A Guide to Fishing in Florence, Oregon
Overview of Ocean, Lake, River, and Stream Fishing in Florence
Florence offers a delightful blend of relaxation and adventure, making it a must-visit spot for anglers. But don’t let all the other fun of golf, sandboarding, ATV dune rides, or shopping the boutiques and galleries of Historic Old Town distract your from catching your limit.
About four miles upstream from where the Siuslaw River meets the Pacific Ocean, Florence boasts a diverse menu of fisheries that cater to everyone from the salty angler to eager beginners.
The Siuslaw River, which winds its way through the town, is a prime location for salmon and steelhead fishing. The thrill grappling with a Chinook or Coho salmon at the end of your line is an authentic part of the Oregon experience.
Where to go, what you’ll catch while lake fishing in Florence, Oregon
Or head to any of the area’s numerous lakes (there are about two dozen within a dozen miles of Florence) for a more traditional, relaxing fishing experience. Lakes like Siltcoos, Woahink, and Tahkenitch provide idyllic settings among the forest to catch cutthroat and rainbow trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, and crappie. The calm, reflective waters are perfect for a peaceful day spent casting lines from a kayak, motorboat, or the shore. Fill your lungs with some of the freshest air on the planet coming in off the nearby Pacific filtered by the lush, pine- and fir-scented landscapes that make Oregon famous.
Ocean charter fishing near Florence, Oregon
In addition to freshwater fishing, Florence is also a prime gateway and overnight headquarters to fish the Pacific Ocean. Get up early and head to the docks of Reedsport or Winchester Bay where charter boats take adventurers out for deep-sea fishing. The exhilaration of battling a king or silver salmon, or a feisty albacore tuna, out on the open sea is a true memory maker.
Whether you’re out for a single trophy fish or a couple of dinners, or want the experience of simply wetting a line in the famous waters of the beautiful Oregon Coast, fishing in Florence offers a perfect escape into the beauty and bounty of Oregon’s outdoors.
Perch on the beach for perch:
According to Jesse Dolin, an avid fisherman and destination management steward for the Oregon Coast Visitors Association, there is one more fishery that doesn’t get much attention, but to which Florence offers excellent access: Surf Perch fishing from the beach.
“The best surf break for perch is just south of the South Jetty of the Siuslaw River accessed through the Oregon Dunes recreation area. Look for deeper water right close to shore exposed by a later breaking wave,” Dolin advises.
“Fishing for these Pink Fin surf perch is fun when you find them, slow when you don’t, so move around a bit until you find the school. If you have an ATV or side-by-side you can drive the areas marked permissible for OHVs (Off Highway Vehicles) on this stretch of beach, cutting down searching time and increasing your catching time,” he adds.
Dolin recommends a top consideration for gear: “Rigging for these tasty fish is a 2-ounce pyramid weight, then above it tie off a couple of pre-leadered #10 hooks, add some shrimp and cast it out far! Let your line out and bring your rod up the beach then wait for a nibble.
Another skilled and knowledgeable fisherman, Bobby Jensen at Florence’s Breen Marine, says, “The right bait makes all the difference in your success. Here are some of Jensen’s top tips offered in another local blog from his local research and experience:
Trout: In stocked lakes like Cleawox Lake, PowerBait is a highly effective choice for catching rainbow trout, particularly when still-fishing. If the trout are near the surface, using half a nightcrawler beneath a bobber can also be very successful.
Bass: For largemouth bass, soft plastic lures that mimic small fish or crayfish are recommended. Crankbaits, jigs, and spinnerbaits are also good choices, especially in the spring when bass are more aggressive during spawning.
Panfish (Crappie, Bluegill, Perch): Natural baits like worms are ideal for these species, with a smaller worm on a bobber working well for bluegill. For crappie, using small jigs tipped with a piece of worm or a Crappie Nibble can increase your chances of success.
General Tips: Fishing from docks or shorelines in Florence's lakes can yield good results but using a boat can provide better access to prime fishing spots. For salmon, especially Coho and Chinook, trolling with cut herring or lures scented with herring can be very effective.
“These methods should help you maximize your fishing success in the lakes around Florence,” Jensen said. “Make sure to check local regulations and any fishing reports for up-to-date information on conditions.
How to clean a fish before cooking:
So, now that you have your salmon, tuna, perch, trout, or bass…what do you do with it? Our additional online research presented these tips on preparing your fish before cooking:
Cleaning a fish is an essential skill if you plan to cook fresh fish. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a fish:
What You’ll Need:
A sharp fillet or fish-cleaning knife
A cutting board
A pair of kitchen shears (optional)
A bowl or bucket for the waste
Running water or a hose
Steps to Clean a Fish:
1. Rinse the Fish:
Rinse the fish under cold running water to remove any slime, dirt, or debris. This makes handling the fish easier and cleaner.
2. Remove the Scales:
Hold the Fish: Grip the fish firmly by the tail on a flat surface, like a cutting board.
Scale the Fish: Using the back of your knife (or a fish scaler if you have one), start at the tail and scrape towards the head. Move the knife against the grain of the scales to lift them off. Make sure to scale both sides and around the fins.
Rinse Again: After scaling, rinse the fish to remove any loose scales.
3. Remove the Fins (Optional):
Use Kitchen Shears: If you prefer, you can remove the fins with a pair of kitchen shears. Cut off the dorsal (top), pectoral (side), and pelvic (bottom) fins.
Be Careful: Some fins, especially the dorsal fin, can be sharp, so handle them carefully.
4. Gut the Fish:
Make an Incision: Place the fish on its back and insert the tip of your knife into the fish’s belly near the anus. Carefully slice upwards towards the head, stopping at the base of the gills.
Remove the Guts: Open the body cavity and use your fingers or the knife to pull out the guts. Be thorough to remove all the internal organs.
Remove the Bloodline: You’ll see a dark line of blood along the spine (the kidney). Use the tip of your knife to scrape it out, then rinse the cavity well.
5. Remove the Head (Optional):
Cut Off the Head: If you prefer to remove the head, make a cut just behind the gills and through the spine. Discard the head or save it for making fish stock.
6. Rinse the Fish:
Give the fish one final rinse inside and out to remove any remaining blood or debris.
7. Prepare for Cooking:
At this point, your fish is ready to be filleted, cooked whole, or prepared as desired.
Tips:
Work Cleanly: Fish can be slippery, so keep your work area clean and dry as much as possible.
Keep the Fish Cold: If you're cleaning multiple fish, keep the others on ice until you're ready to clean them.
Now your fish is ready to be cooked or stored!
