Low and clear. Steelhead fishing has been slow. Boat anglers are faring the best.  This is a good time of year to try running plugs or fishing spinners. The steelhead will become more aggressive as the water temperatures pick up and less crowding on the river. Anglers are reporting catching a few spawned out steelhead.

ODFW is conducting several projects on the river. Anglers can participate in the Chetco River angler caught winter steelhead broodstock program by signing up and receiving a permit. ODFW also has crews conducting angler creel and spawning ground surveys to monitor angling pressure on the river, steelhead catch and wild steelhead spawning. It is a busy time on the Chetco River and anglers can find out more about either program by contacting the ODFW Gold Beach office at 541-247-7605.

There are new license requirements to fish for winter steelhead in 2023 on south coast rivers and anglers should check the new regulation book prior to fishing. In particular, anglers that used to buy their license as a guest will now need to establish an ODFW Angler ID Number.