Portland, Oregon Metro Fishing Report – Why aren’t they biting?
Despite metro angler’s highest hopes, mainstem Columbia fishers are struggling for success. It’s peak migration season for the river’s famed fall Chinook run, and most anglers are leaving their home waters rather disappointed. There’s just been such good history here, the fishery is far from off to the races.
Dam counts are significantly lagging behind last year by this same time, but some (including me) are speculating that the river’s warm water has something to do with what we hope is a late return this season. Only time will tell but by this time next week, we’ll have a better idea just what may be behind the slow start to the fall migration. Fish are certainly in the system.
Coho counts on the mainstem at Bonneville are slow to go as well.
The Willamette is showing signs of another great wild coho run, at least above Willamette Falls. It’s still early for this fishery to kick off but it looks like this year’s return will rival last year, which was a record.
Upper Willamette Valley Fishing Report by Terry Otto
Terry is out this week. Here is last week’s report.
Trout, warm water species good. Chinook and steelhead mostly finished in rivers. High country trout lakes fishing peaks in Fall.
Best Bets this weekend
- Several steams were stocked earlier this month with rainbow trout
- Detroit Lake kokes, trout good.
- Upper McKenzie, Santiam Rivers, and Middle Fork Willamette fishing fair to good for trout
- High elevation trout lakes heating up for fall
Trout stocking
Stocked the week of Aug 11-15: McKenzie River R-1 below Leaburg Dam, McKenzie River R-2 above Leaburg Dam, Salmon Creek, Alton Baker Canal, Leaburg Lake
Stocked Aug 18-22: Alton Baker Canal, McKenzie River 2 above Leaburg Dam.
You can check out the trout stocking schedule here.
Cascade Mountain lakes trout
Fall is a great time to fish the high Cascade Mountain lakes. There are hundreds of lakes of all sizes that offer beautiful scenery, seclusion and excellent fishing. These small, backcountry lakes will remain fishable until they get snowed in this fall. Check with the U.S Forest Service Willamette National Forest for the latest info on wildfire-related closures. To see a map of high mountain lakes where fish are available, and the species stocked, click here. Zoom in on the map to see the lake name. Click on the lake to find the information. Learn more about fishing in the high lakes.
North and South Santiam Rivers
Mike Ferris of Fishermen Mike’s Guide Service reports that the spring Chinook and summer steelhead fishing is done for the year in the Santiam Rivers. The Chinook are getting too beat up to take home, and the steelhead, which never came back well, have mostly disappeared.
Ferris has had some success fly fishing for the trout, but for the best action, look to the upper reaches of the systems where trout are stocked. His best bites have come by fishing a hopper dropper as a strike indicator, followed by a bead fly.
He also reports that the river is too low for good drift boat fishing. You can check the river gauge at Mahama here
McKenzie River
The river was stocked with 2,000 hatchery rainbow trout in mid-August. All non-adipose clipped trout must be released.
Hatches improved steadily with overcast days before the heat arrived. Pale Evening Duns, Blue Winged Olives, Mahogany Duns and smaller caddis have been around in the evening. Nocturnal stones have already been seen on the lower Mckenzie. The river level recently saw a reservoir release that improved the fishing.
The river above Leaburg Dam was well stocked in August with 3,300 rainbow trout.
Detroit Reservoir
Guide Mike Ferris reports that the kokanee action has been consistent, with the fish usually holding at 50 feet or deeper. However, some early mornings have seen the schools moving up towards the 25-foot depth for an hour or two. Trout action has been fairly consistent, and those trophy-sized rainbows continue to show in the catch. Anglers can keep 5 kokanee and an additional 5 trout or kokanee. For those anglers without a boat, there are recreation areas in both upper arms of the reservoir that allow for easy bank angling. The trout will bite readily on Powerbait.
Foster Reservoir
Besides trout, anglers can find 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.
The retention of warmwater fish species such as bluegill, catfish, crappie, and yellow perch is allowed with no limit on size or number. Anglers report good success in the two arms of the reservoir, as well as the shoreline in between.
The reservoir is now full and all three boat ramps are available to launch boats, including Caulkins. There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and three seasonal boat ramps.
Green Peter Reservoir
The water level in the reservoir has been slowly drawing down. The boat ramp at Thistle Creek remains available to launch boats, but Whitcomb boat ramp is now high and dry.
Also, as a reminder to anglers, fishing for and harvesting Chinook in the lake and the rivers above is prohibited. Any Chinook caught in Green Peter reservoir must be released unharmed. Smallmouth bass fishing has been very good. Look for them near drop-offs, ledges, and large wood.
Clackamas and Sandy are dropping, and migration is slowing
Clackamas River Fishing Report – With reports of a few fish “here and there,” anglers are getting anxious for next week’s rain to get things going on the Clackamas River. Mike Roberson of Fisherman’s Marine in Oregon City stated that there’s a few guys chasing them, but with warm temperatures and sunny skies, the fish remain a bit timid.
Coho counts at Willamette Falls should be indicative as to what’s happening with Clackamas River coho and despite warm water temperatures, the fish are making a good showing for this early in the season.
Sandy River Fishing Report – Provided by avid angler, Jeff Stoeger – This past week, the fishing conditions have been quite favorable. Anglers have reported good catches, with a variety of fish being caught. The weather has been mostly sunny with mild temperatures, making for pleasant fishing outings. Water conditions have been stable, with clear visibility and moderate currents, which have contributed to the successful catches.
North & Central Coast Fishing Report – Offshore coho are falling!
For experienced South of Falcon fishers, the offshore coho fishery is one of the most anticipated opportunities that we have the pleasure of participating in on the north coast; in the entire state for that matter.
Newport has often been hailed as the best port to target these quality fish from, but anglers aren’t having an easy go of it. What should be slam dunk fishing, is a bit of a struggle bus for most saltwater anglers. Newport will remain a top prospect, but anglers should not overlook Garibaldi as a strong 2nd option. Some anglers are reporting a cool nearshore current, which can certainly contribute to the slow fishing.
Meanwhile, the Buoy 10 fishery near Astoria boasts just 2 more days of an any Chinook and the fishing is good. Couple this fact with the good numbers of coho around and you can find some good fishinng right about now.
Upper Tillamook Bay has recieved some fall Chinook numbers here receently. Few are in pursuit, but early returnees are most often destined for the Trask or Tillamook River. Spinners in shallow water should get biters but with a strong morning outgoing.
Nehalem Bay is producing fair to good catches of summer/fall Chinook but anglers should count on this fishery to start fading. The fall run simply isn’t all that robust, but anglers do have a chance at a quality Chinook and super-sized wild coho this season.
Other central estuaries are likely to tee off this weekend too, with the Alsea, Salmon River, Nestucca, and Siletz all fair options on this stronger tide series. Target low slack in your favorite estuary. Rains won’t be significant enough to move many fish.
The ocean looks very friendly for albacore anglers into next week. The tuna are running 30 to 40 miles offshore.
Central-Eastern Oregon Fishing Report by Terry Otto
Terry is off this week. Here is last week’s update.
Columbia Gorge fall Chinook taking off, summer trout patterns continue in local streams. Kokanee good ahead of the spawn.
*Note*: Wildfires and smoke are affecting many areas in central Oregon.
ODFW’s Best bets for weekend fishing
- Steelhead fishing on the lower Deschutes has been great so far this summer
- Following recent stockings anglers report good fishing on the Fall River.
- Anglers continue to report excellent kokanee and trout fishing at East, Paulina, and Odell lakes. Kokanee are beginning to darken in preparation for spawning, but quality fish can be caught for the next week or two.
- Bull Trout have entered the Metolius River to prepare for spawning and anglers report aggressive takes on streamers.
- Anglers report excellent summer bass opportunities at Crane Prairie Reservoir
- Anglers report good trout fishing at Hosmer and Little Lava Lakes.
- Devils Lake was recently stocked with rainbow trout providing great opportunity for paddleboard, kayak, or float tube fishing.
- Anglers report excellent crappie fishing at Ochoco Reservoir.
Trout stocking in the Central zone will resume in September. You can check out the trout stocking schedule here.
Before you go: Several wildfires are burning in central and eastern Oregon. Check the statewide wildfire incident maps: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/firestats.aspx
Jeff, from of The Fly Fishers Place in Sisters reports that a wildfire has erupted near Sisters.
“Many of you know that a fire started about 3 days ago towards Lake Billy Chinook and yesterday things got a little hairy around here. The City of Sisters is not currently in the path of the fire, but the areas to the NE of the city just about 4 or 5 miles away are indeed in danger and continue to be so for the time being. I got home last night to the news of a level 3 evacuation.
A house across the road from where I am living burned down, less than a quarter mile away, along with other outbuildings near us that were sadly lost last night.”
Columbia River Gorge
The friendly folks at the Gorge Outfitters Supply in Rufus report that the fall Chinook bite has really kicked in, now that the numbers coming over the dams are getting better. They report an excellent bite at the mouth of the Deschutes River, and elsewhere. Most anglers are getting them by trolling, but bank anglers are also scoring by plunking. They report that anglers are getting some really nice, bright Chinook from 15 to 30 pounds. Anglers have been putting in orders for fresh sand shrimp, implying that the shrimp are getting takers.
Walleye are still being taken, especially around dusk in shallow water. They are also getting the fish in deeper water, around 50 feet, in the channels.
Lower Deschutes River
Amy Hazel at the Deschutes Angler Fly Shop in Maupin reports that steelheading down near the mouth slowed a bit this week. “We’ve seen the first big push and now were seeing a slower pulse. They are kind of spreading out and slowing down.” She reports that there are only a few scattered around the Maupin area, with the best action happening down near the mouth. Spinners are what most anglers are tossing, but other steelhead methods will also work.
Trout fishing has been pretty good, she reports, but anglers need to fish deep. “Trout fishing has been really good if you can get your fly down deep,” she said. “They are down in deeper, colder water. We should see water temperatures cooling down as we see air temperatures cooling down. That will be good for the fish. Sculpins and streamers are good. Also, they are fishing a lot of bead head nymphs”.
Crane Prairie Reservoir
Anglers report improved trout fishing and excellent bass fishing at Crane Prairie. Bass anglers report excellent fishing in the northeast end of the reservoir. The Quinn and Cultus channels have been most productive for trout. Catch-and-release anglers are encouraged to check surface water temperatures throughout the day and follow best practices for angling and fish handling in hot water. Balanced leeches, damsels, chironomids, and callibaetis fly patterns are always a good bet for Crane Prairie.
Eastern Oregon
Best bets for weekend fishing
- Trout fishing on the Wallowa River can be good throughout the summer.
- Large kokanee > 16 inches have been caught in Wallowa Lake this year.
- Bass fishing is good on McKay Reservoir.
- Nice sized bass and perch can be found on Willow Creek Reservoir.
Grande Ronde River
Flows have dropped substantially on the Grande Ronde River. Smallmouth bass can be caught in the lower portions of the Grande Ronde near the town of Troy upstream to Rondowa and in the Grande Ronde Valley between Elgin and La Grande.
Trout and whitefish will be hard to catch during the warmer months. Fishing for those species will improve later in the year.
SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports
One can say we’re in “Peak Season” for salmon anglers. Chinook & coho catches have delighted anglers since Labor Day out of Brookings and Winchester Bay. Weekend outlook is finally gonna be cooler, but with great fishing opportunity for just about anything!
Rogue Bay Chinook catches have taken off this week and should continue to impress. Daily catches have increased from 50-ish to over 100/ day with some fish into the mid-30s. Catches are from the jaws on up past the bridge.
Out of Winchester Bay, where coho season is alive and well, many limits have been taken, and it should also be good for the weekend also with the plethora of rock fish, tuna, and halibut options.
Summer steelhead on the mid and upper sections have been impressive so far. There are fish all throughout the river. The upper section would be the best bet for summers, while the mid section has Chinook splashing around all over. Plugs are the best choice and double your chance for either.
The main Umpqua is now closed for Chinook. However, there are lots of bass to catch on the main and both forks of the Ump. Whatever you do, wherever you wanna fish, have a great, safe, and enjoyable weekend. 🎣😎
Lost Creek, Diamond, Hyatt, Howard Prairie, and Fish lakes are still my best bets for good lake fishing while they still have good water levels. Fish early before it gets too hot. Lost Creek and Diamond have been good lately.