September '25

Jackson's Drift:  If the Nestucca River is under 7', Jackson drift above the mouth of Three Rivers near Hebo is a good bet.  We bank fished it from the north side of the river.

Bank access or not?  Jackson's Drift (aka Preacher's Drift) was open for bank access when I checked early this Fall 2025.  Possibly the farmer closes it down when the cattle are grazing in that area?  I knocked on his door to ask but nobody answered.  I'll keep you updated whenever possible.

Fish the fast water at the head all the way down to the mouth of Three Rivers.  Also, fish on down to the logs.  Water height will dictate which portion to fish.  In doubt?  Visit our Hebo Tackle Shop/Deli before you head up there.

Fishing the general area across from the mouth of Three Rivers is usually best for Nestucca Winter Steelhead.

Sept '25

Mouth of Three Rivers:  (Hebo boat ramp side):

You can have success here in high water if Three Rivers is green or clear and also during lower flows as well.  Check the Nestucca River level here.

If the Big Nesucca is off-color, dropping, and Three Rivers is green or clear without a lot of debris floating down...

Fish the seam where both rivers meet.  You can bobber or drift fish.  Or...

Feeling lazy?  Try plunking.  We used to fish here in these conditions back in the day.  I have no idea why more Nestucca fishermen don't fish this seam when...

...the Big Nestucca water conditions are not suitable.  Fish will move up-river in this Three-Rivers/Nestucca confluence seam, close to the bank. 

Is the Big Nestucca River Too Crowded for Bank Fishing?

Starting with tidewater from Pacific City up to Cloverdale...

Try above the Woods bridge.  There's plenty of pull-outs above the last house.  When the river pulls away from the road all the way up to Cloverdale...

Don't be afraid to ask the Dairy Farmers for permission.

Lastly, there's great bank access at Cloverdale below the boat ramp which is behind the shops. You'll need a special pass to fish here...

Hebo Sporting Goods Tackle Shop might have this recreational access pass available.  They do carry the Tillamook County Parking Pass.

When you get up into freshwater... Dairy Farm permission still applies to the lower river as well as up high.  Seems you need to go way up high for more bank access which is great if the lower river is too dirty to fish or for other reasons.

Ask permission from non-farmer land owners as well.

Checking out new areas like these at low water levels is a good way to spot tackle-grabbing snags before fishing!

Are You Concerned about Fish Seeing Your Line in Clear Water?

Especially during sunny weather even though you're using "Invisible to the fish" fishing line?  I've studied some underwater photos of those lines in action.  The "invisible" florescent fishing lines stick out like a sore thumb.

Maxima gray leads he way... use it if you're concerned.

Do chrome, fresh salmon and steelhead care?  Who knows? 

My take on this:  The longer the salmon or steelhead is in the river, the more "trouty" it becomes.  Add sunny weather  (especially at a higher angle during summer) and low flows to the mix.  Then... I think it does.

Confidence does matter though.  Either way... Our Hebo Tackle Shop has you covered... click here.

P.S.  It probably doesn't matter too much when using hardware except action (plugs) and ease of casting do play a part.