Kilchis River
Kilchis River near Tillamook, Oregon is a short coastal river for winter steelhead, coastal cutthroat and salmon.
- 26 miRiver length
- 4Game fish
- 9Access points
In the FlyFishFinder appAbout the Kilchis
The Kilchis River is a short coastal stream that flows into Tillamook Bay near Tillamook, Oregon. It is about 26 miles long and runs out of the Coast Range through forest and farm land. The Kilchis River Forest Road follows the upper river inside the state forest.
Coastal cutthroat trout, steelhead, Chinook salmon and coho salmon are the fish here. Winter steelhead are the draw for many anglers, and the run peaks from January through March. Sea run cutthroat use the tidewater and the lower river.
A few landowners provide access on the lower river and drift boats use launches such as Mapes Creek and a county ramp upriver. Access farther upriver in the state forest is more open, up to the fishing boundary at the forks. Nearby waters include the Nehalem River and the Wilson and Trask rivers.
Spey rods and swung flies are common for steelhead. Coastal cutthroat like small streamers and dry flies. Wild fish release rules apply in many situations, so check the current Oregon regulations.
Trask River above Cedar Creek, near Tillamook, OR
Kilchis River has no USGS gage. This one is 8 mi away, so use it as a rough guide.
Flow, last 24 hours
USGS readings, provisionalIs the Kilchis fishing today?
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Other gages nearby
- Nestucca River near Beaver, OR18.8 mi away 1,070 cfs Normal 53°F · 6.08 ft USGS 14303600
- Nestucca River near Fairdale, OR25.0 mi away 8 cfs Below normal 6.96 ft USGS 14302900
- Wapato Canal at Pump House, at Gaston, OR34.1 mi away 3.51 ft USGS 14202630
- Wapato Creek at Sw Gaston Road, at Gaston, OR34.1 mi away 2 cfs 53°F · 2.63 ft USGS 14202650
- South Yamhill River at McMinnville, OR38.3 mi away 551 cfs Normal 12.94 ft USGS 14194150
- Willamette River at Newberg, OR45.0 mi away 11,600 cfs 55°F · 56.80 ft USGS 14197900
- Chicken Creek above Seasonal Trail, near Sherwood, OR48.6 mi away 14 cfs 53°F · 9.84 ft USGS 14206752
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
Fish you'll catch
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Hatching in November
What's on the water in the Northern Oregon Coastal watershed this month, and the fly to match.
All 10 hatches this year
Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.
Tips for fishing the Kilchis
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Watch the rain
Coastal rivers rise and drop fast. Fresh rain changes everything.
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Check landowner access
Some lower river access is private. Ask first and follow signs.
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Use the forest road
Upriver access in the state forest is more open.
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Release wild fish carefully
Handle fish gently and keep them in the water.
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Use the app for flow
The FlyFishFinder app shows the live gage on the Kilchis and maps access points so you can check flow before you drive.
Every access point on the Kilchis, in your pocket.
- 9 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- Bite forecast for the days ahead
Rivers near the Kilchis
Kilchis River FAQ
When is the best time to fish the Kilchis River?
Winter steelhead peak from January through March. Cutthroat are in the river through spring and summer.
Where can I fish the Kilchis River near Tillamook?
The Kilchis River Forest Road gives access in the upper river. Mapes Creek and a county ramp serve boats.
Can you wade the Kilchis River?
Yes in many places, but the river changes quickly after rain.
What flies work on the Kilchis River?
Swung flies and streamers work for steelhead, and small streamers and dries work for cutthroat. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is working today.
What fish are in the Kilchis River?
Coastal cutthroat trout, steelhead, Chinook salmon and coho salmon.
Are there special rules on the Kilchis River?
Yes, wild fish rules and seasons apply. Check the current Oregon sport fishing regulations.
