Nehalem River
Nehalem River
- Boat Ramps
- 5
- Access Points
- 14
- Species
- 6
The Nehalem River flows through Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, and Washington Counties in northwest Oregon, offering over 119 miles of diverse fishing opportunities. This coastal river originates on the east side of the Northern Oregon Coast Range and flows in a distinctive loop around the north end of the range before meeting the Pacific Ocean at Nehalem Bay. With a watershed covering 855 square miles, the Nehalem is the North Coast's longest river after the Columbia and provides vital habitat for some of the best wild salmon and steelhead runs remaining in the Lower 48. The river's clear waters, scenic beauty, and relatively easy access make it a cherished destination for anglers seeking both solitude and productive fishing.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Nehalem River and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Nehalem River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Nehalem River
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Oregon licenses and regulations
Oregon Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Oregon Fishing License
An Oregon fishing license is required for residents and non-residents, age 12 and over. You must carry your fishing license at all times while fishing in the State. Make sure you have the correct tags, catch cards and endorsements for the water bodies and species you are targeting.
Oregon Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. This river is prone to emergency regulations. Stay up to date on specific river regulation changes. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Oregon Stream Access Laws
The people of Oregon are the owners of the submerged and submersible land (“beds and banks”) underlying all navigable and tidally influenced waterways. In most cases, this ownership extends to the line of ordinary high water or high tide, but ownership can be mixed, even along the same waterway. The Department of State Lands is responsible for management of publicly owned submerged and submersible land. The public has rights to use the beds and banks of navigable waterways for any legal activity, such as boating, fishing and swimming, including pulling your canoe or kayak onto the bank.
Take Nehalem River with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Nehalem River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Nehalem River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Nehalem River and check the forecast before you go.
NEHALEM RIVER NEAR FOSS, OR
All Flow Stations
Nehalem River fishing guides
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.


Austin Fassiotto
Fassiottos Guide Service
5.0 (1 review)
Salmon and Steelhead fishing on the Oregon Coast
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Craig Izzi
Izzi's Big Mouth Guide Service
Garibaldi Fishing At Its Finest!
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Nevin Steele
Nevin Steele Outfitters LLC
Guided Fishing Trips in Centralia, WA
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Jordan Coleman
Coleman's Guide Service
Oregon salmon fishing guides on local rivers
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