Siuslaw River
Siuslaw River
The Siuslaw is Oregon's closest coastal river to the Eugene/Springfield area. It was named after the native people who originally lived along its bank's until they were relocated to a reservation at Yachats in 1860. The river is about 110 miles long and drains an area of 773 square miles. Most of the drainage is timberland and National Forest. Several significant tributaries feed the Siuslaw River contributing to its overall size. Lake Creek flows into the Siuslaw in Swisshome at a spot known as “The Forks.” Much further down river in the tide water, The North Fork Siuslaw flows into the Main Stem near Florence.
Today, Fall Chinook Salmon and Winter Steelhead get most of the attention from anglers. Most of the Chinook fishing takes place in the tidal zone during the months of September, October and November. Trolling baits and spinners seems to be the most popular method for targeting these Fall Chinook. As the season progresses, some folks also choose to suspend baits below a float along the banks and through the flats of the upper tide water. Most of the Winter Steelhead fishing occurs further upriver in the free flowing waters from December on into April. Regulations regarding fishing for Coho Salmon can vary drastically from year to year based on population projections. When the fish are abundant and fishing and harvest is permitted, this can be an incredibly fun fishery as Silver Salmon are super aggressive and will readily chase after a retrieved spinner or even large flies in addition to the baits and lures that are commonly trolled. Late September, October, November and December are all good months to fish for Coho. Decent opportunities for the harvest of Dungeoness Crab in the lower estuary below the Hwy 101 Bridge at Florence on down to the bar also occur during the fall months, particularly during extended periods of no rain.
