Most of the Chinook fishing takes place in the tidal zone during the months of September, October and November. Cougar Lake is a long, narrow multi-purpose reservoir, built by the Corps of Engineers in 1963 by damming the South Fork of the McKenzie River about three miles south of Rainbow. In early October, high tides and brief periods of heavy rain will pull the Fall Kings into the lowest holes between Hwy 101 and the Ocean. Fishing at South Fork McKenzie River? Once released, these young fish head downstream in short order migrating to the Pacific Ocean where they enjoy a large food base for several years before returning to the McKenzie as adult salmon ready to spawn. A long shallow area of tidewater along the sandy bluffs at the mouth can make these fish vulnerable and available to fishermen and seals alike sometimes for a month or two before the regular rains set in. Last updated 9/30/20. Localsboast that virtually any time of the year there is something to catch in the Umpqua. No Activity Yet. This hatchery program has proven immensely successful and draws in anglers from far and wide year after year. Wild Winter Steelhead begin to show up around mid-December and continue to arrive through March. The McKenzie is a beautiful river, and is best fished from the McKenzie River boats for which it is famous. The river is also stocked regularly throughout the fishing season. Lake Creek flows into the Siuslaw in Swisshome at a spot known as “The Forks.” Much further down river in the tide water, The North Fork Siuslaw flows into the Main Stem near Florence. Most fishing attention is directed toward Fall Chinook and Winter Steelhead and also to a smaller run of Summer Steelhead. On this waterway that supplies the city of Eugene with virtually all of its drinking water, for example, state and federal agencies have cooperated to protect bull trout and to restore the spring chinook salmon run on the upper South Fork of the river. Crabbing in Winchester Bay is very popular and at times quite productive. Regulations regarding fishing for Coho Salmon can vary drastically from year to year based on population projections. Elk - Sixes  2019 Season We spent more time waiting for rains, fish and the lifting of lower river closures than we did actually…, Though Elk River and Sixes River Fall-Winter Chinook have shown up late this season due to low rainfall, they are now  providing…. The McKenzie River is an eighty-six mile long tributary of the Willamette in the state of Oregon. Discover what species are most popular in South Fork McKenzie River, and what gear has been used. There is a small Striped Bass fishery on the Lower Coquille known best to the locals. May your fishing exploits involve some great…, Saying Goodbye to our 2017 McKenzie River Salmon Season. It was named after the native people who originally lived along its bank's until they were relocated to a reservation at Yachats in 1860. In addition to five hatchery trout, two wild trout may be kept daily. By mid-November, the Elk River Chinook fishing is usually in full swing while in most other Oregon rivers salmon fishing has finished up. (All wild trout throughout this river system must now be released, including nonnative brook trout.) After high water events, the Sixes tends to stay murky longer, thereby offering a great alternative fishing option once the Elk River has dropped into a low and clear condition. Continue down this road and turn left (east) at Forest Road 456. Most of the Winter Steelhead fishing occurs further upriver in the free flowing waters from December on into April. A good deal of the trolling effort for the big Fall Kings is focused in the lower tidewater from Kernville on up to, Fishing Reunion This past Thursday & Friday I had the opportunity and privilege of coordinating a mini fishing reunion  on…. Because the soils in the lower estuary are very silty and prone to disturbance from the heavy sheep and cattle grazing, the lower river is often quite muddy in the days after moderate to heavy rain. Our drifts took place on the Upper…, As we bid farewell to 2018, we'd like to wish everyone a Healthy and Peaceful New Year. As the season progresses, some folks also choose to suspend baits below a float along the banks and through the flats of the upper tide water. The lake was named Cougar because of its proximity to Cougar Creek, a small stream used to designate the dam site on preliminary surveys. The McKenzie River is 90 miles (145 km) long and includes a South Fork. Here is a quick look at the McKenzie River’s primary fishing opportunities: Wild Trout. Most of the drainage is timberland and National Forest. Submitted by Ken Engelman on November ... McKenzie River Reflections is the weekly newspaper serving Oregon's McKenzie River Valley. Whether you’re baitcasting, spinning or fly fishing your chances of getting a bite here are good. Their knowledge of the river and the maneuverability of the drift boats allow them to easily access the placid pools and rich holes where the fishing is best. If boaters are fortunate, deer, Bald Eagle, and an occasional elk herd can be viewed particularly on the stretch from Dexter Dam down to Jasper Bridge. The lower estuary has a more marine-like feel as seals, gulls, and sand dunes contribute to its character. A 50 mile long river, the main Coquille flows into the Pacific Ocean at Bandon. The “Upper” South Fork starts at Palisades Dam and ends at the Conant Valley boat access. Brook trout have established naturalized populations in Hackleman Creek, the upper mainstem McKenzie from Clear Lake to Trail Bridge Reservoir, and in the upper reaches of Horse Creek, Blue River and the South Fork McKenzie. Trolling baits and spinners seems to be the most popular method for targeting these Fall Chinook. East Fork South Fork McKenzie River 0 reviews 3 catches logged on Fishbrain. More than 12 miles of the upper McKenzie are designated as “Wild and Scenic.”, McKenzie River Guides Association Time to say Good Bye to our 2016 Salmon season and embrace…. The South Fork McKenzie River is a tributary, about 31 miles long, of the McKenzie River in the U.S. state of Oregon. There is nothing to show. From the Palisades Reservoir to the confluence with Henry’s Fork, the South Fork is immense, and every mile offers unmatched trout fishing. Forested timber lands of the Winter Steelhead begin to show up around mid-December and continue to arrive through.! Allowed Apr 22 – Oct 31 fishery indeed creates an perfect opportunity getting! Directed toward Fall Chinook and Winter Steelhead and also enjoy a wild and designation... 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