Fishing Report
[Chetco River Levels] [Smith River Levels]
[Brookings Offshore Forecast] [Brookings Jetty Web Cam]
[Brookings Tide Table] [Chetco River Map]
[Brookings Offshore Forecast] [Brookings Jetty Web Cam]
[Brookings Tide Table] [Chetco River Map]
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$425
2 nights lodging in riverside cabin, 1 day guided drift boat fishing trip on Chetco River for 2 people
Chetco Steelhead Lodging and Fishing Combo
Oregon and Alaska Fishing Report
Call (206) 388-8988 or email wildriversfishing@yahoo.com
Call (206) 388-8988 or email wildriversfishing@yahoo.com
We use Penn, Pflueger and Ugly Stik rods, Penn and Pflueger reels, Eagle Claw hooks, Berkley lines and scents, and Pautzke cures.
Jan. 15, 2009
Sorry about the lack of reports. Winter steelhead fishing is fair on the Chetco right now, with most boats getting one to three steelhead per day. Not as good of fishing as we had last year. We have a special for the Seward Halibut Derby in June, $200 per person for a full-day Alaskan halibut trip, and lodging/fishing combos for $239 per person, plus taxes. The winner of the halibut derby gets $10,000 cash for the biggest fish in the month of June. Last year we had several contenders until a 320-pounder won it. We did get more than 25 fish over 100 pounds last June!
Our Alaska season runs May 1-Sept. 15. The best dates are going fast.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Sorry about the lack of reports. Winter steelhead fishing is fair on the Chetco right now, with most boats getting one to three steelhead per day. Not as good of fishing as we had last year. We have a special for the Seward Halibut Derby in June, $200 per person for a full-day Alaskan halibut trip, and lodging/fishing combos for $239 per person, plus taxes. The winner of the halibut derby gets $10,000 cash for the biggest fish in the month of June. Last year we had several contenders until a 320-pounder won it. We did get more than 25 fish over 100 pounds last June!
Our Alaska season runs May 1-Sept. 15. The best dates are going fast.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Jan. 23, 2009
Steelhead are starting to show up in the Middle Rogue. The best fishing is downstream from the Applegate River, since you catch fish bound for the Applegate as well as hatchery fish headed back to Cole Rivers Hatchery at Lost Creek Dam. Side-drifing yarn or small roe clusters is effective in the Middle Rogue. The river is low and clear, but there is a lot more water here than in the Chetco right now. Rain is expected Sunday. Terry is pictured holding a nice native fish that was released. You can keep one wild fish per day below Hog Creek. Terry was fishing with Randy Wells yesterday. Seats are available for Chetco River steelhead. Our Alaska season runs May 1-Sept. 15. The best dates are going fast. We have a June special for the Seward Halibut Derby. Details are below.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Steelhead are starting to show up in the Middle Rogue. The best fishing is downstream from the Applegate River, since you catch fish bound for the Applegate as well as hatchery fish headed back to Cole Rivers Hatchery at Lost Creek Dam. Side-drifing yarn or small roe clusters is effective in the Middle Rogue. The river is low and clear, but there is a lot more water here than in the Chetco right now. Rain is expected Sunday. Terry is pictured holding a nice native fish that was released. You can keep one wild fish per day below Hog Creek. Terry was fishing with Randy Wells yesterday. Seats are available for Chetco River steelhead. Our Alaska season runs May 1-Sept. 15. The best dates are going fast. We have a June special for the Seward Halibut Derby. Details are below.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Feb. 3, 2009
Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth at the Eugene show. We'll be in Roseburg and Medford later this month. Rain is expected over the weekend and we need it. Today, Kirk Portocarrero fished two clients of mine on the Chetco. They hooked two and landed one, which to be honest was a real surprise considering how low and clear the Chetco is right now. One fish was hooked drift-fishing above Loeb after they pulled over to the shore. They also landed a 16-pound hen pulling plugs below Loeb. Randy Wells has been hitting the Umpqua. They got one fish today. Over the weekend, Ryan (in picture to the left) caught and released this native Umpqua steelie from Randy's boat.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth at the Eugene show. We'll be in Roseburg and Medford later this month. Rain is expected over the weekend and we need it. Today, Kirk Portocarrero fished two clients of mine on the Chetco. They hooked two and landed one, which to be honest was a real surprise considering how low and clear the Chetco is right now. One fish was hooked drift-fishing above Loeb after they pulled over to the shore. They also landed a 16-pound hen pulling plugs below Loeb. Randy Wells has been hitting the Umpqua. They got one fish today. Over the weekend, Ryan (in picture to the left) caught and released this native Umpqua steelie from Randy's boat.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Feb. 26, 2009
Before the most recent rains, steehead fishing was good on the Chetco. Kirk was averaging three a day for a few days. We hit the Umpqua recently with good success before it below out. The Upper Rogue was good early this week. Randy got his guys into fish side-drifting between Dodge Bridge and Tou Velle.
The forecast for the Klamath River was released on Wednesday. 85,000 salmon are expected back this fall. That's a great run. We have a call list for Upper Klamath salmon in late September and October. Prime dates are filling fast. This is one of the few places outside of Alaska were you can actually hook 10-plus salmon a day, sometimes two dozen or more fish on for the whole boat. Best fishing is usually the first two weeks of October. There was a lot of interest in the season at the Medford and Roseburg sports shows.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Before the most recent rains, steehead fishing was good on the Chetco. Kirk was averaging three a day for a few days. We hit the Umpqua recently with good success before it below out. The Upper Rogue was good early this week. Randy got his guys into fish side-drifting between Dodge Bridge and Tou Velle.
The forecast for the Klamath River was released on Wednesday. 85,000 salmon are expected back this fall. That's a great run. We have a call list for Upper Klamath salmon in late September and October. Prime dates are filling fast. This is one of the few places outside of Alaska were you can actually hook 10-plus salmon a day, sometimes two dozen or more fish on for the whole boat. Best fishing is usually the first two weeks of October. There was a lot of interest in the season at the Medford and Roseburg sports shows.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
March 10, 2009
There are still some steelhead being caught in the Chetco, but it looks like the season is winding down. We spent several days in the Tillamook area, fishing several rivers with great results. Aside from the reliable side-drifting technique, pulling plugs and fishing floats and jigs also is very effective here. This weekend we will be fishing the lower Willamette for sturgeon from the jet boat. This is a fishery I'm extremely interested in and hope to be offering trips for it next spring after steelhead season on the Chetco. Spring Chinook are being caught in the Rogue and it's picking up in the Columbia, where nearly 300,000 fish are expected this year.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
There are still some steelhead being caught in the Chetco, but it looks like the season is winding down. We spent several days in the Tillamook area, fishing several rivers with great results. Aside from the reliable side-drifting technique, pulling plugs and fishing floats and jigs also is very effective here. This weekend we will be fishing the lower Willamette for sturgeon from the jet boat. This is a fishery I'm extremely interested in and hope to be offering trips for it next spring after steelhead season on the Chetco. Spring Chinook are being caught in the Rogue and it's picking up in the Columbia, where nearly 300,000 fish are expected this year.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
March 15, 2009
Steelhead fishing has slowed on the Chetco. The river blew out Saturday night. We hit the Willamette for sturgeon over the weekend. Tons of action, keepers for everybody, and one oversize. We'll be offering trips for these hard fighters next year. The new drift boat for Oregon fishing is just about done at Willie Boats. Dark gray diamondplate outside. Prime dates for Alaska trophy halibut are filling, but we still have seats available. With the commercial price of halibut down, there should be a lot more big fish early in the season as the longliners hold out for the price to go up.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Steelhead fishing has slowed on the Chetco. The river blew out Saturday night. We hit the Willamette for sturgeon over the weekend. Tons of action, keepers for everybody, and one oversize. We'll be offering trips for these hard fighters next year. The new drift boat for Oregon fishing is just about done at Willie Boats. Dark gray diamondplate outside. Prime dates for Alaska trophy halibut are filling, but we still have seats available. With the commercial price of halibut down, there should be a lot more big fish early in the season as the longliners hold out for the price to go up.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Oregon Salmon and Steelhead Fishing, Alaska Salmon and Halibut Fishing
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Chetco, Rogue, Smith River Salmon and Steelhead Fishing at its best!
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April 1, 2009
Steelhead fishing has closed for the season on the Chetco. This season was slower than seasons past, although there were several good days. Fishing has been decent on the Upper Rogue. The best fishing has been from Dodge Bridge to Tou Velle State Park, where the average day produces one to three steelhead a day. Logan, pictured to the left, caught his first steelhead during a recent trip. Lingcod and rockfish fishing has been good out of Brookings when the weather cooperates.
Kirk has been catching lots of trout on the Sacramento River near Redding. Landlocked salmon also are being caught in Shasta Lake. This is some of the best spring fishing anywhere. Check out www.sacriverguide.com for details.
Ocean salmon seasons will be set next week.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Steelhead fishing has closed for the season on the Chetco. This season was slower than seasons past, although there were several good days. Fishing has been decent on the Upper Rogue. The best fishing has been from Dodge Bridge to Tou Velle State Park, where the average day produces one to three steelhead a day. Logan, pictured to the left, caught his first steelhead during a recent trip. Lingcod and rockfish fishing has been good out of Brookings when the weather cooperates.
Kirk has been catching lots of trout on the Sacramento River near Redding. Landlocked salmon also are being caught in Shasta Lake. This is some of the best spring fishing anywhere. Check out www.sacriverguide.com for details.
Ocean salmon seasons will be set next week.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
April 8, 2009
This fall's Klamath River salmon quota was approved yesterday, more than 30,000 fish for recerational in-river anglers. The Klamath is expected to get one of its biggest fall Chinook runs in recent memory. These are hard-fighting, eager-biting fish. We'll be targeting them below Iron Gate Dam, about half an hour from Medford. Last year we had some 20-fish days, and this year's run is expected to be much bigger. Call or e-mail today to be put on the waiting list. Best dates are Sept. 25 through mid-October. Ocean salmon seasons also were set for Brookings. One of the longest seasons in five years. Two coho per day, with a limited, late-season Chinook fishery.
Halibut trips out of Seward begin in less than a month. Two fish per day. Call for details on early season specials, starting at $200 for full-day halibut trips.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
This fall's Klamath River salmon quota was approved yesterday, more than 30,000 fish for recerational in-river anglers. The Klamath is expected to get one of its biggest fall Chinook runs in recent memory. These are hard-fighting, eager-biting fish. We'll be targeting them below Iron Gate Dam, about half an hour from Medford. Last year we had some 20-fish days, and this year's run is expected to be much bigger. Call or e-mail today to be put on the waiting list. Best dates are Sept. 25 through mid-October. Ocean salmon seasons also were set for Brookings. One of the longest seasons in five years. Two coho per day, with a limited, late-season Chinook fishery.
Halibut trips out of Seward begin in less than a month. Two fish per day. Call for details on early season specials, starting at $200 for full-day halibut trips.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
May 5, 2009
I ran my first halibut trip of the season May 2 and on May 3 we got our first 100-pounder of the season. Lee from Minn., second picture, caught his nice halibut during our first trip. Teresa caught the first 100-pounder of the season in Seward on May 3. Both fish were caught on herring soaked in Pautzke Nectar. We are seeing some nice-size fish early in the season, much bigger than last year! The weather has been flat calm!
Trips are scheduled for Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday. Yesterday we did our man-overboard drills with the Coast Guard and passed the annual boat inspection. It looks like it's going to be a great year for big fish.
Things aren't looking as good for the Brookings fall salmon season, although the Klamath River in Northern California is expecting a near-record run. We still have some seats open for drift boat salmon trips in late September and October, but these will fill quickly with the other salmon closures in California this year.
If you want lots of salmon, come to Seward in July and August for six-fish limits of hard-fighting, great-tasting coho salmon. The Klamath in September and October also will provide lots of action for those of you looking for king salmon. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
I ran my first halibut trip of the season May 2 and on May 3 we got our first 100-pounder of the season. Lee from Minn., second picture, caught his nice halibut during our first trip. Teresa caught the first 100-pounder of the season in Seward on May 3. Both fish were caught on herring soaked in Pautzke Nectar. We are seeing some nice-size fish early in the season, much bigger than last year! The weather has been flat calm!
Trips are scheduled for Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday. Yesterday we did our man-overboard drills with the Coast Guard and passed the annual boat inspection. It looks like it's going to be a great year for big fish.
Things aren't looking as good for the Brookings fall salmon season, although the Klamath River in Northern California is expecting a near-record run. We still have some seats open for drift boat salmon trips in late September and October, but these will fill quickly with the other salmon closures in California this year.
If you want lots of salmon, come to Seward in July and August for six-fish limits of hard-fighting, great-tasting coho salmon. The Klamath in September and October also will provide lots of action for those of you looking for king salmon. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
May 12, 2009
Today was father and son day aboard the Adventuress, with groups of fathers and sons. We went to a spot known to produce big fish, and landed a 60-pounder and a couple of 40s, plus limits of smaller fish. We did get one really good take on a whole cod head, but didn't hook the fish. Action is picking up, with limits every day for the past week. The weather also has been outstanding. We're back on the water Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
If you want lots of salmon, come to Seward in July and August for six-fish limits of hard-fighting, great-tasting coho salmon. The Klamath in September and October also will provide lots of action for those of you looking for king salmon. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Today was father and son day aboard the Adventuress, with groups of fathers and sons. We went to a spot known to produce big fish, and landed a 60-pounder and a couple of 40s, plus limits of smaller fish. We did get one really good take on a whole cod head, but didn't hook the fish. Action is picking up, with limits every day for the past week. The weather also has been outstanding. We're back on the water Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
If you want lots of salmon, come to Seward in July and August for six-fish limits of hard-fighting, great-tasting coho salmon. The Klamath in September and October also will provide lots of action for those of you looking for king salmon. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
May 9, 2009
For the past few days we've been prospecting the "flapper patches," places where we can go with 10 guests and get fish-after-fish action on those great-eating 15- to 25-pounders. We limited out several days in a row at various spots. Soon we'll be going to hog holes, soaking for several hours and hoping to get a few fish and then use these flapper patches to make sure everybody gets their limit to take home. Killer whales, humpbacks and puffins were part of the scenery the last few days!
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
For the past few days we've been prospecting the "flapper patches," places where we can go with 10 guests and get fish-after-fish action on those great-eating 15- to 25-pounders. We limited out several days in a row at various spots. Soon we'll be going to hog holes, soaking for several hours and hoping to get a few fish and then use these flapper patches to make sure everybody gets their limit to take home. Killer whales, humpbacks and puffins were part of the scenery the last few days!
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
May 18, 2009
Halibut fishing continues to be good. We've returned with limits the past several trips, with mainly eater-size halibut and a few larger fish per day. One of our customers caught a 7-foot wolf eal on Friday. The first silver salmon of the season was caught out of Seward near Montague Island last week. More big halibut are starting to show up closer to shore, allowing us to fish for big fish and still get limits of 20- to 30-pound halibut for everyone. We've also been releasing several nice lingcod per day in recent trips. We can't begin keeping lings until July 1. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Halibut fishing continues to be good. We've returned with limits the past several trips, with mainly eater-size halibut and a few larger fish per day. One of our customers caught a 7-foot wolf eal on Friday. The first silver salmon of the season was caught out of Seward near Montague Island last week. More big halibut are starting to show up closer to shore, allowing us to fish for big fish and still get limits of 20- to 30-pound halibut for everyone. We've also been releasing several nice lingcod per day in recent trips. We can't begin keeping lings until July 1. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
For 2008, 2007 Fishing Report archives, click here.
May 27, 2009
Fishing for big halibut is picking up out of Seward. We landed several nice fish the past few days. The weather has improved, although we've had wind on the way in. We continue to catch limits of halibut each day. For the past week we've been fishing for big fish for the first few hours, then moving to areas with lots of eater-size halibut to make sure everyone gets their limit. Our friends in the Kenai area have reported king fishing is picking up on the Kasilof. The Seward Halibut Derby begins June 1. Book your trip now to try to win the $10,000 first place prize. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Fishing for big halibut is picking up out of Seward. We landed several nice fish the past few days. The weather has improved, although we've had wind on the way in. We continue to catch limits of halibut each day. For the past week we've been fishing for big fish for the first few hours, then moving to areas with lots of eater-size halibut to make sure everyone gets their limit. Our friends in the Kenai area have reported king fishing is picking up on the Kasilof. The Seward Halibut Derby begins June 1. Book your trip now to try to win the $10,000 first place prize. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
May 23, 2009
Rough weather prevented us from getting out of the bay the past two days, but we still managed to get limits of halibut in the deeper water of Ressurection Bay. Offshore, we usually fish in 150 to 250 feet of water for halibut. In the bay, we usually have to drop down to 500 to 600 feet to get steady action. Most of the boats stayed at the dock while we returned with limits two days in a row. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Rough weather prevented us from getting out of the bay the past two days, but we still managed to get limits of halibut in the deeper water of Ressurection Bay. Offshore, we usually fish in 150 to 250 feet of water for halibut. In the bay, we usually have to drop down to 500 to 600 feet to get steady action. Most of the boats stayed at the dock while we returned with limits two days in a row. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
May 21, 2009
Today was the third annual Combat Fishing Tournament in Seward, where many of the charter boats donated their boats for the day to bring soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan fishing. During the banquet after the derby, I had the pleasure of meeting Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, whose husband fished in the tournament. We've been getting limits of halibut all week. We've also hooked and released a few sleeper sharks in recent days. The biggest one was over 8 feet long. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Today was the third annual Combat Fishing Tournament in Seward, where many of the charter boats donated their boats for the day to bring soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan fishing. During the banquet after the derby, I had the pleasure of meeting Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, whose husband fished in the tournament. We've been getting limits of halibut all week. We've also hooked and released a few sleeper sharks in recent days. The biggest one was over 8 feet long. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
For 2008, 2007 Fishing Report archives, click here.
June 15, 2009
Fishing for trophy halibut has been incredible the last few weeks out of Seward. We've landed dozens of fish topping 100 pounds and some pushing 200 pounds. When the weather has been cooperating, we've been fishing off of Montague Island. If it's rough, we'll tuck into Prince William Sound or near the island to the west in Kenai Fjords National Park. We've caught several of the daily leaders in the Seward Halibut Derby and held the third-place fish for nearly two weeks before a bigger fish was caught. We've also had a few chances at some truly huge barn doors. Every day we are seeing a few salmon jump and are having silvers follow our halibut rigs up, but still haven't caught out first silver yet.
Lingcod season opens July 1, and by then we'll be switching to combos, fishing for halibut and salmon in the same day. At Montague, we've released as many as a dozen lings a day, many topping 40 to 50 pounds.
It's not too early to start thinking about the best dates for Rogue River salmon, Klamath River salmon and winter steelhead on the Chetco, Smith, Rogue and Umpqua Rivers. We also may spend a few weeks in Tillamook Bay this fall with the stricter rules in October on the Chetco.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Fishing for trophy halibut has been incredible the last few weeks out of Seward. We've landed dozens of fish topping 100 pounds and some pushing 200 pounds. When the weather has been cooperating, we've been fishing off of Montague Island. If it's rough, we'll tuck into Prince William Sound or near the island to the west in Kenai Fjords National Park. We've caught several of the daily leaders in the Seward Halibut Derby and held the third-place fish for nearly two weeks before a bigger fish was caught. We've also had a few chances at some truly huge barn doors. Every day we are seeing a few salmon jump and are having silvers follow our halibut rigs up, but still haven't caught out first silver yet.
Lingcod season opens July 1, and by then we'll be switching to combos, fishing for halibut and salmon in the same day. At Montague, we've released as many as a dozen lings a day, many topping 40 to 50 pounds.
It's not too early to start thinking about the best dates for Rogue River salmon, Klamath River salmon and winter steelhead on the Chetco, Smith, Rogue and Umpqua Rivers. We also may spend a few weeks in Tillamook Bay this fall with the stricter rules in October on the Chetco.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
June 20, 2009
Raymond from Butte, Mont., landed our first silver salmon of the season yesterday at Pony Cove on the way in from a halibut trip. We're still getting plenty of big halibut, including a couple of recent days in five to seven fish a day over 100 pounds. We'll continue targeting the trophy halibut through the end of the month, when the Seward Halibut Derby ends, and then focus on combo trips, targeting salmon, lingcod and halibut in the same day. There also is still room on some of the July full-day halibut trips, when we catch some of the biggest fish of the season out at Montague Island.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Raymond from Butte, Mont., landed our first silver salmon of the season yesterday at Pony Cove on the way in from a halibut trip. We're still getting plenty of big halibut, including a couple of recent days in five to seven fish a day over 100 pounds. We'll continue targeting the trophy halibut through the end of the month, when the Seward Halibut Derby ends, and then focus on combo trips, targeting salmon, lingcod and halibut in the same day. There also is still room on some of the July full-day halibut trips, when we catch some of the biggest fish of the season out at Montague Island.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Aug. 15, 2009
July and the first half of August has produced incredible action out of Seward, Alaska. We've been catching limits of big silver salmon in the bay as well as offshore, as well as continued limits of halibut, including some barndoors on our all-day halibut trips. Nate brought in a 200-pounder, while several anglers brought in halibut over 100 pounds. Some of our silvers are pushing 18 pounds. We'll continue to run out of Seward until Sept. 15, then head back to Oregon and Northern California to fish the Chetco, Smith, Klamath and Rogue. The forecast for the Klamath is great, and with no ocean Chinook fishing this year, the Chetco is primed to have a great run. We'll be fishing the lower section of the Chetco in October, as well as the Rogue Bay and Upper Klamath near Hornbrook, Calif., about 40 minutes south of Medford. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
July and the first half of August has produced incredible action out of Seward, Alaska. We've been catching limits of big silver salmon in the bay as well as offshore, as well as continued limits of halibut, including some barndoors on our all-day halibut trips. Nate brought in a 200-pounder, while several anglers brought in halibut over 100 pounds. Some of our silvers are pushing 18 pounds. We'll continue to run out of Seward until Sept. 15, then head back to Oregon and Northern California to fish the Chetco, Smith, Klamath and Rogue. The forecast for the Klamath is great, and with no ocean Chinook fishing this year, the Chetco is primed to have a great run. We'll be fishing the lower section of the Chetco in October, as well as the Rogue Bay and Upper Klamath near Hornbrook, Calif., about 40 minutes south of Medford. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Sept. 17, 2009
We're back in Oregon after an exceptional summer in Alaska. During the 2009 season, we landed more than 50 halibut topping 100 pounds, and around 200 over 50 pounds. It was a great season for trophy fish. The salmon season also was great, with plenty of silvers around until early September. We fished the Rogue Bay a few days this week. Fishing has been the best it has all summer right now, with 200 fish reportedly landed on Tuesday. Expect more good days into mid-October, as the lower river Indian Creek Hatchery kings show up, along with the silvers. The first few salmon also have been caught in the Chetco River estuary this week. We'll be fishing the river tomarrow and again this weekend. Fishing generally picks up from Sept. 25 through October in the estuary. We still have some dates for October combo lower Chetco River salmon and offshore lingcod and rockfish. The first salmon of the season in the Upper Klamath near Hornbrook was caught this week. Randy Wells, who we work closely with here in Oregon and in Alaska, will be on the river from now through October. He still has some dates open for Klamath kings. People are beginning to book those prime winter steelhead dates for the Chetco and Rogue. Now's the time to call and book your prefered dates. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
We're back in Oregon after an exceptional summer in Alaska. During the 2009 season, we landed more than 50 halibut topping 100 pounds, and around 200 over 50 pounds. It was a great season for trophy fish. The salmon season also was great, with plenty of silvers around until early September. We fished the Rogue Bay a few days this week. Fishing has been the best it has all summer right now, with 200 fish reportedly landed on Tuesday. Expect more good days into mid-October, as the lower river Indian Creek Hatchery kings show up, along with the silvers. The first few salmon also have been caught in the Chetco River estuary this week. We'll be fishing the river tomarrow and again this weekend. Fishing generally picks up from Sept. 25 through October in the estuary. We still have some dates for October combo lower Chetco River salmon and offshore lingcod and rockfish. The first salmon of the season in the Upper Klamath near Hornbrook was caught this week. Randy Wells, who we work closely with here in Oregon and in Alaska, will be on the river from now through October. He still has some dates open for Klamath kings. People are beginning to book those prime winter steelhead dates for the Chetco and Rogue. Now's the time to call and book your prefered dates. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Sept. 20, 2009
I've been on the water the past three days, spending one day trolling the Chetco estuary and two on the Rogue Bay. The Rogue is fishing much better than the Chetco right now, although it's still very early for Chetco fall kings. A bunch of coho moved into the Rogue Bay yesterday. We got a fish on our first pass, then didn't get another strike until the afternoon bite by the sandspit, where fishing was really good for about an hour. The Upper Klamath also is producing some nice early fish, with some of the guides already getting six to eight fish a day. Lots of rivers to choose from right now!
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
I've been on the water the past three days, spending one day trolling the Chetco estuary and two on the Rogue Bay. The Rogue is fishing much better than the Chetco right now, although it's still very early for Chetco fall kings. A bunch of coho moved into the Rogue Bay yesterday. We got a fish on our first pass, then didn't get another strike until the afternoon bite by the sandspit, where fishing was really good for about an hour. The Upper Klamath also is producing some nice early fish, with some of the guides already getting six to eight fish a day. Lots of rivers to choose from right now!
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Sept. 27, 2009
Salmon fishing in the lower Chetco River is improving each day, with more jacks showing up and a few bigger fish. I've heard of one fish over 40 pounds already and another in the mid-30s. With low water in the river upstream right now, conditions are perfect in the estuary, as salmon are moving into the tidewater and then retreating back to the mouth of the river. Catches have ranged from one to four fish a day, but will improve by the first week of October, when the Chetco's fall Chinook run typically begins. Fishing for rockfish has been good offshore, but lingcod have been tough. The Rogue Bay continues to be good, although the weather was windy this week. More silvers are showing up each day. The Upper Klamath also has dramatically improved. Randy Wells is reporting 10-plus-fish days already.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Salmon fishing in the lower Chetco River is improving each day, with more jacks showing up and a few bigger fish. I've heard of one fish over 40 pounds already and another in the mid-30s. With low water in the river upstream right now, conditions are perfect in the estuary, as salmon are moving into the tidewater and then retreating back to the mouth of the river. Catches have ranged from one to four fish a day, but will improve by the first week of October, when the Chetco's fall Chinook run typically begins. Fishing for rockfish has been good offshore, but lingcod have been tough. The Rogue Bay continues to be good, although the weather was windy this week. More silvers are showing up each day. The Upper Klamath also has dramatically improved. Randy Wells is reporting 10-plus-fish days already.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Oct. 1, 2009
While fishing certainly isn't hot on the lower Chetco right now, it's probably the best place anywhere right now for trophy kings. We boated a 58-pounder Wednesday near the jetties, by far the biggest fish so far this season. Carl Johnson is the lucky angler (standing next to me in the photo). After five hours without a strike, we had three hits in a row, including the moster takedown from this hawg. We've been getting from one to three fish a day, but things are improving everyday right now. There are a few dates still open in October, so call now if you want to fish for some of the biggest salmon outside of Alaska. On the Upper Klamath, Randy Wells is reporting 10 to 20 fish days. Silvers also are showing up on the Rogue, with the best bite at first light in the bay. Bookings are coming in for steelhead season, so call now to reserve your prefered date.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
While fishing certainly isn't hot on the lower Chetco right now, it's probably the best place anywhere right now for trophy kings. We boated a 58-pounder Wednesday near the jetties, by far the biggest fish so far this season. Carl Johnson is the lucky angler (standing next to me in the photo). After five hours without a strike, we had three hits in a row, including the moster takedown from this hawg. We've been getting from one to three fish a day, but things are improving everyday right now. There are a few dates still open in October, so call now if you want to fish for some of the biggest salmon outside of Alaska. On the Upper Klamath, Randy Wells is reporting 10 to 20 fish days. Silvers also are showing up on the Rogue, with the best bite at first light in the bay. Bookings are coming in for steelhead season, so call now to reserve your prefered date.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Oct. 6, 2009
Salmon fishing is steadily improving on the lower Chetco out of Brookings, Oregon. We have been averaging three to four hookups per day and a couple of salmon in the box, with a few more strikes. Some of the fish have been jacks and most have been small adults. No real big fish since the 58-pounder the middle of last week. We've been catching some lings and rockfish as well before salmon trolling. The total catch in the lower river has been around 20 to 30 fish a day. We'll be trolling the estuary through October and then switch over to the drift boat for the Nov. 7 salmon opener above the bridge. There are a few dates still open in October and dates available in November if you'd like to fish for the Chetco's chromer trophy salmon out of the drift boat. The Upper Klamath is still doing really well, with 10-plus fish days. We also have a few crabbing trips schedules this month to Coos Bay, where the crabbing has been really good.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Salmon fishing is steadily improving on the lower Chetco out of Brookings, Oregon. We have been averaging three to four hookups per day and a couple of salmon in the box, with a few more strikes. Some of the fish have been jacks and most have been small adults. No real big fish since the 58-pounder the middle of last week. We've been catching some lings and rockfish as well before salmon trolling. The total catch in the lower river has been around 20 to 30 fish a day. We'll be trolling the estuary through October and then switch over to the drift boat for the Nov. 7 salmon opener above the bridge. There are a few dates still open in October and dates available in November if you'd like to fish for the Chetco's chromer trophy salmon out of the drift boat. The Upper Klamath is still doing really well, with 10-plus fish days. We also have a few crabbing trips schedules this month to Coos Bay, where the crabbing has been really good.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Oct. 7, 2009
Today was the best day so far on the lower Chetco, with a total of 30 to 40 salmon caught for all boats. We landed two nice native bucks, both chromers, and had three more solid take downs. There are a handful of dates left for October for the lower Chetco. The season peaks the end of the month and if catches so far are any indication, it's going to be great. The weather has been warm and sunny.
It's not too early to start reserving those prime winter steelhead dates. Some of the weekends in December and January are already gone.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Today was the best day so far on the lower Chetco, with a total of 30 to 40 salmon caught for all boats. We landed two nice native bucks, both chromers, and had three more solid take downs. There are a handful of dates left for October for the lower Chetco. The season peaks the end of the month and if catches so far are any indication, it's going to be great. The weather has been warm and sunny.
It's not too early to start reserving those prime winter steelhead dates. Some of the weekends in December and January are already gone.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Oct. 12, 2009
Salmon fishing slowed a bit in the Chetco River estuary the past few days. We fished the Chetco Friday, Sunday and today (Monday) and the Rogue on Saturday. While we didn't get any really big fish, like the 58-pounder a few weeks ago or even the 30-pounders from early last week, we still got into some decent fish as well as some jacks. It is expected to begin raining tonight and through Tuesday. We'll have reports on river conditions after the storm. The Smith River is now yielding good catches, while the lower Rogue has been slow the last few days. The Upper Klamath near Hornbrook is still very good and Randy has been getting limits daily.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Salmon fishing slowed a bit in the Chetco River estuary the past few days. We fished the Chetco Friday, Sunday and today (Monday) and the Rogue on Saturday. While we didn't get any really big fish, like the 58-pounder a few weeks ago or even the 30-pounders from early last week, we still got into some decent fish as well as some jacks. It is expected to begin raining tonight and through Tuesday. We'll have reports on river conditions after the storm. The Smith River is now yielding good catches, while the lower Rogue has been slow the last few days. The Upper Klamath near Hornbrook is still very good and Randy has been getting limits daily.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Oct. 19, 2009
We've been going back and forth between the Chetco estuary and Rogue Bay the past week. Rain and higher flows slowed fishing on the Chetco, while the Rogue is kicking out kings and silver salmon, but most of the silvers are native and must be released. Fishing on the Chetco estuary improved Sunday. The 58-pounder caught a few weeks ago on the Chetco has generated lots of media attention. ESPN, The San Francisco Chronicle, Medford Mail Tribune and other newspaper wrote features on the fish, and the trophy salmon made the cover of Western Outdoor News. Book now for drift boat trips for trophy Chetco salmon beginning Nov. 7. We have seats throughout the month. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
We've been going back and forth between the Chetco estuary and Rogue Bay the past week. Rain and higher flows slowed fishing on the Chetco, while the Rogue is kicking out kings and silver salmon, but most of the silvers are native and must be released. Fishing on the Chetco estuary improved Sunday. The 58-pounder caught a few weeks ago on the Chetco has generated lots of media attention. ESPN, The San Francisco Chronicle, Medford Mail Tribune and other newspaper wrote features on the fish, and the trophy salmon made the cover of Western Outdoor News. Book now for drift boat trips for trophy Chetco salmon beginning Nov. 7. We have seats throughout the month. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Oct. 26, 2009
With fishing slow on the Chetco estuary, we've been on the Rogue Bay the past week, catching one to three fish a day as the season winds down. With calmer water in the lower bay, we've put the crab pots out again with good results for a nice salmon/crab combo. The bay seasons are coming to an end, but there are a bunch of fish at the mouth if Indian Creek. Sometimes you can see three or more fish rolling at once, although it's been tough to get them to bite.
Drift boat season on the Chetco begins Nov. 7. Call now to reserve your seat for up river fall kings. It's not too early to set those winter steelhead dates aside.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
With fishing slow on the Chetco estuary, we've been on the Rogue Bay the past week, catching one to three fish a day as the season winds down. With calmer water in the lower bay, we've put the crab pots out again with good results for a nice salmon/crab combo. The bay seasons are coming to an end, but there are a bunch of fish at the mouth if Indian Creek. Sometimes you can see three or more fish rolling at once, although it's been tough to get them to bite.
Drift boat season on the Chetco begins Nov. 7. Call now to reserve your seat for up river fall kings. It's not too early to set those winter steelhead dates aside.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Nov. 1, 2009
We're waiting for some rain to improve salmon fishing on the coast. The Chetco opens above the Highway 101 bridge on Nov. 7. Unless we get some rain, it will be a slow opener.
We've been hitting the Rogue River near Grants Pass for summer steelhead the past week. These fish fight hard on light tackle and smack small clusters of roe as hard as any fish. This is a very scenic trip this time of year with the fall colors, and if you are a duck hunter it's prime time for a cast-and-blast steelhead and duck combo. We've been seeing plenty of mallards and some honkers as well. Book your fall salmon trips now for the Chetco, Elk and Sixes rivers.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
We're waiting for some rain to improve salmon fishing on the coast. The Chetco opens above the Highway 101 bridge on Nov. 7. Unless we get some rain, it will be a slow opener.
We've been hitting the Rogue River near Grants Pass for summer steelhead the past week. These fish fight hard on light tackle and smack small clusters of roe as hard as any fish. This is a very scenic trip this time of year with the fall colors, and if you are a duck hunter it's prime time for a cast-and-blast steelhead and duck combo. We've been seeing plenty of mallards and some honkers as well. Book your fall salmon trips now for the Chetco, Elk and Sixes rivers.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Nov. 15, 2009
Salmon fishing has been fair to good on the Smith River and good on the Elk River in Southern Oregon the past two weeks. With low, clear water the past week on the Elk, most fishermen have stuck to the lower river, but we've been drifting from the hatchery to the RV park takeout with good results, landing up to a dozen adult salmon a day, along with numerous jacks. While some of the salmon on the Elk are already dark, we've been able to get into some bright fish on bobbers and eggs, live sandshrimp and back-bouncing roe. With rain beginning to fall tonight and much mroe expected throughout the week, we should see some of our best salmon fishing of the season this weekend and all of next week. We have multiple drift boat guides available to get you on the water as salmon season begins to peak.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Salmon fishing has been fair to good on the Smith River and good on the Elk River in Southern Oregon the past two weeks. With low, clear water the past week on the Elk, most fishermen have stuck to the lower river, but we've been drifting from the hatchery to the RV park takeout with good results, landing up to a dozen adult salmon a day, along with numerous jacks. While some of the salmon on the Elk are already dark, we've been able to get into some bright fish on bobbers and eggs, live sandshrimp and back-bouncing roe. With rain beginning to fall tonight and much mroe expected throughout the week, we should see some of our best salmon fishing of the season this weekend and all of next week. We have multiple drift boat guides available to get you on the water as salmon season begins to peak.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Nov. 18, 2009
The Chetco River opens to salmon fishing Thursday, Nov. 19. More rain is expected over the weekend. Fishing should be prime next week. We have a few days still open. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
The Chetco River opens to salmon fishing Thursday, Nov. 19. More rain is expected over the weekend. Fishing should be prime next week. We have a few days still open. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Nov. 19, 2009
We saw some of the best action in years during today's Chetco salmon opener. Limits of wild fish within an hour. We then released more salmon, one close to 50 pounds. Heavy rain will likely stall fishing this weekend, but next week still looks prime. With the amount of fish in the river today, it's likely a bunch more are still on their way. Steelhead fishing is also just around the corner. We've already filled several dates in December, January and February, but still have room. Book now while the date you want is still available. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
We saw some of the best action in years during today's Chetco salmon opener. Limits of wild fish within an hour. We then released more salmon, one close to 50 pounds. Heavy rain will likely stall fishing this weekend, but next week still looks prime. With the amount of fish in the river today, it's likely a bunch more are still on their way. Steelhead fishing is also just around the corner. We've already filled several dates in December, January and February, but still have room. Book now while the date you want is still available. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Nov. 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving! Salmon fishing continues to be good on the Chetco and Elk rivers. We fished the Chetco late last week, then moved up to the Elk for a few days because of higher water on the Chetco, then back to Brookings and the Chetco. Except for Sunday, when the Chetco blew out on us because of heavy rain, we've been getting two to five salmon a day, with more hook ups. Plugs, back-bouncing roe and running divers and bait have all produced. The river dropped to 1,600 cfs today, but rain is expected tonight and early Friday, which should put the Chetco in prime shape for the weekend and next week. Guide Randy Wells is handling our overflow trips right now. He's on the Elk today and will be on the Smith on Friday. We have a few days open next week. There's still tiem to get a big salmon to have smoked salmon for the holidays. Steelhead also are beginning to show. December should be good fishing for steelhead and late salmon.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Happy Thanksgiving! Salmon fishing continues to be good on the Chetco and Elk rivers. We fished the Chetco late last week, then moved up to the Elk for a few days because of higher water on the Chetco, then back to Brookings and the Chetco. Except for Sunday, when the Chetco blew out on us because of heavy rain, we've been getting two to five salmon a day, with more hook ups. Plugs, back-bouncing roe and running divers and bait have all produced. The river dropped to 1,600 cfs today, but rain is expected tonight and early Friday, which should put the Chetco in prime shape for the weekend and next week. Guide Randy Wells is handling our overflow trips right now. He's on the Elk today and will be on the Smith on Friday. We have a few days open next week. There's still tiem to get a big salmon to have smoked salmon for the holidays. Steelhead also are beginning to show. December should be good fishing for steelhead and late salmon.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Dec. 4, 2009
Rain and even snow is expected Sunday night and again Wednesday and Thursday. When the rivers drop next weekend, Dec. 12-13, steelhead fishing should be in full swing on the Chetco and Smith rivers, and one final shot of salmon should also arrive. Salmon fishing on the Elk River should be good to decent through the end of the month. We had fair success for steelhead the beginning of this week, and also caught a few more salmon, although most of the kings are now dark. Below the takeout on Tuesday we saw a nice pod of steelhead moving up. The water on the Chetco, Smith and espeically the Elk is low and clear this week, but that will change when the two rain storms next week arrive. We still have some late December along with January and February peak season steelhead dates available. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Rain and even snow is expected Sunday night and again Wednesday and Thursday. When the rivers drop next weekend, Dec. 12-13, steelhead fishing should be in full swing on the Chetco and Smith rivers, and one final shot of salmon should also arrive. Salmon fishing on the Elk River should be good to decent through the end of the month. We had fair success for steelhead the beginning of this week, and also caught a few more salmon, although most of the kings are now dark. Below the takeout on Tuesday we saw a nice pod of steelhead moving up. The water on the Chetco, Smith and espeically the Elk is low and clear this week, but that will change when the two rain storms next week arrive. We still have some late December along with January and February peak season steelhead dates available. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
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Dec. 11, 2009
Rain is falling and more is expected through the next week. Steelhead fishing should be good by the week before Christmas. Salmon are still biting on the Smith River. You may have to sort through some dark fish, but there are still plenty of bright ones, as you can see from these photos today. Randy Wells has been taking his customers to the Smith and catching limits of nice fish. We may do a few more salmon trips on the Elk River before switching gears all the way to steelhead. There are still a handful of January dates available.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Rain is falling and more is expected through the next week. Steelhead fishing should be good by the week before Christmas. Salmon are still biting on the Smith River. You may have to sort through some dark fish, but there are still plenty of bright ones, as you can see from these photos today. Randy Wells has been taking his customers to the Smith and catching limits of nice fish. We may do a few more salmon trips on the Elk River before switching gears all the way to steelhead. There are still a handful of January dates available.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Booking a trip online: You can once again reserve dates online by clicking the "book a trip" link at the top of the page.
The online form was not working for a few weeks prior to Dec. 9. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
The online form was not working for a few weeks prior to Dec. 9. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Dec. 23, 2009
Steelhead fishing is now in full swing on the Chetco River. We have been hooking between two and six steelhead a day. So far our biggest is 17 pounds, but we've lost a few that may have been pushing 20. The Chetco below out over the weekend, but was in great shape today. Expect good fishing for the next several weeks. I have just a handful of openings left for January, so reserve your spot soon. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Steelhead fishing is now in full swing on the Chetco River. We have been hooking between two and six steelhead a day. So far our biggest is 17 pounds, but we've lost a few that may have been pushing 20. The Chetco below out over the weekend, but was in great shape today. Expect good fishing for the next several weeks. I have just a handful of openings left for January, so reserve your spot soon. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Dec. 26, 2009
After taking a couple days off for Christmas I was back on the Chetco today. Steelhead fishing continues to be good. Guide David Castellanos helped me with my four-person group. Just a few January dates left, but several still available for February. Call now to get in on the great steelhead season under way on the Chetco. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
After taking a couple days off for Christmas I was back on the Chetco today. Steelhead fishing continues to be good. Guide David Castellanos helped me with my four-person group. Just a few January dates left, but several still available for February. Call now to get in on the great steelhead season under way on the Chetco. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Jan. 2, 2010
Happy New Year! The Chetco and Smith both blew out after heavy rains Thursday and Friday, but are dropping fast and should fish by Monday or Tuesday. Expect good fishing, the best of the season, the next several weeks. I had a few people reschedule until February, so I have a few openings in January in my boat. Jan. 5, 9, 12, 14, 23, 24, 25, 29 and 30 are open. I can also find an opening with the three other guides I work closely with if you are interested in some other date. This is shaping up to be one of the best steelhead seasons in recent memory. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Happy New Year! The Chetco and Smith both blew out after heavy rains Thursday and Friday, but are dropping fast and should fish by Monday or Tuesday. Expect good fishing, the best of the season, the next several weeks. I had a few people reschedule until February, so I have a few openings in January in my boat. Jan. 5, 9, 12, 14, 23, 24, 25, 29 and 30 are open. I can also find an opening with the three other guides I work closely with if you are interested in some other date. This is shaping up to be one of the best steelhead seasons in recent memory. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Jan. 7, 2010
The Chetco River has dropped back into shape and is fishing fair to good for steelhead. We hooked three yesterday and two today. Still not a whole lot of hatchery fish showing up yet, so the best is still to come. Things could bust loose any day. We've been drifting from Ice Box to Social Security and are finding fish throughout the river, but more from the North Fork down. Showers are expected through the weekend, which should keep the Chetco at a good level. The lower Rogue is also kicking out steelhead, with plunkers doing well not too far upstream from Gold Beach. Fresh fish also have shown up on the middle Rogue, so there are plenty of options right now for steelhead, although they don't get any chromer than those we're getting right now on the Chetco.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
The Chetco River has dropped back into shape and is fishing fair to good for steelhead. We hooked three yesterday and two today. Still not a whole lot of hatchery fish showing up yet, so the best is still to come. Things could bust loose any day. We've been drifting from Ice Box to Social Security and are finding fish throughout the river, but more from the North Fork down. Showers are expected through the weekend, which should keep the Chetco at a good level. The lower Rogue is also kicking out steelhead, with plunkers doing well not too far upstream from Gold Beach. Fresh fish also have shown up on the middle Rogue, so there are plenty of options right now for steelhead, although they don't get any chromer than those we're getting right now on the Chetco.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Jan. 9, 2010
A bunch of new hatchery steelhead have shown up in the Chetco River. Fishing has jumped from fair to good. We hooked four steelhead yesterday and seven today. A lot of boats on the water today, so we pushed ahead and ended up doing two drifts, which paid off with nice fish ahead of and then behind the crowds. Right now I have Jan. 11, 14, 23, 24, 25, 29 and 30 open and some dates in February. This is a great run of steelhead this season. Call if you want a chance to hook up with one of these awesome chrome-bright steelhead.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
A bunch of new hatchery steelhead have shown up in the Chetco River. Fishing has jumped from fair to good. We hooked four steelhead yesterday and seven today. A lot of boats on the water today, so we pushed ahead and ended up doing two drifts, which paid off with nice fish ahead of and then behind the crowds. Right now I have Jan. 11, 14, 23, 24, 25, 29 and 30 open and some dates in February. This is a great run of steelhead this season. Call if you want a chance to hook up with one of these awesome chrome-bright steelhead.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Jan. 12, 2010
I ended up calling off and rescheduling today's and Wednesday's trips after I saw the forecast for heavy rain the other night. The Chetco peaked at 7,000 cfs this evening and is now dropping and should be in shape again Thursday. Fishing should be prime this weekend. I have Jan. 15, 23, 24, 30 and 31 open, as well as a scattering of dates in February. In March we'll turn our attention to the Middle Rogue for steelhead, lower Willamette sturgeon and get ready for spring salmon on the Rogue and Columbia rivers. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
I ended up calling off and rescheduling today's and Wednesday's trips after I saw the forecast for heavy rain the other night. The Chetco peaked at 7,000 cfs this evening and is now dropping and should be in shape again Thursday. Fishing should be prime this weekend. I have Jan. 15, 23, 24, 30 and 31 open, as well as a scattering of dates in February. In March we'll turn our attention to the Middle Rogue for steelhead, lower Willamette sturgeon and get ready for spring salmon on the Rogue and Columbia rivers. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Jan. 23, 2010
The Chetco has been high for nearly a week after several heavy rain storms, but it dropped below 5,000 cfs today and fishing was good. We hooked six steelhead today during two drifts from Ice Box to Social Security Bar. Earlier in the week, while the Chetco was too high to fish from a drift boat, the ODFW crew collecting broodstock for the hatchery reported its two best days of the year. A few boats hit the upper river yesterday, drifting from the South Fork, and reported fair success. Today we found good numbers of fish, all hatchery, in the lower 10 miles of river. More rain is expected next week, but there are some breaks in between so hopefully we won't have to cancel any more trips. I have some dates open in February if you'd like to get in on this great steelhead season. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
The Chetco has been high for nearly a week after several heavy rain storms, but it dropped below 5,000 cfs today and fishing was good. We hooked six steelhead today during two drifts from Ice Box to Social Security Bar. Earlier in the week, while the Chetco was too high to fish from a drift boat, the ODFW crew collecting broodstock for the hatchery reported its two best days of the year. A few boats hit the upper river yesterday, drifting from the South Fork, and reported fair success. Today we found good numbers of fish, all hatchery, in the lower 10 miles of river. More rain is expected next week, but there are some breaks in between so hopefully we won't have to cancel any more trips. I have some dates open in February if you'd like to get in on this great steelhead season. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Jan. 25, 2010
The Chetco shot up to 9,200 cfs overnight after rain all day yesterday and last night, but should fish again Wednesday. Fishing was good yesterday, with hot action until the river began to rise. I saw another guide lose a fish close to 20 pounds, and saw a plunker land a 21-pounder, so there appears to be a sudden surge in big fish in the Chetco right now. Some dates available in February.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
The Chetco shot up to 9,200 cfs overnight after rain all day yesterday and last night, but should fish again Wednesday. Fishing was good yesterday, with hot action until the river began to rise. I saw another guide lose a fish close to 20 pounds, and saw a plunker land a 21-pounder, so there appears to be a sudden surge in big fish in the Chetco right now. Some dates available in February.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Jan. 27, 2010
The Elk River was fair today. We fished the Elk near Port Orford because the Chetco was a little high. When I was cleaning our fish back at the fish cleaning station at the Port of Brookings, a plunker was cleaning a nice steelhead he caught on the Chetco. We'll be on the Chetco the next four days and conditions look like they'll be perfect. The Elk was 4.5 feet today. The Chetco was still over 6,000 cfs, but should be around 4,500 by Thursday morning. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
The Elk River was fair today. We fished the Elk near Port Orford because the Chetco was a little high. When I was cleaning our fish back at the fish cleaning station at the Port of Brookings, a plunker was cleaning a nice steelhead he caught on the Chetco. We'll be on the Chetco the next four days and conditions look like they'll be perfect. The Elk was 4.5 feet today. The Chetco was still over 6,000 cfs, but should be around 4,500 by Thursday morning. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Feb. 1, 2010
Fishing on the Chetco has only been fair, one to three fish a day. The ocean has been rough, so not a whole lot of new fish have been showing up. We are expecting to see a new bunch of fish anytime. There have been quite a few boats on the river, so we've been doing our two drifts a day to get ahead of them and them come down behind them in the afternoon and it has worked out well. Dennis caught his first ever steelhead yesterday and lost another that managed to get into a willow. Nice fish. Come see us at the Eugene boat and outdoor show this weekend. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Fishing on the Chetco has only been fair, one to three fish a day. The ocean has been rough, so not a whole lot of new fish have been showing up. We are expecting to see a new bunch of fish anytime. There have been quite a few boats on the river, so we've been doing our two drifts a day to get ahead of them and them come down behind them in the afternoon and it has worked out well. Dennis caught his first ever steelhead yesterday and lost another that managed to get into a willow. Nice fish. Come see us at the Eugene boat and outdoor show this weekend. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Feb. 8, 2010
After being off the river for four days because of the Eugene Boat and Outdoor Show, I was back on the Chetco today. I had a father and son each fight their first ever steelhead. There appeared to be a lot of fish in the river. We had bites or hookups at Loeb, Willow, Pepperwood, Moffit, North Fork and Highway Hole. Got some nice video today that I'll have up on You Tube soon.
The Eugene show was great, lots of interest in the October ocean salmon season. Good attendance at the seminars too, especially the crabbing ones. Will be at the Roseburg and Medford shows later this month.
ODFW biologist in Gold Beach told me it appears we'll have an October ocean salmon season again this fall. With no commercial fishing again in California this summer, we should see excellent salmon runs in the Chetco, Smith, Rogue and Klamath, all of which are south-turning stocks. Call now to get on the list for the October ocean season.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
After being off the river for four days because of the Eugene Boat and Outdoor Show, I was back on the Chetco today. I had a father and son each fight their first ever steelhead. There appeared to be a lot of fish in the river. We had bites or hookups at Loeb, Willow, Pepperwood, Moffit, North Fork and Highway Hole. Got some nice video today that I'll have up on You Tube soon.
The Eugene show was great, lots of interest in the October ocean salmon season. Good attendance at the seminars too, especially the crabbing ones. Will be at the Roseburg and Medford shows later this month.
ODFW biologist in Gold Beach told me it appears we'll have an October ocean salmon season again this fall. With no commercial fishing again in California this summer, we should see excellent salmon runs in the Chetco, Smith, Rogue and Klamath, all of which are south-turning stocks. Call now to get on the list for the October ocean season.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Feb. 16, 2010
We spent a few days last week on the Chetco, then moved to the Elk River near Port Orford because of the heavy rain and high water, then were able to go back to the Chetco today. Fishing was good today on the Chetco. Fishing was OK up high, but the high water brought some new fish into the middle section of the river. The Elk also produced a few fish. We've started to catch more down-runner steelhead, but also are still seeing plenty of fresh chromers. We've been releasing the spawned out steelhead after great fights, and keeping some of those hatchery chromers. I have a four-person group Wednesday, and will then be off for the rest of the week at the Roseburg sports and outdoors show. After a few trips next week I'm off to the Medford show. I still have some openings for March, and it appears this year will have some great late-season steelhead fishing. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
We spent a few days last week on the Chetco, then moved to the Elk River near Port Orford because of the heavy rain and high water, then were able to go back to the Chetco today. Fishing was good today on the Chetco. Fishing was OK up high, but the high water brought some new fish into the middle section of the river. The Elk also produced a few fish. We've started to catch more down-runner steelhead, but also are still seeing plenty of fresh chromers. We've been releasing the spawned out steelhead after great fights, and keeping some of those hatchery chromers. I have a four-person group Wednesday, and will then be off for the rest of the week at the Roseburg sports and outdoors show. After a few trips next week I'm off to the Medford show. I still have some openings for March, and it appears this year will have some great late-season steelhead fishing. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Feb. 22, 2010
I was off the water for half a week attending the Roseburg Sportsmen's and Outdoor Recreation Show. It was great to see several customers who fished with me the last few years in Alaska and Oregon. Before I left for the show, we were getting a few fish a day, between one and three steelhead, not on fire, but some fish around. The Chetco and Smith are dropping toward low and clear levels now, but some rain is expected mid-week. We did get a few really nice fish last week.
The early Klamath forecast predicts 300,000 fall Chinook to return this year. That's a lot of fish! The Chetco, Rogue and Smith also are expecting good returns. We are expecting a good October ocean salmon season again. I've already started a call list for the October trophy season, so call now to make sure you get a seat for this once-a-year season that usually produces the biggest salmon caught in Oregon the entire year. I'll be at the Medford sports show Friday-Sunday.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
I was off the water for half a week attending the Roseburg Sportsmen's and Outdoor Recreation Show. It was great to see several customers who fished with me the last few years in Alaska and Oregon. Before I left for the show, we were getting a few fish a day, between one and three steelhead, not on fire, but some fish around. The Chetco and Smith are dropping toward low and clear levels now, but some rain is expected mid-week. We did get a few really nice fish last week.
The early Klamath forecast predicts 300,000 fall Chinook to return this year. That's a lot of fish! The Chetco, Rogue and Smith also are expecting good returns. We are expecting a good October ocean salmon season again. I've already started a call list for the October trophy season, so call now to make sure you get a seat for this once-a-year season that usually produces the biggest salmon caught in Oregon the entire year. I'll be at the Medford sports show Friday-Sunday.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Feb. 25, 2010
We received two days of rain and now the Chetco is back up to 4,000 cfs. Should be in prime shape for the weekend.
I'll be at the Medford Sportsmen's and Outdoor Recreation Show Friday through Sunday. Stop by the booth or enjoy one of the seminars I'll be doing.
We'll be offering light-tackle, shallow water lingcod trips beginning in March. The ocean has been rough all winter, so hopefully it begins to flatten out soon.
I've also begun the call list for Klamath River fall salmon and October Trophy Brookings Salmon, our most popular saltwater trips of the year. Seasons will be set in April, but you can be added to the list now and we can firm up reservations once the dates are approved.
My newest video is up on You Tube (see left) with some of this season's steelhead catches.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
We received two days of rain and now the Chetco is back up to 4,000 cfs. Should be in prime shape for the weekend.
I'll be at the Medford Sportsmen's and Outdoor Recreation Show Friday through Sunday. Stop by the booth or enjoy one of the seminars I'll be doing.
We'll be offering light-tackle, shallow water lingcod trips beginning in March. The ocean has been rough all winter, so hopefully it begins to flatten out soon.
I've also begun the call list for Klamath River fall salmon and October Trophy Brookings Salmon, our most popular saltwater trips of the year. Seasons will be set in April, but you can be added to the list now and we can firm up reservations once the dates are approved.
My newest video is up on You Tube (see left) with some of this season's steelhead catches.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
March 7, 2010
Steelhead fishing was surprisingly good last week on the Chetco. A fair number of fresh fish and lots of down-runners created five-, six and seven-fish days. We also hit the ocean for the first time this season on Saturday and got limits of rockfish and a cabazon. No keeper lings, although the ocean was a little rough and kept us from going too far north. The first few spring Chinook also have been caught on the lower Rogue, so there are plenty of March fishing options right now. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Steelhead fishing was surprisingly good last week on the Chetco. A fair number of fresh fish and lots of down-runners created five-, six and seven-fish days. We also hit the ocean for the first time this season on Saturday and got limits of rockfish and a cabazon. No keeper lings, although the ocean was a little rough and kept us from going too far north. The first few spring Chinook also have been caught on the lower Rogue, so there are plenty of March fishing options right now. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.