Updated for the week of October 14th – October 20th, 2005
Oregon Fishing Update
Columbia River - Pro guide Bill Kremers (541-754-6411) reports sturgeon fishing near Bonneville continues to put out keepers but larger fish aren't making up a large percentage of the catch. None-the-less, keepers are common and smelt is the preferred bait although shad strips and squid have produced as well. Pressure dramatically drops off during the non-retention days.
Mid Columbia/Deschutes River - Pro guide Eli Rico (425-417-0394) reports the mainstem above McNary Dam remains open until the 22nd of October. Fishing for Chinook remains steady with a better showing of larger Chinook in recent days. Most of the salmon are being taken on plugs and remain suspended so deep divers are not necessary.
The mouth of the Deschutes River is inconsistent for steelhead and the mainstem itself is slower than most expect for this time of the year. Some dark Chinook are taking steelhead gear so be prepared for anything!
North Coast - Pro guide Bob Rees (503-812-9036) reports, "Tillamook was slow for most of the week due to a poor tide series. Usually, the ocean is a good option on these poor tides but a big swell kept the bar restricted to all recreational vessels. Tides are improving however and the action is due to pick up."
Nehalem Bay was poor on Tuesday but produced good results for Chinook on Monday. Professionals are saying it is an every-other-day kind of fishery.
The Nestucca tidewater is producing some fish but the boat ramp hole is not fishing well this year. The Pacific City Bridge is much more popular this year and the crowds will verify this.
The Salmon River is drying up as its run is coming to an end. Fewer crowds mean less competition and anglers are hard pressed to find those options anywhere on the north coast this time of year.
No significant rain in sight which will be disappointing news to driftboaters. When that rain does come, north coast rivers will be an excellent option for Chinook.
Mid-Coast - Many dark, spawning chinook may be seen on the Siletz now. Give them a wide berth, avoid disturbing the redds (Spawning beds) and don't harass them. These salmon are the future of this fishery. It's worth protecting.
Crabbing is good at Yaquina Bay with limits of large Dungeness the rule. Salmon fishing has just about wrapped up for the season here. Recently, Alsea anglers have seen an upturn in action for chinook although the weekend was slow.
South Coast - Action has dropped off on the Siuslaw where low numbers of coho seem to be about equally divided between wild and hatchery fish. Trollers out of Reedsport are finding fair, steady action for Fall chinook.
Steelheading is slow to fair on the Umpqua. The South Umpqua is closed to all angling. Salmon fishing in Winchester Bay is fair as is the crabbing. Trollers in the lower Coos and Coquille River report chinook fishing as slow to fair.
Rogue River anglers have had a tough tome in the Gold Beach area recently with Chinook numbers down and water too warm to encourage the passing coho to take anything. A few half-pounders are being taken upstream with an emphasis on "few." Summer steelheading is best around Grants Pass. The river below Hog Creek remains open for chinook but most of the fish in the river are dark.
Chinook are stacked at the mouth of the Chetco where some dandies have been landed. A good rain will bring these fish into the main river.
Gold Beach remains open for razor clam digging for the first 15 clams taken, regardless of size or condition. A fair minus tidal series starts up next week with clam tides after dark. Many razor regulars enjoy this nighttime spot, equipping themselves with lanterns or head-mounted lamps to spot their quarry after dark.
Willamette Valley/Metro - The Willamette is slow for sturgeon although a couple of keepers have come over the gunwale at Multnomah Channel.
Steelhead fishing remains slow with the water levels and flows high on the North Santiam.
Eagle Creek on the Clackamas has seen periodic flushes of coho as it rises with a rain shower but it's been dropping back to low water very quickly. Floating quality cured salmon eggs without the use of weight has taken a few under these conditions. Fishing on the mainstem Clackamas River is slow.
Roiled water remains a challenge on the Sandy River. A few fish are being landed on salmon eggs, but speculation regarding the corky fishermen and snagging is increasing. If you see anyone taking fish illegally, call the TIP (turn in poachers) hotline at 800-452-7888.
Oxbow Park on the Sandy River is once again hosting the annual Salmon Festival this weekend, October 15th and 16th. The tents are the headquarters for a number of activities of interest to both adults and children. These will include salmon walks, kid's activities, arts and crafts, music, storytelling, cultural exhibits, horse-drawn wagon rides, forest hikes, and a salmon barbecue along with vendors offering many kinds of food and drink. Much of the entertainment and many activities will be undercover if the weather turns wet.
Trout fishing - Rainbow trout were planted this week at Detroit Reservoir, Walling Pond and Walter Wirth Lake.
SW Washington - The Cowlitz River is fair for coho from Blue Creek to Barrier Dam. There are some fresh fish available but darker fish are certainly in the mix.
The Lewis River is also producing good number of coho salmon for both bank and boat anglers. A late shot of summer steelhead has added to the opportunity on both river systems.
Most of the "B" run coho in the Columbia are bound for Washington state hatcheries. These fish seem to be making a stronger than anticipated showing which will bode well for these fisheries.
http://www.theguidesforecast.com/
http://www.northwestguides.com/oregonfishing/
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Oregon Fishing Report
Updated for the week of October 7th – October 13th, 2005
Oregon Fishing Update
Columbia River - The sturgeon opener in the gorge was not as good as one would think (after such a prolonged closure) but action was good for those versed in the area. Limits weren't easy but those that worked at it found some quality keepers in the water closer to the deadline. Shaker action wasn't all that impressive either but those fishing closer to Horsetail and Multnomah found fair results for fish that averaged less than legal. A few oversized fish remain in the catch. The Portland to Longview stretch produced minimal results.
Crabbing in the lower river continues to pick up as expected for this time of year. Limits are becoming more common as males begin the mating ritual in nearby waters. Crabbers soaking pots near Buoys 20 and 22 find the best results and a dampening tide series will allow for greater opportunity for longer soak times.
Mid Columbia/Deschutes River - The mouth of the Deschutes continues to produce best when there is little competition from Native American netting activity. Steelhead counts are beginning to pick up at the Dalles and John Day Dams indicating these fisheries should once again pick up. These are most likely fish that have been in a holding pattern for much of the summer in anticipation of cooler water temperatures. Trollers at the mouth of the Deschutes should continue to see good opportunities this week while John Day Pool anglers will have to wait a bit more for good results.
North Coast - Tillamook anglers have been a bit disappointed after the previous weeks results. Chinook are still very available and the bite seems to be picking up but the fishery went through several days of slow fishing when last weeks weather change was happening. The more intense tide exchange put the bite into the middle and upper bay early in the week but a weaker tide series during the mid-week may put it back at the jaws. The ocean has been closed with a big SW swell and the ocean forecast is not looking good for anglers wishing to go to the big pond. Spinners have been the ticket in the bay as seaweed plagues herring trollers- they have a hard time fishing weed free for any length of time. Coho were caught in good numbers on Monday but almost all of the fish were of wild origin.
The Trask and Wilson River both produced catches of Chinook on Sunday and Monday. Most effort took place on the Trask but the very few anglers working the lower Wilson reported good success in tidewater.
The Nestucca was also good to bobber anglers prior to the slight rise in river levels. A shot of fish went into Three Rivers but by the weekend, water levels will once again make it difficult to take fish above tidewater. The Salmon River is busy with anglers as well with most concentrating just above the Hwy. 101 Bridge. Action has been sporadic.
The Nehalem is producing 3 to 5 fish per day for seasoned professionals. Seaweed doesn't seem to be such a problem here but the bulk of the action is taking place at the jaws on trolled herring.
Mid-Coast - Bottom fishing has slowed slightly out of Depoe Bay and Newport with the seas cooling, but it's still well worth the trip. Crabbing has been very good for large, hard-shelled Dungeness at Yaquina Bay but the salmon fishing has fallen off with the last rains drawing chinook upstream.
The Siuslaw has been producing chinook reliably but not in great number. Coho are also present but few are of hatchery origin. Spinners seem to be more effective than bait. A few large fall chinook have been caught recently in the bay.
The lower Umpqua River is producing chinook from above Big Bend down into Winchester Bay. Bobber fishermen at Winchester Creek are taking chinook on both cured salmon eggs and anchovies. Crabbing has been good.
South Coast - No reports as yet on the Siltcoos wild coho fishery which started on October 1st, but this one should be producing for trollers dragging spinners. Tahkenitch also opened on that date.
Chinook fishing is fair to good in the lower Coos and Coquille Rivers for trollers dragging herring.
It's still slow going for chinook on the Rogue River and now that the fish are scattered it's slow throughout the system. Trollers in the bay are picking up a few. Summer steelhead fishing is good in the Grants Pass stretch as well as in the upper fly-fishing-only area. Where bait is allowed, anglers are targeting steelhead with salmon eggs where they're feeding below spawning chinook.
Crabbing is good in the estuaries at Charleston and Bandon. Crab quality should improve overall as fall approaches, with more solid meat in the legs.
Chinook salmon anglers are back on the ocean beginning Saturday for the annual "bubble" fishery off the Brookings coast.
Willamette Valley/Metro- Sturgeon fishers had one day on the lower Willamette and in Multnomah Channel following the re-opening October 1st. Reports indicate few keepers but we'll get another chance Thursdays through Saturdays the rest of the month.
The water visibility at the Sandy River has made fishing tough this week. It's as much as half a foot at Cedar Creek, less as one travels downstream. Give this one a few days to clear then hit it for coho.
Coho are present in good number in the Clackamas river although the aren't cooperating well with the spinner crowd. There are lots of fish showing between Barton and Carver. A few have been taken on cured salmon eggs.
McKenzie river levels have dropped nicely and trout fishing is in a seasonal upswing. Long-rodders rejoice. Steelhead are present as well.
With coastal rivers producing chinook following the welcomed rainfall and given the swift flow of the river (about 2000 cfs at Niagara), few anglers are fishing the North Santiam. This river is stunning in the Fall, however, when foliage puts on the best show of the year.
Trout fishing- Waters stocked this week with State-raised rainbows include Mt Hood Pond and Dexter Reservoir. The venerable Henry Hagg Lake received 8,000 eight-to-10 inchers on Monday. Taylor Lake in the Deschutes watershed was also planted this week.
http://www.TheGuidesForecast.com/
Oregon Fishing Update
Columbia River - The sturgeon opener in the gorge was not as good as one would think (after such a prolonged closure) but action was good for those versed in the area. Limits weren't easy but those that worked at it found some quality keepers in the water closer to the deadline. Shaker action wasn't all that impressive either but those fishing closer to Horsetail and Multnomah found fair results for fish that averaged less than legal. A few oversized fish remain in the catch. The Portland to Longview stretch produced minimal results.
Crabbing in the lower river continues to pick up as expected for this time of year. Limits are becoming more common as males begin the mating ritual in nearby waters. Crabbers soaking pots near Buoys 20 and 22 find the best results and a dampening tide series will allow for greater opportunity for longer soak times.
Mid Columbia/Deschutes River - The mouth of the Deschutes continues to produce best when there is little competition from Native American netting activity. Steelhead counts are beginning to pick up at the Dalles and John Day Dams indicating these fisheries should once again pick up. These are most likely fish that have been in a holding pattern for much of the summer in anticipation of cooler water temperatures. Trollers at the mouth of the Deschutes should continue to see good opportunities this week while John Day Pool anglers will have to wait a bit more for good results.
North Coast - Tillamook anglers have been a bit disappointed after the previous weeks results. Chinook are still very available and the bite seems to be picking up but the fishery went through several days of slow fishing when last weeks weather change was happening. The more intense tide exchange put the bite into the middle and upper bay early in the week but a weaker tide series during the mid-week may put it back at the jaws. The ocean has been closed with a big SW swell and the ocean forecast is not looking good for anglers wishing to go to the big pond. Spinners have been the ticket in the bay as seaweed plagues herring trollers- they have a hard time fishing weed free for any length of time. Coho were caught in good numbers on Monday but almost all of the fish were of wild origin.
The Trask and Wilson River both produced catches of Chinook on Sunday and Monday. Most effort took place on the Trask but the very few anglers working the lower Wilson reported good success in tidewater.
The Nestucca was also good to bobber anglers prior to the slight rise in river levels. A shot of fish went into Three Rivers but by the weekend, water levels will once again make it difficult to take fish above tidewater. The Salmon River is busy with anglers as well with most concentrating just above the Hwy. 101 Bridge. Action has been sporadic.
The Nehalem is producing 3 to 5 fish per day for seasoned professionals. Seaweed doesn't seem to be such a problem here but the bulk of the action is taking place at the jaws on trolled herring.
Mid-Coast - Bottom fishing has slowed slightly out of Depoe Bay and Newport with the seas cooling, but it's still well worth the trip. Crabbing has been very good for large, hard-shelled Dungeness at Yaquina Bay but the salmon fishing has fallen off with the last rains drawing chinook upstream.
The Siuslaw has been producing chinook reliably but not in great number. Coho are also present but few are of hatchery origin. Spinners seem to be more effective than bait. A few large fall chinook have been caught recently in the bay.
The lower Umpqua River is producing chinook from above Big Bend down into Winchester Bay. Bobber fishermen at Winchester Creek are taking chinook on both cured salmon eggs and anchovies. Crabbing has been good.
South Coast - No reports as yet on the Siltcoos wild coho fishery which started on October 1st, but this one should be producing for trollers dragging spinners. Tahkenitch also opened on that date.
Chinook fishing is fair to good in the lower Coos and Coquille Rivers for trollers dragging herring.
It's still slow going for chinook on the Rogue River and now that the fish are scattered it's slow throughout the system. Trollers in the bay are picking up a few. Summer steelhead fishing is good in the Grants Pass stretch as well as in the upper fly-fishing-only area. Where bait is allowed, anglers are targeting steelhead with salmon eggs where they're feeding below spawning chinook.
Crabbing is good in the estuaries at Charleston and Bandon. Crab quality should improve overall as fall approaches, with more solid meat in the legs.
Chinook salmon anglers are back on the ocean beginning Saturday for the annual "bubble" fishery off the Brookings coast.
Willamette Valley/Metro- Sturgeon fishers had one day on the lower Willamette and in Multnomah Channel following the re-opening October 1st. Reports indicate few keepers but we'll get another chance Thursdays through Saturdays the rest of the month.
The water visibility at the Sandy River has made fishing tough this week. It's as much as half a foot at Cedar Creek, less as one travels downstream. Give this one a few days to clear then hit it for coho.
Coho are present in good number in the Clackamas river although the aren't cooperating well with the spinner crowd. There are lots of fish showing between Barton and Carver. A few have been taken on cured salmon eggs.
McKenzie river levels have dropped nicely and trout fishing is in a seasonal upswing. Long-rodders rejoice. Steelhead are present as well.
With coastal rivers producing chinook following the welcomed rainfall and given the swift flow of the river (about 2000 cfs at Niagara), few anglers are fishing the North Santiam. This river is stunning in the Fall, however, when foliage puts on the best show of the year.
Trout fishing- Waters stocked this week with State-raised rainbows include Mt Hood Pond and Dexter Reservoir. The venerable Henry Hagg Lake received 8,000 eight-to-10 inchers on Monday. Taylor Lake in the Deschutes watershed was also planted this week.
http://www.TheGuidesForecast.com/
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Oregon Fishing Report
Updated for the week of September 30th – October 6th, 2005
Oregon Fishing Update
Columbia River - Not exactly a great amount to report here. Catch and keep sturgeon fishing resumes on October 1st on the mainstem between Wauna and Bonneville Dam. The best results will likely be in the gorge and bank anglers have good history this time of year.
The Columbia remains open to fin-clipped coho and steelhead but closes to the retention of Chinook on 10/1. Another downgrade in run size is forthcoming.
Tuna seekers are having to travel further west and results very. Big schools were reported about 50 miles west of Tillamook Head on Wednesday- a tough ride in rough seas.
Crabbing in the lower river is picking up as scheduled. Limits can be had but you still may have to work for them. And speaking of shellfish, clamming on Clatsop Beaches is going to re-open on 10/1. There are some good tides ahead as well. Target the middle part of the week but you'll need to bring your camping lantern.
Mid Columbia/Deschutes River - Some steelhead are all the way up to Mecca Flats. Fly anglers on the upper river are doing best matching the ongoing caddis hatch.
The fishery at the mouth went from great to mediocre as can often be the case this time of year. Hopefully, the gillnets will cease fishing, stimulating more consistent results in this fishery.
North Coast - Tillamook continues to be the bright spot on much of the Oregon Coast. Consistent results came from the lower bay and ocean as weak tides allowed for favorable conditions for herring trollers. Seaweed is still an impediment and likely will be that way for a while longer. The precipitation that is forecasted for the weekend likely won't raise river levels enough to drift but may stimulate migration into the estuaries. Spinners will be the technique of choice for weekend anglers with a rough ocean in the forecast.
Tidewater anglers are having mixed results with more bad days than good. The Trask does have fish but better tides may bring in better numbers to the Nestucca, Salmon and Nehalem Rivers too.
Mid-Coast - Chinook fishing on the Siletz is a crapshoot with everything taking chinook every so often. Spinners, bobber 'n' eggs or soaking bait-wrapped Kwikfish have all been effective on occasion over the last week. Crabbing in Yaquina Bay has been good although only a few chinook have being landed. Chinook are being taken on the Alsea by anglers using trolled spinners as well as those fishing bobber 'n' eggs. Plug cut herring is taking some salmon out of the Siuslaw River.
South Coast - Umpqua steelheading is fair to good in places. Smallmouth fishing remains great. Winchester Bay is providing chinook action on the troll. Seals are a problem and at least one angler was the victim of an unprovoked, outright pinniped attack. Rogue River Chinook remain scattered with fishing is slow overall, best around Grants Pass. Steelheading is fair to good in the fly fishing only stretch.
Willamette Valley/Metro- Streams and rivers are low and clear. Most would benefit from s flushing rain. Not much is likely to change regardless of the weather on the North Santiam. Fish are scattered and action is spotty. Sandy River coho anglers are seeing fish occasionally clear to Cedar Greek but fishing is slow. Plug-pullers are taking a few at the mouth. There are good numbers of coho staging at the mouth of the Clackamas as well. Only a few are being caught. This one will break loose of the precipitation that's in the forecast amounts to anything.
Trout fishing- Twelve-inchers have been stocked this week at Alder Lake, Buck Lake, Dune Lake, Georgia Lake, North Georgia Lake, Perkins Lake and Siltcoos Lagoon. In the Willamette Valley, West Salish Pond, Detroit Reservoir and Foster Reservoir were planted. The last planting of 2005 for Henry Hagg Lake took place on Monday.
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