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Northwest Zone
Table of Contents
Recreation Report
July 24, 2024
If there’s not a photo, it didn’t happen
Submit your fishing photo to ODFW and we might use it here or elsewhere on MyODFW.com.
Best bets for weekend fishing
- Spring Chinook fishing is starting to wind down on the North Coast but there are still some fresh fish in the rivers and some getting caught. Nestucca River, Little Nestucca River, and Trask River have hatchery spring Chinook throughout the fisheries. Gnat Creek on the Lower Columbia also reported a small uptick in springers this past week.
- Spring trout stocking in the North Coast lakes has been completed but there are still trout available. Water temperatures are getting warm and many lakes are getting weedy. Higher elevation lakes will probably have cooler water and therefore more active trout.
- Coastal cutthroat trout are present in rivers throughout the coast range, and sea-run cutthroat have been moving through tidewater. Be sure to check regulations for open areas and bait restrictions.
- Summer steelhead are in the Nestucca and Wison Rivers. It sounds like numbers are picking up and the fish are big this season.
- Warmwater fishing in the North Coast lakes is in full swing but the lakes are getting weedy. Using weedless set ups will up the odds of success and may reduce some frustration. Cape Meares Lake, Coffenbury Lake, Cullaby Lake, Lake Lytle, Town Lake and Vernonia Pond all have warmwater species and fishing opportunity.
- "Summer Chinook" are starting to show up in Nehalem Bay.
- Summer temps and heat waves have been racking the coast as well as the valley. If you do end up out enjoying the coast rivers this weekend, please practice both safe fish handling and respect the public areas you are in.
- Summer steelhead is still going strong on the Midcoast! It was a slower start but we are seeing more and more fish being caught in the Siletz basin. Fish are being caught anywhere between the Town Loop and the deadline, with lots of fresh chrome fish in the gorge! We have recycled several loads of hatchery summer steelhead back into the Siletz Basin the last two weeks. We did several additional loads lastweek leading into the weekend (13-14 July). The fish are marked with a floy tag and will continue to provide excellent opportunity! Those fish are likely still moving about the basin
- Spring Chinook is slowing down on the Mid Coast. Fish are still around but most of the springers have moved higher up into the Gorge. With temps as high as they have been, if you hook into and land a springer, please minimize handling and keep those fish wet!
- Lakes up and down the Mid Coast are starting to see weed growth with the rising temperatures. Fish are still in the lakes but may be a bit more frustrating pulling in weeds!
Trout stocking
Spring stocking is done for the season. Some stocking will resume in September.
See 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
5 tips for fishing in hot water
With temperatures soaring to near 100 degrees this weekend, fish will start feeling the heat. Give them a break by following these warm weather fishing guidelines.
No access to Tillamook's South Jetty
The Army Corps of Engineers is making repairs to Tillamook's South Jetty and as a result there is no public access this summer. Bay Ocean spit is still open for walking/hiking and biking but is closed to public access about a mile from the jetty.
Fishing during blue-green algae (cyanobacterial) blooms
As temperatures heat up during spring and summer, be on the watch for harmful algae blooms when recreating in Oregon lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Before you go fishing, check water quality conditions at the Oregon Health Authority website.
Sign up for the latest information on boater access
Marine Board's Opportunities and Access Report incorporates information from federal and state agencies, local facility operators and fellow boaters to provide up-to-date information so boaters can decide where to recreate and what to expect this season. Subscribe to receive email updates.
Updates by waterbody
ALSEA RIVER: cutthroat trout
Trout fishing is back open on the Alsea! As we head into mid-July waters are low and clear and provide opportunity for trout fishing. Folks who have been out have had decent success catching cutthroat of various sizes.
It's been warm so getting out early while temps are still cool will lead to the best success for trout. Try targeting cooler deeper pools, shaded banks, or heads of riffles to find fish holding in colder water. Last updated 7/17/24.
LITTLE NESTUCCA RIVER: spring Chinook
The Little Nestucca River gets a release of hatchery spring Chinook and those fish are upriver as far as Stella Falls. Fishing first light and last light will be the best chance to get fish that have been holding for a while to bite. Last updated 7/3/24.
LOWER COLUMBIA TRIBUTARIES (Big Creek, Gnat Creek, Klaskanine River): spring Chinook
Spring Chinook fishing continues to wind down in the lower Columbia tributaries, although Gnat Creek did see fishing pick up a little the last couple of weeks. There are still a few fish returning to Big Creek as well; the hatchery has put a temporary weir in near the entrance to the adult trap while they conduct some maintenance repairs. Last updated 7/16/24.
KILCHIS RIVER: cutthroat trout
Fishing for cutthroat trout should be fair to good throughout the river. Be stealthy in the clear water, use light line and subtle terminal presentations, and target early morning when the water is cooler and fish will be more active. No bait is allowed upstream of tidewater May 22-Aug. 31.
The Mapes Creek boat launch (logging bridge) will be closed to public access Aug. 1 - 2 as repairs are made to the boat ramp. Last updated 7/24/24.
NECANICUM RIVER: cutthroat trout
Trout fishing should be fair to good. Be stealthy in the clear water, use light line and subtle terminal presentations, and target early morning when the water is cooler and fish will be more active.. No bait is allowed above tidewater May 22-Aug 31. Last updated 7/17/24.
NEHALEM RIVER: Chinook, cutthroat trout
The Nehalem gets an early component of the fall Chinook run sometimes referred to as "summer Chinook" and those fish are starting to show up. So far fishing is a little slow, but we have heard of a few fish being caught. Trolling with flashers and spinners seems to be the go-to technique for this fishery, but trolling herring is always a good option for Chinook as well.
There are cutthroat trout throughout the Nehalem basin and sea-run cutthroat trout have been moving through tidewater with some nice fish being caught recently. Fishing early morning when the water is cooler and fish are more active will up the odds of success. Last updated 7/24/24.
NESTUCCA RIVER: summer steelhead, spring Chinook, cutthroat trout
Spring Chinook fishing is slow overall on the Nestucca River but there are fish throughout the fishery and it sounds like a few fresh springers moved into the river over the past couple weeks. Cedar Creek hatchery has recycled a few spring Chinook. These fish are marked with a hole punch in the operculum (gill cover); if you catch one, we'd love to hear about it. Please report it to Cedar Creek hatchery or to the district office at (503)842-2741.
Summer steelhead are in the Nestucca and there are some fish being caught. Cedar Creek hatchery recycled 34 summers downstream last week and reported that the fish are big this year. Fish should be throughout the fishery (up to Elk Creek). The upper Nestucca has good water temperatures for this time of year which should keep fish more active.
Cutthroat trout fishing should be fair to good, with fish spread through the river system. Sea-run cutthroat have been moving through the tidewater and should be making their way upriver. Last updated 7/24/24.
River levels and predictions for the Nestucca are available here.
SALMON RIVER: steelhead
The Salmon River is open for trout fishing! Like its neighbors it's been a slower start, but folks are starting to catch some fish. Early mornings or later afternoons are the best times to hit the system. A bit further upstream where the water is more shaded may offer better opportunity.
Check your regulations before you head out. Last updated 7/10/24.
SILETZ RIVER: summer steelhead, spring Chinook
The Siletz is definitely picking up steam. With the temperatures finally on the rise, folks have been catching lots of springers and summers. After a slower start we may start seeing the fishery wind down here a bit. Fish are hiding in cooler waters especially throughout the daylight hours. This may make it a bit more challenging to land a fish and you may need to spend some additional time out on the water.
We have recycled several loads of hatchery summer steelhead back into the system for additional opportunity over the past few weeks. Lots of fish should still be found in the basin going into this weekend, and the recycled fish are marked with a floy tag. We would love to hear if you caught any recycles- feel free to call or text 541-961-8360!
Spring Chinook fishing has started to wind down. Fish are still around however we are seeing fish higher up in the gorge, up above their deadline. As temperatures increase, please remember to practice safe handling techniques and keep those fish wet! As temps increase best practices would be trying your best to not remove the fish out of the water no matter how tempting a good photo opt could be! If you do take a photo, its best to do it at the water line, keeping the fish mostly submerged.
Trout fishing reopened May 22. Last updated 7/17/24.
SIUSLAW RIVER: steelhead
The Siuslaw is open for trout fishing! Like its neighbors throughout the Mid Coast, fish are moving around the basin. Not a ton of reports of fish being caught but again trying in early morning or later afternoon is best. Last updated 7/10/24.
THREE RIVERS: cutthroat trout
Three Rivers from the mouth to the hatchery deadline closed to fishing on July 16 and will remain closed until Oct. 1.
Three Rivers above the hatchery weir remains open for hatchery steelhead and cutthroat trout. There probably are not many steelhead up there as hatchery fish are not passed above the weir, but there should be cutthroat trout throughout the basin. Last updated 7/17/24.
TILLAMOOK BAY: spring Chinook, sea-run cutthroat trout
There is still some opportunity for spring Chinook on Tillamook Bay but things are winding down as the majority of fish have moved into the rivers.
Sea-run cutthroat trout fishing has slowed in tidewater, probably indicating that fish are moving into the rivers, but there is still some opportunity. Last updated 7/24/24.
TRASK RIVER: spring Chinook, cutthroat trout
The Trask River 200 feet above and 900 feet below Gold Creek at Trask Hatchery (which includes the "hatchery hole" closed to fishing July 16 and will remain closed until Oct. 15.
The Salmon/Steelhead Bobber Fishing Rule (page 18 of the regulation booklet) went into effect May 1 on part of the Trask River. Angling is restricted to fly fishing or bobber fishing from the marker at Loren's Drift (River Mile 9) up to Cedar Creek boat slide (River Mile 10.9).
Trask River spring Chinook fishing remains slow overall but some fresh springers showed up over the couple weeks. Although the area around the hatchery is now closed, there are fish throughout the fishery (up to the forks) at this point. Targeting early morning and late afternoon and changing presentations often can help entice a bite.
The Trask does NOT have a release of hatchery summer steelhead but there are a few strays being caught.
Cutthroat trout fishing should be fair to good, with fish spread through mainstem and forks of the river. Sea-run cutthroat have been moving through the tidewater and should be getting into the river. Just remember no bait is allowed May 22-Aug 31 in the North, South and East forks. Last updated 7/24/24.
WILSON RIVER: summer steelhead, cutthroat
The Wilson gets a release of hatchery summer steelhead and those fish are in the river throughout the fishery, and fishing has picked up a little lately with reports of a few fish being caught, mostly in the upper river.
The Wilson does not get a hatchery spring Chinook release. An occasional stray fish is caught, however.
Trout fishing should be fair throughout the river. The upper river has good water temperatures for this time of year that should keep fish more active. Last Updated 7/24/24.
Wilson River levels and predictions are available here.
YAQUINA RIVER: trout
Trout fishing is open on the Yaquina! Fish are definitely moving around the basin but not many reports have trickled in. Last updated 7/10/24.
Regulation Updates
Regulation updates as of July 8, 2024.
The following regulations reflect changes or additions to the permanent regulations listed in the current Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. All other permanent regulations remain in effect. Please see e-regulations.
Chinook jack limits remain as specified in 2024 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations.
Alsea River and Bay and Drift Creek (Alsea Basin, Lincoln Co.)
August 1 – December 31: In areas open for Chinook salmon angling by permanent rules, no more than ten adult wild Chinook salmon may be retained for the period in aggregate.
Necanicum River
August 1 – November 30: In areas open for Chinook salmon angling by permanent rules:
- Daily adult wild Chinook salmon bag limit is one fish.
- No more than two adult wild Chinook salmon may be retained for the period.
December 1 – 31: Closed to angling for and retention of all Chinook salmon.
Nehalem River and Bay and North Fork Nehalem River
July 1 – November 30: In areas open for Chinook salmon angling by permanent rules:
- Daily adult wild Chinook salmon bag limit is one fish in aggregate.
- No more than five adult wild Chinook salmon may be retained for the period in aggregate.
December 1 – 31: Closed to angling for and retention of all Chinook salmon.
Nestucca River and Bay, Little Nestucca River, and Three Rivers
August 1 – November 30: In areas open for Chinook salmon angling by permanent rules:
- Daily adult wild Chinook salmon bag limit is one fish in aggregate.
- No more than five adult wild Chinook salmon may be retained for the period in aggregate.
December 1 – 31: Closed to angling for and retention of all Chinook salmon.
Salmon River
August 1 – December 31: In areas open for Chinook salmon angling by permanent rules, no more than ten adult wild Chinook salmon may be retained for the period.
Siletz River and Drift Creek (Siletz Basin, Lincoln Co.)
August 1 – December 31: In areas open for Chinook salmon angling by permanent rules, no more than ten adult wild Chinook salmon may be retained for the period in aggregate.
Siuslaw River (Mainstem), North Fork Siuslaw River, and Sweet Creek
August 1 – December 31: In areas open for Chinook salmon angling by permanent rules, the daily adult wild Chinook salmon bag limit is one fish in aggregate. No more than two adult wild Chinook salmon may be retained for the period in aggregate.
Tillamook River and Bay, Kilchis River, Miami River, Wilson River, and Trask River
August 1 – November 30: In areas open for Chinook salmon angling by permanent rules:
- Daily adult wild Chinook salmon bag limit is one fish in aggregate.
- No more than two adult wild Chinook salmon may be retained for the period in aggregate.
December 1 – 31: Closed to angling for and retention of all Chinook Salmon.
Yachats River
August 1 - December 31: In areas open for Chinook salmon angling by permanent rules:
- Daily adult wild Chinook salmon bag limit is one fish.
- No more than two adult wild Chinook salmon may be retained for the period.
Yaquina River and Big Elk Creek
August 1 – December 31: In areas open for Chinook salmon angling by permanent rules, no more than ten adult wild Chinook salmon may be retained for the period in aggregate.
For more information contact your local ODFW office:
- Tillamook North Coast Watershed District Office (503) 842-2741 (north of the Salmon River).
- Newport District Office Annex (541) 812-8689 (Salmon River south to Umpqua Basin).