South Jetty Florence

The South Jetty in Florence offers diverse fishing opportunities where the Siuslaw River meets the Pacific Ocean. According to local sources, anglers can enjoy ocean, river, and beach fishing, with access to species like salmon, steelhead, rockfish, and surf perch, while surrounded by scenic dunes and coastal forests.

Quick Info

Fishing Opportunities
The South Jetty area is popular for catching species like rockfish, lingcod, greenling, surfperch, and cabezon. Dungeness crabbing is also common in the nearby bays.

Access Points
Accessible from South Jetty Road, the jetty has several parking areas and walkways leading to the river mouth and beach. There are multiple fishing spots along the jetty rocks and shore.

Facilities
The area includes parking, restrooms, picnic areas, and designated off-highway vehicle (OHV) areas for beach access.

Fishing Techniques
Typical methods include casting with bait or lures from the jetty for rockfish and lingcod, and surf fishing from the beach for surfperch.

Regulations
Anglers should refer to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for fishing seasons, catch limits, and licensing requirements. Certain fish like cabezon may have seasonal restrictions.

Safety Considerations
Jetty rocks can be slippery and ocean waves unpredictable; wear sturdy footwear and stay aware of changing tides and wave action.

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Access Points and Parking

South Jetty Beach offers multiple access points and parking areas for visitors:

Nine beach access points are available along Sand Dunes Road, which runs parallel to the beach
Each access point has a small parking lot, with some featuring vault toilets
Two ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) staging areas with parking are located near the entrance: South Jetty Staging and Goose Pasture Staging
A $5 per vehicle per day fee is required, payable through a digital day pass system

Visitors can expect to climb a short but steep trail over a dune to reach the beach from most access points. The South Jetty area provides separate zones for OHV use and non-motorized activities, ensuring diverse recreational opportunities. For those seeking solitude, it’s often easy to find a less crowded parking area, especially on weekdays or during off-peak seasons.

Popular Fish Species

South Jetty Park offers anglers the opportunity to catch a variety of fish species:

Rockfish: Several species, including black-and-yellow rockfish, are common catches near the jetty rocks
Lingcod: Often found near the tips of the jetties, especially during spring
Surfperch: Redtail surfperch are particularly abundant in the surf zone
Greenling: Also known as sea trout, these are frequently caught from the jetty
Cabezon: Another popular catch for jetty anglers
Salmon: While less common, salmon can occasionally be caught from the jetty during their seasonal runs

The best fishing times are typically an hour before high tide and through the slack tide. Anglers should be aware of size and bag limits, which may vary by species and season. It’s also important to note that some rockfish species, such as black-and-yellow rockfish, may have high levels of methylmercury and PCBs, so consumption should be limited.

FLORENCE

Scenic Views and Landmarks

South Jetty Park offers stunning scenic views and notable landmarks that enhance the fishing experience:

Siuslaw River Jetties: The south jetty provides panoramic views of where the Siuslaw River meets the Pacific Ocean, offering a picturesque backdrop for anglers
Foredune: Climbing to the top of the grassy foredune provides expansive vistas of the ocean and surrounding landscape
Whale Memorial: Near Beach Access 7, there’s a memorial marking the site of a 1979 beaching of 41 sperm whales, adding historical interest to the area
Wetlands: Two parking areas offer viewpoints of seasonal wetlands, ideal for wildlife observation, especially bird watching
Oregon Dunes: The park is part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, featuring impressive dune formations that stretch for miles along the coastline

These scenic elements not only provide a beautiful setting for fishing but also offer opportunities for photography and nature appreciation between casts. The diverse landscape of beach, dunes, and estuary creates a unique coastal ecosystem that changes with the tides and seasons.

Sources:

myodfw.org, Oregon Coast Magazine, Forest Service, Pines n Vines

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