The Best Hidden Fishing Spots in Florence, Oregon
Florence is well known for its stunning coastal views, but beneath the surface lies an angler’s dream—secluded fishing spots rich with trout, salmon, and other prized catches. If you’re looking for a quiet, productive day on the water, here are the best secret fishing locations only locals know about.
1. Sutton Lake
Best For: Largemouth bass, rainbow trout, yellow perch
Location: Just north of Florence, off Highway 101
Why It’s Special: Tucked away in the Siuslaw National Forest, Sutton Lake is often overlooked by tourists. The calm waters provide excellent fishing, with bass hiding among submerged logs and trout thriving in the deeper sections.
Local Tip: Use topwater lures in the early morning for bass and small spinners for trout near the inlet streams.
2. Munsel Lake
Best For: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass
Location: Just east of Florence, accessible via Munsel Lake Road
Why It’s Special: Munsel Lake is stocked regularly with rainbow trout, making it an excellent choice for anglers looking for an easy catch. The lake also holds a healthy population of largemouth bass, which can be found near the weed beds.
Local Tip: The best trout fishing happens in early spring and fall, while bass fishing heats up in the summer months.
3. North Fork Siuslaw River
Best For: Chinook salmon, steelhead, cutthroat trout
Location: North of Florence, following North Fork Road
Why It’s Special: This stretch of river is perfect for fly fishing and drift boat anglers looking for trophy-sized salmon and steelhead. It’s far enough off the beaten path to avoid heavy fishing pressure.
Local Tip: The best steelhead action happens in winter, while fall is prime for Chinook salmon. Try drifting eggs or tossing spinners in deeper pools.
4. Florence Jetty and North Beach
Best For: Surfperch, rockfish, lingcod
Location: At the mouth of the Siuslaw River, extending into the Pacific Ocean
Why It’s Special: If you love surf fishing, this is the place to be. The jetty and nearby beaches provide some of the best surfperch action on the coast, along with opportunities to catch rockfish and lingcod near the jetty rocks.
Local Tip: Use sand shrimp or Berkley Gulp worms on a surf rig for the best results. Fishing is best during incoming tides.
5. Siltcoos Lake
Best For: Cutthroat trout, largemouth bass, coho salmon (seasonal)
Location: South of Florence, accessible from Siltcoos Lake Road
Why It’s Special: This large coastal lake offers diverse fishing opportunities, including a unique run of wild coho salmon in the fall. It’s also one of the best places in the area for catching cutthroat trout and bass.
Local Tip: Target the salmon run in late October and November using spinners or twitching jigs in the lake’s deeper channels.
6. Tahkenitch Lake
Best For: Largemouth bass, cutthroat trout, coho salmon
Location: 10 miles south of Florence, off Highway 101
Why It’s Special: With its secluded coves and rich aquatic vegetation, Tahkenitch Lake is a hidden gem for bass anglers. It also offers excellent trout fishing in the spring and summer.
Local Tip: Fish near submerged logs and lily pads for bass, and use small spoons or flies for trout.
Essential Fishing Tips for Florence, Oregon
- Check Local Regulations: Some areas have seasonal restrictions, so review ODFW fishing regulations before heading out.
- Use Barbless Hooks for Salmon & Steelhead: This makes catch-and-release easier and is required in some parts of the Siuslaw River.
- Watch the Tides: Coastal and jetty fishing are highly influenced by tides—plan around the best conditions.
- Respect Private Land: Some rivers and lakes border private property; always follow public access guidelines.
Conclusion
Florence, Oregon, is home to some of the best-hidden fishing spots along the coast. Whether you prefer lake fishing for bass, river fishing for salmon, or surf fishing for perch, these secret spots offer incredible opportunities for every angler. So grab your gear, check the tides, and get ready for an unforgettable fishing adventure!
Pro Tip: Local bait shops like The Sportsman in Florence are great places to pick up gear, fresh bait, and insider tips on what’s biting.
