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 quality Wright & McGill rods, Penn and Pflueger reels, Eagle Claw hooks, Worden's Lures products, and Pautzke cures.
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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For 2008, 2007 Fishing Report archives, click here.
For 2008, 2007 Fishing Report archives, click here.
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.
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.
March 14, 2010
We dealt with low water this past week, then high water, then perfect conditions. Steelhead are still being caught on the Chetco. We hooked several today, both fresh fish and downers. Yesterday we fished the Elk, where we hooked (and lost) two salmon on steelhead gear. Hard to control them in fast water with light tackle! The Chetco was low last week, but we still picked up a few. Ocean looks good for lings and rockfish this upcoming weekend with nice weather expected.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
We dealt with low water this past week, then high water, then perfect conditions. Steelhead are still being caught on the Chetco. We hooked several today, both fresh fish and downers. Yesterday we fished the Elk, where we hooked (and lost) two salmon on steelhead gear. Hard to control them in fast water with light tackle! The Chetco was low last week, but we still picked up a few. Ocean looks good for lings and rockfish this upcoming weekend with nice weather expected.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
March 17, 2010
We'll be fishing the Chetco until the March 31 closure. Still catching some bright fish, lots of downrunners and now the small but hard-fighting blue backs. Surfperch also are being caught at Brookings area beaches. We did a fun trip today and caught quite a few. We'll be doing some rockfish and lingcod charters this weekend and should have a report in a few days on that.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
We'll be fishing the Chetco until the March 31 closure. Still catching some bright fish, lots of downrunners and now the small but hard-fighting blue backs. Surfperch also are being caught at Brookings area beaches. We did a fun trip today and caught quite a few. We'll be doing some rockfish and lingcod charters this weekend and should have a report in a few days on that.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
March 29, 2010
Lingcod and rockfish action out of Brookings has been great when the weather cooperates. We had excellent fishing last week before storms moved in on Thursday. We got two lings over 20 pounds last week, plus limits of big rockfish, as well as some smaller lingcod.
We spent the weekend on the Columbia fishing for spring Chinook, catching five fish in two days.
The lower Rogue is starting to produce good result for spring Chinook. Our first springer trip of the year is Wednesday. The Rogue springer run is off to one of the best starts in years, and April is generally the best month on the lower river. We'll be fishing for these prized fish from the jet boat. Off to Alaska in May. We have openings for both Brookings rockfish and lower Rogue spring salmon.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Lingcod and rockfish action out of Brookings has been great when the weather cooperates. We had excellent fishing last week before storms moved in on Thursday. We got two lings over 20 pounds last week, plus limits of big rockfish, as well as some smaller lingcod.
We spent the weekend on the Columbia fishing for spring Chinook, catching five fish in two days.
The lower Rogue is starting to produce good result for spring Chinook. Our first springer trip of the year is Wednesday. The Rogue springer run is off to one of the best starts in years, and April is generally the best month on the lower river. We'll be fishing for these prized fish from the jet boat. Off to Alaska in May. We have openings for both Brookings rockfish and lower Rogue spring salmon.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
April 9, 2010
The ocean out of Brookings has been rough the past week, but we hope to get out after the weekend. Spring salmon fishing is fair to good on the lower Rogue near Gold Beach. Right now boaters are averaging a couple of fish a day, with more hatchery fish than springers. There's still some great packages for Alaska trophy halibut fishing - call for special prices. We've been getting quite a few calls on the October trophy salmon season out of Brookings at the mouth of the Chetco. The season will likely be Oct. 1-12, but we won't know for sure for a few weeks. If it is the 1-12, then I have around six days left in my boat, but will also booking a few other captains for the season. Call to get added to the list for this premier Oregon trophy salmon season.To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
The ocean out of Brookings has been rough the past week, but we hope to get out after the weekend. Spring salmon fishing is fair to good on the lower Rogue near Gold Beach. Right now boaters are averaging a couple of fish a day, with more hatchery fish than springers. There's still some great packages for Alaska trophy halibut fishing - call for special prices. We've been getting quite a few calls on the October trophy salmon season out of Brookings at the mouth of the Chetco. The season will likely be Oct. 1-12, but we won't know for sure for a few weeks. If it is the 1-12, then I have around six days left in my boat, but will also booking a few other captains for the season. Call to get added to the list for this premier Oregon trophy salmon season.To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
April 27, 2010
Spring salmon fishing on the lower Rogue has been fair - Good one day and then slow the next, typical springer fishing. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife held a meeting last night to discuss the 2010 Chetco River fall salmon seasons. Looks like the October ocean salmon season will be Oct. 1-12 and the river will open to salmon fishing above the Highway 101 bridge on Nov. 5 for drift boat fishing with a two fish per day limit. We head to Alaska in just a few weeks, but are taking bookings for Klamath and Rogue river fall salmon in September, Smith River drift boat salmon and Chetco trophy salmon and Brookings ocean salmon in October. Call now to get on the list to reserve the best dates. The October ocean dates are already filling. Also call if you want to get in on some trophy Alaskan halibut action.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Spring salmon fishing on the lower Rogue has been fair - Good one day and then slow the next, typical springer fishing. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife held a meeting last night to discuss the 2010 Chetco River fall salmon seasons. Looks like the October ocean salmon season will be Oct. 1-12 and the river will open to salmon fishing above the Highway 101 bridge on Nov. 5 for drift boat fishing with a two fish per day limit. We head to Alaska in just a few weeks, but are taking bookings for Klamath and Rogue river fall salmon in September, Smith River drift boat salmon and Chetco trophy salmon and Brookings ocean salmon in October. Call now to get on the list to reserve the best dates. The October ocean dates are already filling. Also call if you want to get in on some trophy Alaskan halibut action.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
May 15, 2010
Spring salmon fishing is fair on the lower Rogue, and fish are being caught daily now in the Upper Rogue. We enjoyed some great action early in the month, with an average of one fish per angler, with several more chances. Bottom fishing is excellent out of Brookings. We have been getting limits of lings and rockfish. This was out last week of the season for springers and rockfish, as we head to Alaska in a few days to run trips until early Sepetmber.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Spring salmon fishing is fair on the lower Rogue, and fish are being caught daily now in the Upper Rogue. We enjoyed some great action early in the month, with an average of one fish per angler, with several more chances. Bottom fishing is excellent out of Brookings. We have been getting limits of lings and rockfish. This was out last week of the season for springers and rockfish, as we head to Alaska in a few days to run trips until early Sepetmber.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
May 27, 2010
The first week here in Alaska has been great. Salmon fishing is off to a good start for early kings. The halibut are moving in, although no really big fish yet (they are coming!). Some excellent action on big lings. The ling slot limit is 30 to 35 inches. After several years in Seward, we are fishing Gustavus beginning this season for Alaska's best trophy halibut fishing, with several fish over 300 pounds caught each summer. King fishing also a better in Gustavus than Seward.
The first week here in Alaska has been great. Salmon fishing is off to a good start for early kings. The halibut are moving in, although no really big fish yet (they are coming!). Some excellent action on big lings. The ling slot limit is 30 to 35 inches. After several years in Seward, we are fishing Gustavus beginning this season for Alaska's best trophy halibut fishing, with several fish over 300 pounds caught each summer. King fishing also a better in Gustavus than Seward.
Give us a call to book a Gustavus or Seward halibut fishing trip. We also are taking early bookings for Klamath River fall salmon, Smith River fall salmon and the very popular Brookings Oregon October trophy ocean salmon season.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
June 5, 2010
The Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife has finalized the 2010 fall salmon seasons for the Chetco River. The ocean trophy fishery runs Oct. 1-12, as expected. One fish per day. The river above tidewater opens Nov. 6 with a two fish per day limit. A strong run is expected. I still have a few dates open for the trophy October ocean season, and for drift boat trips in November on the Chetco and Smith. Call now before the best dates are gone.
The second week in Alaska was excellent for halibut. Ron from Napa, Calif., landed a 235-pounder, and we got several fish in the 50- to 70-pound range, and lots of 30-pounders. Great eater-size halibut. Also pictured in David from Reno with a 70-pounder, and Bub with a nice fish. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
The Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife has finalized the 2010 fall salmon seasons for the Chetco River. The ocean trophy fishery runs Oct. 1-12, as expected. One fish per day. The river above tidewater opens Nov. 6 with a two fish per day limit. A strong run is expected. I still have a few dates open for the trophy October ocean season, and for drift boat trips in November on the Chetco and Smith. Call now before the best dates are gone.
The second week in Alaska was excellent for halibut. Ron from Napa, Calif., landed a 235-pounder, and we got several fish in the 50- to 70-pound range, and lots of 30-pounders. Great eater-size halibut. Also pictured in David from Reno with a 70-pounder, and Bub with a nice fish. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
June 20, 2010
Halibut fishing has really picked up in Gustavus near Glacier Bay National Park. Shane from Salt Lake caught a 215-pounder June 17, while others in his group also landed 100-plus-pound halibut. Yesterday we caught at least six halibut in the 80-pound range, plus released a 140-pounder. Salmon fishing is fair, but we managed to get some nice kings inside, close to the dock.
Spring Chinook fishing is still going strong on the Rogue. Call if you want to get in on the action and I can set you up with a local guide.
If you have a date in mind for fall salmon or winter steelhead, book it now, as some of last year's customers are already locking in 2010-11 dates for Chetco and Smith river drift boat trips. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Halibut fishing has really picked up in Gustavus near Glacier Bay National Park. Shane from Salt Lake caught a 215-pounder June 17, while others in his group also landed 100-plus-pound halibut. Yesterday we caught at least six halibut in the 80-pound range, plus released a 140-pounder. Salmon fishing is fair, but we managed to get some nice kings inside, close to the dock.
Spring Chinook fishing is still going strong on the Rogue. Call if you want to get in on the action and I can set you up with a local guide.
If you have a date in mind for fall salmon or winter steelhead, book it now, as some of last year's customers are already locking in 2010-11 dates for Chetco and Smith river drift boat trips. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
June 26, 2010
I have three days still open for the October trophy ocean salmon season out of Brookings, Oregon, Oct. 1, 6 and 11. This is a prime chance to catch a trophy king, perhaps the best opportunity outside of Alaska or Canada. Fall salmon drift boat trips for the Chetco and Smith also are beginning to fill in, so let me know if you have a date in mind while there are still plenty of days available.
Halibut fishing continues to be excellent here in Alaska. We brought twin 150-pounders to the boat on Tuesday at the same time, and landed a limit of 60 to 80 pounders within an hour on Wednesday. Salmon fishing was on the slow side, however. Nate, Eric, Major and Linda, the customers who fished with me all week, each caught their biggest halibut ever this week. We caught several silver salmon, but no kings. I'll be in Alaska until early Sept., then will be fishing the Klamath and Rogue for salmon until the Chetco and Smith turn on in October. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
I have three days still open for the October trophy ocean salmon season out of Brookings, Oregon, Oct. 1, 6 and 11. This is a prime chance to catch a trophy king, perhaps the best opportunity outside of Alaska or Canada. Fall salmon drift boat trips for the Chetco and Smith also are beginning to fill in, so let me know if you have a date in mind while there are still plenty of days available.
Halibut fishing continues to be excellent here in Alaska. We brought twin 150-pounders to the boat on Tuesday at the same time, and landed a limit of 60 to 80 pounders within an hour on Wednesday. Salmon fishing was on the slow side, however. Nate, Eric, Major and Linda, the customers who fished with me all week, each caught their biggest halibut ever this week. We caught several silver salmon, but no kings. I'll be in Alaska until early Sept., then will be fishing the Klamath and Rogue for salmon until the Chetco and Smith turn on in October. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
July 10, 2010
Some of the best fall salmon dates are starting to fill, so get on the list now if you have a specific date in mind for Chetco or Smith River fall salmon. Halibut fishing is excellent in Alaska. The Plott family from the Santa Barbara area caught eight over 100 pounds in late June and early July. Great group to fish with! The guys from Wyoming also got one over 100, and Ray's group from Montana, which fished with me last summer in Seward, hammered some big fish this past week, with several over 100 pounds. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Some of the best fall salmon dates are starting to fill, so get on the list now if you have a specific date in mind for Chetco or Smith River fall salmon. Halibut fishing is excellent in Alaska. The Plott family from the Santa Barbara area caught eight over 100 pounds in late June and early July. Great group to fish with! The guys from Wyoming also got one over 100, and Ray's group from Montana, which fished with me last summer in Seward, hammered some big fish this past week, with several over 100 pounds. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
July 18, 2010
Halibut fishing remains good in Alaska. We got one well over 200 pounds this past week, plus some more big fish. A lot more silvers also are starting to show up. Good tides this next week, so fishing should be great. I'll be in Alaska until early Sept., then will be fishing the Klamath and Rogue for salmon until the Chetco and Smith turn on in October. There are a few dates open still for the first week of Chetco River drift boat salmon in early November. These are prime dates for big kings on light tackle. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Halibut fishing remains good in Alaska. We got one well over 200 pounds this past week, plus some more big fish. A lot more silvers also are starting to show up. Good tides this next week, so fishing should be great. I'll be in Alaska until early Sept., then will be fishing the Klamath and Rogue for salmon until the Chetco and Smith turn on in October. There are a few dates open still for the first week of Chetco River drift boat salmon in early November. These are prime dates for big kings on light tackle. To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
July 24, 2010
Hank from Pennsylvania caught our first 300-plus-pounder of the season this week on a jig tipped with a pollock fillet marinated in Pautzke's Halibut & Rockfish Nectar. He was using a Wright & McGiill halibut rod. We had another great week of fish, with lots of big halibut, and a bunch of salmon as well.
I have some dates open still for September fall salmon fishing on the Klamath River, as well as the first week of drift boat salmon on the Chetco in early November.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Hank from Pennsylvania caught our first 300-plus-pounder of the season this week on a jig tipped with a pollock fillet marinated in Pautzke's Halibut & Rockfish Nectar. He was using a Wright & McGiill halibut rod. We had another great week of fish, with lots of big halibut, and a bunch of salmon as well.
I have some dates open still for September fall salmon fishing on the Klamath River, as well as the first week of drift boat salmon on the Chetco in early November.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Aug. 1, 2010
Another exceptional week of halibut fishing in Alaska. Bernie from Sonora caught a 200-pounder, plus a couple 100-pounders, while Jim, also from Sonora, Calif., caught a 100-plus-pounder. We had a couple great days salmon fishing as well with the Northern California group.
I just had Oct. 5 become available for the Brookings trophy ocean salmon season. It's the only day the full boat is available for the 12-day season. I also have room for a couple singles during the season, and have begun to book a few other boats for the Chetco bubble fishery.
Dates are beginning to fill for Chetco and Smith river fall salmon drift boat trips, so call now to get the best dates.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Another exceptional week of halibut fishing in Alaska. Bernie from Sonora caught a 200-pounder, plus a couple 100-pounders, while Jim, also from Sonora, Calif., caught a 100-plus-pounder. We had a couple great days salmon fishing as well with the Northern California group.
I just had Oct. 5 become available for the Brookings trophy ocean salmon season. It's the only day the full boat is available for the 12-day season. I also have room for a couple singles during the season, and have begun to book a few other boats for the Chetco bubble fishery.
Dates are beginning to fill for Chetco and Smith river fall salmon drift boat trips, so call now to get the best dates.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
For 2009 Fishing Report archives, click here.
Aug. 15, 2010
Big tides made halibut fishing tough, but we got some nice fish the first half of August, including several fish between 150 and 200 pounds. Skeet Reese, a winner of the Bassmaster Classic and well-known BASS pro, visited Alaska and chose to fish with us. No real big fish, but one of the people in his group managed to get a fish around 75 pounds. We also lost a couple fish pushing 200 pounds. Silver salmon fishing is improving and some kings are still available offshore.
Back in Oregon, the Rogue Bay has been hit-and-miss so far, with a few really good days mixed in. We can help arranged guided trips.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Big tides made halibut fishing tough, but we got some nice fish the first half of August, including several fish between 150 and 200 pounds. Skeet Reese, a winner of the Bassmaster Classic and well-known BASS pro, visited Alaska and chose to fish with us. No real big fish, but one of the people in his group managed to get a fish around 75 pounds. We also lost a couple fish pushing 200 pounds. Silver salmon fishing is improving and some kings are still available offshore.
Back in Oregon, the Rogue Bay has been hit-and-miss so far, with a few really good days mixed in. We can help arranged guided trips.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Aug. 23, 2010
Except for room for one single as part of a mixed group, the October ocean trophy salmon season out of Brookings in now fully booked. Let me know if you want to get in on the action, as there are a few other guides also licensed to take customers onto the ocean for the October season and they still have some openings.
November is beginning to fill for Chetco River and Smith River fall salmon. This is some of the best drift boat salmon fishing in the Northwest and a good chance to get some salmon to smoke for the holidays. I also still have a couple days still open for Klamath River fall salmon in late September, as well as Chetco River estuary fall salmon.
Halibut fishing has been steady in Alaska, where I will continue to run trips through the first week of September. We found a fresh batch of kings offshore last week and some nice lings for the lingcod re-opener. Lots of yelloweye too! Should be good for trophy halibut for the Sept. 1 opener inside Glacier Bay National Park.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.
Except for room for one single as part of a mixed group, the October ocean trophy salmon season out of Brookings in now fully booked. Let me know if you want to get in on the action, as there are a few other guides also licensed to take customers onto the ocean for the October season and they still have some openings.
November is beginning to fill for Chetco River and Smith River fall salmon. This is some of the best drift boat salmon fishing in the Northwest and a good chance to get some salmon to smoke for the holidays. I also still have a couple days still open for Klamath River fall salmon in late September, as well as Chetco River estuary fall salmon.
Halibut fishing has been steady in Alaska, where I will continue to run trips through the first week of September. We found a fresh batch of kings offshore last week and some nice lings for the lingcod re-opener. Lots of yelloweye too! Should be good for trophy halibut for the Sept. 1 opener inside Glacier Bay National Park.
To book the ultimate Oregon or Alaska fishing trip, call (206) 388-8988 or e-mail wildriversfishing@yahoo.com.