Portland/Metro Fishing Report – With mainstem salmon season over, anglers will anxiously await the spring Chinook prediction, due out the middle of next month. Until then there won’t be much activity on the mainstem, at least in the Portland/Metro region. Coho trollers working the mouth of the Klickitat River in the Bonneville Pool will still be catching coho for about another week. Good luck and stay warm!
The Willamette does have good winter catch and release opportunities for sturgeon. Frozen smelt, herring or anchovies as well as fresh sand shrimp, should do the trick for the motivated angler. Adult coho returns over Willamette Falls has topped 11,000 fish. Winter steelhead have started to ascend the falls as well, but the peak is still months away.
Clackamas River Fishing Report – Late-run coho are making a strong showing on the Clackamas River, bucking 2022 trends where coho runs have been down in most other watersheds, at least in the Columbia River system. We’re still not talking about many fish, but with the run already topping 1,000 adults where last year, the entire run was closer to 700 adults through December, it’s a nice piece of news that many of us will overlook. That’s not necessarily translating into awesome angler creel checks, there’s simply not that many people interested in catch and release fishing for coho this time of year.
Sandy River Fishing Report – Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports –
“I want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. This is the week that kick starts everyone searching for that elusive winter steelhead because of the holiday. I have heard of a few fish caught on the Sandy but don’t have any photos to verify. The recent rains have caused some snow to melt, and the forecast was for the Sandy to take a bump.
Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.
North Coast Fishing Report – With a disappointing fall Chinook run, coho largely gone and winter steelhead yet to show, it’s another wait week for anglers fishing the north Oregon coast. Thanksgiving has traditionally been the kick-off for winter steelhead but due to (improved) broodstock programs, that peak season happens later in the year these days.
There are still some early season systems that produce November winter steelhead. Those systems are Gnat and Big Creek, and the Klaskanine River on Highway 30 and near Astoria, respectively. The other good early season options are the Necanicum in Seaside, Three Rivers near Hebo, and the North Fork Nehalem near Manzanita.
The bastion of the north coast, the North Fork Nehalem, often tells the tale of how the early season winter run is going to perform. A call into HQ on Tuesday indicated very little rain, very little river change and few fish around for anglers to pursue.
There was some decent bottomfishing opportunities last week, but the swell is rising, quelling any opportunity for the next several days, at least.
Strong tide don’t make for ideal conditions for bay crabbing but there are plenty for the taking.
Don’t overlook fall trout 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:
It’s gonna be Free Fishing weekend Friday 25th and Saturday the 26th, so I say go fishin and let the wives do the Black Friday shopping😉🎣 Enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family while being thankful………. “THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE AREN’T THINGS” Don’t forget to raise a glass to remember those who are not here with us to enjoy it🥂🍗 Oh yes, and Goooo Beavers! 🏈😁😎🏈
Last week’s expected rain was more of a fizzle drizzle as what there was didn’t raise river flows much to make boatable. Bank anglers who did get out there saw only fair success on the Chetco, Elk and Sixes at the coast. Inland, the Rogue system was decent for remaining summer steelhead and coho action that was best along the mid Rogue.
The Elk and Sixes are now low and clear with some nice fish in the deeper holes. Next week’s rain should get things going and should be excellent….. until then get your tackle in order and be ready!
The Chetco didn’t get a good enough shot of rain to make it boatable. Chinook is second on the minds of anglers with winter steelhead tops. The next rain should provide a good last-ditch effort for fresh fish and Winter steelhead to start moving in.
The mid-Rogue River from Gold Hill down to Griffin Park continues to be where the main action has been for remaining summer steelhead and coho. Boaters are having the best luck pulling plugs that will attract both steelhead and wondering coho.
The ocean looks to be great for getting out for bottom fish and closer in ling cod till mid next week. Also, a good opportunity for some nice bay crabbing!
Be safe, be nice and enjoy!
Jeff’s expanded report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week’s version for Members!
Find our SW Washington report for the week, right here.