Portland/Metro Oregon Fishing Report – The Columbia remains closed, but anglers are already looking forward to the opening of summer Chinook season, starting June 16th. Counts at Bonneville have bumped lately, making anglers hopeful for a productive June if the fish actually show up. The summer Chinook run statistically starts on June 15th so fish passing the dam now are theoretically late running spring Chinook.
All salmon and steelhead fishing is closed until June 16th on the mainstem Columbia.
Willamette River fishing remains challenging, but about this time of year, the Portland Harbor bite picks up, with a first light bite, along with a high tide option available most days. The 360° flasher and spinner rig is the ticket to success but Spinfish and even small herring can provide an innovative edge for those that have the rods to fish.
Clackamas River Fishing Report – Summer steelhead, as few as there are, are a decent option on the Clackamas this time of year. Those looking for spring Chinook are much more likely to come across a wild fish over a hatchery keeper. Like most systems this time of year, early morning is producing the best results.
Sandy River Fishing Report – Jeff Stoeger reports, “Well this week was a fair week for fishing. There were a number of springers and summer fish caught this week. The best action was above Dabney to Cedar Creek and spinners and fresh bait under a bobber was the ticket. The boat action has slowed down in the lower river due to water height. The river is currently running at 8.6 ft and will slowly drop to 8 ft over the next few weeks and the river will soon turn silty green. The water temp is 56 degrees and will climb as the weather warms up causing the river to also warm up. Those who wish to float the river will find that you will have to drag your boat or raft in certain areas.
Several lakes in the district are slated for stocking. Go HERE to see if your favorite is on the list this week.
Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.
North Coast Fishing Report – Spring Chinook are in full swing on the Oregon Coast, as much as coastal springers can be. Coastal runs aren’t big but can be productive.
Weekend anglers will still have a minus tide series to work with, making upper Tillamook Bay the best options for trollers working the second half of outgoing. By the middle of next week, ideal tides return for trollers working the lower reaches of watersheds with a spring Chinook return (Tillamook Bay and the Nestucca system). Both should be great options.
Summer steelhead are in the Wilson, Nestucca and Siletz systems, but anglers are finding challenging conditions to chase them in. That’s not the biggest problem however, returns are depressed compared to some years, but savvy anglers still stand a fair chance.
Weather patterns cooperated for offshore anglers this week. With the department liberalizing the halibut bag limit, anglers were motivated and collecting good catches on Thursday.
Bottomfishing will remain excellent and crabbing has picked up again.
Razor clam diggers did well this week along the Clatsop beaches but despite more minus tides this weekend, success rates will fall.
Have you seen our FREE webinar on ocean and bar safety? Check it out HERE!
Don’t overlook spring opportunities on the coast, the north coast stocking schedule can be found HERE and it looks as if there will be robust plants in the Newport and Tillamook districts in the coming two weeks.
See the full North Coast Report and Forecast for Members right here.
SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:
Springer action on the Rogue is winding down. The upper towards Shady Cove is still providing decent quality and numbers of salmon while fly anglers are taking advantage of the Mayfly hatch targeting steelhead. As for the Lower section… well, let’s say it was the best in years for Spring Chinook. School is out and it’s “officially” Summer so be mindful of rafters and tahities throughout the Rogue.
The ocean mid-week gave up lots of ling cod and bottom fish although the halibut catches have been tough. There’s another opportunity until Saturday afternoon to get em before the wind picks up again.
Stripers are biting on the lower Umpqua and Springers are winding down on the upper and North Ump as well. Best, best bet for the weekend would be the lakes, streams and ponds.
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.