May 19, 2008 Fishing report brought to you courtesy of Rob Russell: Spring salmon are few and far between this year, but summer steelhead returns should be pretty good. The unprecedented snow pack in the coast range has kept river temps low and water levels high. That was great news for winter steelhead as they easily made it in and out of their natal rivers. It will also be great news for this year’s spring chinook and summer steelhead as they prepare to spend the entire summer in the deep pools of the Trask, Wilson and Nestucca. The only problem is, there will be fewer spring chinook in 2008 than there were last year, and last year was tough. This year is likely to be the poorest spring chinook run in memory. Ocean productivity was at an all time low during the first two years that these fish spent at sea, so the return is predicted to be miniscule, at least compared with the strong runs of 2001 through 2004. Summer steelhead, on the other hand, should return in better numbers. They are younger fish, and should have seen the benefit of recent improvements in ocean productivity. So far, more chinook have shown up on the Wilson and Nestucca than the Trask. Here’s Jason with his first springer of the season, caught yesterday on the lower Wilson. Thank you Rob and good fishing to all, Marilyn

Our fishing reports are intended to give additional information on the fishing and weather conditions for the coastal area. We receive our information courtesy of other fishermen and the weather forecasters. Conditions are dynamic and we report as we receive them. We can not predict what will happen only give our best guess based on our experience. If you would like to share your fishing information, we would be more than happy to post it. Good fishing to you all. The Guide Shop, 12140 Wilson River Hwy, Tillamook, Oregon 97141

If you would like to be removed from the mailing list please email Marilyn with your name and email address.