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Saturday, October 15, 2011

Steelhead and Salmon Fishing in Oregon

By Hector Fieshmann


Salmon fishing in Oregon can be one of the most exciting outdoor activities available anywhere. The runs have been coming back the last few years, so you will find many long stretches of time where a simple permit may be purchased, rather than hoping to hit a lottery to get your license. Salmon fishing can be done from the shore in many areas because of the many rivers, creeks and streams that flow down to the ocean. Those who have boats may get better luck because they can seek out and position their boat directly over a salmon run. Salmon may also be caught on commercial ocean going deep sea fishing trips.

While Salmon is the most popular and plentiful fish, steelhead is another favorite of Northwest anglers. Several local streams host early returning (late November through January) hatchery winter steelhead. The North Fork Nehalem River is generally one of the better early season streams, with hatchery steelhead also available in the Necanicum, Kilchis, Wilson, and Nestucca rivers.

A fair number of hatchery steelhead also migrate up the Trask River, although none are planted there. The Wilson and Nestucca rivers, which have wild broodstock hatchery programs, will have hatchery steelhead available throughout the winter and early spring (generally through mid-April). Wild steelhead are available throughout the winter and the run generally peaks in March.

Updated Oregon fishing conditions can be found by contacting the local ODFW in Tillamook at 503-842-2741. Recordings of updates for the North Fork Nehalem are at 503-368-5670. As with many outdoor access points, there is now a fee for using public launches. Perhaps some day there will be a annual "anywhere" pass.

The Oregon coast offers some of the greatest sight seeing in the world and attracts tourists from every corner of the Earth. Oregon fishing and crabbing are one of the top outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. If you are taking a day trip and simply want to travel down the coast for sight seeing, be sure to travel north to south.

The purpose for driving north to south on the oregon coast is that the viewing areas are mostly on the west side of the road. If you travel the other direction, then you would be crossing traffic frequently to reach a view point and then again to return to the north direction. Southbound will be easier and more enjoyable.

Starting in early August the Fall Chinook salmon generally run until late November. From mid May through July there is typically a strong Spring run of chinook salmon, giving nearly six straight months of Oregon salmon fishing. For the rest of the year steelhead and sturgeon are often in season year around, though their runs are more plentiful in winter.

Oregon fishing can be for the whole family, though you must know your children well to gauge their enthusiasm for sticking with it. Fishing can be a great bonding time and lead to family stories and memories that last a life time. Similarly, a crying child who wants to go home, or a seasick child who is throwing up, can ruin the trip for everyone. Generally, children above the age of five do pretty well, but for deep sea fishing, age 10 and older may be more appropriate. Taking Dramamine before heading out into rough waters can be a day saver for everyone.


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