Catching Slough is a saltwater tidal slough located within the Coos Bay estuary system on the Oregon coast. It is a coastal waterway dominated by saltwater, experiencing powerful ocean tides. The primary and clearly identified access point for paddlers is the Catching Slough Boat Launch, a public boat ramp situated underneath the east side of the Highway 241 bridge in Coos Bay. This launch provides access for both motorboats and paddlecraft. For trip planning, paddlers can head downstream from this launch, around a river bend, to reach the mouth of Isthmus Slough, which passes through downtown Coos Bay. A longer upstream route of approximately six river miles, keeping left at a fork, leads to the Doris Place Boat Ramp on the Millicoma River.

The key safety consideration for paddling here is the significant tidal influence. Coastal bays like this are distinct from lakes and inland rivers; outgoing tides can be powerful enough to sweep small craft out to sea. Paddlers must always check local tidal conditions and weather forecasts before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly. The area is also used by motorboats, so paddlers should be aware of boat traffic and familiarize themselves with navigation rules. All paddlecraft ten feet or longer are required to have a current Oregon Waterway Access Permit. Essential safety equipment, including life jackets and whistles, is mandatory. As with all coastal launches, paddlers should clean, drain, and dry their boats between uses to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

The slough and surrounding Coos Bay are known for abundant marine life, including Dungeness and red rock crabs, with late summer and fall being a particularly active period. The paddling experience offers a mix of developed and natural scenery, transitioning from the bridge and boat ramp near Coos Bay to more remote stretches upstream. The water body is part of a larger, productive estuary system, providing a typical Pacific Northwest coastal slough environment.