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Nov 7, 2019 • 7 min read
Perhaps nothing encapsulates the beauty of Oregon more than the picture of a coho salmon running upstream, or the image of a steelhead glistening as it vaults a waterfall. Long before the boundaries of the Pacific Northwest’s greatest state were formed, salmon have been the bedrock of the fragile yet flourishing ecosystem that makes Oregon a unique destination.
Even today, salmon are the symbol of Oregon’s waterways, representing a species that is ecologically necessary and culturally coveted. To the fly fisher, catching a salmon on a fly rod involves partaking in a story extending far beyond the individual angler’s experience. While fishing for this remarkable species is a privilege requiring care and attention, catching a salmon using something as minuscule as a fly offers an unforgettable opportunity.
10 Rivers in Oregon for Fly Fishing
Whether you’re new to fly fishing or seeking to enhance your skills, here are 10 of Oregon’s premier waters for chasing salmon this fall and winter.
Rogue River
The inspiration behind one of Oregon’s most renowned breweries, the Rogue River offers an abundance of salmon for patient anglers. Known for its run of King Salmon, the Rogue River is ideally fished near the coast from late summer into fall. Freshwater-bound Kings can weigh between 20 to 50 pounds and provide some of the most challenging yet rewarding fishing experiences on the Oregon coast. Additionally, the fall run of Chinook salmon is present in these chilly waters until December. For anglers hoping to keep their catch, the limit is two per day in the Gold Beach area.
Coquille River
Renowned for both its King and Coho runs, the Coquille River is a hidden gem that provides anglers ample time to practice their casting techniques without battling for space along crowded banks. King salmon can be caught from late summer through October, while coho begin their runs in mid-September. Anglers eager for a fight should focus on the aggressive coho, which remain active into early winter.
Nehalem River
Sitting between Tillamook Bay and Columbia fisheries, the Nehalem River experiences a bit less traffic than its more popular counterparts, yet remains home to a healthy population of fish. With annual runs of Coho and Chinook between September and December, this river offers multiple ways to test your skills, whether from a drift boat or while wading into shallower areas. Depending on the fall rains, the prime fishing season can extend into November, with a few straggler catches during the colder months.
Nestucca River
Less-known yet immensely productive, the Nestucca River is perfect for catching fall Chinook salmon from mid-September to December 31. While early season fishing is often best near the bay, as rainfall increases, the Chinook are drawn upstream, making the river’s upper stretches favorable for anglers. Local regulations allow for two fish per day and a limit of 10 per season, supporting the health of the salmon population.
Sandy River
Recognized for its accessibility and friendly environment for anglers of all skill levels, the Sandy River lies a mere 40-minute drive from downtown Portland. Flowing through Oxbow Regional Park, the Sandy River presents opportunities for catching Coho throughout the fall, along with the occasional Chinook. This river, which originates from the icy slopes of Mt. Hood, offers easy access for those looking to enjoy fly fishing without extensive travel.
Umatilla River
Thanks to the tireless restoration efforts of the tribes at the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Umatilla River, located in Northeast Oregon, stands out for its healthy populations of Coho and Chinook, particularly in the fall. The best spots for fishing are on the lower stretches before it reaches the Columbia River at Lake Umatilla. As with most Chinook-friendly rivers, the optimal fishing period is in the middle of fall, with catchable Coho and Chinook until December. For winter fishing enthusiasts, steelhead are also available from November through the coldest months of the year.
Umpqua River
The Umpqua River excels for Chinook fishing during the fall, typically from September to October, and occasionally into November. When fishing is good, the Umpqua offers pristine conditions ideal for drift boats and anglers comfortable in deeper waters. Notably, the Umpqua also features a winter steelhead population, allowing anglers who missed the salmon run to try their hand at catching a 20-pound ocean-grown rainbow trout—making this river a versatile choice for fishing opportunities throughout the year.
Sieltz River
This year-round fly fishing river spans the Oregon coast from Newport Beach to Lincoln City, boasting fall Chinook runs and highly sought-after Coho by mid-fall or early winter. Although hatchery salmon are common throughout Oregon, the Sieltz primarily hosts wild Coho, which requires anglers to check for clipped fins before keeping their catch. For winter enthusiasts, steelhead present tremendous opportunities, with strong runs of ocean-bred Rainbows lasting from December through March.
Salmon River
Where better to pursue salmon on the fly than the Salmon River itself? This pristine, 34-mile river is a tributary of the Sandy and slightly smaller than some others, making it an ideal location for trying your hand at fly fishing for salmon. Fall hatchery Chinook runs are popular mid-to-late fall, as are the winter steelhead runs that attract many anglers. The lower part of the river is easily accessible due to Highway 18 running alongside it for a significant distance, enabling both day trips and extensive fishing expeditions.
Columbia River
The Columbia River is a sanctuary for anglers in Oregon due to its size and significant salmon and steelhead populations, especially in the Columbia River Gorge. Although recent years have seen declines in run counts, Chinook salmon remain a prime target throughout the fall and into winter (through December 31st). Steelhead and Coho can also be caught during the colder months, providing much-needed variation in the chase for the elusive Chinook. Given the expansive banks, fly fishing on the Columbia is best executed using single or spey rod tactics, allowing for longer casts and presentations, with exceptional rewards in the catch.
