North Fork Nehalem River Fishing Guide

Pacific Drifter Guide Service: Leading North Fork Nehalem River Fishing Guides in the Pacific Northwest

If you're looking for a North Fork Nehalem River fishing guide, you're in the right place. The North Fork Nehalem is a truly special river, offering excellent fishing opportunities. In fact, it's where I've personally landed the most steelhead in a single day (feel free to ask how many we caught on that trip!) This river is known for its incredible runs of coho salmon and winter steelhead.

The float itself is breathtaking, winding through lush rainforest mountains with waterfalls and creeks feeding into the river along the way. And with the Pacific Ocean just minutes away, the setting couldn’t be more stunning.

That said, I only guide this river out of my raft, and it's important to note that the North Fork Nehalem features several large whitewater sections. It's not a river to take lightly. I strongly recommend fishing it only with a guide who regularly runs trips here. It's one of the most beautiful rivers we have, but also one of the most technical to float and navigate.

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What You Can Catch While Fishing on the North Fork Nehalem River

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon fishing on the North Fork Nehalem River offers outstanding opportunities. Each fall, large numbers of both native and hatchery coho salmon return to this river system to reach their spawning grounds.

When the area receives solid rainfall in the fall, which raises the river levels and causes the salmon to push quickly upstream, flooding into the system.

We’ll target these aggressive coho from the first good rains in October through December.

The North Fork Nehalem is a smaller river system, which makes it easier to locate the holding pockets where the coho stage. The key to success lies in timing your trip with the right water levels. I've spent years learning the rhythms of this river, understanding when to go and what to use based on current conditions. That knowledge often makes the difference between a good day of fishing and a phenomenal day of catching. Casting spinners or twitching jigs are both highly effective techniques here.

The North Fork Nehalem Hatchery releases 100,000 smolts annually, and when you combine that with the returning native fish, the river is absolutely packed with coho after the fall rains begin.

Steelhead

Winter steelhead fishing on the North Fork Nehalem River is fantastic for several reasons. First, this river is home to an early-returning strain of steelhead that begins arriving in December, which is something rare among northern Oregon coast rivers today! This gives anglers the unique opportunity to hook their first winter steelhead as early as December.

Second, the sheer number of fish returning to the system makes it a prime fishery. With strong runs of both hatchery and native winter steelhead, the North Fork Nehalem offers not only excellent fishing opportunities but also a chance to experience some of the most stunning waterfall features on the North Coast.

We typically start targeting winter steelhead here from late December through March.

Most of the action takes place near the North Fork Nehalem Hatchery. We'll launch our raft from there and float several scenic miles downstream to the lower takeout. This stretch is located about 15 minutes northeast of Nehalem, Oregon.

As I’ve mentioned before, this river has produced some of my highest single-day steelhead counts. With a robust hatchery program and a healthy native population, the North Fork Nehalem offers truly exciting fishing. Along the way, we’ll navigate four distinct whitewater waterfalls, well known in the area as Jack, Queen, and King Falls, along with a fourth unnamed drop. Successfully maneuvering through them requires experience, which is why I strongly recommend fishing this river with a guide who knows it well.

The North Fork Nehalem Hatchery releases 90,000 smolts into the river each year and has recently incorporated a broodstock program into its hatchery operations. That means there are now two distinct strains of hatchery steelhead in the system: an early-returning run (December–January) and a broodstock strain derived from native genetics (January–March). Thanks to this, you’ll find hatchery steelhead in the river throughout the entire winter season.

Steelhead

We typically start targeting winter steelhead here from late December through March.

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Big Smiles and Even Bigger Fish — See What Awaits You on Your North Fork Nehalem Fishing Trip

Discover What Previous Clients Have to Say About Their Fishing Experience with Pacific Drifter on the North Fork Nehalem River

“Booked a last-minute trip for my Birthday and had an amazing time. Jordan was a great guide and the entertainment on the water was top tier. I tagged out and got a bonus fish! We ate fresh spring salmon that night, and it was absolutely amazing! I highly recommend him and have already rebooked another trip. Thank you for making my birthday so special!”

– Skyla B.

“Pacific Drifter is the very best. The patience of the guide was a gift to the day. Me and my best buddy and I landed two FAT salmon! We were instructed and motivated by the captain, and the results were fabulous! Contact Pacific Drifter. Catch big fish. Pay and tip that fellow large.”

– Handsome K.

“Jordan was awesome! We booked a last-minute sturgeon trip with him, and it was nothing less than exceptional. We had non-stop action with a couple of doubles on big fish. If you are thinking about booking a sturgeon trip or any trip, I would highly recommend Jordan! We even ended up catching a salmon! Lastly, on the website, it tells you to bring ice packs for your arms when sturgeon fishing, and this is NO joke lol.”

– Brady C.

“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.

“Had an awesome trip with Jordan! We got more sturgeon than we know what to do with. He also got us a salmon when we were done sturgeon fishing. Hands down the best guide experience I’ve ever had thanks again to Jordan for an awesome trip!!”

– Typical T.

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North Fork Nehalem River Fishing FAQs

When Is the Best Time To Fish the North Fork Nehalem River?

The best fishing on the North Fork Nehalem River happens in the fall and winter.

Coho Salmon: Prime season is October through November, after the first good fall rains trigger the run.
Winter Steelhead: Late December through February offers excellent opportunities as both hatchery and native fish return.

Timing your trip around these windows gives you the best shot at a productive day on the water.

How Long Are the Fishing Charters?

How Far in Advance Should I Book My North Fork Nehalem Fishing Trip?

You’re welcome to get on the schedule at any time, but I highly recommend booking sooner rather than later, especially if you have specific dates in mind. Availability can fill up quickly, particularly during peak seasons, and last-minute openings can be limited.

Reserving your spot early helps ensure you get a date that works best for your schedule and gives us plenty of time to plan for the best fishing conditions possible.

Can I Bring My Own Pole or Lures

Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own favorite rod and gear if they prefer to fish with equipment they’re comfortable using. That said, I provide high-quality rods and tackle that are specifically selected and dialed in for each season and fishery.

All gear I supply is carefully matched to the conditions and target species, giving you the best possible chance of hooking and landing fish. Whether you bring your own setup or use mine, the goal is the same: having an enjoyable, successful day on the water.

What Is Your Cancellation Policy?

We understand that plans can change, and we do our best to accommodate our guests. However, due to the nature of scheduling and limited availability, the following cancellation policy applies:

Cancellations Made Within 14 Days of the Trip:

If you cancel within 14 days of your scheduled trip, the deposit is non-refundable, and full payment is required. Unfortunately, we are unable to reschedule trips or offer credit for cancellations made during this window.

Cancellations Made 14 or More Days in Advance:

If you cancel 14 or more days before your trip, your deposit may be applied toward a rescheduled trip within a 6-month period. We’re happy to work with you to find a new date that fits your schedule.
If you're unable to reschedule within the 6-month window, the deposit will be forfeited.

Begin Your North Fork Nehalem Fishing Journey — Secure Your Charter Today!

BOOKING REQUEST FORM:

BOOKING DEPOSIT:

A $55 per person non-refundable deposit is required to secure your reservation.

Deposits are non-refundable if canceled within 14 days of the trip.

Guide Services

Winter Steelhead
Spring Chinook Salmon
Summer Chinook Salmon
Fall Chinook & Coho Salmon
Sturgeon

North Fork Nehalem River Fishing Guide

Pacific Drifter Guide Service: Leading North Fork Nehalem River Fishing Guides in the Pacific Northwest

What You Can Catch While Fishing on the North Fork Nehalem River

Coho Salmon

Steelhead

Steelhead

Big Smiles and Even Bigger Fish — See What Awaits You on Your North Fork Nehalem Fishing Trip

Discover What Previous Clients Have to Say About Their Fishing Experience with Pacific Drifter on the North Fork Nehalem River

North Fork Nehalem River Fishing FAQs

Begin Your North Fork Nehalem Fishing Journey — Secure Your Charter Today!

BOOKING REQUEST FORM:

BOOKING DEPOSIT:

Guide Services

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