North Coast
Our trips
The majestic allure of the Northern Oregon coastal rainforest provides an extraordinary backdrop for the pursuit of migrating winter steelhead.
Season
Duration
Capacity
Jan-Apr
Rate
From $600/day
1-5 days
1-6 anglers
Stay
River house rental
*Not applicable for single day
Overview
Explore the untamed splendor of Oregon's coast range while embarking on an adventure to chase legendary winter steelhead. Navigate through the breathtaking rainforest scenery aboard a drift boat or whitewater raft, immersing yourself in the unparalleled thrill of angling for these mighty ocean-bound fish. This experience offers a firsthand encounter with the raw natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
What to expect
We will prepare and pack a river lunch for the days float. We are happy to accommodate any dietary preferences. Please feel free to bring any auxiliary snacks and drinks you care to enjoy.
Meals
When chasing winter steelhead, a lot can be said for being in the right place at the right time. Having multiple rivers in close proximity and multiple sections of each river to float and fish allows flexibility to float sections that have the best conditions and most opportunities at these stunning fish. We like to be on the water and fishing early and our days efforts usually entail a pre dawn wakeup. Once on the water we will be floating and fishing our way downstream covering all the likely haunts. In this conditions dependent fishery its not uncommon to run multiple floats over the course of the day. Being a winter and early spring fishery, winter steelhead is not for the fair weather angler. While we do experience beautiful, sunny days on the river being prepared with quality rain gear, warm layers and an expedition mentality is necessary.
Fishing Program
What to bring
You will need to acquire an Oregon fishing license which can be done online through the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife website or the MyODFW app. Licenses are available to purchase at certain brick and mortar shops but the online option is preferred. You will want to select the Combined Angling Tag from the online catalogue. Click here to set up an account and obtain a license. We are happy to help and answer any questions that may arise.
Fishing license
The weather can fluctuate widely and being prepared with the right gear is key. Dressing in layers, bringing an extra jacket and quality rain gear is essential. A hat, polarized sunglasses, rain coat and warm socks are all recommended. Fishing waders and boots are recommended but not mandatory. We have all the fishing gear necessary but please bring your own waders, boots and suitable fly fishing gear if you prefer. Please let us know if there are items we can help with or gear recommendations.
Personal Items
Rates
$600 per day 1 or 2 anglers
*Trips are priced per guide boat.
Contact us for multi day details as accommodation options dictate pricing.
Location
Our coastal winter steelhead trips are based on the river systems near Tillamook, Oregon. This zone provides access to multiple scenic drainages that offer a variety of floating and fishing options. Portland, Oregon is a good place to fly into, rent a car, and drive approx. 1.5 hours to accommodations closer to the coast. There are several lodging options and we have some favorite riverside house rentals that work well for our fishing program. For a single day trip commuting from Portland is very doable but if fishing multiple days staying near Tillamook optimizes fishing time and the overall experience. We provide multi-day packages inclusive of accommodations and a comprehensive meal program, tailored to meet your specific preferences and needs.
Getting there
Conditions
Go to NOAA to get view real-time water levels for your trip dates.
River conditions
See below for this week’s forecast. For future conditions, visit weather.com.
Weather
For multi-day trips XYZ. UPDATE FOR NORTH COAST. If you are planning on fishing with us for multiple days it is nice to stay near the river zone we will be fishing. There are several lodging options and we have some favorite riverside house rentals that work well for our fishing program. Typically staying near Tillamook optimizes fishing time and the overall experience.
Accomodations
Winter steelhead are renowned for their beauty, strength and incredible life history. To encounter one of these migratory fish requires being at the right place at the right time. We aim to intercept these fish as they make their way from the Pacific Ocean back up into the coastal mountain drainages from where they orginally hailed. We will be floating down various sections of river in drift boat or white water raft fishing as we go. With multiple rivers and floatable sections to choose from, we can adapt our approach to the current conditions. Steelhead can be targeted with a variety of methods ranging from single hand fly rod, two handed spey rod or a conventional rod and reel. The methods we utilize will be determined by the conditions and your interest.
Fishing
Gear
All required fishing gear will be provided, including rods, reels and terminal tackle. You’ll need quality rain gear and warm layers to stay comfortable. Waders and wading boots are recommended and can be available upon request. If you prefer to bring your own gear, we recommend 7 or 8 weight rods in 9’ to 10’ lengths and fly lines, designed to throw heavy flies and weighted nymphs. Given the cold water and dynamic weather we experience in the Oregon coast range bringing warm clothing and items such as hat, gloves, and warm socks is also recommended.
FAQ’s
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Regardless of the trip type all reservations require a 50% deposit at time of booking. Whether the deposit is paid via phone or online we will send a confirmation email with an invoice and trip details. The remaining balance of the trip cost can be paid on the day of the trip. We are available to help with any questions or concerns and want the process to be as smooth as possible. We will then be in touch in the days leading up to the trip to answer any last minute questions and finalize trip specific details.
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As a small business privileged to guide anglers on some of the nation's most renowned trout and steelhead waters, cancellations have a significant impact on us. When we commit to a specific date for your trip, valuable resources are dedicated to ensuring its success. Nevertheless, we recognize that unforeseen circumstances may arise beyond your control, and we strive to accommodate rescheduling whenever feasible.
For cancellations made more than 30 days prior to your trip's launch date, we will refund your deposit with a 10% deduction to cover administrative expenses incurred in arranging your reservation. Unfortunately, deposits cannot be refunded for cancellations within 30 days of the trip's launch date. While our lfishing trips proceed rain or shine, we retain the right to cancel if conditions are deemed unsafe or if circumstances beyond our control arise. In such cases, your deposit will be refunded in full or applied to a future date agreed upon by both parties.
We strongly advise purchasing trip insurance to safeguard against unforeseen alterations to your travel plans.
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Most often we employ catch and release angling practices. If the situation presents itself to harvest a hatchery steelhead we are prepared to do so and will clean and process the fish for you. If you hope to keep your catch plan to have a cooler on hand for post trip transport.
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We love to guide anglers of any experience or skill level. Whether it’s your first day on the water or you have been casting a rod for decades we will meet you where you are and work hard to provide the most rewarding experience possible.
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While fly fishing is a focal point for our fishing program, especially on the Lower Deschutes River, we are well versed in fishing conventional gear/ tackle. We want the fishing to be as enjoyable as possible and fishing with a spinning rod for steelhead and salmon can be lot of fun. It all comes down to personal preference. Just let us know ahead of time what gear you prefer.
