Montana Fish Report

The OHA issued a July 31 advisory due to the presence of cyanobacteria and now an Aug. 15 update due to very high saxitoxin (paralytic shellfish toxin) levels. ODFW recommends that people avoid harvesting and eating softshell and bay clams harvested in the estuary!

Wild coho retention opens on the Alsea Saturday September 13, 2025! Coho often come into the systems ready to bite! They also tend to be a bit closer to the surface so altering your Chinook trolling depth can be helpful in landing a coho. Be sure to check your regulations before you head out!

Fall Chinook is open on the Alsea but has been a slower start to the season. Fish are around the lower bay, but not in huge numbers yet. We have rain on the extended forecast which bodes well for more fish moving into the system and the bite really picking up!

Coastal Cutthroat will be distributed throughout the Alsea basin and provide an excellent and fun opportunity during the remainder of the summer months. As we move into August cutthroat will continue moving throughout the basin. With the lower waters, hitting the river in the early mornings before temperatures rise can be a good bet for landing cutthroat in the basin! Anglers are reminded/ to check the regulations for use of bait and whether there are closed streams.