Fly Fish the Wilson River in Oregon

Driving from Portland, Oregon west towards Tillamook, Oregon this is an easy bank access river to hit with big fish. Approximately 45 - 60 minutes drive from Portland to Highway 6 west towards Tillamook, the rivers runs next to the highway for several miles making it easy to pull-off and hit the river in many spots. On a crisp, cool fall day this river can get busy, so be there early and grab your spot.   

Depending on the hatch and season, it has excellent dry fly opportunities. The Wilson River is also a popular winter Steelhead fishing spot with some of the largest runs in the state. There is private property that runs along the river so make sure to check with a local shop or on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife before hitting an unfamiliar area. 

If you're starting in the Portland, OR area swing by the Orvis shop in Bridgeport Shopping Center (7495 SW Bridgeport Rd, Tigard, OR 97224), or check out The Perfect Fly for river updates and conditions.  Once at the river, there are several good pull-off spots off of Highway 6 with easy wading access. My favorite is just past N. Fork Road off of Highway 6 by the Jones Creek Day Use Area. Shhhhh....don't let the secret out!

Happy Fishing!