Chinook on the Wilson/Nestucca

[Jedediah]

I have a couple of buddies who want to come a long way this spring to do a little salmon fishing. When is the height of the spring run on these rivers? I know it varies with rain, temperature, etc., but any input or opinions would be appreciated.

[First Bite]

The Spring Chinook run on these rivers is rather small compared to other rivers such as the Santiam and Clackamas. If you do plan on fishing these rivers for Springers, then June would be your best bet.

Mark

[toblerone]

Get ready, cause they're next for the Nestucca. It really doesn't happen until the first and second week of June and closure I think is on the 19th. So get in while you can! Pluggin on the lower 1/2 has been successful for me. FarmerCreek to Cloverdale would be time well spent. I have been tieing 3/0 & 4/0 octopus hooks and 16/20# leaders these last raining days getting excited bout the Nooks coming. Be patient people often fish early season hoping to get at them (april may)but the are really few and far between until June! Bay fishing is good over on the Tillamook if you can't wait...

Last year on the Nestucca,last day of the season, I had a hook up that while sitting in the rowers seat I saw the fish leave the water and from my angle he cleared my friends head in the front seat! Must have been at least 4/5/6 feet into the air. Had him to the boat twice, up stream runs that turned the boat, A 25# plus chrome bruiser got the best of me that time........ the saga continues.......

Think Fish
John

[David Johnson]

I don't know how big the Nestucca run is for sure but the Tillamook streams get about one or two thousand each.

The Clackamas and Santiam get about 10,000 each, the Willamette about 80,000 and the Columbia over 300,000 this spring.

[Tanner]

The Nestucca is open for Springers until July 31st.

[Chris Nordling]

You should check the regs. I think as it is everywhere , no adipose fin , meaning hatchery fish. I think the only stream it's not that way is the S. Santiam. Read closely.

Chris :cool:

[Ramstrong]

Here's the pertinant entries in the regs

Nestucca River and Bay (Tillamook Co.):
1. Mainstem upstream to Farmer Creek and entire bay including upstream to Hwy 101 bridge on Little Nestucca River
• Open for fin-clipped spring chinook salmon April 1-July 31.
• Use of bait allowed.

2. From Farmer Creek to Moon Creek located at Blaine
• Open for fin clipped spring chinook salmon April 1-July 31.
• Use of bait allowed.

Three Rivers (Nestucca Basin Tillamook/Yamhill Co):
1. Mainstem
• Open for fin-clipped spring chinook salmon May 25-June 15.
• Closed from mouth upstream to hatchery weir June 16-Sept. 30.
• Use of bait allowed.

Trask River (Tillamook Co.):
1. Mainstem up to North and South forks, including tidewater
• Open for fin-clipped spring Chinook April 1-July 31.
• Use of bait allowed.
• Closed from Gold Creek, at hatchery, 200 feet upstream and 800 feet
downstream May 1-Dec. 15.

Wilson River (Tillamook Co
1.Mainstem upstream to South Fork including tidewater
• Open for fin-clipped spring chinook salmon April 1-July 31.
• Use of bait allowed.

The extension on the season should help people out that fish these streams. However if you're looking for higher percentages of fish per hour you'd probably be better off fishing in the valley.

[chuck 'n' duck]

I'm pretty sure this year on the S. Santiam all springers need to be clipped. Check your regs to verify this.

CnD

[Snapshot]

Jed, great info from the others that will help plan a trip to the coast. I spent yesterday with Marth Peterson of Gone Fishing Guide Service and believe he knows the Nestucca very well. Email him and I am certain he will put you into some spingers. He put me into the steelhead yesterday and is a great hose and guide. Go one day with him and then fish the river without him the rest of the week, that is if you cannot afford him every day. :grin:

*Fish only bite wet hooks*

[RichH]

A great Hose? :shocked: :shocked: :shocked:

[David Johnson]

He meant hoser :shocked:

Sorry Marty, I couldn't resist LOL

[rags]

Last year late May and early June was good on the
Wilson. If you can get away in the middle of the week you might be the only boat on the river. Had some great days last year. Several 20+# mint bright fish. Some of the hardest fighting fish I have ever hooked!

[Jedediah]

Thanks for all the information everyone. Maybe we can get these guys something to take home with them.