N. Fork Nehalem Access?

TillamookChinook · 12-28-2002, 12:01 PM

Thanks for all the info. Four responses in about 15 minutes. Is this a great site or what?!

10 lb line · 12-28-2002, 12:06 PM

Just follow-up on N.F.Nehalem, is the river in shape, has anyone fished it today, any fish caught?
Thanks in Advance

blacktail · 12-28-2002, 02:47 PM

10 lb,

You can call the NF hatchery line at (503) 368-5670. They update their message every morning around 8:00am-8:30am. They will tell you the current river level as well as a general idea of how the fishing is by the hatchery.

Mike

ssteelheadsteve · 12-28-2002, 09:29 PM

On the hatchery hotline you are looking for 43" and green.

fishbait · 12-28-2002, 09:39 PM

My 0.02 worth for you is to go up. The access from the road that goes below the hatchery is limited for the first few miles and a good walk down some steep banks. If the road is open to go up take it, If it is closed, so much beter. Pack light, take fly and f drift rod and go for a hike. Lots of great water, few people, but be prepared for a hike. I have had 20+ fish days above the hatchery in the past ( no lie, but 15+ years ago) and seldome saw many people then. You might want to check to see if the fish weir at the hatchery (electric) has been operating as they have the ability to restrict the fish that go above the hatchery now, might be better in 45 days or so. IF the road below th ehatchery is open, drive down left the right then left ( if I remeber right ) walk upstream to kings and queens hole, major producing water if you can fish it right, drift gear here. You might also try driving in for the top of Gods canyon tot he upper streatches if that is still open, better warter for the fly rod, but kinda early in this years run.......... Hey have fun, and good luck....

TillamookChinook · 12-28-2002, 11:37 PM

I will be staying in a cabin on Soapstone Creek about a mile from the N. Fork Nehalem on Monday. I have never fished the Nehalem and don't know anything about the access for a bankie. My preference would be to fly fish if the river is in shape, but I can throw gear if there is a crowd that would resent a flyfisher.

I have driven Hwy 53 along the south side of the river and it looks like it is all private property. Any directions to access would be appreciated.

Cutthroat_Behavior · 12-28-2002, 11:41 PM

As I've never fished the river, yet, I can only tell you what I've heard (read). I guess there is some good access below the hatchery but when conditions are right they say a lot of folks fish there. So I can't help more. Sounds like fun, good luck.

bubba9112 · 12-28-2002, 11:46 PM

If you are staying at soap stone creek and are on the access road on the north side of the river you can fish down by the creek itself, or if you dont mind a small hike there is an access road that you can get to that goes behind the hatchery and down stream. I have heard they have blocked it so you cant drive down it any more, but there is some awsome holes down there that people that dont go to any more because they cant drive down there anymore. That would be my suggestion is go for the hike to getaway from the crowd.. best of luck and good fishing

brshooter · 12-28-2002, 11:48 PM

It gets really packed below the hatchery deadline. People start getting to the river around 4:30-5:00 am to get the good spots. Another area, that has quite a bit of access, is above the hatchery. If you head from the hatchery toward Hwy 26,take the first logging road to the right after you cross over the NF Nehalem. Take a right at the fork. You can't go to far because of the gate. Park to the side of the road and walk up the road. Lots of access.

SteelieSteve · 12-28-2002, 11:49 PM

Look for very crowded conditions anywhere near the hatchery. You will likely be fishing with 150 of your fellow Oregon fishermen in close quarters. These will not be fly fishermen. Look for access about 5 miles below the hatchery along the guardrail(been years since I have been there) if this isn't posted. Good luck.