Portland, Oregon Metro Fishing Report – With the exception of Meldrum Bar, metro anglers are headed to the coast, or the Sandy and Clackamas Rivers for steelhead fishing. Meldrum is still producing fair catches of steelhead however, anglers just have to fish a bit deeper for them.
Willamette Falls is passing great numbers of largely wild steelhead, another indication that this year’s return is going to matter. It’s also a positive example of why removing nearly 40 problematic steelhead-chomping sea lions at the base of the falls was a really good idea.’
Conditions are good for Willamette spring Chinook, but no rumors of the season’s first just yet. Die-hards will try before the next rainfall, but it would be like hitting a multi-million dollar jackpot, maybe better. Chances are slim but the drive is immeasurable.
Biologists and smelt enthusiasts alike are also awaiting any signs of early returning smelt. There’s hope that the departments can justify a sport-dipping season if numbers allow.
Clackamas River Fishing Report – It’s been another fair to good week for Clackamas River anglers. Avid angler Mike Roberson from Fisherman’s Marine in Oregon City reports, “The Clackamas remains low and clear but is still fishing very well. There were lots of big fish this week if you know where to go. I picked up three fish earlier this week, all on 1/8 oz. Nightmare jigs fished shallow under a fixed float. Obviously, it’s been cold in the morning so getting out around 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. isn’t a bad idea. Mike continued with a Meldrum Bar report (which we’ll also post in the Willamette section).
There are boaters and a few bankers working upriver of Barton, with a few more wild fish vs. hatchery fish taken that high up in the watershed right now.
Wild steelhead numbers are starting to bump at the North Fork facility, but far from the peak numbers we’ll see closer to April and May. For now, hatchery fish should be entering the Clackamas in good numbers for at least the next 4 weeks.
Sandy River Fishing Report from Jeff Stoeger – “Good afternoon All. I hope that things are going well for you and you had a chance to get out and fish this week. The river has been on the drop over the last couple of weeks. The river is just over or about 9 ft. and the river temp was 41 degrees. There have been a few boats floating from Oxbow to Dabney with a mix of both hatchery and natives. There have been a few sleds working the lower river and should see less boats for the river is forecasted to drop into the mid to lower eight foot range. If you plan to fish, I would wait until later in the morning around 9 or 10 am.
You will find most of the fish closest to the bank with the sun on it. The temps will rise and the fish will follow the sun to warm up next to the bank.”
North & Central Coast Fishing Report – Low, clear waters have made north and central coast winter steelhead fishing fairly challenging this week. Those conditions are expected to continue but those fishing low-water strategies in the lower reaches of these streams should still find a few fresh fish on a regular basis if you hit the day right.
Temperatures are expected to remain cold so a late morning start isn’t your worst idea.
The Wilson, Nestucca, Siletz, and Alsea, as well as the North Fork Nehalem should have quality hatchery fish still available. Early season streams such as Big and Gnat Creek, the Necanicum and Klaskanine Rivers will have spawned-out fish available, even more in the coming weeks.
Some surplus steelhead have been planted in north coast district lakes too.
There’s a nice weather window for bottomfishing and ocean crabbing over the weekend. Soft tides should contribute to friendly bar crossings although the afternoon outgoing could be problematic if you don’t return in time. The bottom line, it’s a rare opportunity for high-quality bass and lingcod, and crab should be available too. With commercial effort high however, don’t count on many large keepers for the sport fleet.
SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:
Well, it’s either “feast or famine” when it comes to winter steelhead fishing. Only a few weeks ago we were in flood conditions and now most steelhead rivers are low and clear. Only a few good options for the weekend angler exist for now. Again, this weekend’s best options would be the mid and lower Rogue River, main Umpqua and getting out on the ocean for bottom fishing and crabbing. It’s looking like no rain in the forecast until at least the following weekend🤞
The mid-section of Rogue from Gold Hill down to Galice would be a good option after the sun starts hitting the water. It’s supposed to get into the mid-20s (at night) this weekend, and fog not burning off till mid-morning. So other than getting up early to defrost the boat, you might consider sleeping in a bit. 😊Boaters covering lots of water and bank plunkers at the popular gravel bars will have a good weekend for fresh winter steelhead. Also, the lower end of the Applegate is in fishable shape and would be another option for hatchery fish. The lower section of the Rogue below Agness is fishing well. Boaters working plugs and bank anglers plunking and side drifting are catching fish.
The main Ump is still in decent condition for steelhead although on the low end of the flow. The North and South Forks are low and clear with little to no angler pressure now. Bank anglers on the south trying out their favorite deep hole could be worth wetting a line.
Ocean Goers should be able to get out for some good winter bottom fishing and ling cod action at least on Sunday. Winds aren’t supposed to be as bad out of Charleston and Winchester Bay’s Saturday. Crabbing has improved greatly in the ocean and bays.
Tight Lines 🎣 – Romer
Read this week’s SW Washington fishing report.