Northwest Zone

NW Fishing

September 10, 2026

Best bets for weekend fishing: 

• Nehalem Bay has fall Chinook in the bay and tidewater. Fishing has been fair and consistent the past couple weeks with multiple fish being caught daily. The Bag limit is one wild adult Chinook per day and five for the season (July 1 to Nov 30) as part of the overall daily bag limit. A few hatchery coho have been caught in the bay as well.
• Wild coho fisheries is open in Nehalem, Tillamook, and Nestucca Bays, the season runs until October 28 (Open Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only). As part of your 2 adult salmon/steelhead per day, only 1 can be a wild adult coho. No more than 3 wild adult coho per season in any one basin (Nehalem, Tillamook, and Nestucca). No more than 5 wild adult coho salmon may be harvested per year in the Northwest and Southwest Zones. See the regulation updates online at Fall coastal salmon management for more details. It is early in the season and coho numbers will be low in the bays but a few are showing up.
• Nestucca Bay and Tillamook Bay are both starting to produce Fall Chinook, it's early but there are some around and being caught in both estuaries.
• Cape Meares Lake and Town Lake were stocked with trophy trout last week. These are 2-3 pound trout that are fun to catch!
• Warm water fisheries for bass and sunfish are active and provide some good opportunity for weekend fishing. Cape Meares Lake, Coffenbury Lake, Cullaby Lake, and Vernonia pond all have decent populations of warm water species available to catch. Lake Lytle has a good largemouth bass population, but it is very weedy. The bass populations in Cape Meares and Coffenbury are healthy with decent numbers and size of fish. The population is down in Town Lake.
• Summer steelhead fishing on the Siletz River has been slow, but last week's rain should get some fish moving again. Multiple batches of summer steelhead were recycled to the lower river for additional angler opportunity in May and June. Recycled steelhead have a colored tag at the base of the dorsal fin. Anglers are asked to please report tagged steelhead caught in the Siletz River to caleb.w.yann@odfw.oregon.gov with the date, tag color, and general location where fish were caught to monitor recapture and harvest rates in the basin. Additional summer steelhead were also recycled to Olalla Reservoir to provide angler opportunities.
• The Siuslaw, Alsea, Siletz and Yaquina rivers are starting to produce some fall Chinook lower in the systems.
• Sea-run and resident cutthroat can be found in many Mid Coast streams currently open to angling. Anglers are reminded to be aware of daily bag limits, bait restrictions and additional angling closures.
• Warmwater fisheries can be a great option this time of year. Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes can be great places to target largemouth bass, yellow perch, and bluegill. Largemouth bass are doing well at both locations.
• Siletz River HWY 229 remains closed at approximately milepost 14 due to a large land slide covering the road.

Trout stocking 

September: 

Lost Lake, Town Lake, Coffenbury Lake, Cape Meares Lake, Sunset Lake (N Coast Range) 

Check out the trout stocking schedule.

Trout stocking maps

Check out the ODFW fishing and trout stocking maps to find nearby fishing locations, driving directions and descriptions of amenities.

Announcements

Three Rivers from the mouth to the hatchery deadline is closed to angling July 16 to September 30.

Trask River 200 feet above and 900 feet below Gold Creek at Trask Hatchery (which includes the "hatchery hole") is closed to angling July 16 to October 15.

New for 2026: Tillamook Bay and River upstream of the Hwy 131 bridge is closed to all sturgeon angling (including catch and release).

Trask Hatchery has some damage to their access road, the hatchery is still open to the public, but as a result anglers and visitors alike will need to park up top and walk down.

The Trask is closed to angling from the marker at the Dam Hole (MP 7 on Trask River Road) up to Blue Ridge Creek September 1 – November 30.

Many coastal basins opened for fall Chinook on August 1. For regulation updates visit Fall Coastal Salmon Management for more information.

Big Creek from the RR trestle to the hatchery deadline is closed to angling until Oct. 15.

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Updates by waterbody

ALSEA RIVER: Cutthroat trout, Chinook salmon

Fall Chinook opened August 1. Anglers have reported catching a fair number of Chinook in the bay over the past week. The wild Chinook bag limit is two per day/ten for the season from August 1 to December 31, as part of the overall daily bag limit. Wild Chinook jacks may be retained as per the permanent regulations (up to 5/day). See the regulation updates online at Fall coastal salmon management for more details. 

Sea-run and resident cutthroat trout are available throughout the Alsea River. Check your regulations before you head out for bait or stream restrictions. Last updated 9/9/26.

KILCHIS RIVER: Cutthroat trout

There are cutthroat trout throughout Kilchis and plenty of public access off Kilchis Forest Road. Sea-run cutthroat have been in tidewater and are dispersing upriver now.

Fall Chinook season opened August 1 and there may be a few fish moving into tidewater, but numbers will be low until a little later in the run. The wild Chinook bag limit is one adult per day/five for the season from August 1 to November 30, as part of the overall daily bag limit (in aggregate with Tillamook Bay, Miami R, Kilchis R, Wilson R, Trask R, and Tillamook R). Wild Chinook jacks may be retained as per permanent regulations (up to 5/day). See the regulation updates online at Fall coastal salmon management for more details. Last updated 9/8/26.

NECANICUM RIVER: Cutthroat trout

There are cutthroat trout throughout the Necanicum River fishery. Sea-run cutthroat have been in tidewater and are in the river now as well. Concentrate on deep pools with cover and use stealthy tactics for the best odds of success.

Technically Fall Chinook fishing opens in the Necanicum on August 1, and there may be a few moving into tidewater, but the numbers will be low until later in the fall, thus far very few fish have been caught. The wild Chinook bag limit is one adult per day/five for the season from August 1 to November 30, as part of the overall daily bag limit. Wild Chinook jacks may be retained as per the permanent regulations (up to 5/day). See the regulation updates online at Fall coastal salmon management for more details.

The Highway 101 boat ramp south of Seaside will be closed to vehicle access until next fall to reduce dumping and illegal camping. A combination lock will be put back on the gate for angler access next fall usually around mid-October. Walk in access is still permitted through the summer. Last updated 9/8/26.

NEHALEM RIVER & NORTH FORK NEHALEM: Chinook, coho, Cutthroat trout

The Nehalem gets a run of "summer" Chinook salmon (an early component of the Fall run) and those fish have been in the bay and tidewater and some may have moved into the river. Fishing has slowed a bit the past week but is still fair and consistent with multiple fish being caught daily. August is generally the peak month for the early run of Chinook. At the same time the more traditionally timed fall Chinook are starting to show up. This is mostly a bay fishery with trolling spinners being a popular method lower in the bay and bobber fishing in the upper tidewater. Fish are dispersed from the jaws to the upper tidewater.. The wild Chinook bag limit is one adult per day/five for the season from July 1 to November 30, as part of the overall daily bag limit. Wild Chinook jacks may be retained as per the permanent regulations (up to 5/day). See the regulation updates online at Fall coastal salmon management for more details.

There have been a few hatchery coho caught down near the jaws, but it's probably still a little early for the Nehalem hatchery coho headed for the North Fork. The wild coho fishery will be opening in Nehalem this week. The season is September 9 to October 28 (Open Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only). As part of your 2 adult salmon/steelhead per day, only 1 can be a wild adult coho. No more than 3 wild adult coho per season from the Nehalem basin. No more than 5 wild adult coho salmon may be harvested per year in the Northwest and Southwest Zones. See the regulation updates online at Fall coastal salmon management for more details.

There are cutthroat trout throughout the Nehalem basin and no shortage of places to fish for them. Sea-run cutthroat are dispersed throughout the fishery. Fishing has been good for them recently. Remember to check for bait restrictions before fishing.

The Nehalem River above the Hwy 26 bridge at Elsie is closed to all angling September 1 – November 30. Last updated 9/8/26.

NESTUCCA RIVER & LITTLE NESTUCCA RIVER: Summer steelhead, cutthroat trout, Chinook

Fall Chinook are starting to show up in Nestucca Bay with some fish being caught the past couple of weeks. The wild Chinook bag limit is one adult per day/two for the season from August 1 to November 30, as part of the overall daily bag limit. Wild Chinook jacks may be retained as per the permanent regulations (up to 5/day). See the regulation updates online at Fall coastal salmon management for more details.

The wild coho fishery will be opening in the Nestucca this week. The season is September 9 to October 28 (Open Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only). As part of your 2 adult salmon/steelhead per day, only 1 can be a wild adult coho. No more than 3 wild adult coho per season from the Nestucca basin. No more than 5 wild adult coho salmon may be harvested per year in the Northwest and Southwest Zones. See the regulation updates online at Fall coastal salmon management for more details. It is still a little early for coho but there should be a few starting to show up.

The Nestucca also gets a hatchery summer steelhead run. Many anglers switch to salmon fishing in the fall but September and October can be a great time to target summer steelhead. The cooler water temperatures and fall rains can get these fish more active and willing to bite. Even though they have been in the river for a few months they aren't going to spawn until winter so many of them are still good table fair. There are fish present throughout the fishery (up to Elk Creek), and Cedar Creek Hatchery has been recycling summer steelhead to increase angler opportunity. Some rain this week may get them more active and improve fishing. Lures, beads, and jigs are all effective techniques.

There are cutthroat trout throughout the Nestucca basin. Sea-run cutthroat are dispersed throughout the fishery. Fishing should be fair to good. Last updated 9/8/26.

River levels and predictions for the Nestucca are available here.

SALMON RIVER: Cutthroat trout, Chinook salmon

Fall Chinook opened August 1. Some Chinook are being caught, but many fish will not move in for a couple more weeks. The wild Chinook bag limit is two per day/ten for the season from August 1 to December 31, as part of the overall daily bag limit. Wild Chinook jacks may be retained as per the permanent regulations (up to 5/day). See the regulation updates online at Fall coastal salmon management for more details.

Resident and sea-run cutthroat trout are available in the Salmon River. Be sure to check your regulations before you head out for bait or stream restrictions. Last updated 9/9/26.

SILETZ RIVER: Summer steelhead, Chinook salmon, cutthroat trout

Summer steelhead are dispersed throughout the Siletz River, but fishing has been slow. Most anglers are targeting the gorge upstream of Moonshine Park. The bank access in the upper gorge offers a unique and often remote fishing experience for anglers looking to get away from crowds. Multiple batches of summer steelhead were recycled to the lower river for additional angler opportunity in May and June. Recycled steelhead will have a colored tag at the base of the dorsal fin. Anglers are asked to please report tagged steelhead caught in the Siletz River to caleb.w.yann@odfw.oregon.gov with the date, tag color, and general location fish were caught. Thank you to all the anglers who have been reporting tagged steelhead.

Fall Chinook opened August 1. Anglers have reported catching a few Chinook in the bay and tidewater. More fish should be moving in over the next few weeks. The wild Chinook bag limit is two per day/ten for the season from August 1 to December 31, as part of the overall daily bag limit. Wild Chinook jacks may be retained as per the permanent regulations (up to 5/day). See the regulation updates online at Fall coastal salmon management for more details.

Resident and sea-run cutthroat trout are available in the Siletz River. Be sure to check your regulations before you head out for bait or stream restrictions. As a reminder, fishing is closed on the Siletz River and tributaries upstream of Siletz Falls

A landslide on HWY 229 has resulted in a road closure at approximately milepost 14.5. HWY 229 will be closed for the unforeseeable future until crews are able to safely remove the debris from the roadway.

As a general reminder for Anglers: Help to protect boating opportunities by maximizing distance from bank anglers and other boats. Safely row or motor around anglers and other boats and avoid motoring nearshore and in shallow areas. Last updated 9/9/26.

SIUSLAW RIVER: Cutthroat trout, Chinook salmon, rockfish, surf perch, crabbing

Fall Chinook opened August 1. Reports indicate a few Chinook are being caught in the lower river between the mouth and Cushman. The wild Chinook bag limit is one per day/five for the season from August 1 to December 31, as part of the overall daily bag limit. Wild Chinook jacks may be retained as per the permanent regulations (up to 5/day). See regulation updates online at Fall Coastal Salmon Management for more details.

Resident and sea-run cutthroat trout are available in the Siuslaw River. Be sure to check your regulations before you head out for bait or stream restrictions.

Jetties can be a great place to target rockfish and surf perch during the summer. For more information on surf perch, crabbing, rockfish and lingcod, refer to the Marine Recreation Report. Last updated 9/9/26.

THREE RIVERS: Cutthroat trout

Three Rivers from the mouth to the hatchery deadline is closed to angling until September 30. The best opportunity upstream of the hatchery weir is for cutthroat trout as hatchery Chinook and steelhead are stopped at Cedar Creek hatchery. Resident cutthroat are present throughout the upper portion of the stream. Last updated 9/8/26.

TILLAMOOK BAY: Chinook, coho, marine bottom fish.

Fall Chinook fishing opened in the Tillamook basin (Tillamook Bay, Miami R, Kilchis R, Wilson R, Trask R, and Tillamook R) on August 1. There's been some Chinook caught in the bay the past couple weeks; both in the lower and upper bay. The wild Chinook bag limit is one adult per day/five for the season from August 1 to November 30, as part of the overall daily bag limit. Wild Chinook jacks may be retained as per the permanent regulations (up to 5/day). See the regulation updates online at Fall coastal salmon management for more details.

The wild coho fishery will be opening in Tillamook this week. The season is September 9 to October 28 (Open Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only). As part of your 2 adult salmon/steelhead per day, only 1 can be a wild adult coho. No more than 3 wild adult coho per season from the Tillamook basin. No more than 5 wild adult coho salmon may be harvested per year in the Northwest and Southwest Zones. See the regulation updates online at Fall coastal salmon management for more details. Tillamook Bay also gets a run of hatchery coho headed for the Trask River. It is still a little early for coho but there should be a few starting to show up.

There are still rockfish and kelp greenling available off the Tillamook Bay jetties (the North jetty provides the only bank angling this spring as the South jetty is still undergoing repairs/construction). Ling cod fishing tends to be slower this time of year but there should still be a few around. Concentrate on slack tides for the best chance of success. Sea-run cutthroat have dispersed into the rivers but there should still be a few in the tidewater. Last updated 9/8/26.

TRASK RIVER: Chinook, cutthroat trout, coho

Chinook fishing is slow on the Trask. What fall Chinook are around are mostly in the bay and tidewater although a few have been caught in the lower river. The wild Chinook bag limit is one adult per day/five for the season from August 1 to November 30, as part of the overall daily bag limit (in aggregate with Tillamook Bay, Miami R, Kilchis R, Wilson R, Trask R, and Tillamook R). Wild Chinook jacks may be retained as per the permanent regulations (up to 5/day). See the regulation updates online at Fall coastal salmon management for more details.

The Trask River gets a return of hatchery coho that should start coming back this month, but for now they will mostly be in the estuary. There is no retention of wild coho allowed upstream of the Hwy 101 bridge.

The Trask is closed to angling from the marker at the Dam Hole (MP 7 on Trask River Road) up to Blue Ridge Creek September 1 – November 30. The section of the Trask River 200 ft above and 900 ft below Gold Creek at Trask Hatchery (which includes the "hatchery hole") is closed to angling until October 15.

Trout fishing is open and there are cutthroat trout (including sea-runs) throughout the fishery, which includes the North, South, and East forks (no bait allowed in the forks between May 22-Aug 31). Fishing is fair to good.

Trask hatchery has some damage to the access road so anglers and visitors will need to park up top and walk down if passing through to upstream areas. Last updated 9/8/26.

WILSON RIVER: Summer steelhead, cutthroat trout.

Summer steelhead are in the Wilson River. Many anglers switch to salmon fishing in the fall but September and October can be a great time to target summer steelhead. The cooler water temperatures and fall rains can get these fish more active and willing to bite. Even though they have been in the river for a few months they aren't going to spawn until winter so many of them are still good table fair. Fish are throughout the fishery (up to the South Fork) and the upper river seems to have the best numbers. There is plenty of public access off Highway 6. Lures, beads, and jigs are all proven techniques.

There are cutthroat trout (including sea-runs) throughout the Wilson River.

Fall Chinook season opened August 1 and there may be some moving into tidewater but probably still won't be much upstream. The wild Chinook bag limit is one adult per day/five for the season from August 1 to November 30, as part of the overall daily bag limit (in aggregate with Tillamook Bay, Miami R, Kilchis R, Wilson R, Trask R, and Tillamook R). Wild Chinook jacks may be retained as per the permanent regulations (up to 5/day). See the regulation updates online at Fall coastal salmon management for more details. Last updated 9/8/26.

Wilson River levels and predictions are available here.

YAQUINA RIVER: Cutthroat trout, Chinook salmon, rockfish, surf perch, crabbing

Fall Chinook opened August 1. Angling pressure has been light, but there are a few fall Chinook being caught. The wild Chinook bag limit is two per day/ten for the season from August 1 to December 31, as part of the overall daily bag limit. Wild Chinook jacks may be retained as per the permanent regulations (up to 5/day). See the regulation updates online at Fall coastal salmon management for more details.

Resident and sea-run cutthroat trout are available in the Yaquina River. Be sure to check your regulations before you head out for bait or stream restrictions.

Jetties can be a great place to target rockfish and surf perch during the summer. For information on marine species such as surf perch, rockfish and lingcod, refer to the Marine Recreation Report. Last updated 9/9/26.