Port Orford Salmon Fishing?

Reef Diver · 06-30-2003, 10:16 AM

Hi All,
We have elected to go to Port Orford over the 4th of July for Salmon fishing and Scuba Diving. My question is has anyone been Salmon fishing in the area and how has it been? Has the bite been in close or out 5/10 miles?

It would save me allot of searching if I could get a starting point from one of you Salty dogs. I'm familiar with Port Orford reef and surrounding area. Any help would be appreciated! [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img] RD

[ 06-30-2003, 11:22 AM: Message edited by: Reef Diver ]

Mello-Yello · 06-30-2003, 12:02 PM

RD,
I haven't heard anything from PO. The past week or so it's doubtful that many boats have been out due to big seas. I would guess though that if you can get out, the fishing should be good. Out of Charleston a week ago, quite a few smallish Coho were taken in the shallower water and the occasional Chinook was being taken in the 30-40 fathom depths.

I looked off Chicken Point this morning (right above the Charleston Bar). The ocean was flat with hardly a breeze. Boats were scattered from barely offshore to around the 40 fathom areas. Sure would have been a good morning to be out. I should NOT be working today......

If I hear anything, I'll letcha know. Good Luck! (and let us know how things went)

M-Y

kenai · 06-30-2003, 12:47 PM

I was in Port Orford this past weekend. Commercial guys have been doing well but are being forced into deeper water due to temperature issues caused by the winds. They are dredging the area for the boat launch slings and when they are finished you wont have to wait for high tide to launch. Its supposed to be done soon.

tailchaser · 06-30-2003, 01:55 PM

I'm not up to date on the local (within a week), but they do a lot of salmon fishing just south of the reef in the open water, and then out west of it also. I'm sure you can check with the launch guy before you go and he usually has the scoop from all the commercials coming back in on where they're getting them.

tc

Reef Diver · 06-30-2003, 02:08 PM

Mello-
Thanks for the Charleston report for today. Now if it will just hold thru the 4th of July for us weekend warriors. Started my diving adventures on Simpson Reef. Dove the shipwreck "The Brush" an old steel steamer that ran aground on the tip of Simpson reef. Great area to dive with tons of fish and scallops!

Been Salmon fishing out of Winchester and limited out on Coho and a 25 lb chinook opening weekend.
Lost another that stripped 150 yards of line before throwing hook! Dang it must have been a 50 pounder??

Kenai-I have tried to talk to the commercials about Chinook/Coho fishing in the area and they are either protective or unfriendly about their area??

They've even given us false information. We just go do our thing anyway and learn the hard way. Sounds like there is an upwelling happening in the area. That will make good visability for diving so all wont be lost.
Thanks guys.... will let you know how things go. :smile:
RD

Mark Mc · 06-30-2003, 06:57 PM

Hey RD,yea unless you know folks, or know how to give the appearance of being "one of them", it would be pretty unusual for a weekend warrior type sportfisher to just walk down to a commercial dock and get a lot of good info. Heck, so many guys use cell phones now to exchange info within their small groups, that you don't hear much on the VHF either (i.e. commercial guys hiding stuff from each other).

A few clues: use the satellite sea temp images to figure out where the optimum temps are. Best between 52 and 54 degrees. Look for the feed, as usual. And if you do see the "stick boats" out there, OK to fish near them but best to (1) troll ("tack") the same direction they are; don't go at a right angle to their direction;(2) Stay on the outside edge of their pack; stay way clear of their stern, like 100 yards (see those float lines way back? They could have the "lighter" leads that drag back even farther)(3) remember that they have it on the autopilot and are making long, straight tacks; often guys fish alone, don't ever make one of them change their course!

And like Tailchaser said, ask the launch guy or the fish buyer (are they the same??) for info. Heck, you could even look up the fish buyer in the phone book, call him (her?) and ask for info.

Good luck.....Mark Mc

Lepper · 06-30-2003, 09:44 PM

Hey Mello, you should have been out there this morning!! IT WAS WONDERFUL!!!!!!!

and the fishign wasn't bad either!
dave

Mello-Yello · 06-30-2003, 09:54 PM

OK Dave, you can't end a post with "and the fishing wasn't bad either"....We Need Details!!!
Where?
When?
What?
(I already know Why?)

It was a tough day at work after checking out the ocean this morning. I could be in tuna water in a half-hour in seas like that! ARGH! [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img]

Reef Diver · 07-01-2003, 01:49 PM

Hey Lepper,
should I take the time and fish out of Bandon for my Salmon fishing adventures? Does it seem to be better than Port Orford? How did you do the other day?

Mello-Yello · 07-01-2003, 02:27 PM

Bandon = Bad

Port Orford = Good...no, great!

Sorry Dave, just an opinion, but I think Bandon is like a Scottish word for 'skull and crossbones'....or something like that...

reelmeister · 07-03-2003, 01:58 PM

Not sure about P.O. but the wind is blowing whitecaps on the Rogue today. Brookings isn't so bad, but ocean fishing hasn't been an option for a couple of days. Hope it slows down soon, the salmon are out there!
Al