Albacore fishing out of Bandon, Oregon, is a summer fishery. ODFW puts the best fishing in July and August, and boats run 15 to 50 miles offshore, depending on the source, across the Coquille River bar. This page covers timing, the bar, the run, method, and who fishes the port, so you can plan fuel and departure time.
When albacore are off Bandon
ODFW says albacore usually arrive around the end of June, with the best fishing in July and August; ODFW’s Oregon tuna fishing page carries the statewide timing. Visit Bandon says most recreational albacore fishing by charter runs mid-July through September, and its seasonal angling page lists the same window.
The two windows overlap in July and August but differ at the edges, so plan around both. For the wider migration picture, see the coastwide albacore migration (see also the wider Pacific Northwest guide) along the Pacific coast.
| Source | Distance offshore | Season |
|---|---|---|
| ODFW (statewide) | Not stated here | Arrive around end of June; best July and August |
| Visit Bandon | 20 to 50 miles | Charter fishing mid-July through September |
| Brookings-based article | 15 to 50 miles (2 to 4 hour run, Oregon ports generally) | Not stated |
Running offshore from Bandon
Every offshore trip from Bandon starts at the Coquille River bar. The Bandon port guide covers the ramp, fuel dock, and marina. The bar crossing is the first decision of the day, and the run is the second.
Crossing the Coquille River bar
Prowler Charters crosses the Coquille River bar to reach its grounds. Read wind, wave height, and period from the NWS Portland marine forecast. The NWS Portland bar observations and the Port of Bandon bar cam show the bar itself. For bar reports, the Port directs boaters to Coast Guard Station Charleston, and the Port of Bandon bar information page has the details.
Check the numbers before you leave the dock, and again before the return run.
How far the fish are
Visit Bandon puts albacore 20 to 50 miles offshore. A Brookings-based albacore article says boats from Bandon head out when the tuna are 15 to 50 miles offshore.
Both ranges top out at 50 miles, so your fuel has to cover the outer end, the search time on the grounds, and the run home.
Run time and the length of the day
The Brookings-based article gives a 2 to 4 hour run to the fish, a figure that covers Oregon ports generally and not Bandon alone. Prowler Charters runs 12-hour tuna trips, which gives you a yardstick for your own day.
A 12-hour day breaks down like this:
- Run out: 2 to 4 hours
- Fishing time: whatever is left of the day
- Run back: a similar 2 to 4 hours
A large share of the day goes to transit. That pushes departure early and means setting a turnaround time before you leave the dock.
How albacore are fished here
Statewide, ODFW says recreational albacore is mostly taken by surface trolling jigs or plugs. For setup and spreads, see trolling setup and spreads. Troll at a speed that keeps the lures on the surface, and work the water you ran so far to reach.
Who fishes albacore out of Bandon
Prowler Charters lists albacore tuna trips on the C/V Prowler and the 40 ft Mis-Chief, both run as 12-hour tuna trips. A charter day is an option if you want a first look at the run and the bar before taking your own boat out.
FAQ: albacore tuna fishing out of Bandon
When is albacore season in Bandon?
ODFW says fish usually arrive around the end of June, with the best fishing in July and August. Visit Bandon says charter fishing runs mid-July through September.
How far offshore are albacore from Bandon?
Visit Bandon puts them 20 to 50 miles offshore. A Brookings-based article says boats from Bandon head out when tuna are 15 to 50 miles offshore.
How long is the run to the albacore?
A Brookings-based article gives 2 to 4 hours, a figure that covers Oregon ports generally. Prowler’s tuna trips run 12 hours, so plan the day around transit.
Who runs albacore charters out of Bandon?
Prowler Charters runs them, on the C/V Prowler and the 40 ft Mis-Chief. The trips run 12 hours.
Where can I compare other tuna species or ports?
Start with tuna fishing by species and port.
