North Oregon coast rivers that ARE always crowded for winter steelhead?

[riverhobo]

I read the forums a lot, but this is my first time posting. I always see a lot of posts on here about people asking for spots that don't have a lot of people. Obviously I understand why folks would be reluctant to share that with the internet. So instead of asking for hidden gems, I thought it might make sense to ask about which places are just absolutely packed and always combat fishing. I like exploring around to find new fishing places to find my own special spots, I just want to weed out the places that aren't worth it because it feels like all of the pullouts are packed and the fish are getting hammered so hard they won't bite.

Rivers that come to mind for me are the Wilson, NF Nehalem, NF Alsea, Sandy, Clackamas, Nestucca(?)...

What are the rivers that are just the worst for crowds during peak winter steelhead season?

 

[C_Run]

I don't like to fish in a crowd so I would not go to the hatchery on Alsea. However, it's 50 miles from Alsea to Tidewater so I just drive on until I don't see a car in one of the spots. Fishing Tuesday - Thursday solves a lot of problems.

 

[riverhobo]

Agreed! Fishing on the weekdays does help as well.

 

[troutdude]

They will ALL be crowded tomorrow! The rivers will be on the drop, and that recent heavy rain...so the fish will be on the move.