Halibut action improves closer to Brookings

BROOKINGS, Ore. (July 20, 2024) – Pacific halibut – which average around 20 pounds but can sometimes top 100 pounds – are showing up in greater numbers off the coast of Brookings, as the peak season arrives on the Southern Oregon Coast. Halibut season opened May 1 coastwide, but out of Brookings, late July, August and September produce the best catch rates. Fishing has improved the past two weeks out of Brookings.

Halibut migrate to deep water in the Gulf of Alaska to spawn in the winter, and move back into shallower water during the summer to feed. On the northern Oregon Coast, halibut are within range of the sport fleet early in the season. Out of Brookings, where anglers like to fish in 200 to 250 feet of water, the best fishing takes place later in the season, as the halibut finally move inshore. By October, the halibut are back on the move into deeper water.

The Brookings Fishing Charters crew has been catching halibut recently on long-range trips to specifically fish for them. A customer on the Miss Brooke landed a 54-pound halibut on July 19. Most of the halibut have been closer to 20 pounds. The fish are being caught using combinations of herring, salmon and squid, using custom leaders developed by Capt. Andy and Capt. Rye, who spent years running halibut charters in Alaska.

The Brookings Fishing Charters crew uses techniques similar to Alaska charter boats, anchoring and fishing a variety of baits, using the current to bring the scent to the halibut. The catch rates for the Brookings Fishing Charters crew are the highest in the harbor.

Halibut season runs through October. Trips are offered daily during calm weather periods. To learn more, visit www.brookingsfishing.com, or call (541) 813-1082.