Portland/Metro Fishing Report
With little to fish for in our metro systems, anglers are still looking to coastal systems to satisfy their quest for chrome.
The Willamette Falls fish count is still registering 20 – 50 adults per day bypassing the fish ladders, but effort to catch them has come to a halt. Winter steelhead counts start on November 1st, with 27 counted to date, 4 of which were of hatchery origin.
The Willamette still offers some catch and release sturgeon fishing, but again, few are participating. It’s certainly a sleeper fishery.
Those still interested in the mainstem Columbia should be fishing upstream of Bonneville Dam, particularly around the mouth of the Klickitat River. There’s still a viable troll fishery there, it should last for another few weeks altough fish are starting to turn.
Find all our fishing reports and forecasts for Members on this page.
Upper Willamette Valley Fishing Report by Terry Otto (last eek’s report)
Coho salmon are finally moving into Willamette tributaries following big rains, but the bite is spotty. The bite on trout lakes and rivers is affected by high water.
Best bets for weekend fishing:
The coho have finally moved into the Willamette River tributaries. Over 24,000 adult coho have now passed the Willamette Falls. However, the long wait for rains means these fish have been holding for a long time in warm, low water, and they often turn dark when that is the case.
You can check the Willamette Falls fish counts here. You can check the Willamette River Gauge at Salem here.
Several waterbodies will be stocked with trout this week.
Cascade Hike-in Lakes offer beauty, serenity, and the potential for untrammeled fishing opportunities, but the snow will soon close access in the high country. Check conditions before you head out to these destinations.
Trout stocking
Stocked the week of Oct 27-31:
Alton Baker Canal
Scheduled to be stocked the week of Nov 3-7:
Timber Linn Lake, Walter Wirth Lake, Alton Baker Canal
You can check out the trout stocking schedule here.
Santiam River, North Fork
River levels best for fishing are at or below 3,000 cfs, and the river is currently running at around 2,500 cfs at the gage in Mehama. The summer steelhead run is complete for the most part. Over 24,000 coho salmon have migrated above Willamette Falls so far, a good proportion of them destined for the North Santiam. Most of the action is still in the lower sections of the river below Stayton, however the forecasted rain for this weekend will likely push many of these fish higher up and into their spawning tributaries.
Mike Ferris of Fishermen Mike’s Guide Service has been hearing reports of good numbers of coho between Shelburn and Greens Bridge. However, the bite has been spotty. Anglers are twitching jigs in the deeper sections. Bobber and beads is also a good technique. Many of the fish will be dark, a consequence of the late-arriving rains this fall. However, there are still fish in good condition. Anglers will need to sort through what they catch.
Remember, the use of bait is now not allowed as of November 1.
You can check the gauge at Mahama here.
Santiam River, North Fork above Detroit Lake
This river is open year-round to fishing, but river conditions are tough with the rising water. Currently, flows are around 520 cfs. Dead-drifting a nymph fly or slow retrieving a small spinner can sometimes coax larger trout to bite.
Santiam River, South Fork
Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000 cfs. Flows are currently at around 3,100 cfs at the gage in Waterloo. Matt Helseth of Matt Helseth Guide Service reports that the coho have come in at last following the big rains, but he reports the fishing has been inconsistent. “Seems like the big rain we had pushed a lot of coho up into the tribs,” said Helseth. “Now would be the time to fish the upper Santiam. However, fishing has been pretty spotty overall in the valley where I fish.”
McKenzie River
Last stocked the week of September 1, with 2,000 hatchery rainbow trout. Bait can no longer be used as of November 1. Anglers may now only use lures and artificial flies. The river is clear and the levels are slightly above normal, so wade with caution. Water clarity is reportedly good.
Nymphing Remains a productive method, especially in the morning before the sun hits the water. On cool days it may work all day. Effective patterns include: Possie Bugger, Jigged Hares Ear, and a variety of Caddis patterns.
Coast Fork Willamette River
Last stocked the week of July 28, with 800 hatchery rainbow trout. The river is open to fishing all year for trout, hatchery Chinook salmon, hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead over 24 inches. The use of bait is now prohibited as of November 1. In addition to five hatchery trout, two wild trout may be kept daily.
No recent report on angler success.
Foster Reservoir
This reservoir near Sweet Home was stocked several times in September with hatchery trout. Besides trout, look for smallmouth bass and yellow perch near underwater structure and drop-offs. Please remember that only kokanee and adipose fin-clipped trout may be kept as part of the 5-trout bag limit, but there are no limits on size or number of bass.
Members, read all the details and The Guide’s Forecast right here.
Clackamas and Sandy
Clackamas River Fishing Report – Although Clackamas River anglers are losing interest in the opportunities here, the late-run coho are starting to make a good show.
Mike Roberson from Fisherman’s Marine and Outdoor reports, “Looks like some fresh B-run wild coho have entered the Clackamas. We’ve had several reports from a couple of guys in the Coffee Hole who picked up a few and also a winter steelhead was confirmed on Tuesday, off of Meldrum Bar!”
Sandy River Fishing Report – Avid angler Jeff Stoeger shares: I first want to thank all our veterans for their dedicated service. I also want to thank those who are currently serving and protecting our country. Thank you for your service. If you see someone in their uniform, please go up and thank them for their service.
Since my last update, we experienced a significant rain event that caused the river to rise just over 11 feet. As the rain subsided, the river gradually dropped back into shape over the next few days, settling into the classic “steelhead green” color. Anglers are finding fish throughout the entire river, with several notably bright and lively catches reported. In particular, Rob Gibbs landed a bright fish using eggs floated under a bobber.
The action around Dodge Park has been strong, with reports of some anglers reaching their limits as the water levels approach ideal conditions. Cedar Creek has seen crowded “combat fishing” scenarios, depending on who you talk to.
The river’s level has been high enough to allow floats from the Revenue Bridge downstream. Rafts and kayaks have performed well in the upper stretches, while drift boats have seen success from Oxbow down.
The B run of coho has begun, and there should be fish available through early December. While bright coho are still present, the upper river is holding more dark fish until the next rain event that will cause another rise in river levels. Chinook are also present in the lower river, and the fish caught by Rob was particularly bright.
As a reminder, please carefully check your fish before landing them and do your best to protect all wild fish. Also, be aware that parking at Lewis and Clark Park now requires payment via a QR code at a rate of $10.00 per day. Purchasing an annual pass is a good way to avoid a citation, as warnings are given before tickets are issued.
Find the full report and forecast for Members on this page here for the Clackamas and Sandy Rivers.
North & Central Coast Fishing Report
Although Chinook and coho season is winding down, there remains a few good options before rivers close down at the end of the month.
The Wilson and Kilchis remain late season favorites, while the Trask and Nestucca are a reach more and more by the day. There remains a few fin-clipped coho on the Trask and North Fork Nehalem however, and the season’s first winter steelhead likely isn’t far away either.
Tillamook district rivers close after November 15th for the targeting of chum salmon. The fishing has been excellent for those willing to brave the weather.
There’s just a few more days of wild coho retention on some central coast systems. Anglers have until November 16th for one last chance at chrome success. Check HERE for the last remaining opportunities.
Wild offshore weather kept most boats at bay this week. There were a few boats that slipped out for bottomfish out of Newport and Depoe Bay.
Bay crabbing is fair, even with all the freshwater influx. Testing of ocean crab indicated a heavy meat content, leading us to believe that the commercial fleet may actually launch around November 28th if domoic acid tests are good. Sport crabbers should be prepared for an earlier than normal opener if further testing shows promise. This includes the lower Columbia, where sport anglers have had wide open access for the last several years.
People should always call the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-2474 before heading out to harvest any shellfish or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage.
Find the complete report and forecast for Members in the Northwest Oregon section.
| Much more on the site for Chinook Members:Buzz Ramsey’s latest post (video) – Filleting Salmon.In this video, legendary angler Buzz Ramsey demonstrates his expert technique for filleting salmon.. Chinook Members can see his post HERE. Bill Monroe’s latest post – Do you know where your urine is tonight? From turkey hunts to salmon runs, discover how nature’s food chain connects in the most unexpected ways… Chinook Members can see his post HERE. You can find all the articles from these two professionals on this page. The Salmon Trout Steelheader article of the week: Kyuquot British Columbia Rugged Point Lodge by Kris Olsen . Marc talks about some great trout fishing on the east side. Chinook Members can see this post HERE. All the STS articles are located here.Not a Chinook Member? Become a Member or Upgrade here. Members head to the Member’s Landing Page to find everything you have access to. |
Central-Eastern Oregon Fishing Report by Terry Otto
Klickitat mouth late coho over, Deschutes steelhead slowing, trout good. Many trout lakes now closed, more to close November 18.
Best bets for this weekend:
Fall is a great time to fish the Crooked and Metolius Rivers.
Anglers report excellent fall brown trout fishing at East and Paulina Lakes. The road to Newberry National Monument will close on November 18th.
Anglers report good fall trout fishing in Lava and Little Lava lakes. The Cascades Lake Highway will close on November 18th.
Trout Stocking will resume on March 16, 2026.
You can check the ODFW trout stocking schedule here.
Columbia River
Coho fishing at the mouth of the Klickitat River is ending, with the bulk of salmon having moved into the river, and are now turning dark. A few bright fish are still around, but those will be gone soon. Walleye angling is drawing a few fishers. Anglers may find a few smallmouth, but winter will slow that bite, too.
Lower Deschutes River
Amy Hazel of the Deschutes Angler Fly Shop in Maupin reports that the steelheading is slow. “Steelhead fishing has slowed way down,” she said, “We still have nice warm water, so the steelhead guys are still able to use the floating lines. They don’t need to dredge the bottom with big flies. It’s productive with the former stuff.” A few steelhead are still coming to hand, but the action always slows this time of year as the run peters out.
Jeff at The Fly Fishers Place in Sisters reports that a lot of his staff have been out enjoying days on the water and catching some nice trout and steelhead. Leeches and other small Micro Streamers on a tightline rig or an indicator rig have been responsible for quite a few redbands and several steelhead to the net lately. Trout anglers are still chasing the few hatches happening now, which Hazel described as a few blue wing olives, and “teeny, tiny midges.” Other than that, nymphing is still effective, and gear guys are getting a few on small spinners and spoons.
Winter flows will increase soon. You can check the river gauge at Moody Rapids here.
Metolius River
From the Fly Fishers Place: The Kokanee spawn continues above Lake Billy Chinook, so look for it to be an important food source for Rainbows and Bull Trout. An egg is going to be a darn good choice, and a streamer to match different phases of the kokanee’s from fresh to zombie is a good bet for Bull’s.
There have been really nice Mayfly hatches with #20 and #22 Blue Wing Olives and #16-18 Cinygmula’s, and a few straggling Pale Morning Duns #16 and #16 Mahogany Duns in the mix.
Fall River
Right now there is zero snow and access is 100%, but that will change in a few weeks. Remember the river from the Falls to the Deschutes is closed until 5/22/26.
On any given day the Fall River will most likely be the best BWO dry fly action of any of the rivers.
The Crooked River
The Crooked River is good now and the Whitefish have begun to spawn. This can lead to really good egg action with smaller yellowish eggs (not the orange ones we use to match the kokanee and trout eggs, although I know they work too, but are not as good of a match)
There have been enough BWO’s hatching around noon most days to get fish on an emerger or dry fly.
Lake Reports
There is still access to many of the lakes this week and you might as well take a look at the following options:
Diamond Lake continues to be good, strip leeches on an intermediate line or under an indicator.
North and South Twin Lake have shoreline wade fishing access and Balanced Leeches under a Strike Indicator would be my first choice. I’d also try some Black or Red Ice Cream Cones.
East Lake has great shoreline wade access and striping egg sucking leeches, soccer mom, scuds on an emerger tip or hover is a good bet. From a boat cruise in shallow areas from 4 to 10 feet and indicator with a balanced minnow, leech or ice cream cone. For gear anglers, running plugs should draw strikes from the active spawning-minded brown trout.
Crescent Lake
Anglers report improved fall Brown and Lake Trout fishing as water temperatures cool. Crescent Lake is currently 22 percent full and access to the main boat launch at Crescent Lake campground remains limited by low water levels. Boaters will need to seek alternative low water launch locations at the campground, Tranquil Cove, or Crescent Lake Resort. One lake trout per day, 24-inch minimum length.
Check water levels.
Members can always see so much more in the complete report, as well as the forecast for central Oregon, by starting right here.
SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports
As expected, the Chetco delivered plenty of tight lines and smiling faces last weekend as the river dropped into prime condition, producing a solid Chinook bite. Action was fast, furious, and crowded—until flows dipped too low by Tuesday, putting the brakes on the bite.
The Elk and Sixes rivers also saw a good push of Chinook over the weekend, rewarding anglers who were ready to go. Whether that success repeats this weekend depends largely on early rainfall—forecasts remain uncertain.
Leaves are now a significant factor across many systems. That said, coho fishing has improved in the middle and upper Rogue, and steelhead catches are on the rise. Half-pounder action, however, continues to lag.
For trout anglers, Lost Creek Lake remains an excellent option. Meanwhile, Lake Selmac offers opportunities for bass and panfish as fall conditions settle in.
The Chetco would be my best bet for nice Chinook this weekend. However, get there early and be patient. Depending on early weekend rain, it could get back into boatable fishing condition. However, there are some great bank spots to fish from, and they can be productive as well. Expect it to be crowded, so be patient.
The Elk and Sixes rivers are starting Chinook season with good success last weekend as well. Both have dropped significantly, but the future weekend may have them in shape again soon. Best to check just before going. Chinook are present in both rivers now.
The Rogue Bay is over for Chinook, but coho anglers are tossing spinners around Huntly Park and Lobster Creek with some success.
Coho catches on the mid and upper sections of the Rogue River have improved from fair to good, with twitching jigs. There’s still plenty of summer steelhead around. Anglers are having success from the bank, drifting worm/ corky combos, and boaters bobber dogging soft beads and working plugs are getting fish.
Lost Creek Lake is a good bet for some good trout fishing. Bass fishing at Selmac is another choice to wet a line.
Be safe, be nice, and enjoy!
Tight Lines 🎣 – Romer
Jeff’s expanded reports, multiple lake updates, and forecasts, including his past reports, can be found here for Members! There is SO much more.