Fish Report

Striped bass fishing is starting to pick up again in the lower Coquille River. Striped bass can be found in the river from near Johnson Mill Pond to Rocky Point in the lower estuary.  There is no size limit or daily bag limit on striped bass.

Smallmouth bass are starting to move and transition to wintering areas. There is no size limit or daily bag limit on smallmouth bass in the Coquille River. Anglers using spears to harvest smallmouth bass are having success the past week. Most of the bigger smallmouth bass are in deeper pools away from the easy access points. 

A temporary regulation started on May 22 allowing anglers in Coquille River system to use spears and spear guns to harvest smallmouth bass. Traditional rod and reel anglers can also use bait throughout the river system. This unique fishing opportunity is one of many efforts to reduce the impact of illegally-introduced bass on Chinook populations. Spearfish anglers have been reporting some success harvesting smallmouth bass in the South Fork Coquille River.    

Note that for the remainder of 2021 season, there is a complete closure of salmon fishing in the Coquille Basin, due to a severe decline in both wild and hatchery fall Chinook returns.

Trout fishing in streams and rivers is open through Oct. 31. Water temperatures are well into the 70s in the mainstem Coquille River.