Running through the forests of Oregon's Coast Range before emptying into Alsea Bay at Waldport, the Alsea is a classic fall salmon river. It's not particularly huge compared to some of Oregon's other salmon fisheries, but don't that fool ya. Every fall, powerful Chinook salmon make their way into this river, and some of them are absolute bruisers.

October is an exciting time to keep an eye on the Columbia River, especially if you're a salmon or steelhead fisherman. While some of the biggest pushes of fall Chinook have already made their way upriver, the fish aren't finished moving. In fact, the latest counts at Bonneville Dam show that thousands of salmon are still making their way through the Columbia River system.

If I were heading to the Trask River right now, fall Chinook would absolutely be the reason I'd go. We're smack in the heart of October, and this is the time of year when a good shot of rain can move fresh salmon out of Tillamook Bay and tidewater and into the Trask.

Three Rivers feeds into the Nestucca River system, and when salmon and steelhead are moving, this little piece of coastal water can get my attention in a hurry. It's tight, fishy-looking water surrounded by wet timber, ferns and brush. You aren't making hero casts halfway across some giant river.