BROOKINGS, Ore. (March 31, 2025) – After a winter characterized by relentless storms and heavy rain, the Southern Oregon Coast is finally seeing the arrival of spring. This change in season brings a welcomed boost in fishing opportunities for local anglers, particularly for lingcod and rockfish. With a favorable weather forecast looming for the upcoming week, recreational fishing is poised to thrive in the coastal waters off Brookings.
"On calmer weather days, the lingcod fishing has been excellent," said a representative from local fishing charters. Despite the turbulent conditions that have limited outings, there have been successful trips, with boats returning to shore laden with hefty limits of rockfish and an array of quality lingcod.
The early spring season has been marked by strategic fishing around rocky reefs during shallow water outings. Light tackle has proven effective, attracting a diverse mix of species, including large black rockfish, blue rockfish, and canaries. "Fishing on rocky reefs in shallow water, using light tackle, the rockfish action is often wide open this time of year," said the charter representative. Smaller rockfish are frequently caught, but anglers enjoy the challenge of safely releasing them unharmed due to the lighter equipment.
April and May generally signal the onset of the surface bite, as rockfish begin feeding on freshly spawned baitfish and crab spawn, enhancing fishing prospects. A deckhand aboard the Nauti-Lady highlighted a rewarding experience with recent catches: "We’ve seen some nice lingcod come aboard lately, particularly in areas around House Rock and Mack Arch." Most of the lingcod are being found in depths ranging from 20 to 40 feet, leading to productive six-hour long-range charters.
Excitingly, the Pacific halibut season is set to commence on May 1, alongside the trophy lingcod and rockfish operation at Point St. George Reef Lighthouse. The Nauti-Lady, Miss Brooke, and Kraken are gearing up to offer trips to this prime location, marking a vibrant time for local fisheries. While halibut will be available starting in May, the most fruitful fishing typically occurs between late June and September.
Next week, attention will turn to the Pacific Fishery Management Council as they announce the 2025 ocean salmon dates for the coast. Indications suggest a prime king salmon season may kick off between mid-May and early June. "The best coho action off of Brookings is mid to late June, when action is often wide open," remarked an industry executive.
Switching focus from ocean fishing, the local guides are also preparing for the spring king salmon season on the Rogue River. Recent trips have allowed anglers to catch good numbers of springers, with Capt. Rye confirming the conditions: "April and May are prime time for Rogue springers."
The winter steelhead season on the Chetco River concluded on March 31, but the Smith River remains open through April, providing additional opportunities for the dedicated angler.
Ocean charters will continue to run daily, depending on weather conditions, bringing seasonal excitement for those eager to explore the bountiful waters of Southern Oregon. Anglers are encouraged to book their outings at www.brookingsfishing.com or by calling (541) 813-1082.
Recent catches from the ocean charters in March are a testament to the productive fishing landscape as Spring settles in, with fishermen reveling in the resurgence of lingcod and rockfish, and looking forward to an exciting season ahead.
