Montana Fish Report

Fall Chinook fishing on the Siletz river/bay opened Aug. 1, a few fish are being caught but it has been slow. Expect numbers of fall Chinook entering the bays and estuaries to increase later in the month and into September. Best techniques include trolling herring/spinners and bobber fishing with bait.

*Note: Salmon fishing in the Siletz river is closed above the marker sign approximately 1,200 feet above Ojalla bridge until Oct. 7.

Summer steelhead are in the river. Fishing has begun to slow down as stream flows decrease and water temperatures increase in the gorge. Early mornings or late evenings provide the best opportunity to catch these fish. The fishing will improve when we get some cooler weather or a little bit of rain to “stir” things up a bit. Casting spinners, drifting bait or using a bobber and jig can be effective.

Sea-run cutthroat will begin entering the lower river later this month and into the fall. These fish are very aggressive, respond well to flies and lures, and can be up to 20-inches long.

Trout fishing is open in streams and river.

*Note: The 3.5 mile bridge (aka Steel Bridge) in the Siletz gorge is open to motorized vehicles, but is only open to public vehicles on the weekend. Anglers can walk/bike in the road during the weekdays. If anglers do walk in they can park at the one mile gate and start from there.