Yaquina River - Newport, OR

The Yaquina River, flowing into Yaquina Bay near Newport, Oregon, is a significant coastal waterway renowned for its diverse anadromous and resident fisheries. While perhaps less prominent than some larger rivers, it offers a highly accessible and distinctive angling experience, particularly for fall Chinook and coho salmon, alongside prolific bay and estuarine species.

The primary piscatorial pursuits are its robust fall Chinook salmon, from late summer, and coho salmon, peaking in autumn. Though winter steelhead runs are comparatively smaller, the Yaquina Bay estuary is exceptionally productive for resident species, including black rockfish, greenling, and various flatfish. The bay also excels for crabbing. Angling techniques are varied: trolling with bait or plugs in the bay for salmon; precision drift fishing upriver; and effective bottom fishing with bait for resident species. Optimal salmon fishing occurs late summer through autumn; bay fishing and crabbing are productive year-round. Access is exemplary via numerous public boat ramps and docks around Newport. Regulations, meticulously managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), are dynamic; strict adherence to current directives concerning bag limits, gear restrictions, and shellfish limits is unequivocally mandated for legal compliance and sustainable resource management within this comprehensive coastal angling and crabbing destination.