Fishing at Coffenbury Lake: Tips, Tricks, and Top Spots to Reel in the Big Catch

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For a rewarding fishing adventure, head to Coffenbury Lake in Fort Stevens State Park. This 50-acre lake, nestled just west of Astoria, offers rich opportunities to hook rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and steelhead. You'll find these fish lurking near submerged structures or chasing spinners and PowerBait. The fishing is particularly lively post-spring stocking, so early mornings are your golden hours. Accessible fishing docks, boat ramps, and picnic spots cater to every angler's needs. Whether you're casting from the shore or boat, you're in for an experience that brings both tranquility and excitement. Want to discover the prime fishing spots?

Key Takeaways

  • Fish for rainbow trout post-spring stocking in March, April, and May for best results.
  • Use PowerBait, natural baits, spinners, and spoons to effectively catch trout.
  • Target largemouth bass around logs, branches, and docks with soft plastic lures.
  • Early mornings, especially after stocking, are ideal for successful fishing trips.
  • Access prime fishing spots using small boats or human-powered craft on the lake.

Location and Accessibility

Nestled within the boundaries of Fort Stevens State Park, Coffenbury Lake is a serene freshwater gem just 10 miles west of Astoria. This 50-acre lake, set 94 miles west of Portland and 124 miles northwest of Salem, offers a perfect escape into nature. It's a unique body of water, lacking inlets or outlets, and fed solely by rain, snow, and irrigation, making it a tranquil spot for recreational activities. Oregon State Parks are committed to providing safe and equitable access to all visitors, ensuring everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of this location.

Getting to Coffenbury Lake is straightforward, thanks to paved roads that cater to all passenger vehicles. Once you arrive, you'll find ample parking areas, though a day-use parking permit is required. You can easily purchase one for $5 at vending machines located in the parking lots, or simply display a valid Oregon State Parks permit. If you're camping, parking is free with a valid receipt. The parks serve diverse communities, reflecting Oregon's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

To reach the lake, start from the junction of Highway 101 and Highway 30 in Astoria. Travel southwest for 3.2 miles, turn right onto Fort Stevens Highway Spur, then left onto Fort Stevens/Main Street, and finally right onto 18th Street. Follow Ridge Road for 3.5 miles to Fort Stevens State Park. Enjoy the convenience of the available facilities, including flush toilets, drinking water, picnic spots, and a reservable picnic shelter.

Popular Fish Species

As you arrive at the peaceful shores of Coffenbury Lake, you'll find yourself surrounded by a vibrant ecosystem teeming with diverse fish species. Among the most sought-after are the rainbow trout, regularly stocked by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. These trout come in various sizes, including the impressive "trophy" trout, stocked in late September, reaching up to 16 inches. For a unique catch, keep an eye out for steelhead, which are rainbow trout that have spent their lives in the ocean. They occasionally get planted during the winter months, adding excitement to your fishing adventure.

If you're drawn to larger, predatory fish, the largemouth bass will captivate you. They lurk near logs, branches, and docks, ready to strike at your bait. For those who enjoy panfish, bluegill and yellow perch are common here. Bluegill favor weedy areas with lots of cover, while yellow perch are easily caught with natural baits like nightcrawlers. The lake is part of the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, making it a scenic destination for anglers. Don't overlook the brown bullhead, a warmwater species often caught on bottom baits. And if you're up for a challenge, try your luck with the elusive black crappie, adding variety to your Coffenbury Lake fishing experience. In addition, the lake's weedy bottom can make finding the right fishing spot a bit tricky, but it also provides excellent cover for many species.

Optimal Fishing Times

Timing is everything when it comes to fishing at Coffenbury Lake. If you're aiming for rainbow trout, the best time is right after the first big stocking near Oregon's spring break in March. This period offers a flurry of activity, with additional stockings in April and May keeping the waters lively well into June. For those trophy trout, late September is prime time. Always check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's schedule for the latest stocking updates.

When targeting warmwater species like largemouth bass and bluegill, focus on the warmer months. Spring, summer, and fall are when these species thrive. Early mornings are often the most productive, especially post-stocking. Keep these seasonal tips in mind:

  • Rainbow Trout: March through June and late September.
  • Warmwater Species: Late spring to fall.
  • Steelhead: Winter months, based on surplus stocking.
  • Early Mornings: Best time for a bite after stocking.

Steelhead fishing thrives in winter. With their substantial size—often over 5 pounds—using a 10-pound line and strong gear is a must. Remember, the lake is accessible year-round from dawn to dusk, ensuring ample opportunity to plan your perfect fishing trip. Angling restricted to artificial flies and lures in streams within the Central Zone, with specific exceptions allowing bait. The lake's warm water environment supports the successful reproduction of various warmwater fish species.

Effective Fishing Techniques

Fishing success at Coffenbury Lake hinges on mastering a variety of effective techniques tailored to the species you're targeting. For trout, capitalize on immediate productivity after a big stocking of rainbow trout. Use PowerBait or natural baits, and try casting spinners and spoons from the shore. Small boats with electric motors or human-powered craft launched from the north end ramp can give you access to prime spots. Trout are receptive to a variety of techniques, making them an exciting target. The Columbia River offers excellent opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, providing anglers with diverse experiences. Coffenbury Lake, located in Fort Stevens State Park, offers fishing opportunities for both beginners and experienced anglers, thanks to its diverse fish population and accessible fishing locations.

When bass fishing, focus on structure. Casting soft plastic lures like grubs or worms near logs, branches, or docks can yield results. Bass are particularly active in warmer months, close to shore during the spring spawning. A small boat can enhance your positioning, allowing you to cast towards shore or parallel to the bank.

For steelhead, gear up with heavier lines. Trolling lures or casting colorful spinners in deeper holes is effective. Fly fishing with large flies can also attract steelhead, which can exceed 10 pounds.

Panfish are easily caught with natural baits like nightcrawlers. Try bobber fishing near shore, especially around submerged vegetation or overhanging brush, where bluegill often hide.

Essential Facilities and Amenities

Nestled within the scenic expanse of Fort Stevens State Park, Coffenbury Lake offers a wealth of essential facilities and amenities to guarantee your outdoor adventure. You'll find everything needed to keep your fishing trip smooth and enjoyable. With accessible fishing docks, you can cast your line with ease, whether you're an experienced angler or just starting out. The two boat ramps allow for easy entry into the serene 50-acre freshwater lake, though gas motors aren't permitted, assuring a peaceful experience.

The lake area boasts numerous picnic sites perfect for a well-deserved break, and there's even a reservable picnic shelter for larger gatherings. You won't have to worry about the basics, as flush toilets and drinking water are conveniently available.

  • Accessible Fishing Docks: Cast your line from ADA-accessible docks.
  • Convenient Boat Ramps: Launch your non-motorized boats with ease.
  • Picnic Areas: Enjoy your meal at scenic spots with available garbage service.
  • Comfortable Restrooms: Access flush toilets and drinking water.

Parking is a breeze with a state parks permit, and the wheelchair-friendly dock guarantees everyone can enjoy the fishing fun.

Enjoyable Additional Activities

While visiting Coffenbury Lake, you're not limited to just fishing; a plethora of enjoyable additional activities await. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the 2.4-mile loop trail around the lake, which offers stunning views without the challenge of elevation gain. If you're up for a more moderate hike, try the 5-mile trail from Battery Russell with a 100-foot elevation gain. The trails in Fort Stevens State Park, including nine miles of paved bicycle paths and six miles of hiking routes, connect seamlessly and promise scenic views of the lush forest and tranquil lake. At the park, you can also purchase a parking permit for day-use areas that charge a fee, ensuring easy access to all amenities. Visitors need an Oregon State Park pass to access certain areas, including the lake, but other parts of the park are free to visit.

For water enthusiasts, the lake offers two swimming areas with sandy beaches perfect for a bracing dip. Launch a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe from the fishing docks or boat ramps, and enjoy the calm waters. Motorized boats are allowed, provided they stay under 10 mph, while gas-powered boats are not permitted.

Wildlife watchers will be delighted by the chance to spot elk, deer, and a variety of bird species, such as herons and ducks. The diverse forest habitat also supports smaller creatures like gophers and moles. Finally, unwind with a picnic at the designated areas, complete with scenic ocean views.

Top Fishing Spots

Coffenbury Lake, a hidden gem in Fort Stevens State Park, offers some of the best fishing spots on the northern Oregon coast, near Astoria. You'll find a variety of fish species here, like trout, bass, panfish, and even surplus hatchery steelhead. The lake's north end is particularly productive, as it's deeper and wider, making it a prime location for catching trout soon after they're stocked. Accessible via a scenic trail encircling the lake, it offers plentiful bank fishing opportunities and a boat ramp for small crafts.

To maximize your fishing success, consider these top spots and techniques:

  • North End of the Lake: Ideal for trout and steelhead, especially with spinners and spoons.
  • Near Weeds and Docks: Perfect for bass using soft plastics and spinnerbaits.
  • Shoreline Trail: Offers numerous access points for trout and panfish using natural baits.
  • Boat Launch Area: Great for escaping crowded banks and targeting deeper water.

Remember to follow the trout stocking schedule by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for prime timing. With careful planning and the right spot, you're sure to reel in a big catch at Coffenbury Lake.

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