Northern Oregon Coast 

Pacific Northwest

From mid February through early May the rivers surrounding the greater Tillamook Bay region on the Northern Oregon coast transform into some of the most productive and seductive winter steelhead rivers in North America. Structurally they are a “swing” fisherman’s paradise and the quarry is almost always sea bright, wild and willing to chase a well swung fly.

To compliment these rivers and the hearty handsome steelhead they sustain, we have tracked down two of the finest winter steelhead guides in the West: Mike McCune and Scott O’Donnell. Not only do these two know the intricacies and moods of their local systems but they are among the most sought after Spey casting instructors in nation. Their credentials include a lifetime dedicated to chasing anadromous fish, designing the Rio Skagit lines, and recognition as the preferred demonstration casters for Sage Rods. For anyone interested in learning the art of spey casting streamside or simply fly fishing some of the finest winter steelhead water we have seen, this is a spectacular venue.

Location:
Tillamook Bay is located on the northern Oregon coast.

Fishing Program:
There are a number of excellent rivers in the greater Tillamook Bay region including the Nehalem, Trask, Wilson and Nestucca. Mike and Scott fly fish all of these systems depending of flows, time of year and preferences. All are floated and all fly fishing is done while wading. Mike and Scott greatly prefer swinging flies with spey rods and are two of the nation’s top instructors. They have lots of tackle if you do not.

This is true winter steelhead fishing and as such challenging weather conditions and relatively low catch rates are the norm. Under good conditions two “pulls” or takes per person per day would be considered very acceptable. On the bright side, the wild coastal steelhead in the region are typically very bright and often large. Additionally, the rivers are very well suited to the fly and a great pleasure to fish.

Mike McCune and Scott O’Donnell are exceptionally talented and experienced guides. They have spent more than 20 seasons guiding in Alaska and more than 15 years guiding winter steelhead in the Tillamook region. They both are sponsored by Sage, and have been a part of designing the new Rio “Skagit” lines.

Anglers will be required to help with the shuttles so have some gas in the tank and expect to do a bit of driving each day.

Accommodations and Meals:
Mike and Scott like their guests to stay at the Shilo Inn in Tillamook. Anglers are responsible for making their own reservations. The Shilo Inn phone number is 503.842.7971. Mike and Scott provide anglers with lunch but anglers are on their own for breakfasts and dinners in Tillamook.

For anglers interested in more deluxe accommodations, we will be happy to make reservations for you at the Inn at Manzanita in Manzanita.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Tillamook, OR. And check in to accommodations.
Days 2 – 5: Full days of guided fishing
Day 6: Depart Tillamook.

"Scott O'Donnell is a fantastic guide and an exceptional spey casting instructor. I'd fish with him again anytime. He was professional, courteous, hard working, and did his best to show us a great experience. His raft was well tended, had appropriate safety equipment, and he handled it masterfully. He had all the necessary equipment and went out of his way to suit me with waders and boots when mine sprung a leak. Lunch was simple and delicious including home made hot soup, sandwiches with cold cuts, bags of chips, and bottled drinks. He had us continue fishing during lunch set up and take down. I rate the experience and excellent because of Scott's attitude, casting instruction, and professionalism." M.G., PA

Complete Trip Details