Montana Fish Report

Fall Chinook fishing on the Siletz river/bay has been slow but anglers are catching a few fish every day. Fish are now scattered throughout the entire estuary and will continue to stage waiting for the next 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.

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

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 are not as critical with the cooler temperatures and overcast weather so fishing can be good throughout the day. Casting spinners, drifting bait or using a bobber and jig can be effective.

Steelhead fishing is open in the gorge area year round but salmon fishing/retention is closed upstream of the Illahee boat ramp located in the town of Siletz during the fall salmon seasons.

Trout fishing is open in streams and rivers May 22 – Oct. 31.

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.