Where to go for saltwater/estuary salmon in NW Oregon?

Howdy all,

I am trying to figure out where an spot is to start zeroing in my salmon techniques.  I'd like to take advantage of the fact that we have decent sized salmon runs this year.

I've suggested the buoy 10 area before, and, based on responses, it seems like I am still a bit of a newb for that fishery (or the folks giving the advice want to keep the area for themselves?).

So, Buoy 10 and the lower Columbia are probably out as choices for this newb, especially for solo missions.

Leaving what, exactly, as far as within 2 hour driving distance from Portland?

I know I can handle Nehalem bay, but from the reports it looks like almost zero Hatchery coho, and no angling for chinook.  So Nehalem, while a nice enough bay and easy to navigate, seems like a losing bet for filing my tag.  Which is a shame, since Nehalem is an easy drive and has decent facilities close by.

Tillamook?  Seems easy enough, even with the potential for major tidal flux and wind chop...  ODFW is reporting that coho have entered the bay...

Midstream Columbia near St. Helens?

I'm at a loss right now, mostly because there is probably too much choice. 

Does anyone have suggestions?

(or the folks giving the advice want to keep the area for themselves?).

The buoy 10 regulars are the good kind. Not sure if you've hung out w/ them yet but if you have you'd know right away. They've fished that place plenty of times in yaks and PB's and have seen quite a bit. They know of what they speak. I like to think that most of us here are pretty open about spots. Don't worry Madoc I'm sure there's a spot that's less dangerous and the boys would be helpful with. And you skill level will grow as long as you keep at it. Patience young grasshopper.

Z

I've been looking to try out the Nestucca Bay. I have found that the upper bay is pretty mellow from my limited ammount of experiance. I only tried it once last fall and came up with nothing, but I really want to hit it again this fall. If you don't have a problem with making the drive to PC, than this might work for you. I could also be your backup plan if you get to the surf and it looks too big.

-Tillamook Bay/Trask Tidewater
-5th Ave boat launch in Tillamook
-Drift down with the tide thru the Hospital Hole to the junction with the Tillamook river.
-You can troll spinners or park on the deep corners and fish bobber and eggs.
-The slough puts out some fish too.


Don't say I never gave you anything.

-Spot-

Don't say I never gave you anything.

-Spot-

Dude, between the fish porn and crazy reports, you can blame yourself for getting me this excited about catching fish.

Thanks everyone for the info so far.  I'm probably going to try out both Nestucca and Tillamook this weekend, if my schedule allows.

Nehalem's pretty easy going also- coho only this year though.

Don't say I never gave you anything.

I'm still waiting for my Spot-guided steelhead trip.

Z

Don't say I never gave you anything.

I'm still waiting for my Spot-guided steelhead trip.

Z

How many times does a man need to offer before deciding it's a lost cause....   

How many times does a man need to offer before deciding it's a lost cause

Hey, I can't be blamed for mother nature's temperament. Twice and each time she denied me. Mid September is looking really good for a do-over.

Z

Tillamook basin rivers have lots of great fisheries for the yak.  The yak is the best way to beat the hassles at the ramp I have ever found.

The Wilson can kick out a bunch of fish and there's an easy drift from Sollie down.

The Wilson can kick out a bunch of fish and there's an easy drift from Sollie down.

What about an easy shuttle between Sollie and Memaloose?

the upper part of Trask or Kilchis tidewater is a better float for yaks than the wilson.  The wilson can be very good also, it just happens a little later in the season and sees a little more pressure.