Well now, let me tell ya ’bout fishin’ down at the Alsea River in Oregon, somethin’ I know a bit ‘bout, though I ain’t no expert, just been around fishin’ for a long while. Now, the Alsea River’s a good spot, real good if you ask me. Fishin’ there, you can catch all sorts o’ fish, but most folks, they come for them Chinook salmon, and let me tell ya, them fish are somethin’ else!
When to Go Fishin’ at Alsea River
If you wanna catch ya some of them big ol’ Chinook salmon, you gotta come when the fish are runnin’, that’s from August 1st to December 31st. That’s when they swim up the river, so that’s when the fishin’ is best. You might also wanna try for hatchery steelhead, which is open from January 1st through April 30th, and again from November 1st through December 31st. They’re a bit trickier to catch, but they put up a good fight when ya hook ‘em.
Where to Fish
The best fishin’ spots are down near the lower bay, around the mouth of the river, where the water’s a bit saltier. But if you’re more of a river fishin’ type, you can go up the river, all the way up to the USFS River Edge Boat Landing. Now, that’s where you’ll find some good fishin’, especially if you know how to work a bobber or troll a lure. Ain’t too many folks fishin’ up that far, so it’s a good spot to catch yourself a decent Chinook if you’re lucky.
Fishin’ Techniques
Now, as for how to catch ’em, well, there’s a few ways you can do it. In the lower bay, folks usually troll their lines through the water. It’s a good way to catch ’em if you don’t mind bein’ out on the water for a while. Another way, especially if you’re further up the river, is bobber fishin’. You just float your bait down the river with a bobber and wait for the fish to bite. I tell ya, that’s a peaceful way to spend the day, sittin’ by the water, watchin’ your bobber. If you’re into it, you can even try fly fishin’ or throwin’ a lure. Them fish, they get mighty curious ’bout them shiny lures!
Other Fish at Alsea River
Besides them Chinook and steelhead, there’s other fish swimmin’ around in Alsea River, too. You can find yourself some coho salmon or even some cutthroat trout if you’re fishin’ in the right spots. I know people who’ve caught themselves some real nice trout in the river, especially if they know where to look. So, don’t just go lookin’ for Chinook salmon; there’s other fish you can catch too if you’re patient enough.
Best Times to Fish
Now, the best times to fish depend a lot on the weather. When them skies clear up and the air gets a little cooler, that’s when the fall run of Chinook salmon really starts. It’s like they just know it’s time to swim upstream. The colder weather in the winter also makes the fish a little more active, so you can keep fishin’ into the colder months if you’re tough enough to handle it. Just be careful, it can get slippery on the rocks if you’re not careful.
Alsea Bay Fishing
If you’re down around Newport, you can also try fishin’ in Alsea Bay. It’s a bit different than the river fishin’, but it’s got its own charm. You’ll still catch Chinook salmon if you’re lucky, and you might even hook a few other types o’ fish, too. It’s a good spot if you don’t feel like headin’ up the river or if the weather’s a bit rough. Just make sure you know the tide times, ‘cause the fish like to swim around at different times o’ the day depending on that.
Final Thoughts on Alsea River Fishing
If you ask me, fishin’ on the Alsea River is as good as it gets, long as you’re patient and don’t mind a little work. You might not catch a fish every time you throw a line in the water, but when you do, it sure feels good! Whether you’re trollin’ the lower bay or sittin’ by the river with a bobber, you’re bound to have yourself a good ol’ time. Just be sure to check the fishin’ reports, know the season, and follow the rules so you don’t run into any trouble. And most importantly, enjoy the peace and quiet of bein’ out there on the water. There’s nothin’ quite like it, let me tell ya.
Tags：[Alsea River fishing, Chinook salmon, Oregon fishing, fishing report, steelhead, Alsea Bay, salmon run, river fishing, fishing techniques, Alsea River fishing season]
