ODFW fishing reports

I will post ODFW fishing updates here

Information from ODFW Northwest region

Best bets for weekend fishing

• North Coast Rivers have been high and off color for over a week now, but many will drop into shape by this weekend and steelhead fishing should be fair to good once they do. The Nestucca, Wilson, North Fork Nehalem and Necanicum rivers as well as the Lower Columbia tributaries (Big Cr, Gnat Cr and Klaskanine River) will be the best places to catch hatchery fish.

• Surplus hatchery winter steelhead were recently planted in Coffenbury Lake and Vernonia Pond. Catching a steelhead out of still water can be a fun and unique experience and may be a good option while the rivers are blown out.

• As water levels fluctuate most of the Mid Coast basins have had a few days scattered around where the steelhead bite has been hot!

• With the rains we have received, please be wary of the many downed logs that have been washed into systems. Floats you may have done earlier in the season may now prove hazardous as water levels drop and reveal additional downed trees. If you have questions, call your local ODFW office for additional information.

• Additionally, as we move into colder weather, please be wary of icy road conditions. The coast tends to be a bit warmer than the coast range and valley, and as you move further east the temps drops and roads stay icy. Stay safe out there!

• The 2024 regulation book has been published and you should be able to find it at most stores that sell fishing/hunting licenses- pick one up before heading out after the new year.

• As a reminder 2023 licenses will expire on December 31, 2023, so moving into the New Year you will need to purchase a 2024 license.