Oregon Coast Anglers

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.

11/10/2025

Twenty three OCA members met on November 6th at the Marina Activity Center in Wi******er Bay. With all that needed to be discussed, there was no Guest Speaker for this meeting.
Old Business: Next year’s ODFW fishing license will cost more, plus the additional $9.00 Ocean Endorsement for those of us that fish in the ocean. ODFW is to invest the ocean endorsement money collected into the Oregon coastwide bottomfish survey.
ODFW Commissioners meet in Salem December 12-13. Ocean Bottomfish regulations for 2026 will be approved at this meeting. Steve Godin may attend the meeting to complain about the lack of control regarding nearshore commercial fishing and the overlap with recreational anglers.
New Business: Everyone was involved in the discussion about the 2026 OCA Calendar of events. The calendar was approved and is attached, please print it and keep it handy. We discussed opportunities to make it more visible to the public at Leona’s Restaurant and the Reedsport Chamber of Commerce Electronic Reader Board.
Doug Buck provided a status of the Gardiner Hatchery operation (82 Fall Chinook brood stock at the hatchery) and a number of proposals submitted to ODFW Dennis Dinsmore gave us an update regarding the Florence Hatchery activities. Steelhead trapping will commence in December. Steve Godin attended the South Coast Anglers meeting the night before and provided a status of activities at the Morgan Creek and Nobel Creek Hatcheries, both are spawning a lot of Fall Chinook. The latest report from Brookings and the Chetco River is that the capturing of Fall Chinook brood stock is going very well and in the same time frame they are releasing salmon smolts.
Doug Buck gave Tanner Smith, Elkton Senior High School student a tour of the Gardiner Hatchery. Tanner’s senior project is to develop a presentation regarding the Gardiner Hatchery and give it to Elkton third graders.
OCA members approved a proposal to spend $1,000 for OCA 2026 raffle items.
Steve Godin will be attending the November PFMC meeting in Costa Mesa, CA. He will present the findings of the Sport Angler Science Project to the council members.
Fishing stories: Steve Godin shared his new creation for catching salmon next year.
Raffle winners included Doug Buck, nice bottom fishing rod and reel and Leroy Beagley $62.00 for the 50/50.
The next OCA meeting will be on Thursday, December 4th at the Marina Activity Center in Wi******er Bay, starts at 6:30 PM.

10/20/2025

Doug Buck gave a tour of the Gardiner Hatchery on Saturday to a student from Elkton High School. The student selected salmon hatcheries for his senior project. OCA and the Gardiner Gardiner Reedsport Wi******er Bay STEP do everything we can to encourage interest in hatchery raised fish. Thanks Doug.

10/07/2025

The Gardiner Hatchery Trap located in the Wi******er Creek produced 16 adult Fall Chinook Salmon, this year's brood stock. GRWB STEP volunteers and OCA volunteers helped get them into the tank trailers which move them to the hatchery. Thanks for all involved.

10/04/2025

The Oregon Coast Anglers met on Thursday, October 2nd at the Marina Activity Center. The meeting was attended by forty-five members and friends. Randy Brummett, Siuslaw River, Heath Hampel, Cliff Lance, Coos and Coquille River, Tim Hooper, Lower Umpqua River, Colby Gonzales, Benton Croop North and South Umpqua Rivers and Dave Kuehn, Rogue and Chetco Rivers rounded out a panel of hatchery experts for an open discussion regarding south coast hatcheries. Lots of discussion, questions and concern for Salmon in south coast rivers which lasted for almost two hours. Many thanks to the panelists for providing insights to hatchery operations that most in the room had never heard. The bottom line, volunteer to help your local STEP hatchery.

Old Business: The September Business Meeting at the Highwater Cafe had 62 reservations, however only 42 members attended. We will have to exam how future business meetings will be held.

New Business: ODFW will hold a public input meeting regarding next year’s bottomfishing and halibut fishing regulations at the North Bend Library on Tuesday, October 7th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.
We need to organize a OCA Banquet committee.
Steve Godin will be attending the November PFMC meeting in Costa Mesa California in November.

We finished the meeting with the raffle. Dave Kuehn, Oregon South Coast Fishermen, President and OCA Director won the rod and reel valued at $150.

Send a message to learn more

09/29/2025

OCA Meeting October 2nd at the Marina Activity Center in Wi******er Bay

Local Rivers Hatchery Status
The Oregon Coast Anglers will host a meeting of local rivers hatchery representatives. The hatcheries supporting the Siuslaw, Umpqua, Coos and Millicoma Rivers current status and plans will be discussed. STEP hatcheries are run by volunteers and supported by anglers and their local communities. The Rock Creek Hatchery (burned, but operational) is a state hatchery, which ODFW plans to rebuild. This meeting will be very informative and attendees are encouraged to participate in the discussions.

Bottom Fish and Halibut
ODFW announced a Bottom Fish and Halibut public meeting regarding fishing regulations for next year. The meeting will be held at the North Bend Public Library on Tuesday, October 7th from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. We will discuss possible alternatives at the OCA meeting

The OCA meeting which is open to the public is scheduled for October 2nd at the Marina Activity Center in Wi******er Bay starting at 6:30 PM. So, mark your calendars and bring a friend.

Send a message to learn more

09/22/2025

Fishing update: Took Dave Kuehn, Oregon South Coast Fishermen, President and OCA Director fishing. Dave's on the far right of the photo. Four limits of Coho for our efforts, a great day of catching.