Skip to content

Seaside Stories

Fishing Adventures In and Around Seaside

September 5, 2014 | by Joe Laing

Whether pursuing Dungeness crab, Chinook salmon, Razor clams, a tasty halibut or Steelhead trout, you will find plenty of spectacular fishing opportunities right along the coast in and near Seaside, Oregon. Within a short drive, there are opportunities to fish on the ocean, the Columbia and other rivers, and at many smaller streams and rivers easily accessible from Oregon’s numerous state parks and recreation areas. But right in the town of Seaside, you can find plenty of angling venues!

IN SEASIDE:
The Necanicum and Neawanna Rivers flow right through the town of Seaside. Largemouth bass, Bluegill and Bream are found in Mantel Lake, which also allows the public access to its shores. Cartwright Park at 1378 Avenue U, right on the Necanicum River also makes fishing easily available with a boat ramp. You can visit Quatat Marine Park right along the Necanicum River at Oceanway (behind the Convention Center) as well, for more angling opportunities.

The 12th Avenue Bridge, right in Seaside, offers another prime spot for fishing, and it is a hotspot for crabbing.

In south Seaside, along Ocean Vista Drive, you will find The Cove, best known for surfing and tidepooling, but it’s also good for surf fishing. Sometimes perch and other fish are caught right at The Cove.

 


 

CAMPING ALONG THE RIVER:
Seaside has an RV Campground located right along Highway 101, along the southern part of the Necanicum River. Circle Creek RV Park offers 44 full hook-up sites, and includes many amenities for the RV camper. It is only two miles south of Broadway and 1¼ miles from the Pacific Ocean. They offer instructions to campers for razor clam digging, which are plentiful around the Necanicum River.

Just two miles east of Seaside is Klootchy Creek, a Clatsop County Park, which allows public access to the Necanicum River. This park is the site of Oregon’s first State Heritage Tree, a 750-year-old Sitka Spruce that was once the largest tree in Oregon and the largest Sitka Spruce in the US until it succumbed to high winds in December 2007.

WITHIN A HALF-HOUR’S DRIVE:
If you drive north along Hwy 101, you can find fishing opportunities along the coast, as well as in the Astoria area. Several beaches, rivers and lakes are between Seaside and the Astoria area. There is a harbor in the Warrenton/Hammond area where fishing boats frequently arrive and depart, and from the Columbia River to Youngs Bay, you can gain access to the Pacific Ocean.
 


 
WITHIN AN HOUR’S DRIVE:
And just an hour south of Seaside, you can find great fresh water fishing inland at the Nehalem River, with ample fresh water access. Or, choose to camp right on the Pacific Ocean at Nehalem Bay State Park or Kelly’s Brighton Marina where you will have plenty of saltwater access.

LICENSING & REGULATIONS:

In general, everyone age 12 and older must have a valid Oregon angling license to take or assist another in taking any fish or shellfish for personal use, with certain exceptions. If you plan to fish in the Columbia River, you will need an additional Columbia River Basin endorsement, which can add to the cost of your regular sport-fishing license. For the full regulations and details of all Oregon fishing spots, check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website.

Wherever your angling takes you along the Oregon coast in or near Seaside, enjoy the adventure and come back often!

Leave a Reply

and so much more!

The Seaside Estuary makes an ideal spot to go bird watching along the Oregon Coast.
Where to Go Birding in Seaside

Seaside may be a small town, but it’s a big destination for birds, and as a result, birdwatchers hitting nearby spots on the Ore...

What’s New in Seaside

If you haven’t visited Seaside lately, you’re in for a treat. Several new eateries and night life venues have opened since las...

Unique Vacation Rentals in Seaside

Yes, room service and housekeeping are nice, but sometimes when you get away, you just want to feel like you’re at home — but ...

Broadway Boon

A glimpse at the history and evolution of Broadway.

Top Things to Do With Teens

Traveling with too-cool-for-school teens? I feel you. I have two teenagers myself. But be assured, you’ll find plenty of totally...

Let’s Fly a Kite

On the beach at Seaside is perfect for this. There are no overhead wires and the beach has few up or down wind drafts from the winds which move across the ocean. This makes kite flying easier and explains why kites are a common part of the Seaside landscape. Kite flying is for dry days as wet kite lines can act as a conductor for static electricity and lightning in a storm.

Beach Campfires – Under a Dome of Stars

A longstanding tradition is alive and well in Seaside

Where to Find Your Seaside Centennial Keepsakes

While you’re walking around in Seaside looking to beat the heat, you might start with a super-tall, non-alcoholic frozen refresh...

The Succulent Season

Celebrating the arrival of the Oregon Coast

A Little Kid on a Big Beach

At the beach, the world feels wild and young again. This photo of an anonymous 3 year-old boy in the early 1940s is an iconic portrayal of Seaside’s treasured experience.

Up, Up and Away in Seaside

Seaside’s rock formations, long stretches of beach and densely forested peaks are so stunning, it can be difficult to tear your ...

Guide to Spring Events in Seaside

If you think Seaside is simply a summertime destination, get ready to adjust your mindset! Seaside offers something for all visito...

Seaside Lifeguards: A Fond Seasonal Farewell

Can you believe it’s almost Labor Day Weekend? Don’t fret!  We’re still probably in for some dynamic weather throughout Sep...

The Big Storm

The Oregon Climate Service calls it the Great Coastal Gale of 2007, but here in Seaside we just call it The Big Storm.

Dawn Fujiwara-Pavlik Feeds Creative Community

SEASIDE SPOTLIGHT: Our latest profile in a series focused on the behind-the-scenes movers who make Seaside the unique destination ...

Crabbing & Clamming as Seasiders Do

“How have you lived here this long and never crabbed?” That’s the question I kept asking my friends and gracious hosts in Se...

Boogie Nights

A look at Seaside's old dance hall and skating rink

Only in Seaside

While you’ll find gorgeous beaches and beautiful views in Seaside, just like many places on the Oregon Coast, it’s also a coas...