Portland/Metro Fishing Report – Just when higher numbers of winter steelhead should be bypassing Willamette Falls, numbers are slowing, quite clearly due to dropping water temperatures on the mainstem.
Temperatures dropped to 40° in a matter of days, from 45° to 40°, stalling migration upstream, when numbers should be on the bump. It’s going to be interesting when temperatures rise again, there must be a bunch kegged up below the falls, awaiting better passage conditions to make it to the upper river.
It’s a fun watch and we’re still confident that we’re going to see some great numbers of mostly wild winter fish headed to the upper basin. Gotta say we don’t miss those steelhead munching sea lions at the base of the falls so much, the removal effort literally saved that run from extinction.
With the colder water, there isn’t a great deal of angler interest in catching them either. They’re not all that bitey in that cold water.
No spring Chinook yet, no surprise. That is, over the falls or over the rail, no one has reported springer success just yet, but rest assured, the Sultan is on the hunt, as are a few others, I’m sure. There will be some February springers caught, it’s just a matter of when.
Pro guide Stephen “Spicy” Gettel (503-999-0904) had this to report “Well I went to Meldrum and the blacktop. Light pressure. No reports of fish in the last couple days from the fellows I questioned. Water is low, cold, and crystal clear. There are a few boats unicorn fishing; both trolling and anchored up next to Goat Island. We all know the first rule of unicorn fishing, don’t talk about unicorn fishing (Editor’s note: Unicorn Fishing = Fishing for spring Chinook). The blacktop catch went from a good mix to mostly wild fish last week. I think one could have some success trolling small topwater hot shots at dusk and dawn, along the edges for aggressive steelhead and possibly a unicorn spring Chinook! I can’t wait to get out this month and shake the cobwebs off, test run some new flashers and practice some new rigging I will be trying this season. Now’s the Time to do all that, so take advantage before the fish get here and you’re fumbling around wasting time trying something new that you have not practiced.”
The mainstem Columbia is a dead zone, but some hatchery and wild steelhead, along with a spring Chinook are likely present here.
Clackamas River Fishing Report – It’s been some cold fishing and although we’re in peak season, the fish aren’t biting all that well. That’s not surprising given how cold air and water temperatures have been.
Avid angler and Fisherman’s Marine employee Mike Roberson reports on the Clackamas, stating, “The Clackamas is still fishing well, with mostly wild fish this past week. We’re still seeing lots of big fish, we weighed in an 18-pounder last Saturday from the Clackamas!”
Anglers got pretty excited when the river rose to 13 feet, a much-needed boost in water levels, not to mention an increase in air and water temperatures, that did spur a short-lived improvement in angling opportunity. The bulk of the effort remains upstream of Carver, where fish are more likely to slow down their migration, especially when the river doesn’t take a huge leap in water levels.
Sandy River fishing report, avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports – Let’s start with the weather forecast for this last week. They had predicted snow for most of the city and depending on where you live, you either had a little or none, like I had. The weather has been cold but not extremely cold and the rain forecast was nonexistent.
The temps at night have been in the low to mid-twenties, below freezing and the daytime temps have been in the thirties and mid-forties.
The current river condition is dropping and gin clear. The forecast is for the river to stay cold and run around 9 feet, and the temp is running around 36 or 37 degrees.
I fished last Thursday and never touched a fish. I did help a guy land a very nice native that was 8 or 9 lbs. caught on a hammered spoon. The action on the river was light. There were fishermen scattered all along the river with more bank guys fishing the mid to upper section of the river.
Hopefully, the weather will warm up and we will get more rain to warm the river up to get the fish to be more aggressive. Please be safe because the rocks and beaches have been extremely slippery from frost and ice.
Get out and brave the cold for we should be in the middle of this year’s run. Best of luck and tight lines.
North & Central Coast Fishing Report – A much needed rain freshet raised river levels to their predicted levels last weekend, giving motivated anglers a chance at some pretty good fishing as early as Saturday (the day after the diluge) on most north/central coast systems. We are in peak season after all, and given the prolonged period of no rain, anglers had a good time with the refreshing injection of precipitation.
Reports from almost every big water system were good, from the Wilson and Nestucca to the Siletz, anglers were pleased with the ROI over the weekend.
Pro guide Rob Gerlitz (503-812-4950) reported a 4-fish day on Saturday, under ideal water conditions on the Wilson. The river height crested at an ideal 5.5 foot on Friday night, falling all day Saturday and Sunday, to where it’s now a bit too low to have confidence again. Rob caught 2 on Sunday, but like many anglers, reports on the quality of the fish we’re seeing in this year’s creel.
On the Nestucca system, pro guide Kent Anderson (503-550-6303) reported good fishing too. Kent states, “My very green anglers caught 3 steelhead (same guy caught all three), with one being hatchery and 2 were wild in origin. The river was pretty busy and the river is already getting low and clear, plus it’s pretty cold.” Kent is fishing nearly every day this time of year, one of the best on the Nestucca, for sure.
Trask River anglers didn’t see as much pressure as the hatchery option rivers did but the anglers that fished the system were pleased with their weekend results, mostly wild fish with a few hatchery strays for those that got lucky.
The North Fork Nehalem should be on the radar of those who enjoy small stream fishing (and who doesn’t enjoy that?). NF Nehalem workers reported about 150 adults were in the trap this week, where they recycled about 50 fish back downstream with some of those quality broodstock fish showing in the catch. Workers have also stocked surplus steelhead into Vernonia Pond and Lost Lake as well. The recording had the water level at a low 34″ with lots of snow on the ground and frozen conditions so travel safely if you do go. There are some quality fish around for low-water experts.
The Siletz system fished pretty well over the weekend, with anglers reporting good catches in nearly every stretch of the Siletz. It was good fishing last weekend and continues to be fair, even under the low-water conditions.
The mainstem Nehalem is back again, the rain freshet did good things but fish weren’t willing to stick around the lower reaches for any justifiable reason.
The Necanicum saw an influx of those down-running kelts that provide such good sport, along with some bright natives that start to make their way upstream this time of year. This river, along with the Klaskanine, Gnat, and Big Creek are done for fresh run, early strain steelhead, they’re all spawned out and some are being planted in district lakes for still water opportunities.
From the ODF&W Recreation Report: “Surplus winter steelhead have been released into Coffenbury Lake, Vernonia Pond, and Lost Lake, and surplus summer steelhead were released into Town Lake last week. These fish can be a great alternative when conditions in the rivers are less than ideal, and fighting a steelhead in still water is a unique and fun experience.”
Upper Willamette River System Report – Besides a few wild steelhead still making their way upstream, it’s still quiet in the upper Willamette Basin. As springtime approaches, however, we’ll have renowned outdoor writer Terry Otto on the trail, bringing you all the best information about what you should be fishing for.
Central Oregon Fishing Report – Trout fishing is set to kick off when the weather warms, there’s much to look forward to in the Central Oregon region of our state! As springtime approaches, we’ll have renowned outdoor writer Terry Otto on the trail, bringing you all the best information about what you should be fishing for.
Welcome back Terry!
SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:
Rain that turned into snow separated the true winter steelhead anglers from the fair-weather anglers this week. Previous good river conditions saw improvement in steelhead catches on all steelhead holding rivers and streams. Weekend weather is supposed to have a reprieve from snow and rain, so another decent opportunity is in store for the weekend angler (wear your long johns). Ocean goers will have a good chance to get back out for some spectacular ling cod fishing especially Sunday (depending on where you go out from).
The Rogue River’s middle and upper sections should fish well through the weekend despite some snow melt rise in flow. Anglers caught both lingering summer and fresh winter fish earlier this week before all the snow. The best bet for boaters would be doing floats from Rogue River on down to Galice. The weather is supposed to be sunny, but cold. Bank anglers also saw some action at Chinook Park, Schroeder Park, Griffin Park, and Robertson Bridge plunking and side drifting worms. Flow is a bit on the higher side, but will continue to drop into next week.
The Chetco, Elk, and Sixes fished well, and anglers hooked into some nice winter fish after last weekend’s freshet. Fish are throughout, but most anglers found it more sporadic for the bite. They’re on the dropping stage and still in fishable condition. The Elk and Sixes anglers should maybe check them out Friday before a Saturday trip to make sure the flow is boatable.
Ocean Goers should be able to get out for some good winter bottom fishing and ling cod action at least on Sunday. Crabbing has been good in the ocean and bays.
The main Ump will be a bit high but still remain in decent condition for steelhead. The North and South Forks are also fishable options for the weekend using higher water tactics.
Tight Lines 🎣 – Romer
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