What are the top reasons to go?
• Swing flies on some of the best winter steelhead rivers in the Pacific Northwest
• Connect with the brightest ocean-fresh steelhead one can encounter
• Learn how to become a better steelhead angler and Spey caster
• Float and fish multiple rivers as conditions dictate, all with strong runs of winter steelhead
• Enjoy easy travel and terrific value
Who is best suited to this destination?
This is a great trip for steelhead anglers that have some experience swinging flies with two handed rods, as well as for anglers that want to improve their skills, especially with sink tips. Anglers need to understand the weather conditions in winter can change quickly and cold and wet days can be fairly common.
How do I get there?
Guests fly into Portland OR, rent a car and make the two-hour drive to the coastal towns of Cannon Beach, Manzanita or Tillamook, OR. There, guests check into their chosen accommodations. If guests are from the Pacific Northwest they can simply drive their own vehicle to the Northern Oregon Coast.
When should I go?
Winter steelhead arrive between January and April. While any dates in this window could offer great conditions and fishing, most would agree February and March are the most consistent months.
How will I fish?
The guides we work with will be swinging flies with two handed rods. Skagit lines with sink tips, along with larger profile flies are the go to tactics. All fishing will be done by wading and the wading is moderately difficult.
Is there wade fishing?
All angling will be done while wading.
Where will I fish?
The guides fish many rivers on the northern Oregon coast, but we prefer not to mention any names. With that said, there are small rivers, big rivers, and everything in between. Some clear quickly and others slowly after blow-outs, so the guides will choose the best option the day of.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds?
The drive time to the various put-ins vary from 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on which system you are fishing that day and which town you are staying in.
What type(s) of fish will I catch?
Winter Steelhead
How many fish will I catch?
With any steelhead fly angling, one fish encounter a day is considered successful fishing. There can be days that exceed this and days that will fall short. It's the nature of being a steelheader: the rewards are great, but you must work for your opportunities.
Will I see other anglers?
It is likely that you will see other anglers. With that said, there are some remote stretches of water on the Oregon coast where you may not see any other anglers.
What are the guides like?
The guides are very experienced having spent decades exploring and guiding the Oregon coast in the winter. They certainly have fairly strong opinions on how to be successful here. They are all willing to share that knowledge and will have you coming home a better angler.
What are the physical demands?
There is wading and cold water. While not overly challenging, the cold and wet conditions can be physically draining.
Are there any special skills required?
Ability to climb in and out of a raft, spend a day in cold and wet conditions, wade in the river, and cast a spey rod.
Do the guides provide equipment?
The guides can provide the correct rod/reels and terminal tackle with advanced notice. Guests will need their own waders and boots. Studded, felt soled boots are the best option for their superior traction.
What is your favorite setup for the trip?
Our favorite rod setup for the Northern Oregon Coast is a 13’ 7-wt, although most 12-13+ foot 7 & 8-wt rods are perfectly suitable. A Skagit head is the most appropriate setup for winter steelheading, but having both a matching Skagit and Scandi line for whatever the conditions call for is a good idea. Equally, a collection of tips from lightest to heaviest is a great idea, from a poly steelhead leader to all weights of MOW sink tips.
What are the top flies?
Intruders, bunny leeches, marabou tubes, and any larger profile fly that has movement. It a good idea to have a range of color, bright to dark, in addition to having flies in various weights, as heavily weighted flies sink quickly in current & deep pockets and lightly weighted flies glide through smooth tailouts & inside seams.
What are the options if water conditions become challenging?
The river conditions during the winter months can change drastically. There can be weather events that leave rivers unfishable due to high and off-color water. If weather and water conditions create unsafe or unfishable conditions, Scott O'Donnell reserves the right to cancel your day of fishing. In the event that your fishing day is canceled, Scott will apply 75% of your payment to a booking for the following season.
What is a typical day like?
Guest will meet their guide at the pre-determined meeting place usually fairly early in the morning. Guests will follow the guide to the boat ramp, launch, and float from run to run, getting out to wade and swing prime runs. Lunch is provided by the guide on the river.
What is the general vibe, atmosphere, and style of the trip?
This is fairly advanced angling, so guests will get some great instruction if needed. The guides typically pull no punches in terms of how they want the fly to be presented, so having a good attitude and openness to learning is important.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like?
Lunch is provided on the river and can be a mix of soups, sandwiches, or charcuterie. Guest are on their own for breakfast and dinner.
What is the alcohol policy?
N/A beverages and water will be provided. Guests may bring their own alcohol if they wish.
Where do we stay and what are the accommodations like?
Guests have the choice to stay in Cannon Beach, Manzanita or Tillamook, OR. There are many hotels and vacation rentals in this area. This is the “off-season” for coastal towns and there are some really nice places available during the winter months at fairly reasonable rates.
Is there internet and/or cell service?
Cell service is typically good on the coast, but service fades as you head up the rivers. Most accommodations have Wi-Fi.
Are there other activities?
The coast offers some great beach combing and nature hiking, but winter conditions can make these activities a bit more extreme than in the summer.
Are there any other expenses?
Travel, accommodations, meals, and guide gratuities.
Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances?
We recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center For Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.
