Portland, Oregon Metro Fishing Report – Springers are now on the minds of many. Hopefully you saw our Sultan of Sellwood update from Tuesday. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel so you can get these updates in REAL TIME!
The Willamette fishery is underway and although catches haven’t been explosive, I know of at least 2 boats that caught 2 spring Chinook each on Tuesday. That doesn’t even happen all that often during peak season!
It’s too bad that the good times won’t be lasting too much longer as the weather pattern will spoil some good water conditions on the Willamette River. Anglers are already realizing a rising Willamette River that may still produce some biters before it gets out of reach over the weekend.
Although effort hasn’t been high on the mainstem Columbia, it’s no surprise that metro anglers aren’t slaying springers in adjacent waters. There are some anglers that have already posted more than one spring Chinook in the Longview area however. Anywhere downstream of St. Helens gives you access to Willamette bound spring Chinook, before they make the turn into the Multnomah Channel.
Plugs are a mainstay for lower Columbia anglers, but softer tides are more conducive to herring trollers, especially on the predominate incoming tide.
WDF&W will hold a recreational dipping season for smelt on the mainstem Cowlitz River. See their press release HERE.
Clackamas River Fishing Report – Well, steelheaders had some stable water conditions to work with this week, and for some, it paid dividends on the Clackamas. Dog Creek remains a top prospect, but Mike Roberson had this to say,
Mike Roberson of Fisherman’s Marine in Oregon City relayed this information. Mike reports, “The bite isn’t too bad. It seemed to have picked up a bit over the past few days, still quite a few fish up at Dog Creek. I’ve had some buddies and customers float the mid section of the Clackamas and do pretty well.”
TGF subscriber Ben Walker (also a great carpenter if you need help with home projects 503-490-2391) fished the upper Clackamas from McIver to Barton, spending a few hours at Dog Creek in hopes of finding some keepers there. Well, Ben and his +1 didn’t touch a fish, and only saw 2 caught at Dog Creek, where the bulk of the hatchery fish are holding before they enter the hatchery. Ben used a bevy or strategies but still came up empty after a good effort.Sandy River fishing, avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports – “Good morning all. I hope that you have had a chance to get out and fish this week. The river has been in ideal conditions and should stay that way until all the rain that is predicted. The river has been in the mid-9 ft range and is predicted to rise with the almost 2 inches of rain that is predicted. There have been a few fish caught in the mid to upper river. Most fish have been caught on spinners and beads in sizes 14 – 20 mm. There is fish moving into the hatchery. There have been a few fish caught on flies in the Oxbow and upper river. The river temp is around 43° and will hold. So get out after the river drops, and let’s hope that the springer season will be better than the steelhead. Wishing you the best of luck and tight lines.”
Guides are reporting much the same. The fishing has tapered, especially with the consistent water conditions. Guides are also reporting more wild fish in the catch, as it’s clear that the hatchery return won’t be nearly as robust as it was last year.
North & Central Coast Fishing Report – Steelheaders saw some better catches this week, but not so good that it changes the minds of many, it’s been a challenging steelhead season this year. After last year’s good return, and an uptick in salmon and steelhead numbers in general, expectations were higher than what was met. But that’s the nature of salmon and steelhead populations.
That said, there has been fair numbers of fish caught on the Wilson, Nestucca, Trask, and Siletz River systems, with a higher percentage of wild fish in the recent week. Pro guide Chris Vertopoulos (503-349-1377) reported two smaller hatchery steelhead from one of his favorte north coast favorites today (Thursday), reporting that they took plugs in the low, clear flows of this particular system. He also saw fair numbers of fish scattering in the tail-outs of several holes.
The hatchery hotline on the NF Nehalem reported low water conditions as well, light pressure, but a few broodstock fish were taken on Wednesday.
The Alsea should also be producing a few steelhead, but anglers have largely come up with little to show for their efforts here.
With the ensuing weather systems ahead, anglers will see local rivers rise, but given the diversity of small and large stream options on the north and central coast, there’s likely to still be viable options throughout the diluge.
Lakes along the Central coast are looking forward to an upcoming stocking schedule. You can see those bodies of water by clicking HERE.
THE HERRING ARE IN at Yaquina Bay, Chinook and Steelhead Members, log into your accounts to find out where their catching the majority of them!
Bottomfishing success varied by port. It seems lingcod catches are tapering.
Central Oregon Fishing Report by Terry Otto
Deschutes, Metolius, and Fall River fishing well, Crooked River still too high for good fishing. Gorge walleye picking up, and a few more lakes are accessible after snow melt.
Columbia River Gorge
Wendy Boyer of the Gorge Outfitters Supply in Rufus reports that walleye action is picking up with the warming water. The fish are getting more aggressive ahead of the spawn, and deep diving plugs have been drawing bites. There are a few more boats out most days, as word spreads about the improving bite.
The Guides Forecast: Look for the action to continue to improve as the fish move toward their spawning areas, and act more aggressively. Look for the schools on rocky reefs in the 10-to-30-foot range. Deep diving plugs should continue to get the fish, but if they are picky, try trolling a worm harness, or jigging with blade baits.
The action should improve until the fish actually begin spawning in April. Once they do, bank anglers may find them by fishing below The Dalles Dam.
Lower Deschutes River
Amy Hazel of the Deschutes Angler Fly Shop in Maupin reports that the river is returning to normal, and the gauge at the Moody Rapids shows the river is expected to stay at just about 7700 CFS for the coming week. Hazel reports increased effort recently.
“The river is slowly dropping, and there have been a lot of fishermen out lately,” said Hazel. “They did well, and the river is slowly coming back into its normal shape.”
Anglers have been nymphing, but there have been some good hatches, especially on cloudy days. Afternoon hatches include Blue Wing Olives and winter caddis.
The folks at the The Fly Fishers Place in Sisters reports that the Lower D at Maupin is still high, but fishable for sure. Stonefly nymphs, green rock worms, Perdigons, hares ear, PT, Blue Psycho Prince and micro jig- streamers will do the trick.
A few gear anglers have been out lately, but there is no report on what lures they are using. Small trout spinners tend to get the rivers’ redband trout’s attention.
SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:
Yet “another” atmospheric river is coming to rivers and towns throughout most of Oregon, making weekend anglers pause another weekend of winter steelhead and ocean fishing. Gale warnings on the coast will keep boats on the trailer, while coastal anglers wanting to fish the Chetco, Elk, Sixes, and on up the other Coos and Umpqua rivers will have to wait a good week until fishable again.
The good news is that the lakes and ponds are filling up nicely, and many have been stocked with trout already. I’ve listed some that would be worthwhile now, but don’t expect nice weather for the weekend. More good news is that the Lower Rogue River has had several “confirmed” Springer catches starting last Thursday…. That’s even earlier than last year!
The effects of the forthcoming rain event will have the coastal rivers and streams out of shape with only slight possibilities of the Chetco and Sixes being fishable Friday and Saturday as they rise.
Did I say “Spring Chinook” in mid-March??? Yes, 7 springers have been confirmed caught on the lower Rogue River in the past week. If it’s anywhere near last year’s run, it could be great! 🤞 Winter steelhead catches have also improved. The Rogue River best bets would be maybe working the lower with plugs to try for steelhead and or a Springer before it gets too high. Rain and snow on Friday/ Saturday is predicted for the Rogue valley, so even if the river flow is fishable, the weather is predicted to be ugly. Possibly, the upper half of Applegate might be worthwhile…take rain gear!
The Main, North, and South Umpqua will probably not be a good option for the weekend
As mentioned above, many lakes and ponds have already been stocked with trout and/ or are on the schedule to be stocked. Spring lake fishing can be very rewarding, especially if you catch a “holdover” trout that has grown large. I’ve included some of the better choices (for now) in this report, and I’ll add more as the season progresses.
Be safe, be nice, and enjoy!
Tight Lines 🎣 – Romer