Nehalem River Fishing Guide

Pacific Drifter Guide Service: A Premier Nehalem River Fishing Guide in the Pacific Northwest

Nehalem River fishing should be a top destination for any angler looking to catch either winter steelhead, fall chinook, or coho salmon. If you’re looking for one of Oregon's top producers, the Nehalem is a must-do fishery!

I have a profound fondness for the Nehalem River and Nehalem Bay, as I have been fishing this system since I was a kid. From the bay to the upper section of the river, I've spent many days chasing all three species throughout the year.

If you want to experience one of the best salmon and steelhead rivers in the northwest, then I would love to accommodate you for a guided fishing trip on the Nehalem River system.

Book Now

Top Catches From the Nehalem River

Chinook Salmon

If you want to catch chinook in Oregon, you must try Nehalem River salmon fishing. Beginning in late June through November, hardy fall chinook salmon pile into the river system.

During our outing, we will be targeting chinook salmon from the Nehalem Bay near Wheeler, Oregon, fishing the mouth of the river close to the ocean up into tidewater and the river below the Nehalem Falls.

With the Nehalem River having such a healthy stock of wild Chinook salmon, the fishing opportunities are fantastic. The Nehalem drainage is vast, with tributary creeks flowing into the system for miles and miles up the river, creating a perfect system for a thriving wild population of salmon. Since I know this river intimately, you can be assured I'll put you in the right position for success.

Coho Salmon

We are lucky to have the opportunity for Nehalem River coho fishing, as it is truly a special feature of this area. Coho salmon will start to enter the system in August and will run into December. The population is thriving here with both hatchery and native coho.

The coho enter the system at around the same time as the fall Chinook. We will target them in the bay near the ocean, clear up into the tidewater, and into the river as well.

What's great about the coho run is that it coincides with the fall Chinook, so you get opportunities to go for both species. From fishing near the mouth of the river next to the beautiful Pacific Ocean to the tidewater, where they will stack up in schools as they wait for the first rains of the season, you’ll have your pick of the best catch. Once the rains hit, they will fly up into the river system.

I'm very familiar with where they will be based on the time of year and the conditions we are faced with, so I’ll know exactly where we can set ourselves up for success.

The North Nehalem Hatchery supplies 100,000 smolts to be released into the North Fork Nehalem, which is a tributary of the river. This means that the lower Nehalem River from the tidewater down has opportunities for both hatchery and native fish. Combined with an incredible native population, the Nehalem is packed full of coho ready to be caught.

Coho Salmon

The coho enter the system at around the same time as the fall Chinook. We will target them in the bay near the ocean, clear up into the tidewater, and into the river as well.

I'm very familiar with where they will be based on the time of year and the conditions we are faced with, so I’ll know exactly where we can set ourselves up for success.

Winter Steelhead

Interested in Nehalem River steelhead fishing? This area is a premier wild steelhead destination for the diehard angler and is one of Oregon's true gems of a river. Fishing for winter steelhead will start in January and run into the beginning of April.

We are able to target these incredible steelhead from the lower river near Mohler, Oregon, to the upper stretches in the canyon waters, where the use of my raft is our best opportunity to encounter them.

If you want a chance at a big native steelhead, then the Nehalem River should be on your mind. These mean fish will leave you breathless from the thrill of the fight and their sheer power and beauty.

The lower stretch of the river is easy going and not very technical. The upper stretches are only accessible by raft and are very unforgiving, as they are fast-flowing with multiple big rapids. This is not a river to take lightly, as many rafts have flipped on the upper stretches.

I know this river very well and would only recommend going down this section with a qualified guide. I've been guiding on the Nehalem for many years, but I never take the upper stretch for granted.

There are no hatchery steelhead on the Nehalem River, but it has a very healthy and robust native run of steelhead. With countless creeks and tributaries, the native steelhead population is thriving and has great opportunities for catch-and-release fishing.

Book Now

Take a Peek at What You Could Experience When Fishing on the Nehalem River With Pacific Drifter Guide Service

Check Out What People Are Saying About Their Experience With Pacific Drifter on the Nehalem River

“We had a great time steelhead fishing on the raft with Jordan on a coastal river. He has a great knowledge of the species and rivers. You can tell he has a deep respect for nature. He answered questions and taught me some great tips. We were faced with changing weather and water and he adapted and got us on some great steelhead! I would definitely use him again.”

– Andy R.

“Jordan’s passion for fishing is apparent in his salmon and steelhead fishing guide service. He is always one of the first out in the morning and last in to make sure that his clients have the best chance to limit out. He is an extremely knowledgeable Portland based fishing guide and he is well liked and connected in the guide community, so he knows where the fish are running. It is always an outstanding day on the river with Jordan. FISH ON!!”

– Chris P.

“Jordan is legit. He is a true pro. He got us ON the late run winter steelhead. After having a “slow day” with another client that saw only two fish (which I would’ve been happy with) he called me to see if we wanted to pivot to a more challenging river on his raft, with better chances. Uh, adventure?! Yes please! When I go for another NW Oregon charter it will be with Jordan.”

– Gavin R.

“My son and I had the fishing trip of a lifetime with Jordan Rose and Pacific Drifter. From start to finish, everything was top-notch. Jordan’s expertise, patience, and deep knowledge of Oregon’s rivers made all the difference, especially when targeting Steelhead. A legendary fish and a legendary trip with Jordan! The scenery was breathtaking—crystal-clear waters winding through rugged landscapes—but the real highlight was the fishing. Jordan put us right on the fish, teaching us the best techniques and giving us every opportunity to land these powerful, elusive fish. We were thrilled to hook into numerous Steelhead, and by the last day, we had literally lost count. Beyond the fishing, Jordan was an outstanding guide—professional, friendly, and truly passionate about what he does. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to the sport, Pacific Drifter and Jordan deliver an unforgettable experience. We can’t say enough great things! Highly recommend.”

– Jeffrey R.

“Jordan is a great guide and person. Authentic, caring, and enthusiastic. He knows the river very well and is a patient teacher. I appreciate his expertise and the way he treats clients with respect. Never had a guide with more passion about seeing other people catch fish and be successful. I would recommend him to anyone that wants to learn about steelhead fishing and become a better angler! Truly an unforgettable experience for a Midwesterner like myself.”

– Jacob G.

See More 5-Star Reviews