The thaw has begun and spring is upon us. In the spirit of the season, fishing enthusiasts of all experience levels will take to local waterways in search of the ultimate catch. Whether it’s for a love of the sport or a taste for Oregon’s world-renowned seafood, the opportunities to dip the reel are limitless.
The first step to fishing in Oregon is the purchase of a fishing license. Though different types of fishing require different licenses, the most general fishing permit is fairly easy to come by. Bi-Mart, Walmart and Fred Meyer all offer licenses for between $20 and $30. As a rule, any retail store selling sporting goods can provide the required license.
Once the license is in hand, a stop at one of the many local fishing equipment retailers is in order.
Baxter’s Custom Tackle and Boats, located at 777 West Sixth Ave., is a good place for one-stop shopping. This supply store has served Eugene since 1987, offering a full line of tackle, reels and rods as well as live and frozen bait. If a broken rod or reel is keeping you from the water, Baxter’s also offers repair services.
Those in need of some equipment can also stop by Chuck’s Rod & Reel Service, another area mainstay, while there’s still time. This 30-year-old full line tackle shop, located at 5350 Main St. in Springfield, will close at the end
of April.
Owner Joy Haynes said the No. 1 allure of Oregon fishing is the area’s wide variety of underwater creatures and abundance of accessible fishing spots.
However, Haynes said the key to enjoying the experience lies in the simplicity of the act itself.
“Don’t go out expecting to catch something every time,” Haynes said. “It should be about the elements, not necessarily the catch.”
Chuck’s is named after Joy’s husband, because Haynes said that 30 years ago, people were less likely to patronize a tackle shop operated by and named after a woman.
“Years ago, things were different,” Haynes said.
The Caddis Fly Angling Shop, located at 168 West Sixth Ave., is another local establishment that deals with every facet of the sport. In addition to fishing supplies, this specialized store offers guided trips, primarily on the McKenzie and Willamette rivers. However, the establishment also schedules and organizes limited trips on the Deschutes, Umpqua and Rogue rivers, as well as to international destinations.
The 25-year-old fly shop will offer fly fishing lessons on April 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and April 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The price for the two-day lesson is $55.
Caddis owner Chris Daughters says fly fishing is an especially intimate fishing experience.
“Fly fishing takes a little more thought and action on the part of the fisherman,” Daughters said. “It’s about deciphering what insects are hatching at any given time to better draw out the fish, as well as being attentive to changing water conditions.”
For fishing venues close to campus, stop by Alton Baker Park, located across the Ferry Street Footbridge. The watering hole here is stocked with rainbow trout every spring and has become a popular haunt for students looking for a relaxing day of angling.
People interested in ocean fishing can check out Newport Tradewinds, a charter fishing service on Newport’s bayfront. This 54-year-old establishment offers bottom fishing trips and crabbing excursions throughout the year. However, spring brings whale watching trips as well.
April means the arrival of salmon in local waters, and Newport Tradewinds will soon be planning five-hour salmon and bottom fishing trips for $60. For an additional $10, trip-goers can take part in a bit of ocean crabbing.
Newport employee Stan Catlett says this trip is perfect for children and novice fisherman, giving them a little taste of everything.
“Bottom fishing is a lot of fun, basically because you never know what you’re going to get,” Catlett said.
From lazy afternoons along the McKenzie to expert fly fishing to the picturesque reefs of the Pacific Ocean, there’s no better time to grab your reel. And as Joy Haynes said, quoting the age-old bumper sticker, “The worst day fishing is still better than the best day at work” — or school.
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