Heavy rain later this week is expected to push the Chetco into prime shape for fall salmon by next week reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Until then, anglers are limited to bobbers, which have been effective in tricking salmon holding in the tidewater holes,” said Martin. “Big numbers of salmon are spread from the U.S. Highway 101 bridge to Social Security Bar, with wild and hatchery adults and lots of jacks. Trolling has been slow in the estuary. The biggest rise in flows is expected to take place next Wednesday, although earlier forecasts of rain this week failed to materialize.”

Gear restrictions extended on Chetco, Winchuck rivers
Chetco and Winchuck angling gear restrictions are extended through 11:59 p.m., Nov. 15 due to low water levels. The gear restriction extension is also a conservative approach to help lower harvest levels of older aged chinook salmon.
Angling is restricted to fly fishing (must include a strike indicator) or bobber fishing in both rivers. The Chetco restriction applies from River Mile 2.2 to Nook Creek, and from the mouth to Wheeler Creek in the Winchuck River.
Based on historical flow regimes, gear restrictions are typically in place Sept. 1 – Nov. 3 each year to eliminate snagging. As in 2018, this year is an exception with abnormally low flows and no significant October rains. With rain forecasted beginning this week, the gear restriction will lift at 12:01 a.m. Nov. 16.
ODFW biologists expect good numbers of chinook to return to the Chetco and some are already holding in the lower river. Maintaining a fishing opportunity for Chetco bank anglers is important and this is also a good time of year to harvest returning hatchery fish. For more information, visit https://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2022/11_Nov/110222.asp