Umpqua - Winchester Bay

[Thick-N-Thin]

I read on the fish & game report dated 11/07 that the coho and chinook fishing was excellent in Winchester Bay. I know most of you guys are up north, but do any of you if this is still good information? I know they have been counting a 1000 coho a day on the Winchester damn. I figured by now it would be very slow in the bay. It seemed pretty slow when I was there about three weeks ago.

[Ramstrong]

Who made this report? Growing up about 8 miles from windy bay I'd say that unless you get really lucky and time it when a pod of late returning fish is moving through. Stick a fork in her, she's done. The lowest I'd even attempt to fish would be at sawyers depending on the water level. Growing up, by this time of year I'd be pounding Tenmile around he lagoon. Salmon retention is no longer allowed there so I don't know where to steer you. If there's a rain event the Elk and Sixes will both have fresh fish in them, but the whole damn world knows about those little rivers. In a couple of months the S Fk Coquille is going to have it's big steelhead return. And Tenmile and the Millacoma will get fish before that. I'm sure the fish going over winchester dam are darkies, that's a long way upstream for fall fish.

[ 11-09-2001: Message edited by: Ramstrong ]</p>

[Straydog]

I worked Roseburg on Tuesday and talked to several credible people that told me that yes, fresh fish are STILL entering the bay and fish are being caught off the jetty as well as in the bay.

Yes it is late by normal years standards, however, this is far from a normal year in regards to Salmon.

I'd say go for it and if the fish are gone, you can always go upstream.