The high water event last week dispersed steelhead in moderate numbers throughout the basin. Given this week’s weather forecast, fishing conditions could be challenging this week. My best guess is that it will be “blown out” on Wednesday, but will fish later in the week and into the weekend (though it may be on the rise Saturday).

When fishing high or colored up water, large presentations and bright colors are key. This is also a good time to break out the bait or scents for added attraction. In addition fishing techniques that keep the presentation near the bottom (drift fishing, bobber doggin’, side drifting) are a good bet. 

Three Rivers will likely fish this weekend, even though it may be on the rise. This might be a good bet for Saturday.

The Nestucca is one of the more popular steelhead rivers on the North coast, mostly due to a large hatchery steelhead release and the wild broodstock program. The Nestucca has two strains of hatchery steelhead, one early returning component that peaks in late December and January (best fishing for this run is in the lower river and in Three Rivers), and our broodstock hatchtery run which is good January through mid-April. These fish are known to be large and aggressive, and are good fighters as well as excellent table fair.

There is good drift boat access to the mid and lower river, and public land bank access on the upper river.

There is a boating hazard in the form of a downed tree just below the camp 101 hole, but it is passable on River Right.

Trout season will reopen on May 22, 2020.

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation Farmer Creek Wayside and boat ramp will be closed late this summer through fall of 2020 due to construction associated with the Hwy 101 realignment.