Nehalem River - Vernonia - Oregon
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Nehalem River – Vernonia - Water Flow Chart
Nehalem River – Vernonia - Weather report & radar
Nehalem River – Vernonia - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Frostbite Midge Hatch | Dawn-Dusk | #18-22 | Zebra Midge, Sprout Midge, Frostbite Midge |
| Winter Stonefly Hatch | Midday | #16-20 | Winter Stone, Black Ugly Bug | |
| February | Frostbite Midge Hatch | Dawn-Dusk | #18-22 | Zebra Midge, Sprout Midge, Frostbite Midge |
| Winter Stonefly Hatch | Midday | #16-20 | Winter Stone, Black Ugly Bug | |
| March | Caddis Hatch | Midday-Evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| March Brown Hatch | Midday | #12-14 | March Brown Dry Fly, March Brown Emerger | |
| April | Caddis Hatch | Midday-Evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Slate Winged Olive | Midday | #14-16 | Slate Wing Olive Pattern | |
| May | Slate Winged Olive | Midday | #14-16 | Slate Wing Olive Pattern |
| Salmonfly Hatch | Midday | #6-10 | Bullet Head Salmonfly, Foam Body Salmonfly | |
| June | Salmonfly Hatch | Midday | #6-10 | Bullet Head Salmonfly, Foam Body Salmonfly |
| Green Drake Hatch | Midday | #10-12 | Green Drake Parachute, Green Drake Cripple | |
| July | Green Drake Hatch | Midday | #10-12 | Green Drake Parachute, Green Drake Cripple |
| Julius Caesar Hatch | Midday | #14-16 | Morning Julius Caesar, Evening Julius Caesar | |
| August | Julius Caesar Hatch | Midday | #14-16 | Morning Julius Caesar, Evening Julius Caesar |
| Spotted Sedge Caddis Hatch | Midday-Evening | #12-14 | Henryville Special, Caddis Pupa | |
| September | Spotted Sedge Caddis Hatch | Midday-Evening | #12-14 | Henryville Special, Caddis Pupa |
| Fall Caddis Hatch | Midday-Evening | #12-14 | Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis | |
| October | Fall Caddis Hatch | Midday-Evening | #12-14 | Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis |
| October Caddis Hatch | Evening | #8-10 | Stimulator, Tangerine Dream | |
| November | October Caddis Hatch | Evening | #8-10 | Stimulator, Tangerine Dream |
| Winter Midge Hatch | Dawn-Dusk | #18-22 | Zebra Midge, Blood Midge | |
| December | Winter Midge Hatch | Dawn-Dusk | #18-22 | Zebra Midge, Blood Midge |
| Winter Stonefly Hatch | Midday | #16-20 | Winter Stone, Black Ugly Bug |
Nehalem River – Vernonia Access Points
For fly fishing enthusiasts, Nehalem River in Vernonia offers various access points, including:
- Upper Nehalem River: Having deep spots suitable for fly fishing, it starts from the small town of Vernonia and stretches towards its confluence with the Columbia River.
- Cook Creek: Branching off the Nehalem River, it provides native trout, making it perfect for fly fishing.
- Vernonia Pond: Located in the Vernonia City, it’s abundant with trouts and steelhead.
- Nehalem falls: This spot is situated near Cook Creek and offers a fantastic fishing experience with salmon and steelhead species.
- Lower Nehalem River: It’s the area downstream from Vernonia, popular for fly fishing
The best time to visit these sites is from late summer to early fall when the fish are generally most active and available is vast numbers.
Nehalem River – Vernonia Fishing Spots
The Nehalem River in Vernonia is a fantastic destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. Here’s a list of the top spots to consider:
- Upper Nehalem River: This area is usually less crowded and offers excellent opportunities to catch trout and steelhead.
- Lower Nehalem River: This spot is perfect for those targeting salmon. The river is wider here, providing great casting conditions.
- Fishhawk Lake: A few miles from the Nehalem River, this lake is stocked with rainbow trout and often has fewer anglers.
- Vernonia Pond: Located in the heart of Vernonia, this pond serves as a year-round fishing spot and is regularly stocked with rainbow trout.
- Wasson Creek: A tributary of Nehalem River, this spot is excellent for trout fishing, especially during the summer.
Nehalem River – Vernonia Local Fish Species
- Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these are the largest species in the Pacific salmon family and are highly sought after by fly fishermen in the Nehalem River.
- Steelhead Trout: An ocean-going variety of rainbow trout, these fish are known for their fighting spirit and are a top target for fly fishers.
- Coho Salmon: Also known as Silver Salmon, these fish are a favorite for fly fishers due to their acrobatic fights and can be found in abundance in the Nehalem River.
- Cutthroat Trout: These are a native species to the west coast and are often sought after by fly fishers for their beautiful coloration and aggressive behavior.
- Pacific Lamprey: Though not traditionally targeted by fly fishers, these ancient jawless fish can be a unique and challenging catch in the Nehalem River.
- White Sturgeon: The largest freshwater fish in North America, these giants can put up a tremendous fight and provide a thrilling experience for any fly fisherman.
- Chum Salmon: Also known as Dog Salmon, these are the last of the salmon species to run up the river and provide great late season fishing opportunities.
- Pink Salmon: Also known as Humpback Salmon, these fish are smaller and more elusive than other salmon varieties, but are a fun and rewarding target for fly fishermen.
About the Nehalem River – Vernonia
Did you know that the lovely Nehalem River in Vernonia, Oregon, has a captivating history and abundance of natural beauty? This gem weaves its story across almost 120 miles, starting from the lush Northern Cascade Range, and ending its journey in the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
Here are some wonderful titbits of its history:
- Rich native history: The river was originally named after the Nehalem Tribe – an Indigenous American group that has been part of this region for centuries.
- Logging boom: The Nehalem River gained significant importance during the logging boom in the region, between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Protection measures: In recent years, various protection measures have been taken to preserve the river’s ecosystem and the wildlife it supports.
Today, the Nehalem River remains an enticing destination for locals and tourists alike, with ample opportunities for fishing, kayaking and wildlife spotting!
Community Contributions
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