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Chetco River Fishing Guide

Oregon

A south coast river at Brookings supporting fall Chinook and winter steelhead.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Chetco River for steelhead and chinook salmon. In October, steelhead and chinook salmon are in season, and Pat's Rubber Legs, Egg Pattern and Intruder are a good place to start. There are 3 shops nearby (1 fly, 2 bait and tackle); the closest is Little Ray's Tackle Box in Klamath. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out. Rogue River is also nearby if you want to make a trip of it.

Season at a Glance

Steelhead
Chinook Salmon
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Area around a representative access point; the river runs beyond it. View Larger Map

What You'll Catch

Chetco River Species

Steelhead

Steelhead

Prime Now
J
F
M
A
M
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J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: Oct to Apr

Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon

Prime Now
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: May to Oct

Images: USFWS; Michael Humling, USFWS. Public domain.

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

7 picks for October. marks species in season in October.

  • Intruder 2 to 4 in

    Fly

    Streamer · Chinook Salmon, Steelhead

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  • Egg-Sucking Leech #2-6

    Fly

    Streamer · Chinook Salmon, Steelhead

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  • Pat's Rubber Legs #4-10

    Fly

    Nymph · Steelhead

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  • Egg Pattern #8-16

    Fly

    Nymph · Steelhead · Indicator rig.

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  • Inline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz

    Lure

    Spinner · Steelhead

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  • Casting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz

    Lure

    Spoon · Chinook Salmon

    Shop This Lure

  • Cured Salmon Eggs Single or cluster

    Bait

    Natural Bait · Chinook Salmon, Steelhead · Where bait is legal.

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Steelhead

Fly 11 to 13 ft 7 or 8 wt spey or switch rod with a Skagit head and sink tips, or a 10 ft 8 wt single hand rod with an indicator rig.

Spin / Cast 8.5 to 10.5 ft medium-light rod, 3000 spinning reel, 8 to 12 lb line. Float and jig or drift rigs.

Chinook Salmon

Fly 10 ft 9 or 10 wt rod, sink-tip line, 15 to 20 lb leader.

Spin / Cast 9 to 10.5 ft medium-heavy casting rod, line-counter or levelwind reel, 20 to 30 lb line.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Chetco River

Fly Rods

Echo Spey Rod

A two-handed rod for swinging flies across big steelhead and salmon runs.

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Fly Reels

Redington Behemoth Fly Reel

A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.

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Fly Lines

Scientific Anglers Sink-Tip Fly Line

Gets streamers down to fish holding deep in current.

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Leaders & Tippet

RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet

Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.

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Waders & Boots

Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders

Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.

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Waders & Boots

Simms Freestone Wading Boots

Supportive boots with good grip on slick rock.

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Flies

Steelhead Fly Assortment

Egg patterns, leeches, and swing flies for winter runs.

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Nearby

Shops Near Chetco River

Farther Out

Nearby

Guides and Charters Near Chetco River

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Rivers & Streams · Oregon

Rogue River

A Southern Oregon river with spring chinook, half-pounder steelhead, and winter runs.

Steelhead · Chinook Salmon

Rivers & Streams · California

Klamath River

Runs through the northwestern mountains. Summer steelhead and fall salmon runs.

Steelhead · Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon