Nehelem Help

[Navigator]

I will be camping in the Nehelem area next weekend (November 11th and 12h) - what are the fishing possibilities? I do not have a boat. Also, I might rent a boat and do some crabbing in the bay. When is it best to crab with respect to tides.

[OneLastCast]

Navigator:

As far as fishing goes it is still a little slow. There is plenty of bank access on the South Fork up Foss Road (above Mohler Sand And Gravel) The North Fork Hatchery is always a bet and the gates are open on the logging road above the hatchery which opens the possibility for some chinook. Sometimes that area can be hot.
As far as crabbing I am not much of a crabber but incoming is the best time. Talk to Kelly "KrabKing" Laviolette or his wife Janice at Jetty fishery. They are excellent people and if anyone knows crab it's Kelly.

Kelly is right at the jaws and if you rent a boat ask him if they are picking up any fish at the mouth. They still have been picking up a few.

OneLastCast

[Navigator]

Thanks OneLastCast! I will post a report. I have heard good thinks about Janice and the Jetty Fishery.

[chromer]

When there is good difference between the high and low tides (lots of tidal current)the best time to crab is the last 2 hours of the flood through 1st hour of the ebb. When there isn't a big swing, and therefore not much current, anytime is O.K.

Also when there is a heavy flow, you'll do better out of the main channels. Heavy flows can move the lighter pots considerable distances and "sand in" the heavier pots.

Now's a great time to crab. As soon as the big rains start (if they ever show up) the fresh water drives the crabs back out into the ocean.

Given how poor the salmon fishing has been lately, I think you're on the right track by spending your time crabbing!

[Navigator]

Thanks Chromer