Fishing, crabbing and clamming
The Nehalem River is a great place for Fall Chinook and
Coho. It is also one of the few places in Oregon with a
run of Summer Chinook. A hatchery on the north fork of
the Nehalem river raises Coho that you can keep, but all
native Coho must be released. When you stay at Ripple
Run, fishing the Nehalem River is easy–you can
fish right off our dock or head out on the river.
Nearby Nehalem Bay offers some of the best crabbing in Oregon. You can catch Dungeness crab almost any time of year, but fall and winter provide specimens with the firmest shells and flesh. Toss your rings off a dock at one of the marinas or use a boat to reach prime areas in the bay. The marinas rent boats and rings, and sell bait. Ripple Run has crab pots so you can enjoy a glass of wine while you cook the day’s catch.
The mud flats at the north end of Nehalem Bay support thousands of softshell clams (also known as eastern mud clams). To reach them on foot, park at the end of Tohl Road and walk south. Use a canoe, kayak or small boat to reach clamming areas by water.
Brighton Marina – Along with boat rentals and moorage, they provide space for dock crabbing, or you can rent a boat and crab the bay. They offer a crabbing special (2 hours, 3 baited rings, crabs cooked, cleaned and on ice) for just $55. Located on the Nehalem Bay on Hwy. 101, centered between the towns of Rockaway Beach and Wheeler.
Neahkahnie Net – Detailed fish run information for Nehalem Bay, the Nehalem and Tillamook Rivers and Tillamook County. Includes salmon, steelhead, trout and marine fishing information.
Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Recreation Fishing Report – Up-to-date fishing and shellfish information and forecasts for Northwest Oregon Coast. Includes Nehalem Bay and the Nehalem River.
Weather and Tides – Weather, water levels, and tide information for the Nehalem River and Tillamook Bay.
Ifish.net – A comprehensive site devoted to fishing in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. Includes links to fishing guides and charters, resources for specialty rods, tackle, bait, and clothing, government agency hotlines, and helpful hints.
NWfish.com – Information about Oregon fishing guides, charters, and tours.