22), plus tags if targeting salmon or sturgeon

Fishing Gear Rental Shops Near Cannon Beach

Didn’t pack your rod and tackle box? Here are a couple of places that will get you set up:

• Englund Marine & Industrial Supply (Astoria, OR) -  Twenty minutes north of Cannon Beach, this store has lures and rigging for everything from tuna to trout, salmon, and even crabbing gear.
• Tillamook Sporting Goods (Tillamook, OR) - A fully stocked tackle shop with bait, rods, reels, and local knowledge.

See More Outdoor Activities in Cannon Beach