The Nehalem gets a unique early component to its fall Chinook run, often referred to as summer Chinook, and that run is getting going. There have been some fish caught already, and even reports of some sporadic good bites, mostly near the mouth of the bay. Farther upstream near Wheeler fishing was reported to be slow last week although a few fish were seen. There were also a few fish caught upstream of the Hwy 101 bridge. Wild Chinook may be harvested; 1 per day as part of the daily salmon/steelhead bag limit through Sept. 15.

Cutthroat trout fishing can be good throughout the Nehalem and the sea-runs should be well distributed throughout the river. The upper Nehalem is getting really warm this week and that will be putting extra stress on trout and other salmonids. Try fishing early morning when the temperatures are cooler and avoid fighting fish too long when the water is warm, as that can lead to increased hooking mortality.