Nehalem Bay is a wonderfully buffered estuary in Tillamook County, formed by the Nehalem River as it makes its way to the Pacific. When the area was first settled by Europeans in the 1800s, Nehalem Bay was twice its current size; water diversions to create farmland and topsoil runoff have shrunk it to its present dimensions. The calm waters of this forested bay are especially popular with kayakers, crabbers and birdwatchers. Nehalem Bay is a point of departure for off-shore anglers. In July and August, salmon anglers focus on the bay itself, targeting chinook returning to the river; coho (silver) salmon return to the bay a bit later.

Courtesy of “Boating in Oregon” by Oregon State Marine Board

When to Go: August - February

Best Features: strong hatchery steelhead run with little bank access

Rafting Difficulty Level: IV

Fish: Steelhead, Chinook Salmon

Good For: great steelhead and salmon fishing for expert boaters, bank access at hatchery

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