Updated
← Back to mapOregon Rivers › Southwest Oregon Coast (Curry County, near Port Orford)
A small, rain-fed south coast river with a wild fall Chinook run that depends on good flows.
The Sixes is a short coastal river that reaches the Pacific north of Port Orford in ODFW's Southwest Zone. ODFW sources document a wild fall Chinook run here. In early fall the salmon hold in the lower river and wait for rain to raise the water before moving upstream. Because these holding fish are easy to snag or poach, ODFW has closed part of the lower river to angling during low water. In 2024 the closed stretch ran from Crystal Creek to the Hughes House boat ramp, starting Oct. 1, and it reopened Nov. 1 once flows rose. That year the wild adult Chinook limit was 1 per day and 10 for the season. Nearby Elk River had different rules the same year, so check each river separately. The zone-wide trout rules for rivers and streams are a 2-fish daily limit, a May 22–Oct. 31 season, and no bait above tidewater. Seasons, limits and closures change often, so check the current regulations and in-season updates before every trip.
Best Season
Late fall (November) after rain raises flows; check for low-water closures in October
River Type
Small coastal rain-fed river
Skill Level
Intermediate
Best Techniques
Drifting or bobber fishing for salmon on rising water; fish the lower river and tidewater following current gear rules
Access
Lower river access around the Hughes House boat ramp off Hwy 101 north of Port Orford; much of the bank is private
Explore fish species associated with the Sixes River. Each profile includes identification tips, habitat notes, and practical fishing guidance for anglers.
Review seasonal insect hatches on the Sixes River, including timing windows and fly pattern suggestions for your next trip.
Check current seasons, limits, and special rules for Sixes River before you go. Regulations change, so always verify with ODFW.
The latest fishing conditions and hatch notes for Sixes River. Older reports live in the Sixes River report archive.
These YouTube videos have been hand-curated by our team because we feel they best represent the Sixes River fishery. Watch for river character, access context, and techniques that translate to your next trip.
No towns within 30 mi
Map data © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap
The Sixes River supports 4 fish species in our fishing catalog. Browse each profile for identification tips, seasonal patterns, and how these species are managed on this water.
These YouTube videos have been hand-curated by our team because we feel they best represent the Sixes River fishery. Watch for river character, access context, and techniques that translate to your next trip.
Fishing guides, outfitters, shuttles, and shops that operate on the Sixes River.
No verified providers for this river yet. Browse the full directory.
Review seasonal insect hatches on the Sixes River, including timing windows and fly pattern suggestions for your next trip.
No data for this season.
