The Nehalem gets a unique early component to its fall Chinook run, often referred to as summer Chinook, and that run is going. Fishing slowed near the end of last week, but then picked up again over the weekend. The best bites have been between the Hwy 101 bridge and the Confluence with the North Fork, but there is still some action down at the jaws as well. Wild Chinook may be harvested; 1 per day as part of the daily salmon/steelhead bag limit through Sept. 15. Last updated 8/9/22.

Cutthroat trout fishing can be good throughout the Nehalem and the sea-runs should be well distributed throughout the river. The upper Nehalem is getting really warm this week and that will be putting extra stress on trout and other salmonids. Try fishing early morning when the temperatures are cooler and avoid fighting fish too long when the water is warm, as that can lead to increased hooking mortality.