Nehalem Bay Salmon Fishing

With its scenic backdrop, abundant wildlife, and the promise of landing the prized Chinook or Coho salmon, the bay attracts anglers from all over. Whether you are a seasoned fisherman or a beginner, Nehalem Bay provides a fishing experience that combines excitement, challenge, and serenity. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the specifics of salmon fishing in Nehalem Bay, offering insights on the species you can catch, best fishing seasons, techniques, gear, and more.

Overview of Nehalem Bay

Nehalem Bay is a relatively shallow estuary formed by the confluence of the Nehalem River and the Pacific Ocean. The bay stretches about five miles long and two miles wide, offering various habitats for fish, including tidal flats, eelgrass beds, and channels. This diverse ecosystem is ideal for supporting a healthy salmon population, particularly the Chinook and Coho species that make their way through the bay on their annual spawning journeys.

The bay is part of the larger Nehalem Bay State Park, making it accessible for both recreational activities and fishing. The bay is surrounded by beautiful coastal landscapes, with lush forests, rolling dunes, and nearby beaches, offering a peaceful and picturesque environment for anglers.

Salmon Species in Nehalem Bay

There are two primary species of salmon that attract anglers to Nehalem Bay: Chinook salmon and Coho salmon.

• Chinook Salmon (King Salmon): The most prized salmon species in Nehalem Bay, Chinook are known for their size and fighting ability. They can weigh anywhere between 20 and 50 pounds, with some exceptional specimens tipping the scales even higher. Chinook are typically available in the bay from late summer to early fall, with August and September being the peak months.
• Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon): Coho salmon are smaller than Chinook, usually weighing between 8 and 12 pounds, though some can reach up to 20 pounds. Coho are renowned for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights, making them a favorite among sport fishermen. Coho runs in Nehalem Bay generally peak from mid-September to October.

Both species migrate through the bay as part of their life cycle, moving from the ocean into the freshwater rivers to spawn. This migration creates a window of opportunity for anglers, as the fish stage in the estuary before heading upstream.

Best Seasons for Salmon Fishing in Nehalem Bay

Timing is crucial when it comes to salmon fishing in Nehalem Bay. The season for Chinook and Coho salmon runs from August through October, but the specific timing of the peak run can vary slightly from year to year depending on environmental conditions.

• August to Early September: This period is typically the best for Chinook salmon. Large numbers of Chinook enter the bay during this time, offering anglers a prime opportunity to catch these big fish as they prepare to head upstream to spawn.
• Mid-September to October: Coho salmon become more prominent in the bay during this period. While some Chinook may still be around, the Coho run peaks, making this an excellent time for anglers targeting this species. The later part of the season, from mid to late October, may also offer opportunities for those looking to catch late-run Chinook.

Fishing success can be affected by weather patterns, water temperatures, and tides, so it’s essential to monitor local fishing reports and conditions when planning your trip.

Fishing Techniques for Nehalem Bay Salmon

Fishing for salmon in Nehalem Bay requires a mix of strategy, skill, and luck. The techniques most commonly used for targeting salmon in the bay include trolling, casting, and jigging. Let’s break down each method:

1. Trolling

Trolling is by far the most popular method for catching salmon in Nehalem Bay. This technique involves slowly dragging bait or lures behind a moving boat. The goal is to cover a large area of water while presenting your offering at the right depth where salmon are holding. When trolling in Nehalem Bay, anglers often use:

• Herring or Anchovy: Cut plug herring and anchovies are two of the most effective natural baits for salmon trolling. These baits mimic the natural prey of salmon and can be fished at various depths using weights or downriggers.
• Spinner or Flasher: Many anglers use flashers or dodgers to attract salmon. These devices create vibration and flash in the water, mimicking the movements of baitfish and drawing the attention of nearby salmon. The flasher is often rigged ahead of a hoochie (plastic squid) or bait to increase its visibility.
• Lead Line or Downriggers: Depending on the water depth and the location of the salmon, it’s crucial to get your bait down to the right level. Lead line or downriggers are used to control the depth of your presentation, with salmon often holding anywhere from 10 to 40 feet deep in the bay.

2. Casting

For those who prefer to fish from shore or stationary boats, casting can also be an effective technique for catching salmon in Nehalem Bay. Casting spoons or spinners that imitate baitfish can entice aggressive Coho salmon to strike. Anglers should focus on deeper channels or near the mouths of tributaries where salmon are likely to congregate during their migration.

3. Jigging

Jigging can be a highly effective way to catch salmon, especially when they are holding near the bottom in deeper areas of the bay. Anglers use heavy jigs, often painted to resemble baitfish, and drop them straight down to the fish. This technique requires a keen sense of timing and patience, but it can yield excellent results.

Best Locations for Salmon Fishing in Nehalem Bay

Nehalem Bay offers several prime locations for salmon fishing, whether you’re fishing from a boat or the shore.

• Jetty Area: The area near the mouth of the bay, close to the Nehalem Bay Jetty, is one of the most productive spots for salmon fishing. Salmon tend to stage here before entering the bay to begin their upstream migration. Both boat anglers and shore fishermen have good success in this area.
• Bay Channels: The deeper channels that run through the bay are excellent places to troll for salmon. These channels provide a natural path for migrating salmon, making them ideal spots for intercepting fish as they move through the bay.
• Nehalem River: As salmon move upstream, the lower stretches of the Nehalem River, particularly near Wheeler, can be excellent for both trolling and casting. Fishing close to the river mouth can be productive, especially during the peak of the run.
• North Fork Nehalem Fish Hatchery: Located upstream, this hatchery draws in a significant number of salmon, particularly Coho. Fishing near the hatchery can offer good opportunities late in the season as salmon congregate in this area.

Tides and Water Conditions

Tides play a critical role in the success of salmon fishing in Nehalem Bay. Salmon are more likely to be active and bite during specific tidal phases. The best time to fish is typically during a rising tide or just before high tide, as salmon will use the incoming water to enter the bay or move further up the estuary.

Water clarity is another essential factor. Salmon tend to be more aggressive and willing to bite when the water is slightly murky, as this provides some cover and encourages them to strike at passing bait. However, if the water is too dirty, salmon may be more reluctant to bite, and fishing can be challenging.

Gear and Tackle

When fishing for salmon in Nehalem Bay, having the right gear is crucial for success. Here’s a basic rundown of the tackle you'll need:

• Rods: A medium-heavy to heavy-action rod is ideal for salmon fishing, particularly if you’re targeting large Chinook. A rod length of 8 to 10 feet allows you to manage larger fish while maintaining control during trolling or casting.
• Reels: A quality level-wind reel with a good drag system is necessary for handling the powerful runs of salmon. Reels should be spooled with 20 to 40-pound test line, depending on the size of the fish you expect to catch.
• Terminal Tackle: You’ll need a selection of hooks, weights, and leaders. Circle hooks are commonly used for trolling with bait, while single or treble hooks work well with spinners or spoons.
• Bait and Lures: As mentioned earlier, cut plug herring, anchovies, flashers, and spinners are all popular options. It's a good idea to have a variety of lures and bait to adapt to changing conditions and salmon preferences.

Regulations and Licensing

Before heading out to fish in Nehalem Bay, make sure you’re familiar with Oregon’s fishing regulations. You’ll need a valid Oregon fishing license, and there are specific regulations regarding bag limits, size limits, and seasons for Chinook and Coho salmon. It’s essential to check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website for the most up-to-date information on fishing seasons and regulations.

In recent years, regulations have been adjusted to help conserve salmon populations, so it’s important to stay informed about any changes that might affect your fishing trip.

Conclusion

Nehalem Bay offers a fantastic salmon fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re trolling for Chinook or casting for Coho, the bay’s productive waters and stunning scenery provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable fishing adventure. With the right gear, techniques, and timing, you’ll have a great chance of landing a trophy salmon in this picturesque Oregon estuary.