Portland, Oregon Metro Fishing Report – Mainstem Columbia trollers are finding fair action for fall run Chinook, especially given the apparent robust returns that we are experiencing right now.
We’re deep into peak season, with dynamic regulation changes forthcoming, so be sure to read the regulations for the reach of river you intend to fish. You can find those regulations HERE.
Catch rates have been good from the mouth of the Cowlitz to Bonneville Dam, but with numbers passing as they are, upriver anglers are poised to have a good season this year.
Willamette River anglers are eyeing Willamette Falls coho passage as they eagerly await their opportunity for freshwater coho, no matter how bad of biters they are. Passage is just getting underway at about a couple dozen per day. The mouth of the Clackamas however, should continue to produce results on a nearly daiily basis as the run builds.
Find the full report and forecast for Members on this page here for the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.
Clackamas River Fishing Report – Clackamas River coho are in the system although they are not moving upstream all that quickly. Low, warm water has them lethargic and less than interested in biting, but early morning anglers are getting a few in the early morning hours.
Sporadic pockets of fish are already spread throughout the system however, all the way to the mouth of Eagle Creek already, albeit, not in great number.
Summer steelhead action will again slow, as air and water temperatures on the rise this week. Most anglers are happy to wait out the coho, especially after the warm weather subsides.
Sandy River Fishing Report – Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports – This week the Sandy was not so productive. There are fresh fish still entering the river, but the numbers have slowed down to a trickle.
There are tons of fish moving upstream and lots of coho sitting off the mouth of the Sandy. The first good rain will bring in lots of coho. The weather this week is going to break the heat thermometer with temps in upper 90’s and possibly making it up over 100.
The river has been running pretty much clear with a slight green tint. The water temps have been in the mid 60’s and will climb a few degrees over the weekend.
The following week we will finally see some rain which will push the fish upriver quickly. I suggest that you have all your gear ready to go as the temps will be on the drop and the fish will be on the move.
Find the full report and forecast for Members on this page here for the Clackamas and Sandy Rivers.
North & Central Coast Fishing Report – All eyes are on coastal systems as fashion begin to make their way into their respective estuaries.
Peak season is about to start on the Nestucca, Tillamook Bay, Salmon River and Alsea systems. It’s almost getting a bit late for the Nehalem system.
The non-mark select salmon season that opened on September 1st South of Cape Falcon is producing good catches for knowledgeable anglers. One guide reported over shooting them, coming back in towards the end of the day to find them in about 100 foot of water northwest of the north jetty tip out of Tillamook Bay.
Weekend weather offshore does not look all that promising but for anglers willing to stick close to the jetty entrance, fishing could be good as Chinook start to stage near the mouths of these systems right now. Most of the ocean coho are a bit further offshore, but anglers are running for these quality fish when the weather allows.
Freshwater coho salmon seasons have liberalized but be sure to check regulations here to ensure you’re meeting the expectations of the law.
Ocean crabbing is picking up but better success rates are coming from water deeper than 60 foot.
You can find updated coastal fall salmon regulations HERE.
Find the complete report and forecast for Members in the Northwest Oregon section.
SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:
As we transition into from the “dog days of Summer” in to Fall, there’s still good fishing to be had. The ocean which has been great lately should continue to impress with good catches of big ling cod, double hook ups of rock fish, and a good amount of halibut quota on the table. Crabbing is also picking up.
The Rogue Bay Chinook action is starting to see more coho action as the middle Rogue River is seeing previous bay Chinook rolling from Grave Creek on up to Gold Hill. The summer steelhead will pick up when the weather cools down (but not this week which has been in the 100’s).
Warm water bass fishing remains good in the lakes and on the Umpqua and Coquille systems. Fishing on Diamond, Lost Creek and Fish Lake are best bets for trout. The lower Umpqua (main) from Reedsport to Winchester Bay is also picked up of fall Chinook.
Ocean outlook is looking good with a variety of good fishing options. There’s still good amount of halibut quota left. Crabbing is better further North towards Charleston and Winchester Bay. Jetty fishing can be good as well if you don’t have a boat.
The Rogue Bay anglers are reporting increased numbers of coho in the catch, and a decent amount of hatchery fish. Fresh fish of both Chinook and coho have moved into the bay. Decreasing flows through the 10th of September should keep fish from screaming upriver so fast.
Fall Chinook are rolling all over and a few have been taken on wrapped Kwikfish plugs in the canyons. Finley Bend is seeing a lot of “anglers” now, but I think it more “flossing” than fishing there 😏Hot weather is back, but next week when the flow is down, summer steelhead and half pounder fishing should pick up.
Lost Creek, Diamond, and Fish lakes are my best bets of good lake fishing. Fish early before it gets too hot. Lost Creek and Diamond have been excellent lately!
Out of Winchester Bay, Chinook catches have improved. Crabbing has been good.
Bass are multiplying and a few striped bass are being taken on the main Umpqua. Some river floaters tossing spinners on the North Ump have gotten a few summer steelhead.
Tight Lines 🎣 – RomerJeff’s expanded reports, multiple lake updates, and forecasts including his past reports can be found here for Members! There is SO much more.
Read this week’s SW Washington fishing report.