Montana Fish Report

Fall Chinook season is open on Tillamook River and Bay. Fishing on the bay has been moderate with a few fish being caught at the mouth, and up in the estuary. Trolling herring or spinners, bobber fishing bait, or casting spinners are all good techniques. The river just opened above Cloverdale Bridge on the 16th, and we haven’t had many reports yet, but with recent rains there should be a few fish sneaking into the lower River. Bobber fishing bait, Back-bouncing, back-trolling plugs or divers and bait, or casting spinners can all be effective methods. Anglers are reminded that the Nestucca is closed to all salmon angling 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. Also, two rods are prohibited on all coastal rivers, tidewater, estuaries and bays.

Summer steelhead fishing has been moderate to slow, but there are fish throughout the system. September can be a great time to target these fish as cooler nights and recent rains lower water temps, and fish that have been holding get more active. Fish are throughout the system. Target riffles and the top of pools during first and last light, and concentrate on deeper holding pools once the sun is on the water. Fishing stealthy, with light gear, and targeting first and last light is often the key to success with these fish.

Trout season is open, and recent surveys by ODFW found good numbers of cutthroat in the basin, and sea run cutthroat are entering the lower River now, too. Remember the limit on streams and rivers is two per day over 8-inches.

Three Rivers is closed to all angling downstream of the hatchery through Sept. 30.