Portland/Metro Fishing Report – Not much has changed for Willamette or Columbia River anglers. Managers set the season for the mainstem Columbia and as expected, the season is forecasted to go through April 7th. Of course, the reality of that time frame is based on how the fishery performs, which is based on how river conditions are for the weeks of late March and early April.Based on recent reports, we’re not in danger of attaining the quota anytime soon…
Willamette anglers aren’t finding any degree of success from the bank or the boat fleet either. It’s been a quiet week for the few spring Chinook anglers still looking for early season treats. Meldrum Bar plunkers aren’t impressed either.
Clackamas River Fishing Report – Clackamas anglers are working peak season, but struggling for consistent results. There are catchable numbers of fish available throughout the river system (downstream of McIver Park) with the best catches coming downstream of Eagle Creek for boaters, upstream for bank anglers. Late-run wild coho are still returning to the upper basin, it’s been a record-breaking return this year.
Sandy River Fishing Report – Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reported, “I hope that you had the opportunity to get out and fish this last week. Fishing has been slow depending on who you talk with. I had to play it safe for I came in contact with friends who both told me that they had covid. Well, there were some nice size brood stock fish caught as well as some small cookie cutters.
This week will see some very cold weather setting in for a few days making it difficult to fish. They are predicting snow again and if this happens, some of the parks will be closed to launch your boats or rafts. The river is currently running at 10.65 ft and will be on the drop until the next rain event.
Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.
North Coast Fishing Report – Steelheaders on the north coast continue to deal with low, clear and now cold water conditions. Experienced anglers are still scratching out fairly consistent catches but the action is extremely sporadic right now.
River levels are expected to rise, with snow building in the upper reaches of coastal watersheds, and warmer weather expected next week, along with more precipitation.
The Wilson, Nestucca and Siletz will remain primary targets for those seeking a quality take-home option, but the North Fork Nehalem and Alsea also have late-season hatchery options, just fewer of them.
Of course a fair return of wild steelhead grace most other north coast systems and action should improve as we move into late February and March.
A very short window of opportunity exists for offshore anglers. Saturday may offer up a small swell and wind wave scenario, that should put bottomfishers on alert for such a rare opportunity this year. Dungeness crab, if you can find keepers, should be in excellent shape as well.
Don’t overlook winter opportunities on the coast, the north coast stocking schedule can be found HERE.
See the full North Coast Report and Forecast for Members right here.
SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:
Well, not much exciting news again this week fishing wise. The February Winter storms are bringing more cold and snow conditions than the more needed rain😏 Winter steelhead catches have been saallooow. The mid Rogue saw some action last weekend before the current cold front but only fair at best. The Chetco and other coastal streams are low, clear and cold with anxious anglers waiting for more rain that may come next week. The South Umpqua and upper main Umpqua has also slowed down. Ocean conditions look best on Saturday for bottom fishing and crab trips. A few lakes and ponds have already been stocked, but the freezing temps have kept anglers waiting for warmer weather.
The mid-section of the Rogue River has been providing most of the winter steelhead action, although it’s been slow. The cold and recent snow is keeping the water temperature just above a chilly 40 degrees. As most anglers know, fish are sluggish (and so am I) in water temps under 50ish degrees and you have to really work lots of water and get your offering right in front of their snout in hopes to get a bite. Weekend best bets here are from Chinook Park to Griffin Park pulling plugs and side drifting soft beads. For bank anglers it’s Gold Hill on down to Galice where the further down the water might be a touch warmer.
The upper Rogue remains fishable but still clear and cold. Anglers side drifting worms, soft beads, and pulling plugs in the deeper holes and seams from Dodge Park on up through Shady cove and Casey Park could find some fresh fish.
The Chetco is down to non boatable conditions but forecasted rain mid next week could give another shot of fish and opportunity on the river…..until then, it’s pretty much a bank option side drifting the deeper holes and seams.
The ocean is a possibility this weekend to get some nice bottom fish and close in Ling cod. Maybe book a “double” crab/ bottom fishing trip for a fun and delectable time! Crabbing has been good from Brookings on up to Winchester Bay.
Lake Selmac and Reinhart Pond got their first dose of planted trout recently. With the exception of last weekend, high temperatures have only been in the mid 40’s which have kept most anglers waiting for warmer weather to take the kids out for some trout fishing.
Be safe, be nice and enjoy!
Tight Lines 🎣 – Romer
Jeff’s expanded report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week’s version for Members!
Read this week’s SW Washington fishing report.
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