Montana Fish Report

Fall Chinook fishing on the Siletz river/bay is starting to improve and angers are catching a few fish every day. Fishing should continue to improve as we get later into the month of September and into October. As water temperatures cool in the estuary fish will begin to move up higher in the system as they wait for a big rain event. Best techniques include trolling herring/spinners lower in the estuary while bobber fishing with bait and casting spinners from the bank generally works better higher in the estuary.

**Reminder: All wild coho must be released during the 2018 fall salmon season.

*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 picked up as water temperatures have started to cool down and we’ve had a few small rains. Most of the fish are located in the upper river especially in the gorge area. Early mornings or late evenings provide the best opportunity to catch these fish. The fishing will improve when we get some cooler weather and more rain to “stir” things up a bit. Casting spinners, drifting bait or using a bobber and jig can be effective.

Sea-run cutthroat will continue to enter 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 rivers May 22 – Oct. 31.

*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.