Fishing on the North Fork Nehalem has been slow but there are hatchery steelhead in the river and some getting caught. It is going to be low and clear all week and fish probably won’t be moving much. Stealthy tactics, light line and subtle terminal presentations can increase the odds of success is these conditions. Low water is also a good time to use lures that entice a territorial bite. Lastly, concentrate on deep pools and choppy water that provide cover.

In addition to the early returning hatchery stock, we recently transitioned a portion of the hatchery winter steelhead in the North Fork to wild broodstock hatchery fish (hatchery fish from wild parents); these fish are returning to the river now and will continue to do so into early April.