This year is definitely putting the “winter” in winter steelhead. The Nestucca is starting to rise and is predicted to go back to 8 ft. by Wednesday and will hover around that level through the weekend. Check current river conditions before heading out. However, this is a good time of year to be on the Nestucca and there should be hatchery fish and wild fish throughout the system. All the usual techniques such as side drifting, float fishing, drift fishing, or pulling plugs or divers and bait should be effective. During high water use brighter colors and larger presentations.

Three Rivers hatchery fish should be winding down this time of year but this small tributary will drop and clear much quicker than the Nestucca and could be a good option for bank fishing this week.