Oregon Coast Anglers

06/08/2026

06/08/2026

Sunday, June 7th was Free Fishing Day at Lake Marie. OCA, ODFW and Gardiner Reedsport Wi******er Bay STEP worked together to provide a nice opportunity for children to catch Trout. It all started on Saturday when OCA members installed a net pen on the North shore of Lake Marie. We installed the net pen between rain storms. Sunday was a beautiful sunny day for the kids to fish. The nice weather also brought out many families and friends to Lake Marie. More than ninety people participated in the Free fishing opportunity at Lake Marie. It was heart warming to watch the excitment and screaming as children reeled in their fish. OCA members provided help for young anglers, cleaned their fish, bagged and iced them. GRWB STEP handed out fishing equipment supplied by ODFW. There were lots of compliments and thanks for the event.

06/02/2026

End of May Update - OCA Banners were displayed on Tom Ragan's boat for the Reedsport Memorial Day Parade. Willow Harris helped distribute candy to children along the parade route. Grandfather Bill Harris riding shotgun in his own truck towing Tom's boat also tossed lots of candy to children. Thanks Bill and Tom for your support for the Oregon Coast Anglers. We planned a float trip on the Umpqua River composed of members from the Oregon Coast Anglers and the Lower Umpqua Fly Fishing Club. Steve Godin started organizing equipment a few days prior to the trip. After inflating his Sea Eagle inflatable Kayak (3 PSI), 30 minutes later both side pontoons blew (separated seams). A quick replan and trip to Dick’s in Eugene resulted in a new sit in plastic kayak.
Saturday, May 30th five of us, John, Nick, Cathy, Kelly and me (Steve) met at the Elkton Park at 9:00 AM. We loaded everyone’s gear (rafts, kayaks, fishing stuff, etc.) in my truck and headed up river. We put in about five miles up river off of Henderer Rd. Kelly was the driver, the rest of us loaded rafts and kayaks and floated away. Kelly drove my truck back to Elkton Park, where we would take out.
We headed down river to the first set of rapids in search of Shad. We stopped at three or four rapids and caught a total of five Shad, very slow. Bank anglers we talked to weren’t having any better luck. We used spinning rods and fly rods equipped with pink shad darts. The strategy for shad fishing is to cast into the rapids and drift into the slack water. When shad encounter rapids, they run in the calmer water.
Conditions on the water were nice, warm, sunny and a little wind. John was using a spinning rod and a green tail on his jig. He caught 20 Small Mouth Bass! The bass were in deeper water near rock out croppings.
This float trip was a first for me and although it was great fun, we needed to do a better job of time management. All the rapids we fished for Shad were in the first mile of the trip. We spent too much time fishing for Shad! At approximately 3:00 PM we decided to quit and head for the park take out location. That resulted in two hours of constant rowing and paddling. Any amount of wind running up river made the journey that much more difficult.
We finally reached the bridge and some very shallow water. Staying as far right as possible we went under the bridge. That’s where we encountered some real rapids, not for the faint of heart. The rapids rating for Sawyers Rapids is II - III by American Whitewaters. This is why you don’t want to use sit on top kayaks (not stable) or sit in float tubes (feet in the water, broken bones). Rafts are better suited (more stable) for this set of rapids. We all made it through with no issues (I got spun around and went through backwards). If you are in a kayak, brake with your paddle to correct direction. The rapids dropped us at the park location, where we hauled out.
This was a great adventure, even if the Shad fishing was slow This is a wild river float trip, there are no rest areas, so come prepared. We were on the water for seven hours. We saw stretches of the river that can only be seen from the river. There were lots of wildlife to observe, deer, Osprey, Eagles and more. It was a lot of fun and we’re looking forward to another float trip on the Umpqua River next year.
OCA will meet at Bedrocks on the Bay on Thursday, June 4th starting at 6:30 PM.

05/12/2026

Thirty six Oregon Coast Anglers and guests met at the Marina Activity Center on May 7th. Trinity Bartel, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Fish Checker was the Guest Speaker. Trinity was very engaging, energetic and gave a very enciteful presentation regarding rockfish. Trinity goes on many charter boat trips as an observer. She works in Oregon ports from Brookings to Charleston. She gave a great presentation which was well received by attendees, thank you Trinity.
Claire Lynn is running for District 9 Representative provided incite to her platform and is endorsed by Boomer Wright. Boomer is retiring. Claire supports hunting and fishing and comes from a family that enjoys the great outdoors.
Treasurer’s Report; Patricia Johnson has volunteered as the next OCA Treasurer. Rosann and Steve Thienes are moving to Nevada. Patricia has a background in money management and will be great OCA Treasurer.
Old Business; Steve Godin will be a guest on the Hooked on Oregon radio show on the third Thursday of the month at 4:00 PM.
Reedsport has a new and much needed newspaper, The Wake Up, credit to Deborah Yates, Editor. Steve Godin wrote an article about OCA in the first edition.
The April PFMC meeting ended with the salmon fishing regulations for Oregon, California and Washington. Good news for Oregon, no lapse in Chinook salmon harvest this year in the ocean.
No update on the request for funds from NOAA for the Sport Angler Science Project.
New Business; The Reedsport Memorial Day Parade will be on May 24th, Steve asked for a volunteer to tow their boat with the OCA banners.
Next PFMC meeting, June 10 - 14 in Spokane, Washington.
Next meeting for Umpqua River Fall Chinook Hatchery Program, May 12th starting at 4:45 at the ODFW Office in Roseburg.
Steve Godin attended the West Coast Trawlers virtual meeting, April 21st.
Steve Godin will attend the Fishermen / Scientists Roundtable Meeting in Newport on May 19th.
Lincoln Harris was announced as the OCA Conservation Scholarship 2026 winner. The Award will be presented to Lincoln at the OCA June 4th meeting.
Steve Godin wrote a letter of support for the Gardiner Reedsport Wi******er Bay STEP to be used for grant applications.
We settled on a date for a project by GRWB STEP to relocate rocks below the Wi******er Creek salmon trap location, Sunday, May 17th. Volunteers are needed to assist in moving rocks, you will need, hip boots or waders, gloves and pry bars for dislodging rocks. Volunteers will meet at 8:00 AM at the trap access road, last right on Rte 101 going South out of Wi******er Bay (after last Wi******er Bay homes).
Fish Stories; Steve Godin provided a show and tell regarding Sablefish fishing.
Late Breaking News; The Lower Umpqua Fly Casters met on Saturday, May 9th and it was decided that the Umpqua River Shad fishing float trip will be on Saturday, May 30th. Those wishing to participate will meet at the Elkton RV Park at 9:00 AM. The float trip is approximately 5 miles and the river depth will be less than 4 feet. Questions should be sent to John Craggs 541 404 8531.
ODFW Free Fishing Days for Lake Marie will be June 7th, volunteers are needed to help kids catch fish. We will set up a net pen on June 6th volunteers will be needed in the afternoon. This event will be discussed at the OCA June 4th meeting which will be at Bedrocks at the Bay starting at 6:30 PM.

04/09/2026

Forty four OCA members and guests attended the April 2nd OCA meeting at the Marina Activity Center in Wi******er Bay. The meeting started with a commemoration for Yosh Ashikaga, past OCA Director and OCA supporter, a moment of silence. Next we recognized Rosann Thienes, OCA Treasurer and Steve Thienes OCA supporter for all their involvement in OCA events. Steve and Rosann are moving to Nevada and will be missed. Yes, we now have need of a volunteer for OCA Treasurer. OCA President, Steve Godin was on the hook next for a Birthday celebration, the cupcakes were delicious.
Old Business; Steve Godin was introduced on Cam Perry’s Hooked on Oregon radio show and will be a guest every third Thursday, monthly at 4:00 PM.
OCA.COM has been put on hold for the time being, due to base software changes.
The Ling Cod tournament will not happen this year due to liability insurance needs that weren’t satisfied.
The OCA 2025 Tax Report was prepared by Rosann Thienes and submitted.
New Business; Ocean salmon fishing is looking good based on the alternatives from the PFMC,
The April PFMC meeting will be in Portland, the 7th - 12th.
Sport Angler Science links were distributed for those who agreed to participate in this data gathering project. A funding proposal was submitted to NOAA for $46,500 to make upgrades to Sport Angler Science.
The Lower Umpqua Fly Casters are planning a float trip on the Umpqua River for Shad fishing. The trip will be scheduled when the river level is down and the Shad are in the River. Anyone interested should contact John Craggs, [email protected].
The Umpqua Fishermens Association is developing a proposal to ODFW to reestablish hatchery Fall Chinook opportunity.
The National Weather Service has announced that there is a change coming regarding access to Bar Camera Images, Bar Camera Images
Welcome to new OCA member Richard Christie.
Fishing Seminars; Steve Godin provided a show and tell presentation regarding Shad fishing on the Umpqua River, where, when, how and what to use. Nick Cartwright provided a nice presentation regarding Striped Bass fishing on the Umpqua River.
Next Meeting; May 7th at the Marina Activity Center in Wi******er Bay starting at 6:30 PM.

03/24/2026

Thirty two Oregon Coast Anglers members and guests attended the March 12th meeting at the Marina Activity Center in Wi******er Bay. Madison Bargas, OSU Graduate was the Guest Speaker, she was accompanied by her associate Perry. Madison gave an in depth presentation of the results of her Masters Degree Thesis project regarding Black Rock fish. Some OCA members fishing out of Charleston and Brooking provided Black Rock fish carcasses for her project. Her presentation was well received and there quite a few questions.
Old Business: There were 64 OCA members at the delicious Fish Dinner in February.
The Christmas Trees for Salmon project was concluded in February. Six students from the Elkton High School and their teach Steve O’Neal, an OCA member, Eric Hemmelreich, ODFW Habitat Biologist, a BLM Biologist and a Partner for the Umpqua Rivers representative assisted with placing the trees in Yellow Creek. Craig Beyer loaded the trees in Ean Wright’s dump truck and Steve Godin’s dump trailer. OCA members Nick Cartwright and Mike Dodson were there to help with loading. Craig and his excavator saved a lot of time and work loading the trees. Thanks to all that helped with this project.
OCA was well represented at the Lower Umpqua Fly Casters Exposition. We had a table with OCA Newsletters and photo’s of OCA members catching fish. Kevin Prescott, Paul Driver and Renee Morrow were at the table promoting OCA. Steve Godin was busy tieing flies.
OCA was represented at the Saltwater Sportsmen’s Show in Salem, February 21 and 22. Steve Godin and Kevin Prescott promoted OCA and Sport Angler Science.
At the Ocean Salmon Industry Group meeting Steve Godin proposed that anglers be allowed to keep one wild Coho during the Select Coho season. This was to help avoid dead salmon discards.
We have one applicant so far for the OCA Conservation Scholarship.
New Business; Steve Godin attended the Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting in Sacramento. An update regarding Sports Angler Science was presented to the council, which was well received. Sport Angler Science is now available on cell phones. The March and April PFMC meetings are all about Salmon. The three alternatives for Oregon salmon fishing regulations are now available, alternative 1 provides the most opportunity. ODFW will host a public meeting for input on the salmon alternatives on March 24th at 7:00 PM, https://v.ringcentral.com/join/963307381.
Some of us received cards back from ODFW for Coho Salmon we caught that had coded wire tags in them.
As promised we are getting a head start on the OCA Banquet scheduled for July 18th at the Reedsport Community Center. A number of members volunteered to participate on the banquet planning committee. There’s room for more volunteers.
We are planning a float trip on the Umpqua River sometime in late April and May to fish for Shad and Striped Bass. Call Steve Godin, if interested at 541 361 0305.
The next PFMC meeting is in Portland, April 7th - 11th.
The Next OCA meeting will be on April 2nd at the Marina Activity Center.
Announcements Not Discussed; Steve Godin will be a guest on the radio show, Hooked on Oregon with Cam Perry. You can listen to me around 4:00 PM at KWRO 630 AM and 101.1 FM or live stream at KWRO.com. I am planned to be a guest speaker every third Thursday monthly.
Englund Marine Garage Sale, Saturday, March 28th (see attached poster).
BLM has announced plans to cut old growth forests in Oregon. These forests represent habitat for many birds and animals, as well as salmon in the rivers that flow through the forests. Please go to this link to read more and comment, BL Announces Plan to Fell Oregon's Last Great Forests.

02/26/2026

The Christmas Trees were removed from the Les Schwab parking lot on February 19th and moved to Yellow Creek. Things moved along rapidly with Craig Beyers surgical removal and loading of the trees with his excavator. Loading the trailers by hand is laborious and time consuming, thanks again Craig for saving us all that work. All the trees were loaded on Ean Wright’s dump truck and Steve Godin’s dump trailer. Mike Dodson also brought a dump trailer, which wasn’t needed and Nick Cartwright assisted in this project. We were met at Yellow Creek by Elkton High School Teacher, Steven ONeal and six Elkton students, Eric Himmelreich, ODFW Habitat Biologist and representatives from BLM and the Partnership of the Umpqua Rivers (PURS). Eric explained the importance of good fish habitat to the students, the trees were dumped and the students assisted in tree placement in the creek. Tree placement progressed quickly and it was time for lunch. Thanks to Leona’s Restaurant for preparing the sandwiches and refreshments for the students and volunteers.
On February twentieth Steve Godin drove to Salem for the set up of the Oregon Coast Anglers booth at the Saltwater Sportsmans Show. Kevin Prescott, OCA Vice-President and Secretary assisted in promoting OCA and Sport Angler Science. The Saltwater Sporstmans Show was open Saturday and Sunday. Thirty three anglers at the show provided their email address to receive the link to the Sport Angler Science form.
Coming up on Saturday, February 28 is the Lower Umpqua Fly Casters Exposition at the Reedsport Community Center, doors open at 9:00 AM, no admission fee. Lots of fun to be had with raffles, silent auctions, presentations, vendors, fly casting demonstrations, fly tiers and more. OCA will have a table and will be promoting our club.
There will not be an OCA meeting on March 5th. The March OCA meeting will be on Thursday, March 12th at the Marina Activity Center in Wi******er Bay starting at 6:30 PM.

02/07/2026

Sixty four members and guests were present to enjoy the Oregon Coast Anglers Fish Dinner Feast. Nick and the Bedrocks by the Bay staff provided a great meal composed of Salad, Coleslaw Curly Fries, Ling Cod and Halibut deep fried and baked and great service. Honored Guests included (alphabetic order) Denise Dinsmore, Florence STEP President, Colby Gonzales, Fisheries Programs Manager, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Earl Jenkins, South Coast Anglers President, Kathleen Miller, Reedsport Judge and Deborah Yates, GRWB STEP President. This dinner would not have been possible without the generous fish donations from OCA members Bill Taylor, Doug Buck, Leroy Beagley, and Dave Kuehn, many thanks to all. To everyone's delight, OCA President, Steve Godin kept announcements short. OCA members volunteered to assist with loading Christmas Trees at the Les Schwab parking lot (now scheduled for February 19th), The Lower Umpqua Fly Casters Exposition, February 28th and the Saltwater Sportsman's Show, February 21st and 22nd. Steve will be at the Salt Show to promote OCA and Sport Angler Science. The next OCA meeting will be March 13th at the Marina Activity Center in Wi******er Bay starting at 6:30 PM.

12/13/2025

Twenty three Oregon Coast Anglers members met at the Marina Activity Center in Wi******er Bay on December 4th. Our Guest Speaker was OSP Sergeant Levi Harris. Levi described numerous hunting and fishing infractions some pretty unbelievable. Hard to imagine what people are cable of. Levi had a great picture of a snapping turtle that was captured in the North Spit in North Bend. Thanks Levi for taking the time from your busy schedule to be the OCA Guest Speaker.
Old Business; Doug Buck provided an update on the Gardiner Hatchery, 48,000 eggs went to the Elk River Hatchery to be raised to smolt size and 8,000 remain at the Gardiner Hatchery to be raised to pre-smolts.
Dennis Dinsmore reported that all is going to plan at the Florence Hatchery and they will enable their trap for Steelhead sometime in late December or January.
The Coos Bay Hatcheries, Morgan Creek and Noble Creek reported a great year for Fall Chinook egg take. Surplus eggs were used for a research incubator project on the Millicoma River.
Steve Godin reported that $916 was spent on rods and reels for OCA raffles and the OCA Banquet during Black Friday sales. Members approved an additional $400 to be spent on Diawa Accudepth reels and two medium weight spinning rods. Englund Marine agreed to provide the reels at their cost. Doug Buck volunteered to follow up.
OCA meeting notices at Leona’s Restaurant, Reedsport High School and Chamber of Commerce Reader Boards will start in February.
Rosann Thienes reserved the Reedsport Community Center for July 17 - 18 for the OCA Banquet.
New Business; Steve reported that the Sport Angler Science summary that he gave at the November PFMC meeting was well received with lots of compliments and questions from council members. The SAS form has now been transitioned to Google Forms for the next phase of the program.
Anyone considering camping at Fort Stevens in May for Razor Clam digging on the minus tides should go on line soon to make reservations.
The Christmas Trees for Salmon project will start officially right after Christmas. Steve Thienes will install the drop off sign at the Les Schwab street location.
The 2026 bottom fishing regulation daily quotas were discussed; 4 bottomfish, sub bag limit of 2 Canary Rockfish and 3 Ling Cod. This was confirmed on December 12th at the ODFW Commissioners meeting.
Kevin Prescott attended the Umpqua Fishermen Association meeting in Roseburg. There are questions regarding the Calapooya Creek 300,000 Fall Chinook releases that were discontinued by ODFW some years ago. We are investigating opportunities for a revised program.
Dennis Dinsmore won the 50/50 raffle $33 and donated it back to OCA, thank you Dennis.
OCA members will gather again on February 5th at Bedrocks on the Bay for the Fish Dinner. A notice will go out in January regarding the cost and to make reservations. There will not be a meeting in January.