Fall Chinook is still open on the Alsea, but the season is just about done


by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
12-20-2023
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Fall Chinook is still open on the Alsea, but the season is just about done. With the fall rains we have been getting the fish have moved upstream away from the bay and up past our deadlines to spawn. Fall Chinook closes Dec. 31. ‌

Some early winter steelhead have entered the Alsea River basin. Most of these fish took advantage of the huge storms we've had the past few weeks to dart upriver. Not many lingering lower down in the system this week. The Alsea Hatchery holes have been providing some excellent bank fishing for some of these early fish. There are hatchery steelhead that are open for retention in the Alsea Basin. ‌

This will likely remain your best bet for hatchery opportunity moving into the holiday weekends. More steelhead will be entering the basin and provide additional opportunity lower in the system moving into later December and early January. ‌

As water levels drop further and clear out the fishery should be in excellent conditions for winter steelhead.‌

Check the regulations before you head out this weekend!