More than any other industry, commercial fishing has dominated Astoria throughout its history. Salmon canneries lined the waterfront at the turn of the 20th century. Albacore and longline shark fishing put dinner on the table in the 1930s and 1940s. In the modern era, commercial fishing has turned to sole, rockfish, flounder, and other bottom fish. If it’s not enough to watch these commercial operations from the dock, try joining a charter.

Tiki Charters (350 Industry St., 503/325-7818, www.tikicharter.com) will take you out for salmon and sturgeon. Trips depart from the dock near the Red Lion Inn. Given the retail price of fresh salmon, you could theoretically pay for a charter trip by landing a single fish.

Gale Force Guides (503/861-1494, www.galeforceguides.com) takes sport anglers fishing for salmon in either salt- or freshwater, depending on the season. Departure locations also vary, depending on where you’ll be fishing. On your own, go after trout, bass, catfish, steelhead, and sturgeon in freshwater lakes, streams, and rivers. Lingcod, rockfish, surfperch, and other bottom fish can be pursued at sea, off jetties, or along ocean beaches.