Pacific halibut fishing out of Winchester Bay, at the mouth of the Umpqua River, happens on offshore bottom grounds in 250 to 600 ft of water, according to Apocalypse Guide Service. The wider picture is in the Pacific Northwest region guide.
This page covers depths, trip length, the buoy to read before you go, named water near the entrance, and the charters that list halibut.
When Pacific halibut are around Winchester Bay
The Winchester Bay port guide covers the bar, the Salmon Harbor ramps and where to read conditions. For when the fish move and why, use the Pacific halibut species guide.
ODFW sets the open days, and they change with quota. The Regulations section below points to the pages that carry them. On an open day, whether you can run depends on conditions, and buoy 46229 and the official forecast tell you that.
Where boats run for Pacific halibut out of Winchester Bay
Boats run to offshore bottom grounds. Three things shape the plan: depth, the length of the day, and what the buoy reads.
Depths
Apocalypse fishes 250 to 600 ft, according to its Apocalypse Guide Service halibut trips page. Expect about 250 ft at the inside edge of the grounds and up to 600 ft at the outside.
Trip length
Apocalypse says a 10 to 12 hour trip is typical, so plan around the full day:
- Fuel for the full day plus the run home.
- Crew who can fish the full span.
- A weather window that covers the whole day, not just the morning.
Reading buoy 46229
The nearest NOAA buoy is NDBC station 46229, Umpqua Offshore, OR, at 43.772 N, 124.549 W. Compare the trend across recent readings with the forecast for the hours you plan to be out, and read these parameters:
- Significant wave height.
- Dominant wave period.
- Wind speed and direction.
Two limits apply. Buoy 46229 is a single offshore point measurement and not a bar report; bar conditions are posted at the entrance. A forecast is also only a forecast. For the official numbers, use the NWS Portland coastal marine forecasts.
Grounds and structure near the port
The jetties are entrance and nearshore structure, while the halibut grounds are offshore and deeper. Chart layers are not for navigation.
| Name | Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Umpqua River South Jetty (Umpqua Jetty) | 50 ft | Entrance structure |
| Triangle Jetty | 25 ft | Shallow entrance-area structure |
| Half Moon Bay | Named local water near the port | |
| Tenmile Reef | Named local reef | |
| Deep-water reef | Referenced by SOA Charters, unnamed |
Umpqua River South Jetty
Also called the Umpqua Jetty, it sits in 50 ft and is entrance structure.
Triangle Jetty
Triangle Jetty sits in 25 ft. It is shallow entrance-area structure.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is named local water near the port.
Tenmile Reef
Tenmile Reef is a named local reef.
The deep-water reef
SOA Charters references a deep-water reef without naming it. It belongs with the offshore bottom grounds rather than the entrance structure.
How halibut are fished here
Fishing halibut here means working water at 250 ft and deeper, compared with 25 to 50 ft at the jetties. For method detail beyond what is below, see the deep-drop guides.
Bottom fishing
The local method is bottom fishing on the offshore grounds.
Electric reels
Apocalypse uses electric reels, which suit the 250 to 600 ft band and a 10 to 12 hour day.
Who fishes for halibut out of Winchester Bay
These local operators list Pacific halibut.
| Operator | Boat | Captain | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOA Charters | 28 ft Hewescraft, twin 150 hp Yamaha | Travis Marsh | SOA Charters home page |
| Apocalypse Guide Service | 28 ft Hewes Craft Alaskan 250, twin Yamaha 150s, hard top | Apocalypse halibut trips | |
| Ocean Obsession Guide Service | David Morrow | Ocean Obsession Guide Service | |
| Mark LaDuke Guide Service | Mark LaDuke | Mark LaDuke Guide Service | |
| NW Oregon Outfitters (Salmon Harbor Tackle & Charter Service) | Guide Ted Jones and crew | ||
| J Standifer Guide Service | Jamie Standifer (listed as based in Elmira) | J Standifer Guide Service |
FAQ: Pacific halibut fishing out of Winchester Bay
How deep do boats fish for halibut out of Winchester Bay?
About 250 ft at the inside edge of the grounds. Apocalypse fishes 250 to 600 ft on the offshore bottom grounds.
How long is a halibut trip from Winchester Bay?
Apocalypse says a 10 to 12 hour trip is typical. Plan fuel, crew and the weather window around the full day.
What gear is used?
Bottom fishing. Apocalypse uses electric reels for the 250 to 600 ft depths.
Which buoy should I check before running?
NDBC station 46229, Umpqua Offshore, at 43.772 N, 124.549 W. Read wave height, period and wind against the official forecast. The buoy is not a bar report.
Which charters list Pacific halibut?
SOA Charters, Apocalypse Guide Service, Ocean Obsession Guide Service, Mark LaDuke Guide Service, NW Oregon Outfitters (Salmon Harbor Tackle & Charter Service) and J Standifer Guide Service.
Where are the halibut rules for this port?
ODFW sets them, and federal rules also apply. They change with season and quota, so check before every trip.
