Small stream steelhead fishing in Oregon

[Billa]

Howdy, I'm new to the board here. I'm also new to fly fishing for steelhead. I do a bunch of trout fishing on the small streams around Portland and really enjoy the solitude. I enjoy hiking and bushwhacking and this winter I would like to figure out some small streams that are open to steelhead fishing. I'm not afraid to walk a long ways if that's what it takes. Any ideas for NW Oregon, SW Washington? Looking at the Oregon regs book it sounds like not much is open. Thanks!

[fishnfun]

The coast is the place to go for small stream steelhead. Other than that you have eagle creek up on the clackamas but thats not a real solitary experience.

[steel_beaver]

The coast is the place to go for small stream steelhead. Other than that you have eagle creek up on the clackamas but thats not a real solitary experience.

yeah most of them get crowded when the fish are in... here is a few that I have tried :

NF Nehalem (winters)
NF Alsea (winters)
Three Rivers (winters and summers)
Upper Wilson (winters and summers) <--- more on the medium side
Necanicum (winters)
Big Creek (winter)
Gnat Creek (winters)
Eagle Creek -clackamas system (winters)

I know there are more but maybe someone else will chip in

Good luck and be warned that once you get into the steel, its hard to go back to trout fishing:D

S_B

[SouthSantiamSlayer]

yeah most of them get crowded when the fish are in... here is a few that I have tried :

NF Nehalem (winters)
NF Alsea (winters)
Three Rivers (winters and summers)
Upper Wilson (winters and summers) <--- more on the medium side
Necanicum (winters)
Big Creek (winter)
Gnat Creek (winters)
Eagle Creek -clackamas system (winters)

I know there are more but maybe someone else will chip in

Good luck and be warned that once you get into the steel, its hard to go back to trout fishing:D

S_B

Those are all suppose to be secret!!! :D

[Billa]

Thanks for the info guys! I'm getting stoked! I'm pretty ignorant about fisheries management issues so, just out of curiosity, why are a lot of the small streams that have steelhead runs closed to fishing? Like the tributaries of the Sandy and whatnot?

[PayDay]

Thanks for the info guys! I'm getting stoked! I'm pretty ignorant about fisheries management issues so, just out of curiosity, why are a lot of the small streams that have steelhead runs closed to fishing? Like the tributaries of the Sandy and whatnot?

Pretty much to protect native fish and spawning grounds.
Without naming any names, there are also some smaller coastal streams that aren't stocked with hatchery fish but are open for catch and release in the winter months.

[Wild Chrome]

Billa,
Yes, there are some places like that, esp for winter steelhead. The smaller streams tend to get crowded with more than a few people fishing, so steelheaders are very reluctant to post the names here. I'd recommend you study the Oregon regs and Fishing in Oregon by Madeline Sheehan (?). Also, talk to the local fly shop personel. You'll find those places fairly quickly. Once you do, enjoy the heck out of them and only share the locations with your close friends.

[nookslayer]

I would have said the Salmonberry, but alas she is no more. What a shame to loose that fishery to flooding. Ruined a beautiful river. Hopefully it will come back someday.

[fishnfun]

Ya the salmonberry is definitely no good anymore :whistle:

[SouthSantiamSlayer]

Ya the salmonberry is definitely no good anymore :whistle:
Haha so I take it there's nothing wrong with the fishing?

[nookslayer]

Exactly. :wink: