Winter steelhead fishing has been slow on the Alsea but the much-needed rain has arrived and the conditions are good for moving fish and improved fishing. The popular NF Alsea fishery has started to pick up with the dropping river levels and should fish well through this week and into the weekend.

As the mainstem drops back into shape, the drift boaters should see improved fishing as the later returning wild broodstock fish start to peak in February. The later returning wild broodstock fish are just starting to show up and the run should continue to build into February and March.

****Reminder****The popular winter steelhead bank fishery around the Alsea Hatchery remains open but the hatchery grounds are closed to the public. Anglers are required to park in the designated parking lot to access the river and are not allowed to park near or enter the hatchery grounds. Please be respectful of the hatchery staff and follow these rules to ensure this popular fishery remains open for the 2020/2021 season.

Cutthroat trout fishing will reopen May 22.