Kilchis River

Fishing guides for salmon and steelhead use various methods depending on water conditions, time of year and other variables. Drift boats are used to navigate popular Rivers take the Kilchis is in Oregon. The Kilchis River is home to lots of good fishing. Contact an Oregon fishing guide today and fish the Kilchis River.

Oregon fishing guides fish for Salmon Steelhead Sturgeon Bass Walleye Halibut Tuna and many other fish in Oregon Pacific Ocean. Northwest fisheries are world famous and offer year round action, beautiful scenery, five star lodging and fishing guides who are locals and no the reverse and streams in Oregon, where to fish and when to fish.

When fishing in Oregon and on popular Northwest rivers and streams there are lots of popular words that come to mind.

Trolling - Spin Casting - Backbouncing - Casting Jigs - Fly Fishing - Jigging -Drift Fishing - Bottom Fishing - Jet Sled Fishing - Float Tubing - Charter Boat Services - Fishing Guides - Outfitters - Fishing Guide - Resorts - Kilchis

Because the Kilchis is fishing a day or two earlier than its neighboring rivers, expect to find a crowd. “The pressure on the Kilchis has really increased in recent years, especially last year since the Wilson was so high for so long. But it worked out well, since the Kilchis had a great run last year.” Says Abel, who is hopeful for another good run of large Fall Chinook.

The Kilchis River heads in the Tillamook Forest of the Coast Range just Northeast of the coastal community of Tilamook Oregon. The Kilchis clears quickly after a heavy rain, mainly because of the good condition of the forest in the 65 sq mile drainage served by this river.  So when other area rivers are blown, the Kilchis becomes the go to river.

 
Although it is only about 20 miles long, this coastal stream has a wonderful Steelhead and Chinook fishery.  It also has a very unique, a Chum (or Dog Salmon -- Oncorhynchus Keta) fishery. It was nearly decimated by over fishing and is now only open to catch and release with artificial flies and lures.

When running Kwikfish there is no need to run a diver in front of the plug, since there isn’t much deep water on the Kilchis. Running 5-feet of 40-pound Monofilament leader and 50-65 pound braided line will insure that you will not break off any fish or lose plugs when snagged up.

The Kilchis River is the fastest clearing river in the area and the go to during poor weather conditions.  However, it is a small river and can be overwhelmed by angling pressure. Shore access is very limited with most access requiring a fee to the landowner.  Drift boating is available on the lower 6 miles of the river with motors okay below the Highway 101 bridge. The river is easily accessible off of Highway 101 with drift boat access available in 2 locations.  Depending on the river conditions you may want to utilize any of the following methods: drift fish bait or artificials, bobber fish bait jigs or plastic worms, throw spinners, and back troll plugs.  Typical gear for pursuing steelhead in the river is medium fast (8-17lb) rated casting or spinning rods with 12lb mainline and 24" - 48" 8-10lb fluorocarbon leaders.  For salmon a medium heavy (10-20lb) rated casting or spinning rods with 12-50lb mainline and 24" - 48" 20-40lb fluorocarbon leaders.

Natural High fishes this river: 

• Early September through December for the mighty Kings or Chinook Salmon. (Peak run is Mid October through the first part of November).
• Mid-November all the way into May for Steelhead. The hatchery run sees its peak in the middle of December just in time for Christmas.
• Best fishing is when the river stage is at 5.3 and 7 (Use the Wilson Gauge)

Directions: 

• We will generally put in at the Kilchis County/Campground Park and float to Park's Landing.
  
• Travel North on Hwy 101 just a short distance past Tillamook Cheese. Turn left on the Kilchis Forest Road. 
• We will meet at Park's Landing about 200 yards east of Hwy 101.

Coastal River Prices

*gratuities are not included in price

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The Kilchis River is one of Oregon's cleanest river systems and therefore produces some excellent quality fishing for Oregon anglers and its visitors. The upper stretches are some of the most scenic on the North Oregon Coast.

The Kilchis River has fine runs of salmon and steelhead during most months of the year. Starting in January, hatchery steelhead area available to anglers from both bank and boats. The hatchery run lasts through February when the wild fish begin to show up in great numbers. The wild run lasts through April when the river goes quiet until the fall rains come drawing great numbers of fall run chinook and coho back to its basin.

The wild run fall chinook is heavily pursued by Oregon anglers and fish up to 45 pounds are not uncommon when fishing the Kilchis River. All coho salmon on the Kilchis must be released but the chinook salmon offer more than enough sport to justify a trip on this Northern Oregon Coast gem! Most of the lower Kilchis River is only accessible through private land but upstream towards Kilchis Park, great access can be had for the bank angler.

See You On The River

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