The Wilson was in prime shape early this week and fishing was good, before blowing out again on Tuesday night (Feb. 4). If the predictions are correct (that’s an important “if”), the river should start to drop Friday morning and could be fishable Saturday and in good shape on Sunday.

There are steelhead throughout the system and plenty of hatchery fish around. All of the usual techniques are working; pick the one you have confidence in and keep a line in the water.

The Wilson is one of the more popular steelhead rivers on the North coast, mostly due to a large hatchery steelhead release and the wild broodstock program. The Wilson broodstock hatchery fish are available late December through mid-April. These fish are known to be large, aggressive fighters as well as excellent table fair.

There is good drift boat access to the mid and lower river, and public land bank access on the upper river available off of Hwy 6.

Trout season will reopen on May 22, 2020.