More steelhead arrive after slow start to season

BROOKINGS, Ore. – Steelhead season has gotten off to a slow start throughout the Oregon Coast and on the Smith River in far Northern California, as catch rates the first week of January were below average, with good conditions but few fish. The last few days, catch rates have improved as adult winter steelhead begin moving in from the ocean.

Guides fishing from drift boats and plunkers fishing from shore reported slow fishing at the end of December and first of January on the Chetco, Elk, Sixes, Smith and other nearby rivers. Fishing also was slow further up the coast on the Coquille, Umpqua and Tillamook area rivers. The last few days, with dropping river flows and calmer ocean conditions – at least on the South Coast – more steelhead began to move upstream. Plunkers fishing on the lower Chetco are catching a handful of fish a day, while guides are getting a fish or two a trip. Big rains are expected again this week, but as rivers drop back into shape, steelhead season should be in full swing.

Capt. Andy has been fishing daily, and averaging one to two steelhead a day. He has been side-drifting roe and Corkies, launching on the Upper Chetco. Andy is one of the very limited number of guides with a special-use permit from the US Forest Service to fish the Wild and Scenic section of the Chetco from the South Fork to Ice Box, or Second Bridge. With a limited number of guides on that stretch, catch rates are often higher, and anglers are treated to a much less crowded fishing experience.

Steelhead season runs through March on the Chetco, and April on the Smith. Peak season is mid-January through February. The river has been in prime shape the last few days, but is expected to blow out this week with heavy rain, and possible snowmelt. As it comes back into shape, expect better numbers of fish, and peak-season style fishing.

To book a Chetco or Smith river drift boat steelhead trip, visit www.wildriversfishing.com or call our booking office, (541) 813-1082.