When halibut are here off Port Orford
Pacific halibut fishing out of Port Orford runs in a short summer window on the Port Orford side of the southern Oregon coast. The Port Orford Seafood co-op calendar lists halibut as available in May, at peak in June and July, and available again in August. The same fishery along the rest of the coast is in the Pacific Northwest offshore fishing guide.
| Month | Co-op status |
|---|---|
| May | Available |
| June | Peak |
| July | Peak |
| August | Available |
For the general species picture, see the Pacific halibut guide.
Peak months
June and July are the co-op’s peak months, so they are the best choice for planning a trip.
Shoulder months
May and August are listed as available. ODFW sets the legal open days, covered under Regulations below.
Where boats run from
The local Port Orford visitor guide names the Port Orford Dock and the jetty as the departure points. Wind, wave height and period from the NWS marine forecast and nearby buoys decide whether a run goes.
Port Orford Dock
The Port Orford Dock is the main named departure point for fishing out of this port.
The jetty
The visitor guide names the jetty as the other departure point.
Grounds and structure near Port Orford
Cape Blanco is the landmark for Port Orford halibut. Two named reefs sit off it, and a marine reserve lies nearby.
- Orford Reef: off Cape Blanco, southern Oregon coast.
- Blanco Reef: off Cape Blanco.
- Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve: rocky reef with islands, 262 ft, no take.
Orford Reef
Orford Reef is named structure off Cape Blanco on the southern Oregon coast.
Blanco Reef
Blanco Reef is a second named reef off Cape Blanco.
Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve
Redfish Rocks is a rocky reef with islands at 262 ft. Taking fish is not allowed in this marine reserve, so it is useful as a landmark to know and stay off, and it is not a halibut ground. Boundaries are on the Oregon marine reserve maps.
How it is fished here and who fishes it
Hook and line
The Port Orford Seafood co-op fleet fishes halibut with hook-and-line gear. For rigging detail, see the bottom fish and deep-drop guides.
The co-op fleet and local charters
The co-op is a fleet of Port Orford commercial fishing families. Port Orford Fishing Charters notes that halibut needs an extra tag, but its Port Orford Fishing Charters trips page does not list halibut trips.
FAQ about halibut fishing out of Port Orford
When is halibut season at Port Orford?
The Port Orford Seafood co-op calendar lists halibut as available in May, at peak in June and July, and available in August. ODFW sets the legal open days, so check its halibut page before planning a trip.
Where do boats launch for halibut in Port Orford?
The local visitor guide names the Port Orford Dock and the jetty. Wind, wave height and period from the NWS marine forecast and nearby buoys decide whether a run goes, so check those numbers and the official forecast before leaving.
Can you fish Redfish Rocks?
No. Redfish Rocks is a marine reserve where taking fish is not allowed. It is a rocky reef with islands at 262 ft. Check the Oregon marine reserve maps for the boundaries before setting up a drift near it.
Do I need a tag for halibut out of Port Orford?
Yes. Oregon requires a Combined Angling Tag for halibut, and Port Orford Fishing Charters mentions the extra tag on its site. Check ODFW before fishing for how to record each fish on the tag.
Are there halibut charters in Port Orford?
Port Orford Fishing Charters notes the halibut tag but does not list halibut trips. The Port Orford Seafood co-op fleet fishes halibut commercially with hook and line. Ask any charter directly whether it runs halibut before booking.
