The Siuslaw River in Mapleton, Oregon, is known for its salmon and trout fishing. Anglers can expect to catch:
— Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these are a prized catch and can be found in the river during the fall season.
— Coho Salmon: Also known as Silver Salmon, these fish are known for their acrobatic fights and are present during the fall, with a season that can extend through the end of December.
— Steelhead: Both wild and hatchery steelhead are available, with the most abundant runs occurring from Mapleton upstream. The winter steelhead season runs from late December through March.
Fishing Seasons
— Salmon Fishing: The fall Chinook salmon run begins in mid-August, but the most reliable fishing occurs in September and October. Coho salmon also run in the fall, with the season potentially lasting through December.
— Steelhead Fishing: The winter steelhead season in the Siuslaw River is from late December to March, with January and February often being peak months.
Fishing Techniques
— Trolling: This is a popular method for salmon fishing in the bay at Florence and through the long tidewater up to Mapleton. Anglers often use bait or spinners.
— Bobber and Bait Fishing: This technique is commonly used higher in the tidewater section, including above the ramp at Mapleton, particularly for steelhead.
Regulations
It is important to check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for current regulations before fishing, as there may be restrictions on the number of wild Chinook that can be harvested, and specific rules may apply to different parts of the river.
Additional Tips
— Equipment: Anglers on the Siuslaw River often use gear such as Blue Fox spinners, herring, and bobber fish with roe and sand shrimp.
— Access Points: There are various access points along Highway 126 for launching boats and for bank fishing.
Remember to always verify the current fishing regulations and seasons with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, as these can change based on fish counts and conservation needs.
Citations:
[1] https://www.ifish.net/threads/fishing-siuslaw-river-at-mapleton.93096/
[2] https://www.westernrivers.org/discover/river-of-the-month/siuslaw-river
[3] https://www.jdanglingadventures.com/oregon-fishing-seasons/
[4] https://www.bestfishinginamerica.com/or-siuslaw-river-chinook-salmon-fishing.html
[5] http://www.oregonfishinginfo.com/Siuslaw%20River%20Estuary%201.html
[6] https://greyghostguideservice.com/fall-chinook-salmon-siuslaw-river/
[7] https://www.oregonfishingforum.com/threads/siuslaw-in-mapleton.14095/
[8] https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/siuslaw/landmanagement?cid=fsbdev7_007270
[9] https://myodfw.com/recreation-report/fishing-report/northwest-zone
[10] https://mckenzieguideservice.com/siuslaw-river/
[11] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siuslaw_River
[12] https://oregonfishingtrips.com/siuslaw-river/
