Thanks to the Nestucca River, which winds its way through Pacific City before widening into the Nestucca Bay and emptying into the Pacific Ocean, Pacific City is home to great river fishing options. Whether you want to cast from a boat or the shoreline or try your hand at fly fishing, fishing in Pacific City is sure to be a rewarding experience.
River Fishing from a Boat
If you bring your own boat, there are several places to launch: at the marina across from the market, the public boat launch on Sunset Drive (on the way to Bob Straub State Park), or the “Guard Rail” boat launch which is on the way to Hwy 101 on Brooten Road, about one mile south of the flashing red light.
Bank Fishing in Pacific City
You can also fish from the bank of the river in various locations—a local favorite is at the west end of the Pacific Avenue bridge (the main bridge between the flashing red light and Cape Kiwanda Drive).
Fly Fishing in Pacific City
Pacific City is also a great location for fly fishing in both the Nestucca River and Town Lake. When fly fishing in Pacific City, you can expect to catch species such as salmon, steelhead, trout, and ling cod.
Landing a Great Catch
When fishing in Pacific City, there are many options for landing that great catch and enjoying a seafood feast for dinner. Native winter steelhead, hatchery-reared steelhead, chinook, and cutthroat trout are a few of the species you are likely to find at the end of your line. Fish such as winter steelhead can be caught from late fall through early spring, while the best summer steelhead fishing is best in May and June. If you want to check river levels before planning your trip, the best fishing conditions generally occur when the river level gauge near Beaver reads between 4 and 5.5 feet.
Where to Launch a Boat & Get Fishing Gear in Pacific City
+ Nestucca Adventures
On Brooten Road, approximately one mile north of flashing red light on east side of the river. There is a small launch fee to use their ramp.
+ Country Boat Launch
West side of the river on Sunset Drive. There is a small daily fee for launching and parking.
+ Guard Rail Boat Launch
East side of the river, on Brooten Road, one mile south of the flashing red light. There is a small daily fee for launching and parking.
+ Pacific City Fly Fishing
Located at 35580 Brooten Road, this shop is a good place to get the latest fishing report and pick up any gear needed for your fishing excursion.
Guided Pacific City Fishing Trip
If you want someone else to worry about the gear and navigation so that you can focus on the fun, consider booking a guided river Pacific City fishing trip with a charter such as Grant Rilette Fishing. Their driftboard trips offer peaceful fishing excursions up the river. All the gear is provided, and various skill levels are welcome. Up to 3 fishermen can be accommodated on the boat, which is a non-motorized river boat propelled by oars. Beginning just before sunrise, river fishing in Pacific City is an epic way to begin the day.
More Things to Do
Avid fishermen may want to move beyond the rivers and also try out crabbing and ocean fishing while in Pacific City. Other outdoor activities such as surfing, biking, hiking, and horseback are all readily available in this coastal town!
