Portland, Oregon Metro Fishing Report – Believe it or not, there are still spring Chinook being caught at Kelly Point Park on a regular basis. It’s not wide-open, but given the dramatic down turn in spring Chinook passage at Willamette Falls, it’s hard to believe that this fishery is still holding on.
It won’t for much longer, but early risers can expect to at least see some spring Chinook caught on a daily basis at the mouth of the Willamette. Just keep trolling those flashers and small spinners and you may get lucky.
Early morning bass anglers working the Willamette River are coming up with good action. These warm water thrivers are taking top-water baits along structure throughout the river.
Summer steelhead numbers are also starting to taper, but the upper Willamette Basin is well seeded with steelhead, although they’re not the best biters under these warm conditions.
Find the full report and forecast for Members on this page here for the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.
Clackamas River Fishing Report – With the summer doldrums upon us, only the early risers are getting the worms, and they’re all at Dog Creek. I know, big surprise.
It’s over for spring Chinook and the run size, for both wild and hatchery fish, seems depressed this year. Hopefully they survive the warming waters of summer.
Rafters and tubers are taking to the river, only further compromising angler opportunity. There will continue to be some die-hard summer steelheaders, but most are already anticipating the fall coho run, still 2 months away.
Sandy River Fishing Report – Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports – Hello All. The photo is of a native springer caught by Jurgen West this past week. This fish is nickel bright and was on a spinner in mid river.
There are fish to be caught in the entire river from Cedar Creek to the mouth of the Sandy.
And there are fish finally getting back to the Bull Run to net pen. Summer steelhead are still coming in good numbers back to the hatchery with a few springers making it back to the hatchery as well. The river is currently running at 8.13 ft and the water temperature is 67 degrees.
Remember that with the temps running in the upper 80’s to low 90’s you will have to deal with swimmers and rafters. So, if you want to fish get out and try your luck.
Find the full report and forecast for Members on this page here for the Clackamas and Sandy Rivers.
North & Central Coast Fishing Report – Ocean fishing remains where it’s at.
When the ocean is calm, the boats are out, and finding a mix of bottomfish, salmon and halibut, all in fairly good numbers. Most ports from Newport to Garibaldi, including Pacific City, are producing steady catches of most species.
Ocean crabbing is poor however, hard shells are hard to find although it has improved from a few weeks ago.
Fall Chinook should start to make their way down from Alaska in the coming weeks, making nearshore opportunities that much better. The Nehalem and SIletz River mouths have been putting out some Chinook in the recent week, but with stronger tides on tap for this weekend, anglers will once again focus higher in the estuary for summer run Chinook in these systems, but don’t overlook the adjacent ocean waters to find quality adults this time of year.
The ocean out of Astoria remains a top option for mostly coho, but Chinook should start to show in better numbers here too in the coming weeks. We lost 3 lives here last weekend in a boating accident, don’t take any bar crossing for granted.
Inland river fishing for summer steelhead is challenging with the low, warm water and spring Chinook are done for the season. Better fall Chinook numbers should start by mid-August for some north coast estuaries.
Razor clamming is now CLOSED north of Tillamook Head just south of Seaside.
Find the complete report and forecast for Members in the Northwest Oregon section.
SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:
Hot weather has slowed a lot of the trout opportunities while the bass bite has been good. Coho and Chinook are being caught from Brookings on up to Winchester Bay with some limits.
Best cooler options will be the higher lakes and over at the coast. The lower Rogue is still a bit “between runs”, but a few fish are being taken by bay trollers with increased pressure. The rest of the Rogue system is slow for summer steelhead which should be increasing in numbers anytime.
The main Ump is warm, and the bass are biting. There’s been a little summer steelhead action on the North and the South Ump is good for smallmouth bass. A variety of fishing options from hot to cooler options are out there.
Ocean outlook for the weekend is good at least till Sunday. Coho along with bottom fish, halibut, and soon to be tuna opportunities exist. Jetty fishing is another great option when you can’t get out on the ocean and still wanna be fishing.
The Rogue River Spring Chinook season on the upper Rogue is mostly done. Despite some fish still being caught, the condition of them is not so great. Around the Shady Cove area, fly anglers are working stone fly patterns to entice trout are fair to good. Expect lots of river floaters! The middle section has seen a few summer run steelhead, but not great. Fishing early before floater traffic is a must for best success on hooking a summer run steelhead.
Applegate lake, Lost Creek, Diamond, Hyatt, Howard Prairie, and Fish lakes are my best bets of good lake fishing. Fish early before it gets too hot.
Winchester Bay has been a good coho option lately with limits.
Bass are multiplying and a few striped bass are being taken on the main Umpqua. Some river floaters tossing spinners on the North Ump have gotten a few summer steelhead.
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.
Read this week’s SW Washington fishing report.