Fall Chinook is open and picking up in the Salmon River

Salmon River - Otis, OR


by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
9-20-2023
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Fall Chinook is open and picking up in the Salmon River. Like the rest of the basins, it's still earlier on in the season and with river temps remaining consistently higher it's been a slower start. But the Salmon River estuary is a beautiful place to try! ‌

Reports of fall Chinook being caught have been coming in the past few weeks. The 101 Bridge hole has been a popular spot for bank casting early in the season as hatchery fish start coming back into the basin. Fish have been seen holding below the hatchery and starting to filter into the system. Its definitely been a slower start to the season but as the weeks start to cool down a morning cast may lead to a successful trip. ‌

You can also have some luck throwing a crab pot in the bay, and crabbing is finally starting to pick back up again. ‌

The Salmon River is closed for steelhead; however, the basin is now open to trout. Check out the sea-run cutthroat fishery in the area. You should have a decent chance of catching a trout on the Salmon River.‌

As a reminder there is no wild coho retention on the Salmon River; although other Mid Coast basins will be opening to wild coho retention. Check your regulations before you head out. ‌