The early hatchery steelhead run is in on the lower Nestucca River and Three Rivers, but fishing has been slow. Last week’s rain didn’t bring in the push we were hoping for. Cedar Creek hatchery worked 26 steelhead out of the trap last week, which is well below normal for this time of year. Hopefully when water temps warm we’ll have some more fish show up. Float fishing jigs, beads, or bait, drift fishing, nymphing, and swinging flies or spinners are all good techniques. With the early hatchery fish, staying in the lower Rivery and Three Rivers is the best bet.

Anglers are reminded that the Nestucca is closed to all salmon fishing above First Bridge (near Beaver) Aug. 1 to Dec. 31, and that there is NO wild coho retention in the rivers and bays this year.