Chetco River

Good Winter Steelhead Numbers Indicate A Stellar Run of Spring Chinook & Summer Steelhead to Arrive in 2010

As of today, February 15th 2010, most of Oregon's coastal rivers are currently at ideal water levels for both drift boat and bank fishing. While a few of the north coast streams have reported some stellar days, rivers in the south west region continue to produce the most consistent results for winter steelhead. Reports of good catches on the Chetco, Elk & Sixes, and on the Coos and Coquille systems continue to come in. We are now entering the latter part of the winter steelhead season when the big native fish comprise a higher component of the total catch.

ODFW - Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife - Collects Broodstock Salmon on the Chetco River in Soutwest Oregon

ODFW - Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife - Collects Broodstock Salmon on the Chetco River in Soutwest Oregon

I recently observed ODFW personnel and volunteers seining adult salmon down on the Chetco River as hatchery broodstock. Fish will be spawned and then raised at Elk River Hachery and then released next fall to produce the next generation of "Chetco Clippers." After 3-5 years in the ocean, the survivors should return to the Chetco as adults, some to prvide sport and others to repeat the cycle.

Prime Time For Late Winter Steelhead _ Rivers on the Drop

Sometimes waiting for perfect conditions is not the answer. These guys enjoyed a stellar day steelhead fishing on Elk River under less than favorable water conditions.

BEWARE OF GEICO INSURANCE!

Again, I am very sorry to have had to cancel so many Fall Salmon trips due to the untimely driftboat loss during peak season.  While on the way home from a fishing trip, an on-coming driver on his cell phone, came at me head-on, damaging the truck and totalling the boat and trailer.  As soon as I have a suitable replacement boat registered with the Marine Board, I will head on down to the Elk, Sixes, and Chetco Rivers to finish up the Fall/Winter Chinook Season.  Lets also hope that January, February, and March will provide us some solid Winter Steelhead action.  We have rain in the prediction which should bring another nice batch of salmon into our southern Oregon rivers.  Crabbing in Coos Bay and on the lower Coquille at Bandon remains strong.

Rain Today Means Fish Tomorrow!

A nice Siuslaw Fattie

Our current rainy conditions should finally bring in some new Fall Chinook  and Coho into our coastal rivers and streams.