Nehalem, Oregon, is a premier fishing destination along the scenic North Coast, renowned for its dynamic salmon runs and diverse angling opportunities. The Nehalem River and Bay provide optimal conditions for targeting Chinook and Coho salmon, with peak seasons from early autumn through early spring. These waters host some of Oregon's largest Fall Chinook, often exceeding 40 pounds, offering thrilling battles in the shallow estuary environments.
Beyond salmon, charters frequently pursue Steelhead during winter months and Sturgeon year-round, while ocean excursions near Cape Falcon yield Lingcod, Rockfish, and seasonal Halibut. Summer months add Smallmouth Bass and Shad to the mix, creating year-round variety. Many charters incorporate crabbing into full-day adventures, allowing anglers to pull pots teeming with Dungeness crab.
Experienced local captains leverage decades of knowledge to navigate the region's unique tides, structures, and migration patterns. Their well-equipped boats feature specialized gear for diverse techniques, from trolling the bays to bottomfishing offshore reefs. This versatility ensures productive outings whether targeting trophy salmon in the river mouth or feisty rockfish in the Pacific.