Alsea River Salmon Fishing

Known for both its fall Chinook and Coho salmon, the Alsea River draws locals and visitors alike who seek the thrill of catching these prized fish in a scenic and serene setting. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about salmon fishing on the Alsea River, including the species available, the best times to fish, techniques, gear, regulations, and prime locations along the river.

Overview of the Alsea River

The Alsea River begins in the Oregon Coast Range and flows westward for 48 miles before emptying into the Pacific Ocean at Alsea Bay. Along its journey, the river winds through dense forests, farmland, and small towns, offering a variety of fishing environments. The Alsea River is well-known for its runs of Chinook and Coho salmon, as well as steelhead and cutthroat trout. Its estuary, Alsea Bay, serves as a vital staging ground for migrating salmon as they prepare to ascend the river to spawn.

The river is easily accessible to anglers, with public access points, boat ramps, and parks dotting the banks. Whether you prefer fishing from a boat or the shore, the Alsea River provides plenty of opportunities to reel in trophy salmon.

Salmon Species in the Alsea River

The Alsea River is home to two primary species of salmon: Chinook (king) salmon and Coho (silver) salmon. Both species undertake their annual spawning migration through the river, creating peak fishing opportunities at specific times of the year.

• Chinook Salmon (King Salmon): Known for their size and strength, Chinook salmon are a favorite among anglers. These fish can weigh anywhere from 15 to over 50 pounds, with larger specimens providing a challenging fight. Chinook are highly prized not only for their size but also for their excellent table fare. They are available in the Alsea River primarily during the fall, with peak season typically occurring from late August through early November.
• Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon): Coho salmon are smaller than Chinook, usually weighing between 8 and 15 pounds, though they can sometimes reach up to 20 pounds. Coho are known for their aggressive behavior and acrobatic jumps when hooked, making them an exciting target for anglers. The Coho run in the Alsea River peaks from mid-September to late October. While Coho salmon are smaller than Chinook, their fighting ability and abundance make them a popular species to target.

Best Seasons for Salmon Fishing on the Alsea River

Timing is everything when it comes to salmon fishing, and knowing the best times to fish on the Alsea River is crucial for a successful trip. The main salmon fishing seasons in the Alsea River correspond with the fall Chinook and Coho runs, but understanding the nuances of each season can help you make the most of your fishing adventure.

• Chinook Salmon Season: The fall Chinook run typically begins in late August and lasts through November. The best time to fish for Chinook is usually from early September to mid-October when the largest numbers of salmon enter the river to spawn. During this time, Chinook salmon are aggressive and actively feeding, making them more likely to strike at bait or lures.
• Coho Salmon Season: Coho salmon begin to enter the Alsea River in mid-September, with their peak migration occurring from late September through October. Coho fishing can be particularly good during periods of high water following rain, as this encourages the fish to move upstream. Like Chinook, Coho salmon are known for their aggressive feeding behavior during this time, providing excellent opportunities for anglers.

While the primary focus of salmon fishing on the Alsea River is during the fall runs, some anglers may also find success fishing in the bay during the late summer, as salmon stage in the estuary before moving upriver.

Techniques for Salmon Fishing on the Alsea River

There are several proven techniques that anglers use to target salmon on the Alsea River, including trolling, casting, and drift fishing. Each method has its advantages depending on the time of year, water conditions, and the section of the river being fished.

1. Trolling

Trolling is one of the most popular methods for targeting both Chinook and Coho salmon in the Alsea River, especially in the bay and lower stretches of the river. This technique involves dragging bait or lures behind a slow-moving boat, allowing anglers to cover a large area of water and present their offering to multiple fish.

• Bait and Lures: Cut plug herring, anchovies, and spinners are all popular choices for trolling in the Alsea River. Herring and anchovies are typically rigged with a weight or diver to ensure they are presented at the proper depth, while spinners can be used on their own or in combination with flashers to attract salmon.
• Depth Control: When trolling in the lower river or bay, it’s important to present your bait at the depth where salmon are holding. This can range from 10 to 40 feet, depending on water temperature and conditions. Downriggers or lead weights are often used to control the depth of the bait or lure.
• Speed: Trolling speeds for salmon fishing generally range from 1.5 to 3 mph, depending on the current and lure or bait being used. It’s essential to adjust your trolling speed to match the conditions and the preferences of the fish on any given day.

2. Casting

Casting is another effective technique for targeting salmon on the Alsea River, particularly in areas where fish are concentrated, such as deep holes or the mouths of tributaries. Anglers can use a variety of lures or baits to entice salmon into biting.

• Lures: Spinners, spoons, and plugs are all effective lures for casting to salmon. Bright colors like chartreuse, pink, and orange often work well, especially in murky water. For Chinook, larger lures that imitate baitfish are recommended, while Coho may respond well to smaller, more aggressive presentations.
• Bait: Salmon eggs (roe) are a tried-and-true bait for casting to salmon in rivers. Eggs can be fished under a bobber or drifted along the bottom using a weight. Adding scent to your eggs or using cured roe can increase your chances of success.

3. Drift Fishing

Drift fishing is a traditional and highly effective method for targeting salmon in the upper reaches of the Alsea River. This technique involves casting upstream and allowing the current to carry your bait or lure downstream through likely holding spots, such as deep pools or riffles.

• Bait: Salmon roe is a favorite bait for drift fishing. The eggs are either tied in a mesh sack (spawn sac) or fished individually. Other baits like sand shrimp, nightcrawlers, or prawns can also be effective.
• Tackle: A medium to heavy-action rod is ideal for drift fishing, paired with a spinning or baitcasting reel spooled with 15 to 25-pound test line. A sliding weight or drift rig allows the bait to move naturally with the current while keeping it near the bottom, where salmon are likely to be holding.

Best Locations for Salmon Fishing on the Alsea River

The Alsea River offers several prime fishing locations, each with its own unique characteristics. Whether you prefer fishing from a boat or the bank, there are excellent spots to target salmon throughout the river and estuary.

• Alsea Bay: The bay is a popular spot for both Chinook and Coho salmon, particularly in late summer and early fall when the fish stage here before heading upriver to spawn. Trolling with cut plug herring or anchovies is the most effective method in this area, as it allows anglers to cover a large swath of water. The bay’s proximity to the ocean also means that fish are often fresh and aggressive.
• Lower River: The lower stretches of the Alsea River, between the bay and the town of Tidewater, offer excellent opportunities for both boat and shore anglers. The river here is wider and slower, making it ideal for trolling and casting. The deeper pools and slower-moving water make this a good area for fish to hold as they prepare to move upstream.
• Upper River: Above Tidewater, the Alsea River becomes narrower and faster, providing more challenging fishing conditions. This area is best suited for drift fishing or casting, as the salmon move into the deeper pools and riffles. Public access is available at several parks and pull-offs along Highway 34, which follows the river’s course.
• North Fork Alsea: The North Fork of the Alsea River is another productive spot for salmon fishing, particularly for Coho. The North Fork Fish Hatchery, located near the town of Alsea, releases thousands of Coho and Chinook smolts each year, providing ample fishing opportunities near the hatchery and downstream.

Tides and Water Conditions

Tides and water conditions play a significant role in salmon fishing success on the Alsea River, particularly in the lower sections of the river and the bay. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning your trip:

• Incoming Tide: Salmon are more likely to move into the river during an incoming tide, as the rising water helps them swim upstream. Fishing during the last few hours of an incoming tide can be particularly productive.
• Slack Tide: The period of slack tide, when the water is neither rising nor falling, is often a prime time to fish, as salmon will be less affected by the current and more likely to bite.
• High Water: Following heavy rains, salmon tend to move upriver in greater numbers. High, muddy water can make fishing more challenging, but it also signals the start of increased fish activity as salmon take advantage of the rising water levels.

Gear and Tackle for Salmon Fishing

Having the right gear is essential for a successful salmon fishing trip on the Alsea River. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Rods: A medium to heavy-action rod, 8 to 10 feet long, is ideal for salmon fishing. This allows for good casting distance and control when fighting large fish.
• Reels: Both spinning and baitcasting reels can be used for salmon fishing. A quality reel with a smooth drag system is crucial for handling the powerful runs of a salmon. Reels should be spooled with 15 to 30-pound test line, depending on the size of the fish and the technique being used.
• Terminal Tackle: A selection of hooks, swivels, and sinkers is necessary for drift fishing or trolling. Circle hooks are commonly used when fishing with bait, as they result in fewer missed bites. For trolling, use a flasher or dodger ahead of your bait or lure to attract fish.
• Lures and Bait: Cut plug herring, anchovies, spinners, and salmon roe are all excellent choices for targeting salmon on the Alsea River. It’s a good idea to carry a variety of baits and lures to adapt to changing conditions.

Regulations and Licensing

Before heading out to fish for salmon on the Alsea River, be sure to familiarize yourself with Oregon’s fishing regulations. These regulations are designed to protect salmon populations and ensure sustainable fishing practices. Key points to keep in mind include:

• Fishing License: All anglers are required to have a valid Oregon fishing license, as well as a Columbia River Basin Endorsement if fishing in the estuary or tidal areas.
• Bag Limits: There are specific bag limits for Chinook and Coho salmon, which vary depending on the season and location. Check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website for the most up-to-date information on bag limits and legal harvest sizes.
• Hatchery vs. Wild Fish: In many cases, anglers are only allowed to keep hatchery-raised salmon, which are marked with a clipped adipose fin. Wild fish must be released unharmed. Be sure to identify your catch before keeping it.

Conclusion

Salmon fishing on the Alsea River offers an exciting and rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels. With its abundant Chinook and Coho runs, scenic surroundings, and accessible fishing locations, the Alsea River is a prime destination for anyone looking to catch these prized fish. By using the right techniques, gear, and timing your trip to coincide with peak salmon runs, you can increase your chances of landing a trophy fish and creating lasting memories on this beautiful Oregon river.