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A Kokanee is a Sockeye Salmon that does not migrate to the sea but lives its life in freshwater.  Kokanee are about the size of a trout and are often mistaken by novice fishermen as trout. They are native to the Northwest, parts of Canada, Japan and Russia.

Over the years Kokanee has been introduced to other parts or the US, including the New England states, Montana, North Dakota, California and a handful of other states.  In Oregon and Washington Kokanee are found in numerous reservoirs and lakes. They have flourished in many of these fisheries and in some areas the limit is 25 fish per day per fisherman.

The main difference between Sockeye salmon and Kokanee are their size.   Most Kokanee grow to between 9 - 12 inches and weigh about a pound. There are exceptions and there are some lakes you can catch Kokanee up to about 18 inches.

Most fishermen use a typical trout setup to catch Kokanee.  A 8’+ spinning rod and a spinning reel with 6-8 pound test line is the norm.   At times you can catch Kokanee from shore but most serious Kokanee fishermen use a boat and troll for them.   A spinner setup such as a wedding ring is very popular. On the hook place a small piece of bait such as Night Crawlers, Power Bait and even a kernal of corn will work well.   Some fishermen get creative and use a combination of baits which some people call a Kokanee sandwich.

Some consider Sockeye salmon as some of the best eating salmon there is.   The same goes for Kokanee, these smaller versions are pink meated fish with a very delicious delicate flavor.   Most people will prepare Kokanee like they do trout and bake or fry them. Smoked Kokanee is also amazing and nothing goes better with your favorite cold frosty beverage than a piece of smoked Kokanee.

FishField.com is your “go too” outlet for Kokanee gear.   They have the expertise to set you up with all the right gear and tackle to make your next Kokanee fishing adventure a success.

Although there are 9 different species of Surfperch along the Oregon Coast the most popular is the Red Tail perch.   These fish are saucer shaped and can weigh up to 2 pounds or more.

The best time of year to catch Surfperch is in the late Soring and early summer when they fend to school up.   You can find them all year long but you have to work a little harder for them the other times of the year.

Surfperch can be found off sandy beaches with some structure that will hold them.   Defined depressions, rock shelf’s, etc are perfect.   

The best time to fish for them is 1-2 hours before high tide.  This should give you a 2-3 hour window to fish for them.   As the tide is coming in the fish are as close as 30 feet to the shore line.   They are very active during the incoming tide looking for food.

Many fishermen use a 2 hook rig with Bait above the weight.  Crabs, shrimp, worms, clam necks and some of the new plastics seem to work very well.  In a pinch I have used raw chicken breast and have actually done very well.

A 9 - 11 foot rod is recommended with a stought spinning reel is best with 15+ pound test.   Remember you are casting into a heavy surf with a substantial sized weight to hold your rigging in place,  you need gear that can handle this.

Watch your regulations for updates but the current limit is 15 perch per angler in most areas.  

Surfpearch are delicious eating with a delicate white meat.   You get 2 nice fillets of the fish which most people will then dip in egg and then coat with something like Panko.  Add a little lemon and some tarter sauce and you too will probably be a fan.

There are literally thousands of places to fish for Surfperch along Oregon’s beaches.  With Salmon and bottom fish catching the attention of most fishermen this fishery tends to be les crowded.   

Lets us know about your Surfperch  trips and tricks,  we would be glad to hear from you.

There are many places to enjoy Oregon Jetty Fishing all up and down the Pacific Coast line of the state.   These man made outcroppings attract many species of fish year round and are enjoyed by man an adventurous fisherman.

One of the exciting things about Oregon Jetty Fishing is that you really don’t know what you might catch.   One cast you may bring in a 3 pound Surfperch and the next you maybe fighting a 25 pound Lingcod. Some of the species you may hook into are:

• Greenling (sea trout)
• Surfperch
• Rockfish (sea bass)
• Lingcod
• Cabezon
• Flounder
• Halibut
• Salmon

Since the fisherman never knows what they may hook into they need to be prepared for anything.  As for equipment a spinning outfit that could be used for fish as large as salmon are the best. It is suggested to use colored line so you can keep track of it easily,  unlike freshwater fish, the fish you catch from a Jetty don’t seem to be scared away by the color. 15 - 30 pound line is suggested.

As for tackle,  bring a lot of it.   You are fishing up against the rocks and the fish tend to head into the rocks when hooked.  Your line will wear as it comes in contact with them and it tends to break.

Bait, spinners and plastics are common types of lures to use.  Plastics seem to be the most forgiving as you are jigging and retrieving them constantly.   Make sure you are ready for a strike at any time, even when the lure gets close to your feet.  When using plastics and spinners the strike tends to be very aggressive, so be ready.

There are numerous Jetties and rock outcroppings that you can fish along the Oregon coast.  Some of the most popular are:

• North Jetty at Barview (Tillamook Bay)
• Newport’s South Jetty
• South JEtsy at Brookings
• Nehalem Bay (north of Rockaway Beach)
• Winchester Bay (Reedsport)
• Siuslaw River (Florence)
• Coos Bay (located in Charleston)
• Bandon
• Port Orford
• Gold Beach

Fishfield.com is a great place to find all the gear and tackle you will need when fishing the Jetties.   Some of the things you need to have on you are:

• Rod & Reel (some fishermen take 2)
• Plenty of Tackle
• Long Handled Net
• Bucket for Bait and or Catch Bag
• Pliers
• Fillet Knife
• Water Proof Boats - it can get wet
• Rain Gear
• Hand Towel
• Fishing License
• Cell Phone - Emergency Use

Like any type of fishing you will need to experiment on a consistent basis to determine what the fish are feeding on or are attracted to.  In fact, you may have to change up your presentation 3 or 4 times in the day.

When Jetty fishing the first and foremost thing you should be concerned about is your safety.  The rocks can be slick, the waves may grow in size and regularity along with other dangers. In most costs you are 30+ minutes or more from any rescue efforts so diligence is important.

Jetty fishing is a lot of fun and it can be very productive.   Watch the weather and plan a trip to one of Oregons Jettys, you will be glad you did.