What You'll Find at Seaside Beach

Seaside Beach is a working fishing town on the north Oregon coast where you can fish from the beach itself, from jetties, and from charter boats in the surf zone and nearshore waters. The beach produces striped bass in fall and spring, surfperch year-round, and occasional Dungeness crab from the jetties. Access is straightforward — the beach is public, parking is available near the town center, and you don't need a boat to fish productively here.

The town sits at the mouth of the Necanicum River where it meets the Pacific. That geography matters: the river mouth and nearshore bars create holding areas for migrating fish, and the rocky jetties on both sides of the river mouth hold perch and crab. Most visiting anglers fish the beach itself during low tide, when the sand flats expose feeding zones and make wading easier.

Key Takeaways

  • Striped bass move through Seaside in September through November and again in April and May, and the beach is the primary access point for targeting them.
  • Surfperch bite year-round from the beach, with the heaviest action in summer and fall when the water is warmest.
  • The north and south jetties hold perch and crab, but jetty fishing requires careful footing and awareness of wave surge.
  • An Oregon saltwater fishing license is required for all anglers 12 and older; you can buy a one-day license on arrival.
  • Low tide exposes the most productive sand flats and makes beach access safer; plan your fishing around tide tables published by NOAA.

Striped Bass Season and Tactics

Striped bass arrive at Seaside in two distinct windows. The fall run typically peaks from late September through November, when fish move south along the coast and stage in the nearshore zone before heading into bays and rivers. The spring run occurs April through May as fish migrate north again. Both runs can be excellent, though fall is generally more reliable and attracts more anglers.

Fish the beach during low tide when the sand flats are exposed. Stripers hunt in the troughs and channels where water still runs deep, and they feed on sand eels and other baitfish pushed around by tidal current. Use a 7- to 9-foot surf rod with 20- to 30-pound braid and a monofilament leader. Cast live sand eels or small mullet if you can get them; if not, metal spoons (2 to 3 ounces) and soft plastics (4 to 6 inches) work well. Fish the first two hours of the incoming tide and the last two hours of the outgoing tide — the moving water concentrates both predators and prey.

Expect to walk. Stripers don't hold in one spot; you'll cover a quarter-mile or more of beach in a productive session. Bring a sand spike to hold your rod while you wait between casts, and wear waders or waterproof boots because you'll be wading in cold water.

Surfperch and Year-Round Fishing

Surfperch — primarily redtail and silver surfperch — are present every month and provide consistent action when stripers aren't around. Summer and fall are peak seasons because the water is warmer and perch are more active, but winter and spring fishing is possible if you're willing to fish in rougher conditions.

Fish the same low-tide sand flats where you'd hunt stripers, but focus on the wash zone where waves break. Perch hunt in the turbulent water where baitfish get disoriented. Use a 6- to 7-foot medium-action rod, 12- to 15-pound line, and small hooks (size 4 to 2) baited with sand eels, clams, or shrimp. You can also catch perch on small soft plastics and spoons. Fish are often abundant enough that you'll get bites within minutes of casting into the wash.

Perch average 8 to 12 inches; a good day might produce 20 to 30 fish. They're excellent table fare and a good target for anglers new to saltwater fishing because they bite readily and don't require specialized tackle.

Jetty Fishing for Perch and Crab

The north and south jetties that frame the river mouth hold surfperch, and the rocky structure is also productive for Dungeness crab if you bring a crab ring or trap. Jetty fishing is more technical than beach fishing because the rocks are slippery, surge can be powerful, and a wave can sweep you off balance. Fish the jetties only on calm days and never alone.

For perch, fish the same baits and tackle as you would on the beach — sand eels and small hooks work best. Cast into the deeper water on the ocean side of the jetty, not into the river mouth. Perch congregate around the rocks where they hunt small crustaceans and baitfish.

Crabbing requires a crab ring (a collapsible wire trap baited with chicken or fish) or a hand line with a net. Drop the ring into water 15 to 25 feet deep on the ocean side of the jetty, wait 5 to 10 minutes, and pull slowly. Crabs will cling to the bait as you raise it. You'll need a measuring tool to confirm crabs are at least 6.25 inches across the shell; undersized crabs must be released immediately. Crabbing is seasonal and regulations change; check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website before you go.

Tides, Weather, and Timing

Tides at Seaside range from about 6 to 8 feet, and the timing of low tide shifts roughly 50 minutes later each day. NOAA publishes tide tables for Seaside at tides.noaa.gov — bookmark this site before you arrive. Low tide is when the beach is most productive because the sand flats are exposed and fish are concentrated in deeper channels. Plan your fishing around low tide, not the other way around.

Weather on the north Oregon coast changes quickly. Summer and early fall (July through September) are the most stable and warmest. Winter storms can close beach access and make jetty fishing dangerous. Spring (April and May) is often windy but productive for stripers. Check the National Weather Service forecast for Tillamook County before you leave your lodging.

Fog is common year-round, especially in the morning. It doesn't affect fishing, but it can make navigation tricky if you wander far from the town center. Stay within sight of the Seaside Promenade or the river mouth so you can find your way back.

Licenses, Regulations, and Where to Buy Tackle

An Oregon saltwater fishing license is required for all anglers 12 and older. You can buy a one-day license ($9.50 as of the last published rate, though this may vary) at most tackle shops in town or online through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website. A three-day license is also available and costs more but may be worth it if you're staying longer.

Striped bass have a daily bag limit of two fish per angler with a 18-inch minimum length. Surfperch have a 15-fish daily limit with no minimum size. Crab regulations vary by season and area; check ODFW before you fish. Regulations change annually, so verify current rules on the ODFW website before you arrive.

Tackle shops in Seaside include Seaside Sporting Goods and several smaller shops near the Promenade. They stock sand eels, clams, and basic saltwater tackle. If you're renting lodging with a kitchen, you can also buy fresh bait at the fish market near the docks.

Getting There and Where to Stay

Seaside is 80 miles northwest of Portland on US-101. From Portland, take I-5 north to Longview, Washington, then US-30 west to Astoria, then US-101 south to Seaside. The drive takes about two hours. Parking is available at the Seaside Promenade (a beachfront boardwalk) and at several public lots near the town center. Parking is free but can fill on summer weekends.

Lodging ranges from budget motels to vacation rentals. The town is a popular summer destination, so book ahead if you're visiting July through August. Spring and fall are less crowded and often have better fishing. Campgrounds are available at nearby Nehalem Bay State Park (about 15 miles south) if you prefer that option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Seaside?

No. The beach and jetties are productive without a boat. If you want to fish farther offshore or target different species, charter boats operate from Seaside and nearby Garibaldi, but beach and jetty fishing alone can produce excellent results.

What's the best time of year to visit?

Fall (September through November) is best for striped bass and has stable weather. Summer (July through August) is warmest and has the most consistent surfperch action. Spring (April and May) is good for stripers but can be windy. Winter is least crowded but has rougher conditions and fewer fish.

Can I fish the beach at high tide?

You can, but low tide is more productive because the sand flats are exposed and fish are concentrated in deeper channels. High tide pushes fish onto the beach, but they're more spread out. Fish the two hours before and after low tide for the best results.

What should I bring besides a rod and reel?

Bring waders or waterproof boots, a sand spike to hold your rod, a cooler for fish, a measuring tool for crabs, and a headlamp if you plan to fish early morning or evening. The beach is exposed and can be windy, so dress in layers. Bring sunscreen and a hat even on cloudy days.

Are there restrictions on where I can fish on the beach?

The entire Seaside Beach is open to fishing. Avoid the swimming area near the Promenade during summer when lifeguards are on duty, but fishing is otherwise unrestricted. The jetties are public, but stay off them during storms or high surf.