The Willamette River is currently experiencing favorable conditions for steelhead fishing, particularly at Meldrum Bar, where plunkers have seen some action despite it being early in the season.
Recent rains have raised river levels, which are now receding, creating good opportunities for anglers. While catches remain relatively quiet, experienced anglers know that more fish typically start showing up later in January, with both wild and hatchery steelhead being caught in the Clackamas system.
Plunkers are using spin-n-glos and coon shrimp, adjusting their tackle based on water conditions. Although sturgeon fishing has slowed down and it’s too early for spring Chinook, the coming weeks are expected to see improved steelhead action, making it an ideal time for anglers to familiarize themselves with the fishery.
Reader Jeffery sent a note, trying to save the Rock Creek Hatchery. If you are an Oregon resident and are supportive, you can sign a petition here.
Clackamas River Fishing Report – The Clackamas has finally come into fishable shape and anglers are getting back on it and finding a few fish. Unlike the Sandy, Clackamas River fish tend to come in a bit later than Sandy winter steelhead. Nonetheless fish are present and anglers are getting after them even though February seems to be more consistent.
It looks like the Clackamas is picked up over the past few days. You’re still running high but it is on the drop. And the color is perfect.
Most guides out this week were having success. Mike says they weighed in a 15.8-pound fish off the Clackamas this week during their derby. They have pictures on their website. We’ve seen pictures of hatchery fish from the Wilson River this week including a 23-pounder.
He mentions bobber-dogging large bright beads, pulling plugs, and even catching a few fish on spinners.
Sandy River Fishing Report from Jeff Stoeger – “Good morning All. The photo below is of Josh Bearman with a beautiful hatchery hen caught when fishing with Jack Glass. The fish was caught on a 20mm Cherise bead by BnR beads. The river has been kicking out fish regularly but is not red hot. Most of the hatchery fish have been on the larger size 10 to 11 lbs. Fish are being caught on spinners, beads, jigs, and plugs.
The river is on the drop and is running at 10.32 ft and is forecasted to drop to 10ft over the weekend they predict the river to climb back up over 11.5 ft and then a long stretch of nice weather and the river is forecasted to drop into the 9.5 ft range. There have been lots of boats and raft action on the river at these river levels.
I have asked the construction crew working on Stark Street if they had a date when the bridge will be open and they seemed to avoid the question and didn’t give an answer. If any knows when the bridge is going to we would love to share it.”
From Reader Michael – It looks like the Stark Street Bridge may open for one-lane traffic by the end of February. The bridge is closed due to several accidents that caused the abutment on the Historic Columbia River Hwy side of the bridge to collapse partially. Additionally, during the upcoming construction phase, the Columbia River Hwy will become a one-lane road controlled by traffic lights. The one-lane restriction will last until the bridge is reopened. See more at: https://multco.us/news/construction-starts-next-week-stark-street-bridge-retaining-wall
North & Central Coast Fishing Report – Due to Bob’s illness, this summary is being provided while he recovers.
Small coastal systems are maintaining ideal water levels for steelhead fishing, with peak season currently underway on many rivers.
The North Fork Nehalem reported good catches, running at about 45 inches, which is ideal for targeting fresh fish. Other rivers like Big Creek, Klaskanine, and Necanicum are also producing fish under favorable conditions. Larger rivers such as the Wilson and Trask are starting to see some action, though they remain high and challenging to fish effectively.
While the season is past its peak for early-returning fish, anglers can still expect fair to good fishing opportunities on most systems, with some fresh fish still entering for another week or so.
Upper Willamette River System Report – The upper Willamette River system is currently offering good fishing opportunities for winter steelhead and trout, with the mainstem Willamette at Portland experiencing high water levels but still favorable fishing conditions in many areas. Winter steelhead are entering the system in good numbers, with anglers reporting success throughout the river, particularly in the early morning hours.
The McKenzie River is providing excellent trout fishing, while both the North and South Santiam rivers are seeing good numbers of winter steelhead. Detroit and Foster reservoirs are offering productive fishing for kokanee and trout, respectively, with varying water levels.
Upcoming trout stockings in various locations, including Alton Baker Canal, EE Wilson Pond, and Waverly Lake, provide additional angling opportunities in the Willamette Valley.
Reader Jeffery sent a note, trying to save the Rock Creek Hatchery. If you are an Oregon resident and are supportive, you can sign a petition here.
Central Oregon Fishing Report – There are excellent conditions across various rivers and lakes. Steelhead are present throughout the Lower Deschutes River, with anglers finding success using skating flies and dry flies. The Crooked River and Metolius River are experiencing productive fishing, with various hatches including PMDs, caddis, and BWOs.
High lakes such as Paulina, East Lake, and Hosmer are fishing well, with terrestrials and chironomids proving effective. The report also notes good kokanee fishing in several lakes, including Lake Billy Chinook and Odell Lake.
SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:
Happy New Year! Well, not so happy for us anglers since virtually all fishing options have been wet, blown out, and or flooded since the 1st. However, we’re getting a reprieve from the rain to at least allow the swollen rivers to get back into some kind of reasonable fishing conditions for the weekend 🙌. The Chetco, Elk, and Sixes on the coast are dropping into good condition and should provide anglers first of the year an opportunity to see just how many fresh steelhead have entered the rivers during the high water. Early reports mid-week by guides are that there are fish throughout the river with catches slow but should improve into the weekend.
The lower coastal rivers (with the exception of the Rogue River) would be a good option for winter steelhead. Little rain is expected and they’re dropping
The Applegate (part of the mid-Rogue system) is open to hatchery steelhead now, but like everything else, will not be fishable till at least late next week.
All sections of the Rogue River are high and flowing strong. The lower section sustained several days of flood conditions and will be near flood levels again this weekend. The dam is doing its best to keep the upper and mid sections below flood level but are still not worth the effort to try and fish for at least a week.
Read this week’s SW Washington fishing report.
Fishing in Paulina lake is good? I think it’s frozen over now