What Simpson Reef Offers

Simpson Reef sits about 1.5 miles offshore from Coquille Point near Bandon in Coos County, in water that ranges from 40 to 80 feet deep. The reef is a rocky structure that holds rockfish and lingcod year-round, making it one of the more reliable nearshore destinations on the southern Oregon coast when conditions allow access. The reef itself is small — you can fish it thoroughly in a few hours — but the rocky bottom and moderate depth mean consistent catches for anglers targeting bottom fish.

The main appeal is straightforward: you get to fish a genuine reef structure without the long run required for offshore banks. Rockfish here run mostly black, blue, and canary species, with occasional yellowtail. Lingcod are present but not abundant. The reef is also close enough that private boats and charter operations can reach it reliably, and the shorter run means less time fighting seasickness and more time with a line in the water.

Key Takeaways

  • Simpson Reef lies 1.5 miles west of Coquille Point near Bandon and holds rockfish and lingcod in 40 to 80 feet of water.
  • Rockfish seasons run year-round, but ocean conditions and swell often close access from November through March.
  • You will need an Oregon saltwater license and must follow current rockfish bag limits, which vary by species and change annually.
  • Private boats and charters operate from Bandon; the short run means you can fish the reef and return in a half day.
  • Jigs and live bait work best; the rocky bottom means you will lose tackle, so bring extra rigs and expect to replace them.

Seasons and Weather Windows

Simpson Reef is fishable year-round in terms of regulations, but the Pacific swells and winter storms that hit the southern Oregon coast make it inaccessible most of the time from November through March. Summer and early fall — June through September — offer the most reliable weather windows. October can still produce good days, but the window narrows and swells build more frequently.

Spring (April and May) is a transition period: some days are calm enough to fish, others are not. Check the marine forecast before you commit to a trip. The reef is shallow enough that even moderate swell makes it rough, and the short distance offshore means you feel every bit of it. If the forecast shows 6-foot swell or higher, the reef will be closed to fishing.

Rockfish and Lingcod Regulations

Oregon's rockfish seasons and bag limits change annually, so you must check the current rules before you fish. As of recent years, rockfish seasons have been open year-round, but the daily bag limit and species restrictions vary. Some rockfish species have lower limits or are closed entirely; others are more abundant. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife publishes the current rules on their website, and charter operators will know the limits for the day you fish.

Lingcod have their own season and bag limit, separate from rockfish. Lingcod are also subject to size restrictions — you must measure them to confirm they meet the minimum. Carry a measuring device or ask your charter captain to verify size before you land them. Violating bag limits or size rules carries fines and can result in loss of fishing privileges.

How to Reach Simpson Reef

Simpson Reef is accessed by boat only. The nearest launch is Bandon Dory Fleet launch at Bandon, about 8 miles south of Coquille Point. If you have your own boat, launch at Bandon and run west-northwest toward Coquille Point, then continue offshore to the reef. The run takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on your boat speed and sea state.

Charter boats operating out of Bandon regularly fish Simpson Reef and other nearshore reefs. Charters handle navigation, tackle, and fish handling, and they know the current regulations and productive marks. A half-day charter is typical for Simpson Reef because the reef is small and the run is short. Call ahead to confirm the charter is running and that they plan to fish Simpson Reef that day — some days conditions force them to fish closer to shore or cancel entirely.

Tackle and Technique

Jigs are the primary tool at Simpson Reef. Use 2 to 4-ounce jigs depending on depth and current; the rocky bottom means you will snag and lose tackle regularly, so bring more jigs than you think you need. Pair jigs with shrimp, squid, or live bait when available. Drop to the bottom, work the jig with short lifts, and set the hook on any weight change or tap.

Live bait — herring or anchovies — fished on a simple rig also works well. Use a sliding sinker heavy enough to hold bottom in the current, and keep the bait moving slightly to attract fish. The rocky structure means you will hang up; accept that as part of the cost and keep spare rigs rigged and ready. Bring a net or gaff if you are fishing from a private boat — rockfish and lingcod can be slippery, and a net makes landing them safer and faster.

What to Bring and Expect

Bring more tackle than you think you need — jigs, hooks, sinkers, and line all get lost on rocky bottom. A tackle box organized by depth and bait type saves time when you need to change rigs quickly. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and layers; the ocean is cold even in summer, and wind picks up quickly. A cooler with ice keeps fish fresh and provides a place to stash extra gear.

Expect to spend most of your time jigging and waiting for bites. Simpson Reef is not a fast bite; you may go 20 or 30 minutes between fish. That is normal. The reward is consistent catches of good-eating rockfish and the occasional lingcod. If you are fishing from a private boat, have a GPS mark for the reef and a backup navigation method — cell service is spotty offshore, and conditions can change fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a charter to fish Simpson Reef?

No. If you have your own boat and are comfortable running 1.5 miles offshore in the ocean, you can launch at Bandon and fish the reef on your own. A charter is convenient if you do not have a boat or prefer not to navigate and handle the details yourself.

What is the best time of year to fish Simpson Reef?

June through September offers the most reliable weather and calm seas. October can be good but swells build more often. November through March is difficult because winter storms and swell close access most days.

How deep is Simpson Reef?

The reef sits in 40 to 80 feet of water depending on where you fish on the structure. Bring jigs and sinkers rated for that depth, and adjust your tackle as you move around the reef.

Can I keep both rockfish and lingcod on the same trip?

Yes, but each species has its own bag limit and season. Check the current Oregon regulations before you fish to confirm both are open and to know the daily limits for each.

What do I do if I hook bottom and lose my jig?

Tie on another jig and keep fishing. Losing tackle on rocky bottom is expected and normal. Bring a full tackle box and accept it as part of the cost of fishing structure.