The early hatchery steelhead run is in on the lower Nestucca River and Three Rivers, but fishing has been slow. Expectations are that this week’s freshet should bring in a fair number of hatchery fish, and fishing should improve. The river may get a little muddy today, but if the forecast is right it should be prime fishing by late in the week. Float fishing jigs, beads, or bait, drift fishing, nymphing, and swinging flies or spinners are all good techniques. With the early hatchery fish, staying in the lower Rivery and Three Rivers is the best bet.

Anglers are reminded that the Nestucca is closed to all salmon fishing above First Bridge (near Beaver) Aug. 1 to Dec. 31, and that there is NO wild coho retention in the rivers and bays this year.