Tillamook River.

[fishon]

How come you never hear anything about the Tillamook River? Is is not a good river?

[Deleted User]

Because the ODFW stopped planting salmon and steelhead in this gorgeous little river. Along with the Necanicum River near Seaside, these 2 small gems were my favorite rivers to fish for winter steelhead thru the 70's and early 80's. Very little pressure and lots of fish added up to common double figure fish days per rod for those who knew them well. And in such beautiful settings. I used to bankfish them with just a few of my friends. They are still my fondest fishing memories. - RT

[Penn]

RT, when did they stop releasing steelies in the Necanicum. I have fished it for years and have noticed what I think are fewer hatchery fish in the past few years. http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

[davpot]

I just heard on the news today that the current head of ODFW was fired for political reasons! Funding, etc. This is just the tip of the iceberg folks! Even the regs are late!
My feeling is that there are just TOO MANY contending forces at work for ODFW to be an effective agency anytime soon. I sure hope this changes, 'cause Im getting pretty tired of shelling out ever higher licence fees for little return. Just my .02$!

[FishinMission]

I used to catch alot of fall salmon on that river, but not in the last two years. I won't tell you where though!!

[Grits]

I would have to agree with Davpot on the liscense fees. I just moved back here from NC where a combonation fishing/hunting liscense with 6 deer tags, 2 turkey tags and a bear cost $40. Nearly had sticker shock when I bought just my liscense.

[Deleted User]

Penn, ODFW hasn't stopped planting the Necanicum; yet. They stopped planting the small Tillamook River some time ago. The reason you have been seeing less hatchery fish in the Nec. is because of dwindling runs. Most rivers are seeing less hatchery fish both because of that and because they are planting less smolt numbers each year until they can be converted to broodstock planted rivers. They don't appear very willing to publisize this; probably to avoid a public relations backlash? - RT

[4u2fish]

Why can't they just do what is best for the fish and the waterway and forget the rest of the bullcrap... My frigin God let me in there I will whip some politician a$$ and get some fish in the river. Stop spending the $$ on the stuf that hasn't improved anything for years and try something new if thats what it takes.. I will be ****** when my sons gets old enough to catch steelies and there are none left to catch....

I feel so powerless!!

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AKC H2O-K9

[Joe]

The Tillamook River does produce some Sturgeon. I dont think they are quite the quality you get out in the bay though.