Well now, if ya ask me about fishin’ down by the Nehalem River, I gotta tell ya it’s been a bit up and down lately, but things are definitely pickin’ up. I’ve heard from folks out there sayin’ they’re catchin’ some fish here and there, though it ain’t been like the old days, when the river was just full of ’em. That said, it’s a good time to grab yer rod and give it a try. You never know what ya might haul in!
The Nehalem River is a beautiful spot, runs right through the Oregon countryside. Real peaceful, quiet, and good for thinkin’ while you wait for the fish to bite. The big news this season is the return of them hatchery coho salmon. Now, they’re startin’ to show up in the bay and even headin’ back up the North Fork of the Nehalem. Some folks say they’ve been catchin’ a few of them, so that’s good news. But, I gotta tell ya, you gotta know when to stop fishin’ ’em, ’cause the wild coho retention ended back on October 23, and that means no more keepin’ ’em after that date. Make sure ya check yer regs before ya head out, ya don’t wanna get into any trouble with them fishin’ rules!
Now, if you’re thinkin’ of fishin’ in the Nehalem, I’d say mornings and evenings are usually the best times. The fish tend to bite better then, before the sun gets too high in the sky. I’ve heard some folks say the water’s been a bit murky, but that don’t stop a good fisherman. If ya know where to cast yer line, and yer patient enough, you can still get yourself a nice catch. People been talkin’ ‘bout the bites bein’ a bit sporadic, but there’s been some decent catches reported. So don’t give up too soon, alright?
If you’re lookin’ for tips on where to fish, well, the North Fork of the Nehalem River’s a good place to start. The fish start movin’ back up there, especially when they’re comin’ from the bay. It’s always a good idea to try and find a spot where the water’s a bit deeper, since them fish like to hang out in them spots when the weather gets colder. There’s also the Nehalem Bay, which is a bit calmer, and you can sometimes get lucky there too.
Don’t forget, it’s real important to keep up with the fishing reports. They change fast, and sometimes the weather can mess up the fishin’ conditions, so it helps to know what’s goin’ on. There’s an app for that now, where ya can check for bite times and good fishing spots. Might save ya some time, if you ask me.
Now, there’s other places nearby that are worth a try if the Nehalem ain’t giving ya much. Little Nestucca River is open all year long, and folks have been catchin’ some good fish there too. The rules say you can fish all the way to the USFS bridge at Dolph, but there are a couple spots you can’t fish around Upton Falls, so keep an eye out for the markers. All in all, the rivers around here have got plenty of salmon and trout, so it ain’t just the Nehalem that’s worth fishin’—there’s a whole lotta places to try if you’re willing to get out and explore a bit.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the salmon runs can be a little unpredictable. Some years, they come back in big numbers, and other years, not so much. It all depends on the water conditions and the weather, but if ya ask me, that’s part of the fun! It’s all about being patient, enjoyin’ the time by the river, and just lettin’ nature do its thing. Sometimes, it ain’t about the fish, it’s about the peace and quiet you get when you’re sittin’ there by the water.
If you’re new to fishin’, don’t worry too much. It ain’t that hard once you get the hang of it. All ya need is a good rod, some bait, and a little bit of patience. Whether you’re fishin’ for coho, chinook, or even steelhead, it’s all about bein’ out there and havin’ a good time. And who knows, maybe you’ll come home with a nice fish to cook up for dinner! Just remember, fishin’ ain’t always about catchin’, sometimes it’s about enjoyin’ the day and the company you keep while you’re out there.
So, to sum it all up, if ya’re thinkin’ of fishin’ at the Nehalem River, now’s as good a time as any. The hatchery coho are movin’ through, and there’s still a chance for a good catch. But make sure you’re watchin’ them regulations, ’cause they change quick. And don’t forget to check the reports, so you know what’s goin’ on in the water. Fishin’ can be slow at times, but that’s part of the fun—ya never know when the next bite might come!
Tags：[Nehalem River, fishing report, coho salmon, Nehalem Bay, Oregon fishing, hatchery salmon, steelhead, chinook salmon, fishing tips, fishing seasons]
