Portland, Oregon Metro Fishing Report – Following the most recent high-water event, a winter storm is looming for most of NW Oregon, further compromising what little opportunity already existed. Spring Chinook are soon to come into play, despite a depressed return, anglers are anxious for the most sought-after species to return to the region.
Meanwhile, one of the few good options is Meldrum Bar, where plunkers continue to take an occasional winter steelhead, likely headed to the Clackamas River. This is one of the rare spots where anglers can escape a bitter east wind, and likely effectively watch your rod from the warmth of your car or truck. Temperatures are dropping on the Willamette however, and that won’t inspire steelhead to bite.
Clackamas River Fishing Report – The Clackamas is just now coming into fishable shape, but it’s still early for good numbers of steelhead to start showing.
Cold weather will punish Clackamas River anglers this week, not to mention put whatever steelhead are present, down and out until temperatures moderate. It won’t be long before peak season hits here, but this won’t be a productive weekend to consider, wait until temperatures are on the rise, instead of the fall.
Sandy River Fishing Report – Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports – “Good morning, All. I hope that everyone has had a chance to get out and fish this week. I have good reports of fish being caught with a mixed bag of natives and hatchery fish. I’ve heard and seen one hatchery broodstock fish that went 14 lbs. that was caught on a bead and couple of natives which were caught on jigs and spinners. There has been one native that was put into the broodstock tank so far and a half dozen hatchery fish back to the hatchery. The river came up with all the rain we have had and is currently running at 11.97 ft, and it peaked 12.79 ft and the river temp is 41.3 degrees.
Check out the lake stocking schedule. Go HERE to see if your favorite is on the list this week. Find the full report and forecast for Members on this page here for the Clackamas and Sandy Rivers.
North Coast Fishing Report – Most steelheaders were sidelined this week, as heavy rains brought rivers up and out of reach for most. Rivers are on their way down now, but a wicked cold snap may stall catches through the weekend, and into next week.
Smaller systems such as the North Fork Nehalem, Necanicum, Gnat and Big Creek should be peaking right now, but the run will quickly taper as winter steelhead start their spawning cycle in the coming weeks.
Bigger systems weren’t producing well prior to the rain event, but later returning brodostock and wild fish shold start to make a more robust showing when rivers drop. Anglers will have to prepare to travel and fish in wintery weather so use your best judgement if you decide to fish.
The Alsea, Wilson, Nestucca and Trask should all be options over the weekend, but again, travel to and from the coast could very well be treacherous and fishing conditions will be cold so use extra caution if you go.
There may be an offshore weather window early next week for bottomfish. Although lots of commercial crab gear is deployed south of Cape Falcon, there should still be some good crabbing for sport legal crab. Lingcod and sea bass fishing is likely to be quite productive too. Again, be cognizant of cold weather and if you think crabbing the lower Columbia is a good idea, a stiff east wind is far from pleasant in this fishery.
TGF wants you to STAY SAFE OUT THERE! Have you seen our FREE webinar on ocean and bar safety? Check it out HERE!
See the full North Coast Report and Forecast for Members right here. Catch the Columbia River reports from this page.
SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:
The fishing outlook has few options with the mid to upper Rogue river, Applegate, Millicoma, Elk, Sixes, and the N & S Umpqua as being possible fishing targets for early weekend. Recent rain and snow events have raised most winter steelhead rivers into unfishable condition for the near future leaving the above the best bets. Marine anglers will also have to wait it out for awhile till things calm down enough to get out.
The mid and upper Rogue (best bet) river while higher and colored up, will still be fishable condition. Winter steelhead are coming in and catches last weekend were fair to good.
Outlook for the Chetco is a probable no go, with the Elk and Sixes a possibility for Friday and Saturday.
The ocean is also looking best for getting out for bottom fish and lings Friday. Crabbing has been decent, but will slow down a bit after all the rain.
The Coos and Coquille systems will also be a not worth effort due to high and blown out conditions. The Millicoma might be fishable Friday and Saturday.
The North and South Umpqua might be fishable for the weekend as these drop and clear faster. The main Umpqua is blown out.
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.