When albacore are off Astoria-Warrenton
Albacore are fished out of Astoria-Warrenton from July to early October, with Warrenton and Hammond as the working ports on the south shore. For how this compares with other ports, see the wider Pacific Northwest picture (see also the Pacific Northwest offshore fishing guide).
Season window
Lance Fisher Fishing’s tuna page gives July to early October for tuna trips out of Astoria.
Peak weeks
The same page says some of its best fishing is in September and early October.
How far boats run and where they go
Boats run about 20 to 60 miles or 25 to 70 miles offshore, depending on where the fish are. A departure plan draws on three sets of references: the features you pass leaving the river, the named offshore structure, and the coastal landmarks to the south.
Run distance
The distance depends on where the fish are holding that day. Black Dogg Guide Service, which also lists albacore, fishes the ocean out of Hammond.
Leaving the Columbia River
Every run starts at the river mouth. The South Jetty sits where the Columbia meets the Pacific, and Peacock Spit lies at the river entrance. The North and South Jetties are listed at 20 ft, Desdemona Sands at 30 ft, and the Columbia River entrance buoy (CR) and red buoy line (#4, #6, #2SJ old submerged jetty) at 200 ft.
Check the bar and ocean numbers on the official NWS marine forecast before crossing.
| Name | What it is | Depth (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| South Jetty (Columbia River) | At the river mouth, where the Columbia meets the Pacific | |
| North and South Jetties | Entrance jetties | 20 |
| Desdemona Sands | Named ground near the port | 30 |
| Peacock Spit | Named ground near the port | |
| Columbia River entrance buoy (CR) and red buoy line (#4, #6, #2SJ old submerged jetty) | Entrance buoy and buoy line | 200 |
| Astoria Canyon | Named offshore structure | |
| Tillamook Head | Coastal reference to the south | |
| Haystack Rock (Cannon Beach) | Coastal reference to the south |
Offshore structure
Astoria Canyon is the named offshore structure near the port. Chart Contours shows its edges, which helps when planning a route. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Coastal references
Tillamook Head and Haystack Rock (Cannon Beach) are named references south of the port. They are useful for orientation along the coast.
How albacore are fished here
Lance Fisher Fishing runs its 34 ft Legion’s Mercy for tuna. The setup:
- 34 ft boat, Legion’s Mercy
- Outriggers
- 50 gallon live bait well
Trolling with outriggers
The boat is rigged with outriggers.
Live bait
The boat carries a 50 gallon live bait well.
Trip format
Tuna trips are private, with a maximum of 4 anglers and a deckhand.
Who fishes albacore out of this port
Two local operators list albacore. For the wider field, see tuna guides and charters.
Lance Fisher Fishing
Lance Fisher Fishing lists albacore tuna, and Lance Fisher has been a guide since 2001. The boat and trip format are described above.
Black Dogg Guide Service
Black Dogg Guide Service lists albacore and fishes the ocean out of Hammond. Captain Gordy Webster is USCG licensed.
FAQ: albacore out of Astoria-Warrenton
When is the best time for albacore tuna fishing out of Astoria-Warrenton?
The season runs July to early October, per Lance Fisher Fishing’s tuna page. Some of its best fishing is in September and early October.
How far offshore do boats run for albacore from the Columbia River?
Boats run about 20 to 60 miles or 25 to 70 miles, depending on where the fish are. Check the bar and ocean numbers on the NWS marine forecast before you go.
What named structure and references are near the port?
Astoria Canyon is the named offshore structure. On the way out you pass the jetties (20 ft), Desdemona Sands (30 ft), and the CR buoy and red buoy line (200 ft). Peacock Spit sits at the river entrance. Tillamook Head and Haystack Rock (Cannon Beach) are references to the south.
Do local charters run albacore trips?
Yes. Lance Fisher Fishing runs private tuna trips for up to 4 anglers, with a deckhand. Black Dogg Guide Service lists albacore and fishes out of Hammond. Captain Gordy Webster is USCG licensed.
What methods do local boats use?
Legion’s Mercy, at 34 ft, is rigged with outriggers and a 50 gallon live bait well.
