Beyond The Backyard with Gerrit Roelof
Fall Salmon Fishing on North Oregon Coast Looks to be Awesome
(TILLAMOOK, Ore. ) — We at Salem News Journal are PROUD to introduce our first columnist Gerrit Roelof.
Here is a little bit about Gerrit:
Gerrit Roelof has been an avid fisher, hiker and hunter in Oregon and the surrounding Northwest for almost 20 years.
He caught his first Steelhead on The Deschutes River on a 5 weight rod and an Undertaker fly his first summer as an Oregon resident.
That fly still sits in his shop as a trophy and reminder of that epic battle.
He has taken multiple trips to Alaska, most of which consist of week-long wilderness floats on remote river systems in Western Alaska.
Gerrit has been a published outdoor author on the local, regional and national level in print and electronic media.
Gerrit will explore many of Oregon’s varied recreational opportunities available to us, both near and far.
Fall Salmon Fishing on North Oregon Coast Looks to be Awesome :
Fall Salmon have arrived on the north Oregon coast, and the fishing so far has been good to exceptional.
ODFW has called this season “The absolute best September we’ve ever had for ocean Coho fishing.” The Coho ocean fishery has already reached it’s allowed quota, and will close this Friday at midnight. Additionally, all ocean Salmon fishing will close from Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon as of midnight this Sunday.
Chinook ocean fishing is expected to remain open between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mountain (north Oregon Coast) until October 31. The current bag limits for Chinook are two fish over 24” per day. Consult the ODFW website for current fishing regulations on specific rivers and regions.
As the season develops, our attention begins to shift to tidewater, where these fish will move into the coastal bays and streams in ever-increasing numbers over the next few weeks. Coho and Chinook are already being caught in the bays and tidewater sections of most coastal rivers.
According to Jeff at the Garibaldi Marina (503-322-3312) the fishing has been “outstanding” in the ocean and Tillamook Bay. This is primarily a bait fishery, with most fishermen trolling herring. Vary the size of your baits until you find what’s working at the moment. These fish are moving into and out of the bay with the tides, so fish accordingly. A reliable fish-finder system is essential here, or specific local knowledge. The Garibaldi Marina is open 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for any last minute supplies and suggestions.
According to Robert Bradley, Assistant District Fish Biologist at the ODFW Tillamook office, they are expecting a good run of both Coho and Chinook this fall. The Coho fishery this year is certainly going well, with “quite a few fish in the bay” already. Bradley says he’s expecting a good run of hatchery and wild Coho this year in the Tillamook area.
The Chinook return has also been good. Bradley is already seeing above average escapement in this region. He says that it’s still early in the run, with the peak of fishing normally taking place in October. However the numbers are indicating that we could see a larger than average return for Chinook as well this year. While you’re fishing, throw a few crab pots out and let them soak. The crabbing is currently very good for Dungeness, and should remain that way into the fall.
With Tillamook Bay barely an hour and a half from Salem, this is an excellent recreation destination. While you’re there, consider making a weekend of it and staying at the many hotels and campgrounds in the area. It’s a much nicer trip when you can fish hard and know that you can relax on shore and not have to drive home on the Hebo cutoff in the dark.
Sit down in the evening with friends (old and new) and tell some new fish stories over a cold beer and some good local seafood.
