Who's got the scoop on the Alsea???

[kmleopard]

Hi all! I am looking forward to chasing some steel this winter, and am going to be going to do some scouting of the North Santiam and the Alsea in the coming weeks. They are the two rivers, aside from the S. Santiam, that are closest to where I live. I was wondering if anyone out there had much to say about the Alsea. From what I am gathering, the Alsea is supposed to be a really good fishery. I am wanting to use my drift boat, but am unsure about what to expect, especially during the winter months. Any insight about what kind of conditions to expect, or the best put in/take out points would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[steelheadstalker31]

I've fished the Alsea a lot but never out of a drift boat So I can't help you with the boat.

 

[bass]

I am heading to Waldport in a few days for about a week. We went last year at about the same time and in the tidewater there was not much going on. I tried surf fishing (surf perch) and did not do any good in Waldport. Ironically, I had to go up to Seal Rock to get away from the seals :lol:

This year I may bring a rod to toss a spinner for searuns. The main problem is that there are probably at least 50 seals (maybe some sea lions) hanging around by the mouth of the river. It is fun for kids, but I get the feeling that they decimate any fish in the area while waiting for the salmon to return.

Thus, I can not give you any real advice. The locals that I spoke with felt that the seals had really damaged the tidewater fishery. That jives with my experience but it is just one data point.

Good luck!

 

[kmleopard]

Okay, thanks for the response. I am mostly interested in the upper stretches of the river. I guess probably east of the town of Alsea???

 

[kmleopard]

Hey Stalker, what's your experience, in general, of the fishing and such on the Alsea? If you fish it a lot, and I get the skinny on where to drift it, maybe we can meet up over there during the winter run???

 

[Johnny Southpaw]

Okay, thanks for the response. I am mostly interested in the upper stretches of the river. I guess probably east of the town of Alsea???

kmleopard: East of Alsea you pretty much have Clemens park and the upper N. Fork/hatchery holes. Some good water by the hatchery (bank access only) but gets lots of pressure when things pick up in the winter. The fish are freakin' there though. I would say, if possible, hit the N. Fork up by the hatchery during the week, as the weekend brings COMBAT, big time. Personally, if the hatchery holes are super crowded I'll head to Clemens park (a few miles south/west of hatchery rd.), as there is a lot of water accessible and not nearly as much pressure. Some people say there aren't many steelhead there, that they shoot up closer to the hatchery, but I hooked a dozen and landed five there last winter and saw others having success as well. If you're set on using your boat I'd go somewhere b/t tidewater and the town of Alsea. Good luck man.

 

[Mike123]

Here's a rule to follow...

If the water is LOW fish LOW. If the water is HIGH fish HIGH.. like the hatchery area. Last year I mainly fished the lower stretch of river cause the river was so low the whole year.

 

[Johnny Southpaw]

Here's a rule to follow...

If the water is LOW fish LOW. If the water is HIGH fish HIGH.. like the hatchery area. Last year I mainly fished the lower stretch of river cause the river was so low the whole year.

Hey Mike123 what's the lower stretch of the Alsea OFFer for bank-bound folks like me? I've heard about the 'crusher' hole and blackberry park(?) but have never ventured west of the town of Alsea...

 

[steelhead1]

Five rivers down to blackberry is my favorite drift,there are a couple of tricky spots through that stretch,but lotsa good water to fish.Oh and a good 4wd for the launch is recommended.The steelhead run starts in december, usually later in the month,and goes through the winter.Its good to keep an eye on the flowage,usgs is a neat website to moniter conditions.corkies,spinners and drifting eggs have been the most productive for me.good luck!

 

[Mike123]

Hey Mike123 what's the lower stretch of the Alsea OFFer for bank-bound folks like me? I've heard about the 'crusher' hole and blackberry park(?) but have never ventured west of the town of Alsea...

There's lots of bank access in the lower stretches, just look for the pull outs on the road. Those two you mentioned are good spots.

 

[RunWithSasquatch]

Mill Creek is the deadline for boats, and is probably the most popular put in for driftboating, most take out at cambell boat launch, and is a pretty short drift and many will do it twice in a day. Lots of good water.

 

[rainbowfisherman]

when do they fall chinook get into the river??

 

[Mike123]

when do they fall chinook get into the river??

Whenever it rains...

 

[rainbowfisherman]

like they could start this month..it looks like its about to rain for about a week starting on tuesday

 

[Mike123]

like they could start this month..it looks like its about to rain for about a week starting on tuesday

Uhm yes... if were talking above tidewater here... anywhere from Sept. 15th to late November. Just waiting for that first good rain to raise the river. They're turnin dark in the upper stretches... I caught one the second week of September once cause the river had raised a good amount and flushed them upriver. Bobber and EGGS. :dance:

 

[rainbowfisherman]

any good spots? ive tried a couple of times and never had any luck for the fall chinook. Id really like to catch one the next time i went

-thanks rainbowfisherman

 

[Mike123]

There are tons of bank spots.. The dead line is Five Rivers... so anywhere from there down just look for a pull out.. and wait for the river to raise a bit.
We still haven't had long enough rain to flush all the leaves and crud out so I'm taking it.

 

[simpsoti]

http://www.steelheaduniversity.com/images/OR_AlseaRiver.jpg

Not sure how much help this will be. Planning my first alsea trip sooner than later.

 

[Mike123]

http://www.steelheaduniversity.com/images/OR_AlseaRiver.jpg

Not sure how much help this will be. Planning my first alsea trip sooner than later.

Nice map.. haven't seen that in awhile.. Just remember #8 is the deadline this month.. too bad cause right above that was my favorite high water spot...

 

[Teo]

Nice map.. haven't seen that in awhile.. Just remember #8 is the deadline this month.. too bad cause right above that was my favorite high water spot...

Sorry for the newbie question here, but I've seen several references to the "deadline" What does this mean? And #8?

Thanks,
Teo