Fall Chinook fishing opened on the Wilson River Sept. 16. The Wilson didn’t come up as much as some of the other rivers, but there’s no doubt that fish moved in on last week’s rains. Bobber fishing bait, back-bouncing, back-trolling plugs or divers and bait, or casting spinners can all be effective methods. Anglers are reminded the Wilson River is closed to salmon angling Aug. 1 to Dec. 31, upstream of Jordan Creek (River Mile 21.9).

Summer steelhead fishing on the Wilson has been moderate to slow, but there are good numbers of fish throughout the system. Late August and September can be a great time to target these fish as cooler nights lower water temps, and fish that have been holding get more active. Target riffles and the top of pools during first and last light, and concentrate on deeper holding pools once the sun is on the water. Fishing stealthy, with light gear, and targeting first and last light is often the key to success with these fish.

Trout season opened May 22, and there are some cutthroat around, but fishing for them in the Wilson’s clear summer flows can be tough. Remember, the limit on streams and rivers is two per day over 8 inches.