Tillamook County, OR · Pacific Ocean
Nehalem Bay State Park
Nehalem Bay State Park offers public shoreline and pier access on the Pacific coast in Tillamook County. Common targets include rockfish, lingcod, and barred surfperch.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Rockfish & Lingcod — tied at the top (95/100)
2 species tied for best of 3 tracked at Nehalem Bay State Park.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Today's Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:51 AM | High | 7.3 ft |
| 10:44 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 5:48 PM | High | 6.3 ft |
| 10:51 PM | Low | 3.7 ft |
Species at Nehalem Bay State Park
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rockfish Drop everything — ideal day for Rockfish. In season 95/100
What's helping
- 55°F water — right in rockfish's ideal range
- In the current report — rockfish is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
- 12 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Sebastes spp. — The Pacific “RCG complex” — dozens of Sebastes species worked over rocky reefs, kelp, and structure from jetties to offshore banks. The backbone of West Coast bottom fishing; dropped baits and shrimp flies take them.
Prefers. Water 45–58°F (ideal 52°F) · either tide · depth 20–300 ft.
- Min size
- 16"
- Daily creel
- 4
General marine fish: 4/day (2-fish canary sub-limit), 16" minimum. An Ocean Endorsement is required.
Source: Oregon regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Lingcod Drop everything — ideal day for Lingcod. In season 95/100
What's helping
- 55°F water — right in lingcod's ideal range
- In the current report — lingcod is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
- 12 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Ophiodon elongatus — A toothy, aggressive ambush predator of Pacific rocky reefs and kelp — hammers jigs and live bait fished near the bottom. Often caught while rockfishing; big “lings” are a prize from jetties and nearshore reefs.
Prefers. Water 45–58°F (ideal 52°F) · either tide · depth 20–300 ft.
#3 Barred Surfperch Great day to fish for Barred Surfperch. In season 81/100
What's helping
- 55°F water — inside barred surfperch's active range
- incoming tide — barred surfperch prefers incoming tide
- 12 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Amphistichus argenteus — The staple of the California surf — caught right in the wash on sand crabs, bloodworms, and small grubs. A year-round, shore-accessible fishery that needs no boat; best on a building tide into structure and troughs.
Prefers. Water 50–68°F (ideal 60°F) · incoming tide · depth 1–12 ft.
- Daily creel
- 15
Surfperch (all species): 15/day, no minimum size. Open year-round from the beach.
Source: Oregon regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Pacific Ocean
Region
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Nehalem Bay State Park: Oregon ODFW fishing report → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Nehalem Bay State Park?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Nehalem Bay State Park you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Nehalem Bay State Park?
Nehalem Bay State Park is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Rockfish, Lingcod, Barred Surfperch. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Nehalem Bay State Park?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Nehalem Bay State Park against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Nehalem Bay State Park have?
Nehalem Bay State Park has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Nehalem Bay State Park?
state agency regulations apply at Nehalem Bay State Park. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Nehalem Bay State Park tidal water?
Yes. Nehalem Bay State Park sits on tidal water with a NOAA tide station nearby. Today's high/low timing is in the tide chart on this page.