Nehalem

[BlackfeetFF]

Ill be camping at nehalem bay campground, was wondering if anyone was having any luck on the nehalem river, and/or other tribs or area creeks for salmon, steelhead, sea run cutts. Thanks.

[LurkerDave]

To turn this into a fly fishing discussion, I was over there last week fishing with conventional gear (see post on the main page) but I want to try and catch a chinook this year on a fly rod (I have a 10 wt) and was wondering if folks ever employ the SW Oregon (Rogue and Chetco) fly fishing techniques described in the current STS for tidewater salmon up here?

Thanks for any tips.

[TillamookChinook]

I don't have the current issue of STS, so I don't know what technique is described. I have not caught salmon with a lot of techniques, but I don't know if I have not caught salmon with that technique.

[LurkerDave]

Basically they anchor small prams near tidewater and cast flies on sinking lines. When they hook something they pull anchor and let the big nooks tow them around until the fish runs out of gas. Its fairly popular down south but I haven't seen it up this way. Mostly after seeing all the fish rolling in Nehalem Bay I was wondering if anyone anchores and casts flies for nooks in tidewater?

I guess I better start taking my flyrod in the boat.

[Mark Vickers]

I've never fished in the Nehalem, but come late September, you'll find me in anchored in the tidewater of the Alsea pitching flies on sink tip lines. Essentially, anchor next to a hole, throw a fly, let it sink, and very slowly strip it back in. Repeat. I'll be using a regular-sized aluminum boat and I won't let them pull me around like the pram guys. That'll require a little stouter tippet than they advocate in the article, but that's fine with me.

My extended family makes an annual trip to the Alsea that coincides with the fall Chinook run. I'm the only fly chucker. Of all of us that have fished there over the years, the smallest fish we've ever taken was 23 lbs. The average is right around 30 lbs. We've seen fish that are just shy of 60, and hear rumours of bigger...

[LurkerDave]

Thanks MV, I think I'll start bringing my 10wt along in the boat and when I have room to anchor and think the odds are good I'll toss a fly. I'm also going to try for them on the Wilson as I got a bunch on jigs last year so I should be able to find a willing fish or two if I put my time in. I've tied up some big bead head schlappen flies that look like a First Cast jig. I'll report on my findings.

[lilnorthfork]

I am very interested in learning the tidewater fisheries. Have a driftboat with a small MinnKota and a 2 seater 10' homejob canoe/kayak-like thingy :bigshock: . Anybody interested in hooking up and showing a newbie how to do it? lnf

[Ed Fast]

Howdy,

I'd like to remind Dave that those jigs immitate common fly patterns and not vice-versa. :grin:

They are super easy to tie and very cheap too. Also, when conditions are better for drift fishing, stick a corky on top and you've got a killer drift rig. Don't forget to bring alot of them with you, 'cuz when you get in the fish real thick, you will foul hook alot even though you are being real careful. Just point your rod at the fish and grab your fly line and pull. You can tie on another 25 cent fly much faster than dealing with a snagged fish and not spook the hole either.

Ed

[LurkerDave]

Yah, that's probably true about the jigs actually mimicking flies, but I wouldn't want it to appear as if I'm not giving credit to Mark Anderson since I got the idea after using his jigs. He's a pretty friendly and helpful guy.

I do think the palmering of the schlappen hackle and/or marabou gives the fly/jig a more lively look. They really pulsate as the currents hit them. I also tied some up for steelhead and chums too.

Thanks, I'm looking forward to tangling with my first king on a fly!