Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Nehalem River - Vernonia - Oregon

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

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

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best 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.

Best 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.

Local Fish

  • 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 River

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!

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