Sunday, May 11, 2008
Oregon fishing update
Willamette Valley/Metro - Salmon migration at Bonneville Dam is at its peak; an awesome sight to witness whether you recreationally fish or not. Despite good numbers of fish passing Bonneville Dam, mainstem sportfishing remains closed downstream and only open through Saturday upstream to McNary Dam. Bank and boat anglers are catching some salmon near the John Day Dam.
The most productive section of the Columbia River, near Bonneville Dam, closed to sturgeon fishing on May 1st. There are a few keepers being taken from the Portland to Longview stretch.
The ideal temperature for spring chinook success is considered to be 52 degrees. It hit 53 at Willamette Falls on May 5th. It's extremely late, but if springers are coming, it'll happen now. Catch rates of springers and steelhead in the lower Willamette and the Multnomah Channel have improved recently. Sturgeon fishing has remained worthwhile around St. Johns.
Fishing for summer steelhead is gradually improving on the North Santiam. With better weather, warmer water and fish crossing at Willamette Falls, it will continue to pick up in weeks to come.
Although the water temperature is rising on the McKenzie, hatches have not been sufficient to trigger rising fish. It will improve as temperatures rise.
Fishing is slow on the Clackamas but a few summers have been taken and a couple of spring chinook were been landed over the past week.
Wild steelhead, summers and the rare spring chinook have been hooked on the Sandy over the past week.
Youth angling events are being held at Junction City Pond and Sunnyside Park south of Portland on Saturday beginning at 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. respectively.
Scheduled for trout planting are Benson Lake, Hartman Pond, Henry Hagg Lake, Sheridan Pond, West Salish Pond, Alton Baker Canal, Carmen Reservoir, Clear Lake, Detroit Reservoir, Dexter Reservoir, E. E. Wilson Pond, Fall Creek, Foster Reservoir, Freeway Lake East, Green Peter Reservoir, Junction City Pond, Leaburg Lake, McKenzie River above Leaburg Lake, Salmon Creek, Sunnyside Park Pond, Walling Pond, Walter Wirth Lake and the Willamette River Middle Fork above Hills Cr Reservoir.
Northwest – Beginning on May 10th, retention for sturgeon from the Wauna Powerlines to Buoy 10 reopens for keepers in the 45 to 60 inch range. Catch rates may be slow to start given the cold water conditions and high flows from dam spills.
There has been a confirmed spring chinook from the Tillamook district but the current minus tide series should benefit the estuary fishery in the upper reaches this weekend. Sturgeon may also be an option although success for these fish has dropped off since winter.
River flows continue to drop on north coast streams with effort light. Dark winter steelhead are making up the bulk of the catch but spring chinook are sure to arrive soon.
The extended ocean forecast may allow for fishable conditions for those in pursuit of rockfish over the weekend. The ocean will be the best chance for keeper crab.
Pro guide Bill Kremers (541-754-6411) reports taking limits of gaper clams recently then jigging a decent number of herring for the first time this year.
From Cape Falcon near Manzanita to Humbug Mountain, the season’s first all-depth halibut fishery opens today. It is the first of several 3-day seasons that will run this year and catches are likely to be good out of Newport, Depoe Bay and Garibaldi.
Carter Lake, Cleawox Lake, Munsel Lake and Sutton Lake are scheduled to be planted with hatchery trout.
Southwest – Spring Chinook fishing has been slow on the Umpqua but anglers are hopeful that more fish are on their way. Fewer than 20 springers have been counted at Winchester Dam.
Steelheading improved on the upper Rogue with the water warming. Over 7,800 winter steelhead and a handful of springers have crossed at Gold Ray Dam.
Bottom fishing out of Gold Beach and Brookings has continued to deliver limits consisting of several colorful species of rockfish. Catches of ling cod have continued to be good as well. Forecasts look favorable for safe bar crossings this weekend, but conditions can change quickly. Be sure to check local wind and wave before making the trip.
Ice fishers continued to score at Diamond Lake over the past weekend with many taking limits of trout averaging 17 inches. These are all holdovers as planting won't take place this year until ice-out. As of Tuesday, May 6th, it was still solid ice but it's starting to soften so caution is urged.
Scheduled for trout stocking this week are Bluebill Lake, Bradley Lake, Eel Lake, Powers Pond, Saunders Lake, Sru Lake, Fish Lake, Expo Pond, Reinhart Park Pond, Emigrant Lake, Medco Pond, Willow Lake, Lost Creek Reservoir, Spaulding Pond, Burma Pond, Dutch Herman, Howard Prairie, Hyatt Reservoir.
Eastern – Pro guide Rick Arnold (541-480-1570) reports ice still covering most of our lakes. Wickiup, LBC and Odell have been the only open waters that are getting any attention.
Pat Schatz of Crane Prairie Resort (541-480-9696) reports that camping will be available starting May 15th.
Fly anglers are doing well on the lower Deschutes although with hatches occurring sporadically, nymphing has been most productive. Water conditions and fishing remain decent on the middle Deschutes with some stoneflies showing. The middle stretch is producing good sized browns and redsides.
Crane Prairie Resort reports the ice is off the lake and roads will be plowed by the 15th of April. Some central and eastern Oregon lakes will be snowbound for a while longer so research your destination before leaving the house.
Young anglers will receive special attention at the youth angling event being held at McNary Channel Ponds near Hermiston from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 on Saturday.
http://www.TheGuidesForecast.com/
The most productive section of the Columbia River, near Bonneville Dam, closed to sturgeon fishing on May 1st. There are a few keepers being taken from the Portland to Longview stretch.
The ideal temperature for spring chinook success is considered to be 52 degrees. It hit 53 at Willamette Falls on May 5th. It's extremely late, but if springers are coming, it'll happen now. Catch rates of springers and steelhead in the lower Willamette and the Multnomah Channel have improved recently. Sturgeon fishing has remained worthwhile around St. Johns.
Fishing for summer steelhead is gradually improving on the North Santiam. With better weather, warmer water and fish crossing at Willamette Falls, it will continue to pick up in weeks to come.
Although the water temperature is rising on the McKenzie, hatches have not been sufficient to trigger rising fish. It will improve as temperatures rise.
Fishing is slow on the Clackamas but a few summers have been taken and a couple of spring chinook were been landed over the past week.
Wild steelhead, summers and the rare spring chinook have been hooked on the Sandy over the past week.
Youth angling events are being held at Junction City Pond and Sunnyside Park south of Portland on Saturday beginning at 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. respectively.
Scheduled for trout planting are Benson Lake, Hartman Pond, Henry Hagg Lake, Sheridan Pond, West Salish Pond, Alton Baker Canal, Carmen Reservoir, Clear Lake, Detroit Reservoir, Dexter Reservoir, E. E. Wilson Pond, Fall Creek, Foster Reservoir, Freeway Lake East, Green Peter Reservoir, Junction City Pond, Leaburg Lake, McKenzie River above Leaburg Lake, Salmon Creek, Sunnyside Park Pond, Walling Pond, Walter Wirth Lake and the Willamette River Middle Fork above Hills Cr Reservoir.
Northwest – Beginning on May 10th, retention for sturgeon from the Wauna Powerlines to Buoy 10 reopens for keepers in the 45 to 60 inch range. Catch rates may be slow to start given the cold water conditions and high flows from dam spills.
There has been a confirmed spring chinook from the Tillamook district but the current minus tide series should benefit the estuary fishery in the upper reaches this weekend. Sturgeon may also be an option although success for these fish has dropped off since winter.
River flows continue to drop on north coast streams with effort light. Dark winter steelhead are making up the bulk of the catch but spring chinook are sure to arrive soon.
The extended ocean forecast may allow for fishable conditions for those in pursuit of rockfish over the weekend. The ocean will be the best chance for keeper crab.
Pro guide Bill Kremers (541-754-6411) reports taking limits of gaper clams recently then jigging a decent number of herring for the first time this year.
From Cape Falcon near Manzanita to Humbug Mountain, the season’s first all-depth halibut fishery opens today. It is the first of several 3-day seasons that will run this year and catches are likely to be good out of Newport, Depoe Bay and Garibaldi.
Carter Lake, Cleawox Lake, Munsel Lake and Sutton Lake are scheduled to be planted with hatchery trout.
Southwest – Spring Chinook fishing has been slow on the Umpqua but anglers are hopeful that more fish are on their way. Fewer than 20 springers have been counted at Winchester Dam.
Steelheading improved on the upper Rogue with the water warming. Over 7,800 winter steelhead and a handful of springers have crossed at Gold Ray Dam.
Bottom fishing out of Gold Beach and Brookings has continued to deliver limits consisting of several colorful species of rockfish. Catches of ling cod have continued to be good as well. Forecasts look favorable for safe bar crossings this weekend, but conditions can change quickly. Be sure to check local wind and wave before making the trip.
Ice fishers continued to score at Diamond Lake over the past weekend with many taking limits of trout averaging 17 inches. These are all holdovers as planting won't take place this year until ice-out. As of Tuesday, May 6th, it was still solid ice but it's starting to soften so caution is urged.
Scheduled for trout stocking this week are Bluebill Lake, Bradley Lake, Eel Lake, Powers Pond, Saunders Lake, Sru Lake, Fish Lake, Expo Pond, Reinhart Park Pond, Emigrant Lake, Medco Pond, Willow Lake, Lost Creek Reservoir, Spaulding Pond, Burma Pond, Dutch Herman, Howard Prairie, Hyatt Reservoir.
Eastern – Pro guide Rick Arnold (541-480-1570) reports ice still covering most of our lakes. Wickiup, LBC and Odell have been the only open waters that are getting any attention.
Pat Schatz of Crane Prairie Resort (541-480-9696) reports that camping will be available starting May 15th.
Fly anglers are doing well on the lower Deschutes although with hatches occurring sporadically, nymphing has been most productive. Water conditions and fishing remain decent on the middle Deschutes with some stoneflies showing. The middle stretch is producing good sized browns and redsides.
Crane Prairie Resort reports the ice is off the lake and roads will be plowed by the 15th of April. Some central and eastern Oregon lakes will be snowbound for a while longer so research your destination before leaving the house.
Young anglers will receive special attention at the youth angling event being held at McNary Channel Ponds near Hermiston from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 on Saturday.
http://www.TheGuidesForecast.com/
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Oregon fishing report
Oregon Fisheries Update:
Willamette Valley/Metro- With the Columbia River from Bonneville Dam downstream now closed to salmon, steelhead and shad fishing, anglers will be seeking other opportunities in tributaries or upstream fisheries. Although lower river catch rates dropped dramatically in the closing days, success near Bonneville was excellent and dam counts verify the run is well underway.
Many of these prized fish are destined for upper river tributaries and will be challenging to pursue in the Columbia River reservoirs. Check updated regulations for open tributaries along the Columbia River as those fisheries will be peaking in the coming weeks.
Sturgeon will also become a focus for metro anglers from Bonneville to Buoy 10 in the coming weeks and catch rates are beginning to climb with the warming water temperatures. The best stretch will be in the Columbia River gorge with smelt a top choice to use as bait.
Counts of salmon and steelhead have slowed with a drop in the water temperature caused by unseasonably
cold weather. Trollers and anchor fishers have experienced minor flurries of springer action but overall,
fishing has been slow. Sturgeon fishing has been fair to good.
Steelhead are scattered on the North Santiam and fishing is slow.
Trout fishing on the McKenzie has been good between weather fronts with Caddis hatches occurring amidst the March Browns.
Water levels at the Clackamas are down from last week and the color is good. Steelheading is spotty but fresh summers are being caught daily.
Sandy anglers are taking a few summer steelhead but most are thinking about springers. There are chinook in the river and numbers will be increasing.
Scheduled for trout planting are Haldeman Pond, Henry Hagg Lake, Huddelston Pond, Salmonberry Lake, Silver Creek Reservoir, Timothy Meadows Reservoir, Trojan Pond, Blue River above Reservoir, Blue River Reservoir, Carmen Reservoir, Clear Lake, Detroit Reservoir, Dexter Reservoir, E. E. Wilson Pond, Fall Creek, Foster Reservoir, Freeway Lake East, Green Peter Reservoir, Junction City Pond, Leaburg Lake, the McKenzie River above Leaburg Lake, Roaring River Park Pond, Salmon Creek, Smith Reservoir, Walling Pond, Walter Wirth Lake, Willamette River Coast Fork and the Middle Fork Willamette above Hills Creek Reservoir.
Northwest – A significant rise in river levels was forecasted for north coast streams at mid-week but when flows do drop, steelhead will make up the bulk of the catch reports pro guide Jesse Zalonis (503-392-5808). Although it’s likely a few summer steelhead may be in the creel, spent winter run fish headed back to sea will likely make up the bulk of the catch. An early spring chinook may also be available but most won’t return until mid-May.
Tides won’t be ripe for estuary sturgeon fishing in Tillamook or the Astoria area but friendly seas are forecasted for the weekend which should give bottomfishing enthusiasts some good opportunity for lingcod, seabass and surf perch. Be sure to check bar conditions before crossing.
North of Cape Falcon near Manzanita, halibut season opens on May 1st. Anglers are allowed to fish 7-days per week with a daily bag limit of 1 halibut per day, 6 per year.
Crabbing remains poor in most north coast estuaries and ocean crabbing is likely to be only slightly better if boats can get there this weekend.
Alder Lake, Big Creek Reservoir, Big Creek Reservoir, Buck Lake are scheduled to be stocked with hatchery trout.
Southwest – Halibut season will open on the central and south coast on May 1st inside the 40-fathom line with the first all-depth fishery May 8th through 10th.
As the winter steelhead run winds down on the Umpqua, spring chinook catches continue to improve and anglers have been diversifying tactics to target the fresh salmon.
Springer fishing has been slow in the Rogue with the water cold. In spite of challenging conditions, a few chinook are being taken daily. Warmer weather will trigger snowmelt which will, in turn, keep the water cool.
Surf casters have continued to take limits of perch off southwest beaches.
Boats crossing the bar and returning early at Brookings Harbor have been able to beat rough ocean conditions and are limiting on rockfish and lingcod in fairly shallow water.
Due to persistent snow and ice at Diamond Lake, the Kokanee Power Trout Derby which was scheduled for May 17th & 18th has been re-scheduled for June 7th & 8th.
Eastern – Trout fishing is fair on the lower Deschutes in mid-40-degree water that's at above-average flows. Mid-day is yielding best results.
Although flows remain high on the John Day, big smallmouth bass should be a viable target in the dropping flows into the early weeks of May reports pro guide Steve Fleming (1-888-624-9424).
http;//www.theguidesforecast.com/
Willamette Valley/Metro- With the Columbia River from Bonneville Dam downstream now closed to salmon, steelhead and shad fishing, anglers will be seeking other opportunities in tributaries or upstream fisheries. Although lower river catch rates dropped dramatically in the closing days, success near Bonneville was excellent and dam counts verify the run is well underway.
Many of these prized fish are destined for upper river tributaries and will be challenging to pursue in the Columbia River reservoirs. Check updated regulations for open tributaries along the Columbia River as those fisheries will be peaking in the coming weeks.
Sturgeon will also become a focus for metro anglers from Bonneville to Buoy 10 in the coming weeks and catch rates are beginning to climb with the warming water temperatures. The best stretch will be in the Columbia River gorge with smelt a top choice to use as bait.
Counts of salmon and steelhead have slowed with a drop in the water temperature caused by unseasonably
cold weather. Trollers and anchor fishers have experienced minor flurries of springer action but overall,
fishing has been slow. Sturgeon fishing has been fair to good.
Steelhead are scattered on the North Santiam and fishing is slow.
Trout fishing on the McKenzie has been good between weather fronts with Caddis hatches occurring amidst the March Browns.
Water levels at the Clackamas are down from last week and the color is good. Steelheading is spotty but fresh summers are being caught daily.
Sandy anglers are taking a few summer steelhead but most are thinking about springers. There are chinook in the river and numbers will be increasing.
Scheduled for trout planting are Haldeman Pond, Henry Hagg Lake, Huddelston Pond, Salmonberry Lake, Silver Creek Reservoir, Timothy Meadows Reservoir, Trojan Pond, Blue River above Reservoir, Blue River Reservoir, Carmen Reservoir, Clear Lake, Detroit Reservoir, Dexter Reservoir, E. E. Wilson Pond, Fall Creek, Foster Reservoir, Freeway Lake East, Green Peter Reservoir, Junction City Pond, Leaburg Lake, the McKenzie River above Leaburg Lake, Roaring River Park Pond, Salmon Creek, Smith Reservoir, Walling Pond, Walter Wirth Lake, Willamette River Coast Fork and the Middle Fork Willamette above Hills Creek Reservoir.
Northwest – A significant rise in river levels was forecasted for north coast streams at mid-week but when flows do drop, steelhead will make up the bulk of the catch reports pro guide Jesse Zalonis (503-392-5808). Although it’s likely a few summer steelhead may be in the creel, spent winter run fish headed back to sea will likely make up the bulk of the catch. An early spring chinook may also be available but most won’t return until mid-May.
Tides won’t be ripe for estuary sturgeon fishing in Tillamook or the Astoria area but friendly seas are forecasted for the weekend which should give bottomfishing enthusiasts some good opportunity for lingcod, seabass and surf perch. Be sure to check bar conditions before crossing.
North of Cape Falcon near Manzanita, halibut season opens on May 1st. Anglers are allowed to fish 7-days per week with a daily bag limit of 1 halibut per day, 6 per year.
Crabbing remains poor in most north coast estuaries and ocean crabbing is likely to be only slightly better if boats can get there this weekend.
Alder Lake, Big Creek Reservoir, Big Creek Reservoir, Buck Lake are scheduled to be stocked with hatchery trout.
Southwest – Halibut season will open on the central and south coast on May 1st inside the 40-fathom line with the first all-depth fishery May 8th through 10th.
As the winter steelhead run winds down on the Umpqua, spring chinook catches continue to improve and anglers have been diversifying tactics to target the fresh salmon.
Springer fishing has been slow in the Rogue with the water cold. In spite of challenging conditions, a few chinook are being taken daily. Warmer weather will trigger snowmelt which will, in turn, keep the water cool.
Surf casters have continued to take limits of perch off southwest beaches.
Boats crossing the bar and returning early at Brookings Harbor have been able to beat rough ocean conditions and are limiting on rockfish and lingcod in fairly shallow water.
Due to persistent snow and ice at Diamond Lake, the Kokanee Power Trout Derby which was scheduled for May 17th & 18th has been re-scheduled for June 7th & 8th.
Eastern – Trout fishing is fair on the lower Deschutes in mid-40-degree water that's at above-average flows. Mid-day is yielding best results.
Although flows remain high on the John Day, big smallmouth bass should be a viable target in the dropping flows into the early weeks of May reports pro guide Steve Fleming (1-888-624-9424).
http;//www.theguidesforecast.com/
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Oregon fishing report
Willamette Valley/Metro- Salmon season is in full swing on the Columbia River with the highest catch rates of the season from Bonneville Dam to the I-5 Bridge. Trolled herring are taking the bulk of the fish downstream of the gorge while spinners and plugs are responsible for Bonneville area fish. Four-year old adults are making up the bulk of the catch averaging between 12 and 16 pounds. This fishery will peak in the next 2 weeks but increased spill to aid smolts downriver could curb angler success.
Summer steelhead are passing Willamette Falls in double digits as the water temperature continues to inch toward the 50-degree mark. Springers are being caught daily on the lower Willamette and at the head of the Multnomah Channel, but it is slow. Sturgeon fishing is good for those willing stay mobile to locate larger fish.
A mix of bright and dark steelhead are being hooked on the Clackamas River with a scattering of hatchery summer fish is available.
A few broodstock winters have been taken on the Sandy and summer steelhead are just starting to enter.
The North Santiam will be subject to fluctuations in level and flow but numbers of fish available is improving daily. A total of 16 summer steelhead had entered the trap at Foster Dam on the South Santiam as of April 3rd.
The March Brown hatch has been coming on reliably in the afternoons on the McKenzie and while fishing hasn't been as hot and heavy as the hatch, it has been good at times.
Scheduled for trout stocking are Creswell Pond, Detroit Reservoir, Dexter Reservoir, Dorena Reservoir, E. E. Wilson Pond, Foster Reservoir, Freeway Lake East, Green Peter Reservoir, Junction City Pond, Roaring River Park Pond, Timber Linn Lake, Walling Pond, Walter Wirth Lake and Waverly Lake.
Northwest – North coast anglers are still pursuing steelhead on the Wilson, Trask and Nestucca Rivers but the run is certainly coming to an end. Brian Barr and Josh Lowe of Eugene fished the Wilson on Friday from Mills Bridge to Sollie Smith landing 6 steelhead using Kwikfish. Five of the 6 landed were hatchery fish but 2 were released because they were dark.
The Nestucca has also been producing good catches but has lost some of its consistency as the season winds down reports pro guide Jesse Zalonis (503-392-5808) and Kent Anderson (503-550-6303). Anglers are targeting fish in the upper reaches with the recent high water.
Next on tap in the Tillamook area is spring chinook but numbers won’t be substantial until the large minus tide series in mid-May. A few early fish are usually caught late this month however.
Calm seas are in the ocean forecast for the weekend. Limits of bottomfish should be easily attained for anglers knowing where to target these fish. Pressure has been light all season due to poor weather conditions. Ocean crabbing will also be a good option.
Crabbing in Yaquina Bay remains poor and the herring are yet to show.
Bay City Reservoir, Cape Meares Lake, Carter Lake, Cleawox Lake, Devils Lake, Hebo Lake, Lake Lytle, Lorens Pond, Smith Lake, South Lake, Tahoe Lake and Town Lake are scheduled to be planted with hatchery trout.
Southwest – Angers will be fishing the tail end of a mid-day minus tide series through the weekend.
Pro guide Bill Kremers (541-754-6411) reports fair fishing for ling cod, good results for rockfish and slow crabbing out of Depoe Bay this week
Although winter steelheading will continue even as it winds down on the North and South Umpqua through April, with the first spring chinook trickling in, angler's attention has been focused on the latter. The North Umpqua dropped to decent levels this week.
Spring chinook fishing has been only fair, but has remained steady from the mouth of the Rogue River to Agness. The problem so far has not been a lack of fish but water temperatures which have stubbornly remained in the 40s. The time of year is right to warm the river however, and catches are expected to continue to improve through April.
Limits of rockfish and ling cod are being taken out of Brookings with even inexperienced anglers returning to port with good catches.
Scheduled for trout planting are Bradley Lake, Eel Lake, Emigrant Lake, Applegate Reservoir, Lake Selmac, Howard Prairie Reservoir, Hyatt Reservoir and Libby Pond.
Eastern – Check river flows before heading over to the John Day River for bass. If the river is over 1000 CFS, fishing will be challenging reports pro guide Steve Fleming at Mah-Hah Outfitters (1-888-624-9424). Quality sized fish are available however and are taking a variety of crankbaits and plastics.
Many streams and rivers on the east side remain roiled and some lakes, such as Little Lava, Wickiup and Davis Lake, remain iced over but warm weather this week is expected to improve conditions in the near future.
Summer steelhead are passing Willamette Falls in double digits as the water temperature continues to inch toward the 50-degree mark. Springers are being caught daily on the lower Willamette and at the head of the Multnomah Channel, but it is slow. Sturgeon fishing is good for those willing stay mobile to locate larger fish.
A mix of bright and dark steelhead are being hooked on the Clackamas River with a scattering of hatchery summer fish is available.
A few broodstock winters have been taken on the Sandy and summer steelhead are just starting to enter.
The North Santiam will be subject to fluctuations in level and flow but numbers of fish available is improving daily. A total of 16 summer steelhead had entered the trap at Foster Dam on the South Santiam as of April 3rd.
The March Brown hatch has been coming on reliably in the afternoons on the McKenzie and while fishing hasn't been as hot and heavy as the hatch, it has been good at times.
Scheduled for trout stocking are Creswell Pond, Detroit Reservoir, Dexter Reservoir, Dorena Reservoir, E. E. Wilson Pond, Foster Reservoir, Freeway Lake East, Green Peter Reservoir, Junction City Pond, Roaring River Park Pond, Timber Linn Lake, Walling Pond, Walter Wirth Lake and Waverly Lake.
Northwest – North coast anglers are still pursuing steelhead on the Wilson, Trask and Nestucca Rivers but the run is certainly coming to an end. Brian Barr and Josh Lowe of Eugene fished the Wilson on Friday from Mills Bridge to Sollie Smith landing 6 steelhead using Kwikfish. Five of the 6 landed were hatchery fish but 2 were released because they were dark.
The Nestucca has also been producing good catches but has lost some of its consistency as the season winds down reports pro guide Jesse Zalonis (503-392-5808) and Kent Anderson (503-550-6303). Anglers are targeting fish in the upper reaches with the recent high water.
Next on tap in the Tillamook area is spring chinook but numbers won’t be substantial until the large minus tide series in mid-May. A few early fish are usually caught late this month however.
Calm seas are in the ocean forecast for the weekend. Limits of bottomfish should be easily attained for anglers knowing where to target these fish. Pressure has been light all season due to poor weather conditions. Ocean crabbing will also be a good option.
Crabbing in Yaquina Bay remains poor and the herring are yet to show.
Bay City Reservoir, Cape Meares Lake, Carter Lake, Cleawox Lake, Devils Lake, Hebo Lake, Lake Lytle, Lorens Pond, Smith Lake, South Lake, Tahoe Lake and Town Lake are scheduled to be planted with hatchery trout.
Southwest – Angers will be fishing the tail end of a mid-day minus tide series through the weekend.
Pro guide Bill Kremers (541-754-6411) reports fair fishing for ling cod, good results for rockfish and slow crabbing out of Depoe Bay this week
Although winter steelheading will continue even as it winds down on the North and South Umpqua through April, with the first spring chinook trickling in, angler's attention has been focused on the latter. The North Umpqua dropped to decent levels this week.
Spring chinook fishing has been only fair, but has remained steady from the mouth of the Rogue River to Agness. The problem so far has not been a lack of fish but water temperatures which have stubbornly remained in the 40s. The time of year is right to warm the river however, and catches are expected to continue to improve through April.
Limits of rockfish and ling cod are being taken out of Brookings with even inexperienced anglers returning to port with good catches.
Scheduled for trout planting are Bradley Lake, Eel Lake, Emigrant Lake, Applegate Reservoir, Lake Selmac, Howard Prairie Reservoir, Hyatt Reservoir and Libby Pond.
Eastern – Check river flows before heading over to the John Day River for bass. If the river is over 1000 CFS, fishing will be challenging reports pro guide Steve Fleming at Mah-Hah Outfitters (1-888-624-9424). Quality sized fish are available however and are taking a variety of crankbaits and plastics.
Many streams and rivers on the east side remain roiled and some lakes, such as Little Lava, Wickiup and Davis Lake, remain iced over but warm weather this week is expected to improve conditions in the near future.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Oregon fishing
Oregon Fisheries Update:
Willamette Valley/Metro- Spring chinook anglers should begin to hit their stride in the next few weeks as the weather pattern stabilizes, water temperatures warm and the run nears its peak. Anglers working the mainstem Columbia at Portland continue to log high catches. Washington Fish and Wildlife logged a respectable one salmon for every 5.4 anglers fishing.
Oddly, anglers working the lower river downstream of Longview are struggling for consistent results. Trollers working the Westport area on the lower Columbia are only finding an occasional fish. Fortunately, it doesn’t seem to indicate success in upriver fisheries. This fishery, from Buoy 10 to the Hayden Island West powerline towers will close 1 hour after sunset on Friday, April 4th.
Pro guide Brandon McGavran (360-607-1327) reports limits for his clients and a springer for himself on Monday, March 31st with various areas producing fish.
Willamette Falls water temperatures remain in the low 40’s as the level and flow moderate. Clarity on the lower Willamette is marginal but improving with spring chinook catches increasing recently for boaters. Fishing will further improve as the water temperature rises. The first spring chinook of the 2008 season crossed the Falls on March 27th.
Smelt, squid, herring and anchovies have all produced sturgeon at times with Sellwood and the lower river to the mouth kicking out mostly shakers and the occasional keeper.
The Clackamas is showing some signs of life for anxious anglers. Summer steelhead catches improved over the past week and while it's only fair, the run is underway. Vandalism has been a problem in popular parking areas. Be vigilant and don't store gear in your rig while fishing.
North Santiam water temperatures have been too low to provide optimum fishing, but with the Willamette Falls summer steelhead count nearing the 500 mark, action will be improving with warmer weather this week.
The March Brown hatch is in progress on the McKenzie and is a good one this year. Rainbow and cutthroat trout are responding accordingly.
Henry Hagg Lake, Sheridan Pond, St Louis Pond, Trojan Pond, Alton Baker Canal, Cottage Grove Pond and Cottage Grove Reservoir are scheduled to be stocked with trout.
Northwest – Steelheaders braved wintry weather over the weekend, still pursuing late run wild and hatchery fish on many north coast streams. Wilson and Nestucca River anglers were still finding success and flows should remain stable with the late addition of a coastal snow-pack late last week. Some darker fish are beginning to show in the catches.
Many smaller coastal streams are now closed to steelhead fishing. Rivers that have hatchery programs for steelhead and salmon are likely still open but check local regulations before heading out. Spring chinook is the next fishery on tap but catches won’t begin to peak until mid-May.
Offshore anglers had good opportunity on Monday for an ocean harvest but effort remained light due to the inconsistent ocean conditions.
Offshore crabbing out of Newport has improved with a few large crab showing in pots but no limits reported. Bottom fishing has been good with some nice lingcod in the mix.
Southwest – Umpqua anglers braved the occasional snow flurry over the past weekend to enjoy fair to good catch and release fishing for large, bright native steelhead. Steelheading has been fair but steady on the North and South Umpqua. Anglers have been encouraged recently with the appearance of spring chinook in the lower river. Sturgeon fishing may be another option with a morning minus tide series starting Sunday, April 6th.
Lower Rogue River spring chinook anglers scored again over the past week, with a few springers topping the 30-pound mark. Following a slow season last year, the strong, early start is encouraging.
Surf fishing off southwest beaches continues to deliver limits of pinkfin and striped perch.
Offshore bottomfishing out of Brookings has been limited by rough ocean conditions but when wind and wave allow, it's fabulous. A variety of rockfish are available any time the ocean lays down. The Chetco closed to salmon and steelhead fishing on March 31st.
Scheduled for hatchery trout planting this week are Bluebill Lake, Empire Lake, Johnson Mill Pond, Millicoma Pond, Powers Pond, Saunders Lake and Sru Lake.
Eastern – Despite freezing air temperatures overnight and cold water conditions, the John Day River has been delivering decent catches of large smallmouth bass and the fishing is expected only to improve into April.
Redside fishing on the lower Deschutes has been fair with the water level a little lower than average for this time of year.
http://www.theguidesforecast.com/
Willamette Valley/Metro- Spring chinook anglers should begin to hit their stride in the next few weeks as the weather pattern stabilizes, water temperatures warm and the run nears its peak. Anglers working the mainstem Columbia at Portland continue to log high catches. Washington Fish and Wildlife logged a respectable one salmon for every 5.4 anglers fishing.
Oddly, anglers working the lower river downstream of Longview are struggling for consistent results. Trollers working the Westport area on the lower Columbia are only finding an occasional fish. Fortunately, it doesn’t seem to indicate success in upriver fisheries. This fishery, from Buoy 10 to the Hayden Island West powerline towers will close 1 hour after sunset on Friday, April 4th.
Pro guide Brandon McGavran (360-607-1327) reports limits for his clients and a springer for himself on Monday, March 31st with various areas producing fish.
Willamette Falls water temperatures remain in the low 40’s as the level and flow moderate. Clarity on the lower Willamette is marginal but improving with spring chinook catches increasing recently for boaters. Fishing will further improve as the water temperature rises. The first spring chinook of the 2008 season crossed the Falls on March 27th.
Smelt, squid, herring and anchovies have all produced sturgeon at times with Sellwood and the lower river to the mouth kicking out mostly shakers and the occasional keeper.
The Clackamas is showing some signs of life for anxious anglers. Summer steelhead catches improved over the past week and while it's only fair, the run is underway. Vandalism has been a problem in popular parking areas. Be vigilant and don't store gear in your rig while fishing.
North Santiam water temperatures have been too low to provide optimum fishing, but with the Willamette Falls summer steelhead count nearing the 500 mark, action will be improving with warmer weather this week.
The March Brown hatch is in progress on the McKenzie and is a good one this year. Rainbow and cutthroat trout are responding accordingly.
Henry Hagg Lake, Sheridan Pond, St Louis Pond, Trojan Pond, Alton Baker Canal, Cottage Grove Pond and Cottage Grove Reservoir are scheduled to be stocked with trout.
Northwest – Steelheaders braved wintry weather over the weekend, still pursuing late run wild and hatchery fish on many north coast streams. Wilson and Nestucca River anglers were still finding success and flows should remain stable with the late addition of a coastal snow-pack late last week. Some darker fish are beginning to show in the catches.
Many smaller coastal streams are now closed to steelhead fishing. Rivers that have hatchery programs for steelhead and salmon are likely still open but check local regulations before heading out. Spring chinook is the next fishery on tap but catches won’t begin to peak until mid-May.
Offshore anglers had good opportunity on Monday for an ocean harvest but effort remained light due to the inconsistent ocean conditions.
Offshore crabbing out of Newport has improved with a few large crab showing in pots but no limits reported. Bottom fishing has been good with some nice lingcod in the mix.
Southwest – Umpqua anglers braved the occasional snow flurry over the past weekend to enjoy fair to good catch and release fishing for large, bright native steelhead. Steelheading has been fair but steady on the North and South Umpqua. Anglers have been encouraged recently with the appearance of spring chinook in the lower river. Sturgeon fishing may be another option with a morning minus tide series starting Sunday, April 6th.
Lower Rogue River spring chinook anglers scored again over the past week, with a few springers topping the 30-pound mark. Following a slow season last year, the strong, early start is encouraging.
Surf fishing off southwest beaches continues to deliver limits of pinkfin and striped perch.
Offshore bottomfishing out of Brookings has been limited by rough ocean conditions but when wind and wave allow, it's fabulous. A variety of rockfish are available any time the ocean lays down. The Chetco closed to salmon and steelhead fishing on March 31st.
Scheduled for hatchery trout planting this week are Bluebill Lake, Empire Lake, Johnson Mill Pond, Millicoma Pond, Powers Pond, Saunders Lake and Sru Lake.
Eastern – Despite freezing air temperatures overnight and cold water conditions, the John Day River has been delivering decent catches of large smallmouth bass and the fishing is expected only to improve into April.
Redside fishing on the lower Deschutes has been fair with the water level a little lower than average for this time of year.
http://www.theguidesforecast.com/
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Oregon fishing report
Oregon Fisheries Update:
Willamette Valley/Metro- Sturgeon fishing improved over the last Thursday through Sunday retention period. While some anglers caught only shakers, others took several keeper-sized fish. Smelt and sand shrimp were top baits. Fishery managers this week will determine the fate of the Willamette spring chinook fishery. It is likely to be a 7-day per week fishery despite a poor run forecast for returning hatchery fish.
Steelhead were taken on the lower Clackamas over the weekend. Drift boaters should be aware of a downed tree below the boat ramp at Barton Park.
Fishing has been slow to fair on the Sandy River. Bank fishers have taken a few at Oxbow Park. Cedar Creek is in good shape but fishing poorly.
The McKenzie is fishable this week and while there hasn't been much dry fly action yet, nymphing has been effective.
On the trout planting schedule this week are E. E. Wilson, Mt Hood College Pond, West Salish Pond and Alton Baker Canal.
Henry Hagg Lake will open on March 1st.
Northwest – Most coastal rivers were too high for productive fishing last week. Smaller streams were in ideal shape at mid-week with the Nehalem, Necanicum and Kilchis in prime shape on Tuesday. The North Fork Nehalem hatchery reported a significant slow-down in hatchery returns although some keepers will be coming back into early March.
The reprieve in precipitation, coupled with a warming trend will have very positive impacts for steelheaders this weekend. Larger rivers like the Wilson, Trask and Nestucca should be fishing very well into the weekend with motivated broodstock and wild fish available on all systems. The Wilson and Nestucca however offer the best chances for hatchery keepers with bait producing the best in higher flows and jigs or plugs producing best in lower, clearer water.
It will be a good weekend to collect broodstock steelhead on the Wilson and Nestucca Rivers. Collection is critical to sustain the program so please sign up by calling the ODF&W office at (503) 842-2741.
Fair sturgeon tides over the weekend will give anglers some decent opportunities in the early afternoon. Unfortunately, crabbing is poor making the effort a single strategy. A high swell will likely keep boats from targeting bottomfish on the ocean over the weekend.
Clam diggers may want to take advantage of good tides targeting bay clams on Tillamook and razor clams along Clatsop Beaches. Call the shellfish hotline at 1-800-448-2474 for updated information.
Crabbing out of Newport and Waldport has been poor, but prospects may turn around with dry weather. Steelheading has been slow to fair up on the North Fork Alsea.
Siuslaw steelheaders took fish over the past weekend. The best bet for this weekend will be the drift from Whittaker to Wildcat or Wildcat to Linslaw. Some quality broodstock steelhead are showing up at the fish trap on Whittaker Creek.
Pro guide Jeff Jackson (541-268-6944) reports the Siuslaw at Whittaker is dropping and clearing and should be in good shape this weekend.
Alder Lake, Buck Lake, Carter Lake, Cleawox Lake, Dune Lake, Elbow Lake, Georgia Lake, Lost Lake (Lane County), Munsel Lake, North Georgia Lake, Perkins Lake, Siltcoos Lagoon and Thissel Pond are scheduled to be stocked with trout this week.
Southwest – A break in precipitation this week will have most of the south coast river fishing well. Rain last week brought good numbers of fresh steelhead into coastal tributaries but catches this week will be a combination of hatchery, wild and spawned-out fish returning to the ocean.
Surf perch fishing has been decent off southwest coastal beaches.
Umpqua anglers had a good weekend with about half the steelhead landed of hatchery origin. The South Umpqua has been a top producer.
Coquille steelheaders had a good weekend, particularly on the South, with catches yielding about 30% native fish with the remainder destined for the barbecue.
The Millicoma River continued to put out good numbers of steelhead over the past weekend, providing several anglers with bag limits.
Elk River steelheaders are taking fish this week but with no rain in the forecast, it is likely to be low by the coming weekend.
The lower Rogue came into shape late last week and has been delivering steelhead since then. Plug pullers have had the advantage recently.
The Chetco has been fairly stable at roughly 3,400 cfs at Brookings for several days. There are good numbers of steelhead in this river and the fishing has reflected it.
Dave Pitts, Field Editor for Salmon Trout and Steelhead reports from the Chetco River that drift boaters are finally seeing lower flows to connect on steelhead.
Lake Selmac is scheduled to receive hatchery trout this week.
Eastern – Trout fishing is fair but improving on the Deschutes near Maupin. Water levels and clarity are good but with hatches sparse, nymphing has been most effective.
The Dalles Pool is still producing good catches of steelhead for boat anglers. This fishery should produce even better as temperatures warm this week.
Pro guide Steve Fleming (1-888-624-9424) reports that while the John Day River was frozen up in lots of places last week with the warmer days and nights it is breaking up much faster than anticipated.
Willamette Valley/Metro- Sturgeon fishing improved over the last Thursday through Sunday retention period. While some anglers caught only shakers, others took several keeper-sized fish. Smelt and sand shrimp were top baits. Fishery managers this week will determine the fate of the Willamette spring chinook fishery. It is likely to be a 7-day per week fishery despite a poor run forecast for returning hatchery fish.
Steelhead were taken on the lower Clackamas over the weekend. Drift boaters should be aware of a downed tree below the boat ramp at Barton Park.
Fishing has been slow to fair on the Sandy River. Bank fishers have taken a few at Oxbow Park. Cedar Creek is in good shape but fishing poorly.
The McKenzie is fishable this week and while there hasn't been much dry fly action yet, nymphing has been effective.
On the trout planting schedule this week are E. E. Wilson, Mt Hood College Pond, West Salish Pond and Alton Baker Canal.
Henry Hagg Lake will open on March 1st.
Northwest – Most coastal rivers were too high for productive fishing last week. Smaller streams were in ideal shape at mid-week with the Nehalem, Necanicum and Kilchis in prime shape on Tuesday. The North Fork Nehalem hatchery reported a significant slow-down in hatchery returns although some keepers will be coming back into early March.
The reprieve in precipitation, coupled with a warming trend will have very positive impacts for steelheaders this weekend. Larger rivers like the Wilson, Trask and Nestucca should be fishing very well into the weekend with motivated broodstock and wild fish available on all systems. The Wilson and Nestucca however offer the best chances for hatchery keepers with bait producing the best in higher flows and jigs or plugs producing best in lower, clearer water.
It will be a good weekend to collect broodstock steelhead on the Wilson and Nestucca Rivers. Collection is critical to sustain the program so please sign up by calling the ODF&W office at (503) 842-2741.
Fair sturgeon tides over the weekend will give anglers some decent opportunities in the early afternoon. Unfortunately, crabbing is poor making the effort a single strategy. A high swell will likely keep boats from targeting bottomfish on the ocean over the weekend.
Clam diggers may want to take advantage of good tides targeting bay clams on Tillamook and razor clams along Clatsop Beaches. Call the shellfish hotline at 1-800-448-2474 for updated information.
Crabbing out of Newport and Waldport has been poor, but prospects may turn around with dry weather. Steelheading has been slow to fair up on the North Fork Alsea.
Siuslaw steelheaders took fish over the past weekend. The best bet for this weekend will be the drift from Whittaker to Wildcat or Wildcat to Linslaw. Some quality broodstock steelhead are showing up at the fish trap on Whittaker Creek.
Pro guide Jeff Jackson (541-268-6944) reports the Siuslaw at Whittaker is dropping and clearing and should be in good shape this weekend.
Alder Lake, Buck Lake, Carter Lake, Cleawox Lake, Dune Lake, Elbow Lake, Georgia Lake, Lost Lake (Lane County), Munsel Lake, North Georgia Lake, Perkins Lake, Siltcoos Lagoon and Thissel Pond are scheduled to be stocked with trout this week.
Southwest – A break in precipitation this week will have most of the south coast river fishing well. Rain last week brought good numbers of fresh steelhead into coastal tributaries but catches this week will be a combination of hatchery, wild and spawned-out fish returning to the ocean.
Surf perch fishing has been decent off southwest coastal beaches.
Umpqua anglers had a good weekend with about half the steelhead landed of hatchery origin. The South Umpqua has been a top producer.
Coquille steelheaders had a good weekend, particularly on the South, with catches yielding about 30% native fish with the remainder destined for the barbecue.
The Millicoma River continued to put out good numbers of steelhead over the past weekend, providing several anglers with bag limits.
Elk River steelheaders are taking fish this week but with no rain in the forecast, it is likely to be low by the coming weekend.
The lower Rogue came into shape late last week and has been delivering steelhead since then. Plug pullers have had the advantage recently.
The Chetco has been fairly stable at roughly 3,400 cfs at Brookings for several days. There are good numbers of steelhead in this river and the fishing has reflected it.
Dave Pitts, Field Editor for Salmon Trout and Steelhead reports from the Chetco River that drift boaters are finally seeing lower flows to connect on steelhead.
Lake Selmac is scheduled to receive hatchery trout this week.
Eastern – Trout fishing is fair but improving on the Deschutes near Maupin. Water levels and clarity are good but with hatches sparse, nymphing has been most effective.
The Dalles Pool is still producing good catches of steelhead for boat anglers. This fishery should produce even better as temperatures warm this week.
Pro guide Steve Fleming (1-888-624-9424) reports that while the John Day River was frozen up in lots of places last week with the warmer days and nights it is breaking up much faster than anticipated.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Oregon fishing updates
Willamette Valley/Metro- For most anglers, this is a good week to troll the isles of the Portland Sportsman Exposition. Promises of a good spring chinook season have most anglers saving their sick days for April.
Sturgeon anglers are encouraged with the increasing water temperature at Willamette Falls, a trend which may improve the sturgeon bite. The fish have been timid biters in the frigid waters, as to be nearly undetectable, especially if it's windy. The lower Willamette is now a few degrees warmer than the Columbia. Sand shrimp and smelt took keepers over the past weekend.
Water temperatures remain too cold to draw smelt upstream. Until the river temperature rises above 40 degrees, smelt will be reluctant to migrate. Cold water temperatures are also keeping sturgeon and salmon from being active in the mainstem Columbia. No salmon or smelt were landed in last weeks commercial openers but gill-netters landed 61 keeper sturgeon.
Snow at the headwaters of the North Santiam will begin melting this week and while part of the snowmelt will contribute to the re-filling of Detroit Reservoir, it will also have the river running high and cold. Fishing has been fair.
Clackamas steelheaders have had a tough week with fish present but scattered and hookups rare in the cold water. Water clarity is usually better above Deep Creek. Eagle Creek has been running a little high with bites few and far between.
Pro guide Kent Anderson (503-550-6303) reports that after fishing several days and taking only a few fish, that the steelhead are scattered and not in a biting mood due to the cold water.
Sandy water conditions have been in and out with the most reliable conditions higher in the system. For all metro rivers, the bite should improve with the predicted warming trend this weekend. River flows are also likely to fluctuate creating challenging conditions on a rising river.
Trout planting will resume next week.
Northwest – The Wilson River was in fine shape early in the week and produced good catches of steelhead on Monday. There are still a few chinook showing in the catches, they must be released unharmed. Navigational hazards still exist on many coastal streams; don’t take any stretch of river for granted.
The upper reaches of the Trask and Nestucca also gave up fish late last week with large baits producing the bulk of the fish. More wild fish are beginning to show in the catches but hatchery broodstock fish will continue to be available in the Nestucca and Wilson Rivers.
Melting snow will likely put the larger coastal river systems out of shape for weekend anglers. Smaller streams like the Necanicum, Kilchis and North Fork Nehalem will be the best bets over the weekend. A mix of spent hatchery fish and fresh wild ones will make up the bulk of the catch.
Effort has dropped on the Siletz River but catches remained fair. Side-drifting continues to produce the best results but a predicted increase in water levels should cool the fishing over the weekend.
While steelheading on the Alsea was very slow earlier this week, participation remained active with anglers lining the banks.
Rough ocean conditions will keep ocean goers in port this week although rockfish will be ripe for the picking when seas subside. Coastal crabbing remains poor.
Southwest – Rivers on the south coast have had periods of brief recovery, but round after round of rain storms have steelheaders seeking smaller streams which drop and clear more quickly.
The Coos and Coquille have been fishing well when in shape but have been running high and muddy this week.
While the Millicoma is also high with marginal visibility, it has periodically allowed anglers the chance for a few fresh winter steelhead.
Elk and Sixes rivers have been blown out for the much of the time over the past few days.
The water level of the lower Rogue was dropping earlier this week but is due to take another hit before the weekend as another storm front moves through.
Chetco flows have been up and down over the past week, reaching flows of 10,000 cfs a couple of times. It was approachable by plunkers on Tuesday this week while at 4,900 cfs, six feet on the gauge at Brookings and dropping. Cold water requires extra patience, although steelhead were taken on Tuesday this week with the better water conditions higher on the system.
Eastern – Fishing for steelhead is slow in the lower Deschutes with cold water causing the fish to be lethargic and most of the summers present are well past their pull date. Redside angling is poor.
Trollers in The Dalles Pool continue to post good catches of steelhead despite cold weather conditions. These are likely a mix of residual summer steelhead and may continue to provide a fishery in the coming weeks.
Pro guide Steve Fleming (1-888-624-9424) reports that as of February 4th the John Day River is frozen shut but once the river temperatures rise, larger bass may become more active but well distributed throughout the river.
Pro guide Rick Arnold (541-480-1570) is also influenced by the cold eastside temperatures as he writes that the weather has been the big factor this winter but that a few diehards are fishing for bulls at LBC and the biggest he had heard about was an 8 LB. fish.
Sturgeon anglers are encouraged with the increasing water temperature at Willamette Falls, a trend which may improve the sturgeon bite. The fish have been timid biters in the frigid waters, as to be nearly undetectable, especially if it's windy. The lower Willamette is now a few degrees warmer than the Columbia. Sand shrimp and smelt took keepers over the past weekend.
Water temperatures remain too cold to draw smelt upstream. Until the river temperature rises above 40 degrees, smelt will be reluctant to migrate. Cold water temperatures are also keeping sturgeon and salmon from being active in the mainstem Columbia. No salmon or smelt were landed in last weeks commercial openers but gill-netters landed 61 keeper sturgeon.
Snow at the headwaters of the North Santiam will begin melting this week and while part of the snowmelt will contribute to the re-filling of Detroit Reservoir, it will also have the river running high and cold. Fishing has been fair.
Clackamas steelheaders have had a tough week with fish present but scattered and hookups rare in the cold water. Water clarity is usually better above Deep Creek. Eagle Creek has been running a little high with bites few and far between.
Pro guide Kent Anderson (503-550-6303) reports that after fishing several days and taking only a few fish, that the steelhead are scattered and not in a biting mood due to the cold water.
Sandy water conditions have been in and out with the most reliable conditions higher in the system. For all metro rivers, the bite should improve with the predicted warming trend this weekend. River flows are also likely to fluctuate creating challenging conditions on a rising river.
Trout planting will resume next week.
Northwest – The Wilson River was in fine shape early in the week and produced good catches of steelhead on Monday. There are still a few chinook showing in the catches, they must be released unharmed. Navigational hazards still exist on many coastal streams; don’t take any stretch of river for granted.
The upper reaches of the Trask and Nestucca also gave up fish late last week with large baits producing the bulk of the fish. More wild fish are beginning to show in the catches but hatchery broodstock fish will continue to be available in the Nestucca and Wilson Rivers.
Melting snow will likely put the larger coastal river systems out of shape for weekend anglers. Smaller streams like the Necanicum, Kilchis and North Fork Nehalem will be the best bets over the weekend. A mix of spent hatchery fish and fresh wild ones will make up the bulk of the catch.
Effort has dropped on the Siletz River but catches remained fair. Side-drifting continues to produce the best results but a predicted increase in water levels should cool the fishing over the weekend.
While steelheading on the Alsea was very slow earlier this week, participation remained active with anglers lining the banks.
Rough ocean conditions will keep ocean goers in port this week although rockfish will be ripe for the picking when seas subside. Coastal crabbing remains poor.
Southwest – Rivers on the south coast have had periods of brief recovery, but round after round of rain storms have steelheaders seeking smaller streams which drop and clear more quickly.
The Coos and Coquille have been fishing well when in shape but have been running high and muddy this week.
While the Millicoma is also high with marginal visibility, it has periodically allowed anglers the chance for a few fresh winter steelhead.
Elk and Sixes rivers have been blown out for the much of the time over the past few days.
The water level of the lower Rogue was dropping earlier this week but is due to take another hit before the weekend as another storm front moves through.
Chetco flows have been up and down over the past week, reaching flows of 10,000 cfs a couple of times. It was approachable by plunkers on Tuesday this week while at 4,900 cfs, six feet on the gauge at Brookings and dropping. Cold water requires extra patience, although steelhead were taken on Tuesday this week with the better water conditions higher on the system.
Eastern – Fishing for steelhead is slow in the lower Deschutes with cold water causing the fish to be lethargic and most of the summers present are well past their pull date. Redside angling is poor.
Trollers in The Dalles Pool continue to post good catches of steelhead despite cold weather conditions. These are likely a mix of residual summer steelhead and may continue to provide a fishery in the coming weeks.
Pro guide Steve Fleming (1-888-624-9424) reports that as of February 4th the John Day River is frozen shut but once the river temperatures rise, larger bass may become more active but well distributed throughout the river.
Pro guide Rick Arnold (541-480-1570) is also influenced by the cold eastside temperatures as he writes that the weather has been the big factor this winter but that a few diehards are fishing for bulls at LBC and the biggest he had heard about was an 8 LB. fish.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Oregon fishing report
Oregon Fisheries Update:
Columbia River Spring Chinook Allocation Meeting
February 8, 2008 - 8:00 AM
http://www.theguidesforecast.com/2008allocationmeeting.pdf
Willamette Valley/Metro- The chilly water of the lower Willamette has sturgeon biting even more timid this week. While there are plenty of shakers around, only a few keepers have been taken by anglers willing to move around to find the fish, then offering a variety of baits. Plunkers at Meldrum Bar have had a very slow week for steelhead.
A few native winters are being caught on the Santiam system but there just isn’t a lot of fresh steelhead in the system. While the flow is at seasonal average, the water temperature is in the high 30s, making it difficult to get the available winters to bite. Numbers should build into March.
Clackamas anglers are finding steelhead scattered throughout the system. Fishing has been fair.
Steelhead were taken through the recent cold snap on the Sandy but keep an eye on river conditions now that the freezing level is on the rise.
While the McKenzie was in great shape over the past weekend, fishing was poor with water temps in the 30s. Rain is likely to blow it out this week.
E. E. Wilson, Sheridan Pond and Junction City Pond are scheduled to be stocked with trout this week. Walling Pond and Walter Wirth Lake will receive legal and larger-sized rainbows.
Northwest – Low flows kept most anglers from being motivated over the weekend. Clear, cold water and inclement weather made for challenging conditions and the bulk of the early run winter steelhead are spawning.
Some quality broodstock steelhead were taken in the Wilson and Nestucca Rivers but these prized fish will be present in higher numbers later in February and into March. The upper reaches of these systems, particularly the Wilson are still holding biting steelhead. Low water conditions allow for alternative techniques and bobber and jig fishing is likely to produce well under these conditions. Wild fish numbers will also build into March with most coastal systems likely to see good returns.
The Trask River yielded some fish early in the week and a rare winter chinook can still be found. These late-run fish must be released as the salmon season won’t open until April 1st in this district.
Area rivers are forecast to rise for most of the week but could remain fishable. Anglers are likely to find mostly spawned out hatchery fish on the Necanicum, North Fork Nehalem, Wilson, Kilchis and Nestucca Rivers. Cold weather will keep success rates low and coast range passes treacherous. Use caution when traveling.
Only a few sturgeon anglers braved the weekend weather but a few keepers were taken in the upper end of the south channel of Tillamook Bay. Keepers ranged from 42 to 48 inches and fell to sand shrimp late in the incoming tide.
On the Nestucca, pro guide Jesse Zalonis (503-392-5808) reports that the bite has slowed with cold temperatures.
Crabbing remains slow but Netarts Bay is still producing a few keepers and is likely holds the most promise on the coast.
Siletz water levels are predicted to rise about two feet this week, hitting the seven foot level by the coming weekend. Steelheading has been fair when the water conditions have been favorable but a far cry from good success rates earlier in the season.
Pro guide Bill Kremers (541-754-6411) reports that he fished the Alsea in harsh weather Thursday this week without landing any steelhead.
Crabbing in Alsea Bay has not been productive over the past week.
Southwest – Offshore boaters caught limits of nice ling cod last week when the ocean laid down, but rough seas and high winds will prevent bar crossings this week.
Rain and snow hit the south coast hard this week. Pro guide Jeff Jackson (541-268-6944) predicts it'll take a stretch of dry weather for it to fish again.
Plugs took steelhead over the weekend on the Umpqua. Both he North and South Umpqua have been productive this season.
Action slowed for steelhead plunkers on the lower Rogue recently but drift boaters have done well from Foster to Quosatana. Side drifting has been most effective.
Chetco steelheaders are looking forward to rain this week as the river was running very low into the past weekend. Fishing has been outstanding overall this season and effort has been running high as well.
Eastern – The John Day River is choked with ice jams and is unsafe for boating. Cold temperatures may keep the river locked up for several more weeks but a warming trend should set off a steelhead bite and a few smallmouth bass.
The same holds true for the Grande Ronde and Imnaha Rivers where staging steelhead remain untouched until the region experiences a warming trend.
Walleye anglers await the same weather change in the mainstem Columbia above the John Day Dam.
Cooper Creek Reservoir is scheduled to be planted with hatchery trout.
Columbia River Spring Chinook Allocation Meeting
February 8, 2008 - 8:00 AM
http://www.theguidesforecast.com/2008allocationmeeting.pdf
Willamette Valley/Metro- The chilly water of the lower Willamette has sturgeon biting even more timid this week. While there are plenty of shakers around, only a few keepers have been taken by anglers willing to move around to find the fish, then offering a variety of baits. Plunkers at Meldrum Bar have had a very slow week for steelhead.
A few native winters are being caught on the Santiam system but there just isn’t a lot of fresh steelhead in the system. While the flow is at seasonal average, the water temperature is in the high 30s, making it difficult to get the available winters to bite. Numbers should build into March.
Clackamas anglers are finding steelhead scattered throughout the system. Fishing has been fair.
Steelhead were taken through the recent cold snap on the Sandy but keep an eye on river conditions now that the freezing level is on the rise.
While the McKenzie was in great shape over the past weekend, fishing was poor with water temps in the 30s. Rain is likely to blow it out this week.
E. E. Wilson, Sheridan Pond and Junction City Pond are scheduled to be stocked with trout this week. Walling Pond and Walter Wirth Lake will receive legal and larger-sized rainbows.
Northwest – Low flows kept most anglers from being motivated over the weekend. Clear, cold water and inclement weather made for challenging conditions and the bulk of the early run winter steelhead are spawning.
Some quality broodstock steelhead were taken in the Wilson and Nestucca Rivers but these prized fish will be present in higher numbers later in February and into March. The upper reaches of these systems, particularly the Wilson are still holding biting steelhead. Low water conditions allow for alternative techniques and bobber and jig fishing is likely to produce well under these conditions. Wild fish numbers will also build into March with most coastal systems likely to see good returns.
The Trask River yielded some fish early in the week and a rare winter chinook can still be found. These late-run fish must be released as the salmon season won’t open until April 1st in this district.
Area rivers are forecast to rise for most of the week but could remain fishable. Anglers are likely to find mostly spawned out hatchery fish on the Necanicum, North Fork Nehalem, Wilson, Kilchis and Nestucca Rivers. Cold weather will keep success rates low and coast range passes treacherous. Use caution when traveling.
Only a few sturgeon anglers braved the weekend weather but a few keepers were taken in the upper end of the south channel of Tillamook Bay. Keepers ranged from 42 to 48 inches and fell to sand shrimp late in the incoming tide.
On the Nestucca, pro guide Jesse Zalonis (503-392-5808) reports that the bite has slowed with cold temperatures.
Crabbing remains slow but Netarts Bay is still producing a few keepers and is likely holds the most promise on the coast.
Siletz water levels are predicted to rise about two feet this week, hitting the seven foot level by the coming weekend. Steelheading has been fair when the water conditions have been favorable but a far cry from good success rates earlier in the season.
Pro guide Bill Kremers (541-754-6411) reports that he fished the Alsea in harsh weather Thursday this week without landing any steelhead.
Crabbing in Alsea Bay has not been productive over the past week.
Southwest – Offshore boaters caught limits of nice ling cod last week when the ocean laid down, but rough seas and high winds will prevent bar crossings this week.
Rain and snow hit the south coast hard this week. Pro guide Jeff Jackson (541-268-6944) predicts it'll take a stretch of dry weather for it to fish again.
Plugs took steelhead over the weekend on the Umpqua. Both he North and South Umpqua have been productive this season.
Action slowed for steelhead plunkers on the lower Rogue recently but drift boaters have done well from Foster to Quosatana. Side drifting has been most effective.
Chetco steelheaders are looking forward to rain this week as the river was running very low into the past weekend. Fishing has been outstanding overall this season and effort has been running high as well.
Eastern – The John Day River is choked with ice jams and is unsafe for boating. Cold temperatures may keep the river locked up for several more weeks but a warming trend should set off a steelhead bite and a few smallmouth bass.
The same holds true for the Grande Ronde and Imnaha Rivers where staging steelhead remain untouched until the region experiences a warming trend.
Walleye anglers await the same weather change in the mainstem Columbia above the John Day Dam.
Cooper Creek Reservoir is scheduled to be planted with hatchery trout.
