Portland/Metro Oregon Fishing Report – Following a week of poor visibility on the Willamette, anglers are back out in pursuit of the region’s most promising salmon return in several years. Action is picking up with Oregon City producing good catches recently, and downstream reaches more likely to produce better by the weekend.
Still weeks away from peak season, success rates are on the increase and anglers should expect fair action over the weekend, for those that can tolerate the wet, cold weather predicted.
Mainstem Columbia anglers have two more weeks to catch fish before the April 7th closure. Catch rates are still slow to jump, but counts at Bonneville Dam are slowing climbing.
Clackamas River Fishing Report – The Clackamas proved productive, for mostly wild fish last weekend. Some summer steelhead are starting to show as well. It’ll be a wild fish show for the remainder of the season however, with best catches coming from the upper Clackamas near McIver Park.
Spring Chinook won’t show in catchable numbers for another 6 or 7 weeks, but summer steelhead will start showing anytime now, with the peak coming in June.
Sandy River Fishing Report – Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reported, “I hope that you got out and fished this week for the weather was somewhat ideal with little rain the river was running clear and steelhead green depending on the day.
The river is currently running at 9.85 ft and with the rain forecasted over the next couple of days, NOAA is saying that it could climb to 10.78 ft and the water temp is running around 42 degrees. I can confirm that a springer was hooked last week after my report and the person who hooked the fish said that they played it for about 10 minutes before it popped his spinner at the bank.
District lakes and reservoirs will be amply stocked with rainbow trout over spring break. Check HERE to see if your favorite body of water is on the list.
Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.
North Coast Fishing Report – Winter steelhead fishing was surprisingly consistent for north coast anglers. The Wilson put out several quality wild and hatchery winter steelhead this week, but is likely to taper due to dropping water temperatures over the weekend.
The Nestucca also produced fair results for this late in the season, but is likely to taper as we head towards the end of the sub-par winter fishery in the coming weeks.
The Siletz produced mostly wild fish recently and the Alsea showed some signs of promise as well.
Some north coast streams close after March 31st for winter steelhead, but should produce fair results for wild fish for weekend anglers. Again, dropping temperatures don’t bode well for success however.
Saltwater anglers took advantage of calm seas earlier this week. Many scored great catches of lingcod and sea bass.
Even with a robust commercial harvest, ocean crabbing is fair and those working the estuaries can also grind out limits, but you have to work for them.
No sign of a razor clam opener, hopefully later this spring.
Have you seen our FREE webinar on ocean and bar safety? Check it out HERE!
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:
Another storm is expected for the weekend which will bump most rivers up but may still keep them in fishable condition. After the last blow out storm, my prediction for flushing some fish up DID happen and the first Spring Chinook have been caught on the North and Main Umpqua as well as the lower Rogue! Steelhead catches also improved on the Rogue and Umpqua systems. Some nice weather days and a calm ocean provided some excellent Ling cod action out of Brookings with a 28-pounder caught! Unfortunately, the ocean conditions have deteriorated as I write and maybe Sunday an opportunity. The Chetco, Elk and Sixes have also been fishable and fair catches reported. They close at the end of the month, and one should take advantage…. bring rain gear! More and more lakes and ponds are getting stocked with trout and will be a good option for Spring break fishing.
Ocean conditions were great as well as the ling cod bite this week. It’s not looking too good for getting out until possibly Sunday.🤞 The crabbing has been slow down in Brookings but is much better the further North you go. Charleston and Winchester will be good before and after too much rain water from this storm. Surf perch have been biting along the beach at Crissey Field wayside near Brookings.
The Chetco should continue to be fishable with blustery weather conditions for the weekend. There are some fresh fish to still be caught.
The lower Rogue was in great shape and finally the “first o the year” Spring Chinook have been caught earlier this week! The mid to upper Rogue also saw some fresh winter steelhead action and should fish decent through the weekend. The Applegate on the mid section will close at the end of the month and it’s in prime condition with fish available as a good weekend option.
The Umpqua River systems saw some new fish and as mentioned both the North and Main Ump’s reported their first Spring Chinook catches. Rain will give a slight bump but should fish okay for the weekend.
More trout stocking this week should provide a good opportunity for some family time with Spring breakers (Cooper Creek Reservoir, Galesville Reservoir, Plat 1 Reservoir, Ben Irving Reservoir, Garrison Lake, Loon Lake, Arizona Pond, Lake Marie, Powers Pond, Johnson Mill Pond, Empire Lakes, Bradley Lake). I’ll probably start reporting them within the next couple weeks when I have consistent updated info.
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 our SW Washington fishing report.
Where would a Southwest Idaho fisherman, who fishes from outside the Columbia River Bar through Boey 10, Wind River, Hanford Reach, Chellan, Lewiston and all the way to Riggins Idaho, sign up to become a member. I appreciate your boey 10 reports and your video on understanding the bar crossing by the way. Very well done and keeps us all well informed. Tnx,
Thanks for your kind words Jim! We’d love to have you as a member! There are two paid options and ALWAYS a FREE one! You can find out membership info here: https://www.theguidesforecast.com/membership-options/
Good luck this season!
Bob Rees