Portland, Oregon Metro Fishing Report by Bob Rees
Headlining the news is the 6-day opportunity that mainstem Columbia spring Chinook anglers will have over the next 10 or so days, offering up a season’s last chance at the waning spring Chinook run on the river. While these spring Chinook are past their peak migration period, they are worth the effort as there is no better salmon that swims planet earth than an upper Columbia bound spring Chinook this time of year. Catch rates won’t be staggering, but having the opportunity is a great thing.
https://myodfw.com/news/states-add-columbia-river-spring-chinook-recreational-fishing-daysCheck the official press release, including regulations HERE.
In the forecast section of this week’s newsletter for paid subscribers, we outline which reaches of river are likely to be most productive, along with what gear to use for those respective river reaches. There’s still enough fish passing through the lower reach to make it worth your while, just plan on putting in some time and keep your fingers crossed!
Meanwhile, the Willamette River remains full of spring Chinook but between slowing flows and warming waters, they are hard to get to bite. The lower Multnomah Channel and the head of the channel near St. Johns is your best bet, be there for the early morning bite and target the tide changes as well.
It’s time to switch to hardware in the 62+ degree water, hopefully temperatures cool a bit more with the volatile weather system ahead.
The middle river upstream of the St. Johns Bridge to Willamette Falls remains a much more challenging reach of river to find success in. Springers are crossing the falls at 500 – 1,000 fish/day right now.
Shad are showing up in Oregon City as well, sunny days provide the most opportunities and it’ll likely be very productive in the coming weeks.
SPECIAL CONTENT –
Spend a few minutes with Director Dr. Debbie Colbert and Deputy Director Shaun Clements talking about our recent win in the state legislature with Bob Rees. The 1.25% for Wildlife Bill passed late in the session, bringing tens of millions of dollars to the department to recover a bevy of species including Chinook salmon and white sturgeon.
Upper Willamette Valley Fishing Report by Terry Otto (From last week)
Spring trout stockings pick up big time in lakes, rivers. Summer steelhead, spring Chinook showing in the upper Willamette systems. Warm water species biting in local lakes.
Best bets this weekend
Summer steelhead and spring Chinook are beginning to enter the upper Willamette systems. Spring Chinook fishing in the lower river has finally improved, with lots of fish heading upriver.
River system trout are becoming more active, good hatches increasing, lots of stockings.
Trout lake stockings picking up big time.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass are biting in warm water lakes.
Panfish are beginning to feed hard ahead of the spring spawn.
Upper Willamette Valley Weather
The upper Willamette Valley is expected to remain dry, with daily highs in the upper 70’s this weekend and through the full week. Partly cloudy skies and sunny weather will dominate.
Willamette Falls fish counts
As of Tuesday, May 5th, total spring Chinook counts are rising strongly, with a total of 6,106 having crossed the falls. Daily counts have surged, following reports that the spring fishing in the lower Willamette has finally picked up quite a bit, with over 800 having crossed the falls last Sunday. The salmon fishing in the lower river was very slow until recently.
Over 9,000 steelhead have crossed the falls, but only about 2,000 of those are clipped summer steelhead. Still, numbers across the falls are better than they were last eyaer this time. Will we see a better summer run this year?
You can check the Willamette Falls fish counts here. You can check the Willamette River Gauge at Salem here.
Trout stocking
Drought conditions are already impacting Oregon waterways. The Trout Stocking Schedule is subject to change. Check the field notes below or contact the local ODFW office for questions about a specific area.
Scheduled to be stocked May 3-22:
McKenzie River 1 and 2 (Above and Below Leaburg Dam), Blue River, Waverly Lake, Fall Creek (Willamette River), Green Peter Res, Sunnyside Park Pond, Foster Res, Junction City Pond, Alton Baker Canal, Leaburg Lake, Walter Wirth Lake, Timber Linn Lake, EE Wilson Pond, Salmon Creek, Detroit Res, Trillium Lake, Santiam R, N Fork 2, Carmen Res, Smith R Res, Silver Creek Res, Quartzville Creek, Willamette River, coast fork, Breitenbush R.
You can check the ODFW trout stocking schedule here.
North Fork Santiam River
The river is running at about 3.6 feet, or about 1800 CFS at the gauge at Mahama. Even though Chinook numbers over the dam are climbing, Mike Ferris of Fishermen Mike’s Guide Service reports that springer fishing is still slow on most portions of the North Fork. There have also been few summer steelhead caught as well. Anglers are reminded that they can now use bait, and if they want a springer, salmon eggs will be the best bet.
You can check the gauge at Mahama here
South Fork Santiam River
Fishing is generally best when flows are below 3,000cfs. Flows are currently at around 2,300cfs at the gage in Waterloo. A few Chinook and summer steelhead have started to enter the basin, and a few have made it all the way to the ladder below Foster Reservoir. More of both species are arriving every day. Fishing for hatchery steelhead is open year-round. The use of bait is now allowed through the end of October. Salmon eggs are a sure bet for the Chinook.
You can check the river gage at Waterloo here.
Detroit Reservoir
The reservoir is continuing to slowly fill, although no rain is expected to contribute more flow anytime soon. Water levels are currently just below full pool and slowly rising. Mongold State Park boat ramps, the main boat ramp at Detroit Lake State Park, as well as Hoover and Kane’s Marina are all available. When the weather is nice, especially on weekends, the boat ramps can get crowded, so plan ahead.
Kokanee fishing has been rated as fair to good, and the fish are growing. They have still been holding fairly shallow, but the early warm temps and the sun this week may push the schools deeper. Trolling kokanee spinners tipped with corn and fished behind a dodger has been the go-to method.
Fern Ridge Reservoir
This 9,000-acre lake just 12 miles west of Eugene is the Willamette Basin’s largest waterbody. Orchard Park boat ramp opened April 1, while the boat ramps at Richardson Park and Perkins Peninsula will open on May 13. For information regarding the lake and available boat ramps, contact the Lane County Parks Department at 541-682-2000.
Bass and crappie fishing is getting going and will peak this month and next. Look for crappie along the weedy edges on the south side of the reservoir. The south shore around Perkins Peninsula as well as along the face of the dam are also good spots.
Sandy and Clackamas River reports by Jeff Stoeger and Bob Rees
Clackamas River Fishing Report – With the Willamette still garnering the bulk of the attention for Clackamas County anglers, the river itself remains relatively quiet as far as boat traffic goes. It is the tradtional time for river anglers to start putting in some effort, but creel data hasn’t been made readily available.
Summer steelhead action most often shows up more impressively than spring Chinook this early in the season. It used to be that mid-May was peak season for Clackamas River spring Chinook but that has changed in the last 15 years. Most serious Clackamas anglers have given up hope on the run, but we should start to see some returning adults from the river’s first wild broodstock this season.
Sandy River Fishing Report – Avid angler Jeff Stoeger shares the following: River conditions are clear and low. The water temperature is 55 degrees, and the river is running at 8.99 feet. Visibility is excellent at more than 6 feet, with gin-clear water throughout.
More spring Chinook are starting to show in the lower river, with summer steelhead mixed in. One small hatchery springer was reported caught this past week.
Summer steelhead numbers are fair in the mid to upper sections of the river, from Oxbow Park to the hatchery. Fair numbers are also showing near the mouth of Cedar Creek.
Cedar Creek is running low, but three hatchery summer steelhead made it to the hatchery.
Boaters should use caution when floating above Camp Angelos. A tree was last reported still blocking the right channel, and a boat and kayak sank in that same area. There were also reports of cheap rafts and inner tubes on the river during the warm weather, with a couple of rafts sinking. Wear your life jacket. Gravity and river current remain undefeated.
North & Central Coast Fishing Report by Bob Rees
We’re still in shoulder season for spring Chinook and summer steelhead on the Oregon Coast, but some are available in Tillamook Bay, the lower Nestucca (spring Chinook) and summer steelhead on the Wilson, Nestucca and Siletz River systems. The good news, it’s only going to get better from here.
The focus is on our saltwater fisheries. Halibut catches to date have not been spectacular, but picked up last week, when fishers finally started cluing in on them. Newport remains the top port by a long stretch, but anglers fishing on the south coast have got into good numbers as well. That is not always the case. The good news here too is that with a 7 day/week fishery and a 2-fish bag limit, we have a long ways to go before we worry about running out of quota. It’s only begun folks.
Meanwhile, bottomfishing remains productive out of most ports, with the sea bass bite picking up, and lingcod starting to show signs of slowing. All ports are producing about equally, with a lot of opportunity ahead.
Ocean Chinook fishing remains best out of Brookings and Gold Beach, by a longshot. That’s not likely to change but Newport should improve in the coming weeks as well. We’re still several weeks away from any coho opportunity, but some are getting caught and released largely out of Garibaldi.
Ocean crabbing is improving for sport-legal crab but the closer you crab to popular ports, the less productive it is, duh…
A great set of clam tides are happening for razor clam diggers, if the swell isn’t big (like on Thursday), the digging will be great.
Spring Chinook are starting to enter lower Columbia tributaries such as the Klaskanine, Big and Gnat Creek. These systems can be challenigng to fish, but stealth techniques may net you a nice prize if you’re willing to work for it.
Much more on the site for Chinook Members:
- Buzz Ramsey’s latest post – Last Day Columbia Report, What’s Next.A slow springer season turned into a last‑day Columbia adventure packed with big fish, tight friends, and a look at what’s coming next for anglers. Chinook Members can read Buzz’s post HERE.
- Bill Monroe’s latest post – Fish stories on the fly. A veteran fly angler’s wildest stories come to life in this tribute to the most optimistic fishers on the water. Chinook Members can read Bill’s post HERE.
You can find all the articles from these two professionals on this page.
- Salmon Trout Steelheader article of the week: Finding Early Summer Steelhead by Bill Herzog. It’s that time of year, they are coming, now be prepared! You can read his article 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
Lake fishing very good. Columbia walleye still biting, and spring Chinook opens Friday. Big bug hatches happening right now on rivers.
Best bets for weekend fishing
Anglers that have been able to get on the water at Lava and Little Lava Lakes report excelling early season trout fishing for large holdover trout.
North and South Twin Lakes were recently stocked in late April with both legal and trophy rainbow trout.
Wickiup Reservoir is 84% full and anglers report abundant kokanee in the 11-12″ range this year.
Recent ODFW sampling indicate good numbers of 17-22″ holdover rainbow trout at Antelope Flat Reservoir
Anglers continue to report excellent kokanee and bull trout fishing at Lake Billy Chinook. The Metolius Arm is fishing well with bull trout up to 31″ being caught.
The Crooked and Metolius Rivers continue to provide excellent early spring angling opportunities for redband trout and mountain whitefish.
Fall River was recently stocked, and anglers report excellent nymphing opportunities near the hatchery and the headwaters.
Lake Access
Low snowpack is allowing early access to lakes that are typically inaccessible in spring including North Twin and South Twin Lakes, Davis Lake, Crescent Lake, Cultus Lake, Little Cultus Lake, Lava Lake, Little Lava Lake, and Sprague and Century Gravel Ponds. The Lava Lake Campground and boat launch remained closed and access to Lava Lake is limited to small craft, kayaks and float tubes at this time.
Seasonal Road Closures
Deschutes County announced an opening date of 8AM on Friday May 7th for the Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road (Forest Service Road 21).
Columbia River springers
The states got together this past Tuesday, and after downsizing the upriver spring Chinook run size, they were still able to add some retention days. Anglers can fish from the Columbia River mouth up to the Washington/Oregon border for spring Chinook from Friday, May 15, through Sunday, May 17, and from Saturday, May 23, to Monday, May 25.
Columbia River walleye
The folks at the Gorge Outfitters Supply in Rufus report that the walleye bite continues to be hot, with no sign of slowing down. The fish are now hungry and feeding hard to recover from the spawn. The action is best in 12 to 30 feet of water over rocky reefs or gravel bottoms. Trolling worm harnesses downstream has been the go-to method.
Lower Deschutes River
Amy Hazel of the Deschutes Angler Fly Shop in Maupinreports that the fishing has been very good, but the hatches are coming off earlier than usual, responding to the warmer than usual temps for this time of year. She said the salmonfly hatch is mostly over in the Maupin area, but that they will continue to hatch in upper reaches of the river.
“We are seeing a lot of bugs here since the last time I talked with you,” said Hazel. “The salmonfly hatch is pretty much over, but the golden stones are out, and the trout are keying in on those. We have lots of yellow Sallys, and pale evening duns.” She remarked that the river is busy, and will probably stay that way for a while, as the spring bugs keep hatching.
You can check the river gauge at Moody Rapids here.
Little Lava Lake
This lake is amongst the best of them right now, with most days seeing a good dry fly session with callibaetis, beetles and ants. Also, a midge tip line and nymphs can find success. This week saw a fair but short mayfly hatch, and a lot of traveling sedge (caddis) are hatching.
Balanced Leeches and Red Ice Cream Cones were also proactive for this week.
Paulina Lake
It was good this week with Brown Balanced Leech/Orange bead and Vampire Leech/Chartreuse bead. Expect to see flying ants there this week, because Tuesday is going to be very hot. Water temps is low 40’s.
Southeastern Oregon
Best bets for weekend fishing
Access to Fourmile Lake is closed due to bad road conditions.
Best fishing for wild, native trout in the Klamath Basin will be the Klamath River.
The Wood River below Weed Road is fishing well for Brown Trout.
Lake of the Woods was stocked this week with trophy Rainbow Trout
Miller Lake was stocked with Trophy Rainbow Trout this week
Crappie fishing in Owhyee Reservoir has been good.
Bank fishing for rainbow trout has been good at Ana Reservoir.
The Cascade Ramp at Hyatt is open. This year at Howard Prairie, the Grizzly, Willow Point and Klum Landing ramps will be available for the first time in many years.
Trout stocking
April 22- May 8:
Lake of the Woods, Miller Lake, Bully Creek Res, Running Y Pond, Highway 203 Pond, Fourmile Lake.
May 11- May 22:
Holbrook Res, Poison Creek Res, Lofton Res, Duncan Res, Yellow Jacket Lake, Taylor Green Pond, Thompson Valley Reservoir.
Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods was stocked with trophy and legal rainbow trout last week . For recent fishing updates call the Lake of the Woods resort at 1-866-201-4194 (option 4). Largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing is picking up. Best fishing for largemouth is along the lily pads on the northeast side of the lake.
SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome
As mentioned in last week’s report, the lakes once again look like the best bet for weekend anglers. With nice weather on the way, it’s a perfect time to take a break from the garden and housework and enjoy some family time wetting a line at any of the stocked trout lakes.
Unfortunately, many lakes are already dropping and appear to be near their seasonal peak. Lakes such as Applegate, Galesville, Fish, Lost Creek, and Hyatt are all well below full pool. The upside is that lower water concentrates the fish, making for excellent catch rates. I’m heading up to Lost Creek this afternoon and will report back next week on how the fishing turns out.
With the warm and hot weather lately, Lake Selmac has been producing good action for bass, panfish, and stocked trout.
Rivers
Spring Chinook — which can humble even the best anglers — has been slow to fair on the Rogue since last weekend. Last Thursday, Lost Creek Dam increased outflow to 2,000 cfs to improve downstream temperatures for migrating Chinook. These flow fluctuations typically shut down the bite for a while. Now that the river has steadied, conditions should improve.
Upper Rogue: From the dam down to Dodge Park, try back‑trolling anchovy‑wrapped plugs.
Fly anglers: Some hatches are happening that should provide good late‑season steelhead opportunities.
Middle Rogue: A few springers have been caught from Hog Creek downstream.
Lower Rogue: With the river stabilizing, the bite might pick up, but with the increased steady flow, many fish are charging upriver with spawning on their minds and tight mouths.
Also, keep an eye out for river floaters — many seniors are out of school now and the river traffic is increasing.
Ocean
The ocean may be a bit too windy depending on where you launch. Conditions look better north of Brookings, but mornings are usually calmer and may give you a small window to get out.
If you can make it out, there have been good numbers of big lingcod and Chinook lately. I wouldn’t count on reaching the halibut grounds unless you’ve got a solid offshore boat.
As always, whatever water you choose this weekend — lake, river, or ocean — I hope you get a chance to slow down, breathe in some fresh air, and enjoy the simple joy of being outside. The fish are just a bonus. Take a kid, take a friend, or just take a break. See you out there, and tight lines.
Did you get a chance to see my Wind River report on YouTube? Click here and learn a little more about boats and Stevens Marine from the ever-knowledgeable Eric Pedersen!