The fishing was slow to fair last week following the high water event. We got reports of both hatchery and wild fish being caught, but in low numbers. The weather forecast for this week makes fishing conditions questionable. My best guess is that it may be colored up Wednesday, but will likely fish Thursday and Friday. The weekend looks fishable, but on the rise.

When fishing high or colored up water, large presentations and bright colors are key. This is also a good time to break out the bait or scents for added attraction. In addition fishing techniques that keep the presentation near the bottom (drift fishing, bobber doggin’, side drifting) are a good bet. 

The Wilson is one of the more popular steelhead rivers on the North coast, mostly due to a large hatchery steelhead release and the wild broodstock program. The Wilson broodstock hatchery fish are available late December through mid-April. These fish are known to be large and aggressive, and are good fighters as well as excellent table fair.

There is good drift boat access to the mid and lower river, and public land bank access on the upper river available off of Hwy 6.

Trout season will reopen on May 22, 2020.