main Nehalem steelhead?

smokerchick · 02-04-2003, 06:10 PM

Anybody out there fish the Nehalem? How far up the main river do steelhead go? What is the best time of year?

SteelieSteve · 02-04-2003, 07:45 PM

The Nehalem does get a good run of unclipped Steelhead. It has not been planted with hatchery fish for many years to preserve the native fishery. You might find a occasional stray hatchery fish though. You can put in at the railroad tracks putin and take out at the gravel company ramp(it's a pay ramp). Been years since I've fished it because of the native only fishery. It's a nice drift with lots of fishable water.

Flatfish · 02-04-2003, 07:51 PM

My answers in order-

1- Yes

2-Vernonia. But there may be restrictions, I am not sure. read the regs.

3-March

If you are on the bank, start at the gravel pit ( mentioned by SS) and work up. Access is good for a while. Be warned though, the big river muddies up easily and stays that way for a long time. It helps to have a source to tell you if it is in shape or not.

Mark and the dog.

smokerchick · 02-04-2003, 09:09 PM

Many thanks. I have a friend who lives between Birkenfeld and Mist. He can keep me informed. I'm restricted to bank access only.

jimmy jig · 02-04-2003, 09:41 PM

[ 02-18-2003, 10:48 PM: Message edited by: jimmy Jig ]

smokerchick · 02-05-2003, 05:45 AM

Thank you, JJ. Have never fished Nehalem but intend to do so. Love to fish and release, though.

jimmy jig · 02-05-2003, 06:59 AM

[ 02-18-2003, 10:49 PM: Message edited by: jimmy Jig ]

Crayfin · 02-05-2003, 08:47 AM

Man...........we used to have double digit days on the "Big N" years ago. Alot of natives and some hatchery fish. My partners have continued to fish it a few times a year but it has not been the same for a long time.

On a side note: I have hammered them behind the pond in Vernonia!!

Crayfin

Wild Chrome · 02-05-2003, 07:09 PM

The Nehalem is a good option if you want to C&R native steelhead in Feb & March and the other rivers are low. Takes a week to clear after a big rain. Best fishing when at 5 feet or less. There are some big boys in that river! Caution...very snaggy. Also, some bank access, but not as much as I'd like.

Love 'em & leave 'em! :grin:

smokerchick · 02-05-2003, 08:45 PM

I've only ever dreamed about double digit steelhead days. YIKES, that is more than just one!!! I'd be tickled to have a "double" day. Once again, thanks for the info and encouragement.