Nestucca

[Wally]

Looking for some advice on the Nestucca. I have drifted Farmer Creek to Cloverdale once before and as I recall it was a little less crowded than the Wilson.
Anyone been down it lately? What is a good level for the Nestucca? Does it take as long after a rain to fall into shape as the Wilson?
Any advice would be welcome.
Wally

[Gone Fishin]

Wally,

I spend a little time on the Nestucca myself,
(about 95% of my drift-boat time) and yes, while the Nestucca can be a little less crowded at times, it certainly gets it's share of pressure. You're probably not going to have river to yourself, but, if you're in the right place at the right time...

A good level to go on the drift you mentioned would be somewhere between a reading of 4.0 and 5.5 ft. new guaging station is reading approx. a half a foot higher than the previous one. Thus, you would be talking water in the 3 and a half to 5 foot range.

As far as dropping and clearing, it is of course dependant on how much of a rise the river receives and then how much water is coming down after a storm event. But, as a general rule, it probably takes just a little longer than the Wilson after the same amount of rise and fall on each river.

Hope this helps! -Marty P.

[Navigator]

Any suggestions on where to plunk the Nestucca? I will be out camping with some boy scouts at Camp Merriwhether and plunking might be a good way to expose some to fishing.

[Gone Fishin]

Navigator,

Probably the mouth of Three Rivers would be your best opportunity for something like that. To get there go south of the town of Hebo on hwy 101 approx. one quarter mile out of town on the right is Hanson Road turn down the road and follow it to the end (approx. another quarter mile) big parking access and bank opportunities for the boys.

However, it has been my experience that the younger generation need action while fishing to keep the interest and plunking and action usualy aren't in the same sentence.

A more action packed trip might be some trout fishing up at Hebo Lake located just out of Hebo as well.

Need more info? Drop me an e-mail. -Marty

[Navigator]

Marty:

Thanks for the reply. I hadn't thought trout. Good idea. Is Hebo pretty much a power bait show?

Good thought about plunking. I wasn't thinking the whole day. Get the lines in and set, then talk about rigging, knots, etc. There are a couple of boys who have fishing in their blood. But you are right - I shouldn't be thinking what would be convenient for me (plunking) and be thinking what would be fun for them. Let them cast, let them get hung up and perhaps even "fish on". Thanks again.

[Gone Fishin]

Navigator,

Power Bait does work good at Hebo Lake, Although, there also is Town Lake near Woods (Pacific City) that has planted trout as well as surplus Steelhead from Cedar Cr. Hatchery (Maybe more to your liking?) I'm not too much "in the know" for those two fisheries, so your best bet would be to call Ron Byrd at Nestucca Valley Sporting Goods in Hebo (503) 392-4269 for current updates.

Good Luck! -Marty

[Wally]

Thanks Marty. Is this the current or best guage? http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/nwp/graphics/coastal/beao.gif

[Gone Fishin]

Wally,

That one will work, but here's one that's a little more detailed:
http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/d_plot?site=beao3

-Marty