Rock hopping the Oregon Coast

So how many ways can you catch the same fish on a fly rod? A question I always ask myself when I chase the reef critters that inhabit the Oregon Coast. So far we’ve explored circle hooks, top water, the bay, beyond the bar, and behind the reefs all with relative success(I’m still alive). I have a couple posts left then I’m thinking we let this dead horse take a rest for a while outside of the occasional fish porn update.

An often asked question is “Do you ever fish off the rocks or beach?” I LOVE to! No boats, less gas, and you are forced to learn an area we’d pass through and fish for only a few minutes. That being said I’m part crab so before you go out and do a swan dive off Cape Arago there are a lot of things you’ll need to do to stay safe and in the game.

First and foremost… YOU NEED STUDS IN YOUR BOOTS! It doesn’t matter what boots you have and the bigger the studs the better. I have broken bones and several rods by not having proper studs and it is the only way to do this safely.

Understand the tidal influences of the area you intend to fish
Dual purpose Safety and fish-ability
-Areas may be easier for you and the fish to access during very specific tidal conditions
-Fish activity levels are influenced by tidal fluctuations
-Tidal surge and currents can sweep you off the beach/rocks and make your once solid casting platform whitewater when facing an incoming or strong plus or minus tide

Rods and other essentials.
Saltwater resistant rods in the 8wt or better class will get you started. Leave the shooting heads at home opting instead for full intermediate or type 3-4 fly lines. These lines will keep you under the surface chop, but out of the rocks. Remember you are stripping into the rocks and not the other way around so if you fancy your flies and rods you’ll learn this very quickly! Leaders should be 9ft long and no stronger than 15lb. This will keep your rods and fly line safe allowing you to break off without too much trouble. The normal flies work… Anything “shrimpy”, “fishlike”, or “crittery” will do. Basically if you do a flats trip and have left over flies you are in…also estuary salmon bugs are a winner. Lastly I’d recommend a stripping basket to help with line management. If you have any questions about some of the finer details give us a call at the shop and we’ll help you out! -NS

Enjoy the pics!