By Jesse Sampson
Warm, quaint towns interspersed between lush temperate rain forests dot the central coast landscape. Each small town seems to have its own claim to fame, like Depoe Bay's world's smallest harbor or Lincoln City's world's shortest "D" river, yet many towns rely simply on the rivers that flow nearby for their acclaim. Rivers like the Siletz, Nestucca, Wilson or Trask. Streams that bring with them tourists, sightseers and countless sport fishermen. These coastal rivers, some measuring nearly
60 miles in length, play an important role in coastal communities. They provide a fishing destination for many and much needed industry jobs to the area.
Oregon's Central Coast season is nearly endless, but peak times for salmon and steelhead bring an influx of anglers to the area. Late summer and fall draws the most anglers trying their luck with the great Chinook salmon, silver salmon and lesser known chum salmon. Winter steelhead are targeted in these same streams from December to March. While traditional tackle is still the preferred method to angle for steelhead and salmon, fly fishing for these massive fish is quickly gaining popularity.
Fly fishermen have long sought solitude, clear clean water and nature during their outings. Oregon's Central Coast has many locations that warm the hearts of fly anglers and keep them coming back year after year. While each location has its own unique characteristics, they all share a propensity towards holding big beautiful anadromous fish.
Siletz River Gorge Steelhead
Best Time for Summer Steelhead: June 1 - October 31
Best Time for Winter Steelhead: Dec 15 - March 31
The Siletz Gorge begins at Moonshine Park some 4 miles past the town of Logsden. At this point the road turns to gravel and follows the river nearly 15 miles until it splits at the north and south forks. Fishing in the gorge is closed year round above Bohanan Falls, located at road mile 11. You'll have to spend your time here on the weekends as the access road (beginning at Moonshine Park) is private and closed for logging during the week.
The gorge section of the upper Siletz is characterized by a deep canyon, big boulders, sweeping turns and long deep pools. Its size, depth and cool dark waters make it excellent holding water for steelhead. In the summer, concentrate on days directly after a cool shower and look for fish in tailouts, behind and in front of boulders. During the winter months concentrate your efforts in areas with walking speed water, around 3-5 feet deep. Popular patterns for this river include, green-butt skunks, coachmen bucktails andsCabelleros.
The Kilchis River Chum Run
Best Time for Chum Salmon: October 15 - November 15
The Kilchis River just north of Tillamook is home to one of the few strong chum runs in Oregon. Each fall, thousands of chum salmon return the the place of their birth to perform their spawning ritual. During their journey, they travel through the Tillamook Bay and into the intimate Kilchis River, making them excellent targets for fly anglers. Chum salmon are well known as good biters and these fish are no exception. Fish runs and pools with weighted flies or sink tips with chartreuse, fuchsia and purple patterns in size 2-6. The fish range in weigh from 6-15 pounds and provide excellent sport on the fly rod. Remember to handle these fish with care as the entire river is open to catch and release angling only. (Angling for chum salmon closes November 15 each year)
Nestucca River Chinook Salmon
Best Time for Fall Chinook Salmon: October 1 - November 15
The Nestucca is one of coast's longer rivers, beginning high in the coast range and meeting saltwater at Pacific , more than 50 miles later. It is also one of the coast's most productive streams with good runs of Chinook salmon, silver salmon, summer and winter steelhead as well as sea-run cutthroat trout. Fly anglers wishing to try for that trophy salmon would be wise to start on this stream. Its moderate size and large fish (some larger than 50 lbs) make it a joy to fly fish. Concentrate your efforts with a fly in the lower river from the small town of Beaver downstream to the head of tidewater at Cloverdale.
Fish heavily weighted flies or sink tips with 9-10 weight fly rods in order to properly handle these fish. Focus your efforts in large pools and deep runs where these big fish feel most comfortable. Popular colors for these beast include chartreuse, orange and fuchsia. Come prepared for a long battle as fights with big fish can last up to one hour!
Jesse Sampson is a fly fishing guide specializing in trout, salmon and steelhead on the Oregon Coast. Check out his website at www.smallstreamoutfitters.com.
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