Nehalem! September 5-7

 I know it's a long ways off, but it's my annual kickoff to the fall salmon season. I'll be fishing Nehalem/Wheeler area each of those three days. Probably try and catch a few crab down near the bay, too.

I consider the Nehalem my "home turf" and I didn't get skunked on a trip there last year. Went 10fer11 overall.

I know bsteves is in for a trip or two, but if anyone else wants to head down there, let me know!

I'm tentatively down for a trip to the Wheeler area.  Do you launch from the park, or up by the bridge?
Since it is closed for Chinook, is the idea to go after Coho?

Ya, Coho. Could be kind of an interesting season. Opens for finclipped Coho (of which there are slim-to-none) August 1. The jury is still out on whether or not we can catch-and-kill wild Coho.

For the sake of the businesses down there, I hope it opens up to keep wild Coho and there will be an influx of fisherman money. But if it doesn't, there should be an absolute ton of open river to fish. It'll basically be C&R, but who cares? It's just fun to be out there.

I've never fished it from a kayak before. Usually we drop the boat in at the public ramp below the bridge and run up to the Island outside Nehalem. With a kayak, we can launch at the public dock right at the Island and be fishing 2 minutes after being on the water.

My personal best is a "fish on" after only 32 seconds with my gear in the water. It's important to be on the water EARLY!

I know its not actually much of a "numbers" impact but seems like catch and release on the weak Nehalem salmon run is like kicking them when they are down. I have fished it for years out of the PB (used to start fishing Aug 1)  and a once great river now seems to be limping along (good for them to close it, to bad they left a couple other rivers open that could use a break) . To each their own, but if you drive 45 minutes north to Astoria you can keep plenty of fish in a system that is forecasted to have a bumper year. 

..... but if you drive 45 minutes north to Astoria you can keep plenty of fish in a system that is forecasted to have a bumper year. 

DOH!    

Ignore that comment.  Nothing to see there.  Keep movin.   

Ah the secret coastal Columbia fishery ..I already have 9 days blocked out up there and just bought my case of herring.  Should be good this year, and as always, no shortage of friendly fisher folks.

I already have 9 days blocked out up there and just bought my case of herring.  Should be good this year, and as always, no shortage of friendly fisher folks.

I must be in the wrong line of work....
Catch some for me too!

I'm down for Nehalem coho. I'm open to any coastal fishery where I can keep one or two nookies. I've spent some time around the mouth of the Columbia too. As long as I'm not fishing MC or Columbia around PDX.....I'm happy.

looking for a carpool buddy. School starts for me at the end of Sept. So I'll be looking to cram in a trip to the coast once a week until then. My 4runner is slowly dying and I'm trying to avoid replacing it this year. Loooking to share driving/gas/wear & tear on vehicle.

Spot/Steelheader/bsteves....any other PDX people.......I'll gladly split the gas bill with you when you guys head out!