Portland/Metro Fishing Report – A few spring Chinook continue to get taken on the Willamette River, with one wild one reported on Tuesday from Sellwood, and 3 reported from the Oregon City area on Saturday. Early catches like this are not surprising, especially given the nearly ideal water conditions (temperatures aside) anglers have at their rod tips. It’s only going to get better from here.
All remains quiet on the Columbia. Temperatures are cold, sturgeon, salmon and steelhead are not biting well, with steelhead, likely destined for the Willamette, Clackamas or Sandy River, most prevalent in the system right now.
The Clackamas is heading into its peak and with a weekend rain freshet likely on its way, action could get interesting early next week. Fish are well distributed in the system and more wild fish are starting to show.
The Sandy has been fair for some, challenging for most but like the Clackamas, the weekend rain event should be a game changer. It won’t be long before the season’s first spring Chinook is taken here too.
A more robust trout stocking schedule lies just ahead. Go to the stocking page to see what opportunities lie ahead in the coming weeks.
Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.
North Coast Fishing Report – Guides and anglers have been justifiably complaining about low, clear water conditions. Motivated guides are having some success with a pre-dawn launch and grab (the spot), but the bite is early and it is abbreviated. The Wilson, Nestucca, Siletz, Alsea and NF Nehalem all have late-running broodstock fish available, but all are producing limited results under these water conditions.
Larger rivers like the Nehalem remain the best option, but anglers need to be prepared for catch and release fishing for this system.
Anglers got offshore for bottomfish last weekend and fishing was good. Both sea bass and lingcod were cooperative, but the ocean wasn’t as nice as predicted but anglers made it work.
Bay crabbing has tapered a bit, but razor clam digging remains good when surf conditions are favorable.
See the full report and forecast for Members right here.
SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports
It’s the first of the year Free Fishing weekend (Sat & Sun) that looks more promising for ocean bottom fishing and crabbing then for catching steelhead. The lack of precipitation the past month has plagued all Oregon steelhead rivers and streams which thus far has yet to really bring in the winter run. On the bright side, ocean & weather conditions continue to be very favorable for weekend trips out for limits of fun catching bottom fish and big Ling cod. Crabbing has also been good to excellent.
Ports from Crescent City Ca. to Brookings on up to Winchester bay are all good prospects for bottom fishing and crabbing.
Not to be overlooked is the surf perch action along the rocky jettys and sandy beaches. This time of year can be good to great for some tasty dinner fare! Not much skill is required and the kids will love catching them as well.
The mid Rogue from Hog Creek down to Grave creek seems to be where most of what little success has been. River flow has maintained in the mid 1200 cfs…… not much enticement for fish to move upriver. Anglers working the deeper holes and seams with soft beads and plugs have plucked a fish or two.
It might be worth while to hike to Rainey Falls where it was reported that a couple lucky anglers had some nice steelhead success . I would imagine there might be the “winter load” just waiting for rain to scream on up from there.
Jeff’s detailed report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week’s version for Members!