North Coast

Our trips

Chase migratory winter steelhead amidst the backdrop of Oregon’s north coastal rainforest.

Season

Duration

Capacity

Jan-Apr

Rate

$600/day+

1-5 days

1-6 anglers

Stay

River house

*Multi-day trips only

Overview

Experience the thrill of chasing winter steelhead while exploring the untamed rainforests of Oregon's north coastal range. We’ll start our day at first light, angling by drift boat or whitewater raft. Given fluctuating weather conditions and the challenge of pursuing these elusive fish, the trip isn’t for the fair-weathered angler. However, warm layers, periodic sun breaks and a chance to encounter a wild steelhead make it well worth the while.

What to expect

  • We’ll start early, often before dawn. Your guide will meet you at a predetermined location near Tillamook, Oregon, where you’ll leave your vehicle and carpool to the put in. After loading up, we’ll float and fish over the course of the day, breaking for lunch on the boat. The river and section will depend on the day’s conditions and your interests, and we’ll occasionally run multiple floats. Our trip will end in the mid-late afternoon, where we’ll carpool back to launch. For overnight trips, we’ll transition to a riverhouse rental, where we’ll warm up, eat dinner and relax. In the morning, we’ll hit the water after a quick breakfast. Multi-day trips enable us to showcase more of what the north Oregon coast has to offer.

  • Winter steelhead are admired for their beauty, strength, and remarkable life journey. We aim to intercept these migratory fish as they return from the Pacific Ocean to the coastal mountain rivers of their origin. With various rivers and floatable segments available, we’ll adjust our approach based on conditions, often fishing multiple river sections each day. Steelhead can be targeted using a single-hand fly rod, two-handed spey rod, or conventional rod and reel, depending on your preference.

    All required fishing gear will be provided, including rods, reels and terminal tackle. If you prefer to bring your own gear, we suggest 7 or 8 weight rods in 9’ to 10’ lengths and fly lines, designed to throw heavy flies and weighted nymphs. Please bring your own waders and boots.

  • Lunch, snacks and water will be provided on boat, but feel free to bring any additional food, beverages, or spirits you’d like to enjoy. For overnight trips, you’re welcome to dine out or prepare meals in the lodge, and we’re happy to cater for an additional cost.

  • For multi-day trips, it’s ideal to stay near Tillamook and the river we’ll be fishing. We have a few beloved riverside rentals that we recommend, with exact location depending on availability and interest.

What to bring

  • You’ll need to acquire an Oregon fishing license through ODFW or at select brick & mortar locations. You can opt for a daily or annual license, depending on your preference and trip length.

  • Given the cold water temperatures and dynamic weather, warm clothing and waterproof rain gear are advised. We suggest that you dress in layers and bring a hat, gloves, thick socks and polarized sunglasses. Please bring your own waders and boots. While all fishing gear will be provided, you’re welcome to bring your own if preferred.

Rates

$600/day (1 or 2 anglers)

*Price is for single-day trips. Please contact us for multi-day rates, as accommodation options dictate pricing. Max 2 anglers per guide boat.

Location

Getting there

Our north coast trips are based near Tillamook, Oregon, about 1.5 hours west of Portland.

Conditions

River flow

Go to USGS to get view real-time water levels for the north Oregon coast rivers.

Weather

Check the forecast to plan ahead for your trip.

Explore other trips

Deschutes River

Rogue River

FAQ’s

  • All reservations require a 50% deposit at time of booking. Once submitted, you'll receive a confirmation email with your trip details. The remaining balance will be paid on the day of the trip. We accept credit card, cash and bank transfers.

  • We love to guide anglers of any experience or skill level. Whether it’s your first day on the water or you've been casting a rod for decades, we'll meet you where you are and work hard to provide the most rewarding experience possible.

  • Fly fishing is the focal point of our fishing program, especially on the Lower Deschutes River. However, there are some fisheries where conventional gear and tackle is appropriate. We want the fishing to be as enjoyable as possible, and often it comes down to personal preference. Just let us know ahead of time what gear you prefer.

  • We typically employ catch and release angling practices. If you catch a hatchery fish, we can clean and process the fish for you. In this case, please bring a cooler for post-trip transport.

  • Cancellations must be made at least 30 days before your trip date. You'll you'll receive a 90% refund of your deposit, with the remaining balance covering administrative expenses incurred in arranging your reservation. Deposit refunds will not be available for cancellations made within a 30-day window of your trip. In the rare case we need to cancel, you will receive a full deposit refund or the option to reschedule.