The North Fork Nehalem is very low and clear, which has fish movement stalled and as a result fishing is slow. In addition, the majority of the hatchery run on this basin is winding down. There are wild broodstock hatchery fish coming back this year, which will continue through March, but they are a small percentage of the overall run so numbers will be low. When fishing low and clear water, using smaller, subtle presentations and stealthy tactics will improve your chances of success. In addition, fish will be holding in different areas than during ideal flows; target the head of deep pools and any pocket water where you can’t see the bottom.

This winter we are seeing the first returns from the new wild broodstock hatchery winter steelhead program. Anglers are encouraged to report their catch of these fish to the hatchery or Tillamook ODFW office. The fish are marked with and adipose and right ventral fin clip.