Confused on regs for S. Fork

[alm21]

I've been trying to get to know the Wilson and I am a little confused when it comes to the S. Fork. By looking at the map Elk Creek/Elk Creek Campground is on the S. Fork (correct?). Assuming that's correct, I see guys walking in at the Elk Creek Campground but when I look at the regs, it's closed to salmon and not open for steelhead until Dec 1. I doubt these guys are fishing illegally, so am I missing something?

 

[skunk]

Not positive, but I do believe it is wilson river regs below that point where elk creek meets wilson. Above that to the first bridge there at the elk campground is closed. Please correct if I'm wrong.

 

[Modest_Man]

Elk Creek campground is about half a mile below the deadline. Elk Creek campground is actually on Elk Creek, not the South Fork of the Wilson, it dumps into the Wilson right there just below the campground. The South Fork is farther upstream, off to the left a couple hundred yards at the bridge (across highway 6 from Elk Creek) if you're driving to Tillamook.

From the tidewater up to the South Fork it's all standard Wilson regulations, then the little North Fork and the South Fork open for steelhead on Dec. 1st.

 

[Modest_Man]

I made a peeecture.

 

[alm21]

Nice!!!! :clap: So looking at your map, the deadline is at Devils Lake Fork. Thanks for the lining me out with detail MM, that clears it up.

 

[Modest_Man]

Yes, Devils Lake fork and the South fork confluence is the deadline for salmon, and steelhead until December 1st.

And I may have been off in the labeling of Elk Creek, it might actually be the right fork of the Y, with the left being the West fork down to where it dumps in the Wilson. Not important though, you can't fish it regardless.

 

[alm21]

I'm going to have to spend some time up there now. I drove by there today but didn't want to hit without knowing for sure where the deadline was. Thanks again!