Oregon Fishing Update
Willamette Valley/Metro - Sturgeon fishing continues to slow in the gorge as water temperatures begin a steady decline. This fishery will continue to slide until spring and keepers will become increasingly available from the mouth of the Willamette downstream. Smelt will remain the top bait and a few fresh smelt are being taken from commercial netters in the lower river.
Steelhead anglers are beginning to see a downturn in their fishery as summer run fish begin to feel the need to migrate to winter spawning grounds. Tributary fisheries like the John Day may linger for another few weeks with bobber and bait taking the majority of fish.
Precipitation pushed the Willamette River to over 90,000 cfs at the Falls on December 15th, increasing water temps to 48 degrees. As the water dropped, so did the temperature, back down to a chilly 42 degrees by Monday of this week. The visibility remains less than one foot. Sturgeon fishing has been fair in Portland Harbor and Multnomah Channel.
It's still early for reliable winter steelhead action on the Clackamas although fish have started entering the hatchery facility on Eagle Creek.
Water conditions are good on the Sandy which is typical when the freezing level is low. Since this river is 100% broodstock steelhead, the run is still a few weeks away.
The Molalla River is blocked by a log jam and impassable to driftboaters. The hatchery program ceased several years ago however a remnant wild run exists later in the season.
The North Santiam remains very high with trees and debris causing potentially dangerous situations at various locations. Check ahead and boat with care.
Huddleston Pond in Sheridan will receive 350 'Trophy Trout' (16 inches or better) this week. Scheduled to be planted with 'Catchable Sized' trout (eight to 10 inches) are Junction City Pond, Carmen Reservoir, Clear Lake, Leaburg Lake, upper McKenzie River, Quartzville Creek, Santiam River North Fork and Trail Bridge Reservoir.
Northwest – The Kilchis produced good catches of chinook on Sunday and Monday. Not many anglers are targeting hatchery steelhead with such a strong showing of late winter chinook. A downed tree will keep driftboaters from using the section of river from Kilchis Park to the logger bridge.
Flows are expected to remain relatively stable through the weekend making the Wilson River the best bet for late winter chinook and steelhead. Hatchery plants of steelhead were distributed further upstream giving bank anglers good opportunity above Mills Bridge. Lower river anglers should focus more on chinook until flows drop lower.
Only a handful of boats are targeting chinook in the Ghost Hole and a rare chinook was caught early in the week. Tillamook estuary anglers should focus their efforts on sturgeon at this point with a nice minus tide series currently underway. Unfortunately, the peak part of the tide is occurring after sunset.
The Trask and Nestucca Rivers have slowed for chinook and only a few steelhead are showing in Three Rivers.
Steelheading is slow on the Alsea according to pro guide Bill Kremers (541 754 6411) who goes on to predict that it'll be after Christmas before this one starts to produce.
Crabbing has picked up in the lower Tillamook Bay and remains good in Netarts Bay. Softer tides will allow for expanded crabbing opportunities by the middle of next week.
Southwest – The South coast has been blessed with an earlier-than-normal winter steelhead run this year and the forecast is for above average numbers of fish.
Winter steelheading has been fair to good on the mainstem Umpqua above Scottsburg. Warming conditions could get the sturgeon fishing underway below Reedsport. It's overdue.
Chinook fishing is expected to improve on the Coquille with waters dropping and clearing.
Coos River anglers are enjoying a winter steelhead run that is underway earlier than in seasons past.
The Elk has dropped and cleared since the last rain and is producing quality Chinook.
Winter steelhead are entering the lower Rogue in sufficient quantity to have created a worthwhile fishery. This run doesn't usually get underway until the last week of December but was jump-started by the recent heavy rains. Steelhead are running 8 to 15 pounds.
While over 30,000 cfs last week, the Chetco flow had moderated to 3680 cfs as of Tuesday this week. Many of the Chinook moved upstream with the freshet but winter steelhead catches are on the increase.
Eastern - Weather in Northeast Oregon has recently made the fishing opportunities spotty. Water levels became unmanageable a week ago, then cold weather arrived earlier this week and brought water levels into good fishing conditions. By midweek, water temperatures had dropped enough to create slush ice in the river. Not necessarily bad for catching, but it adds a new element and eliminates fly fishing and drift fishing bait. Catch rates have dropped from recent weeks due to volatile weather conditions.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Oregon fishing update
Oregon Fishing Update
Willamette Valley/Metro - As per usual for this time of year, sturgeon action seems to be slowing in the gorge for keepers and shakers. Although water temperatures stabilized last week, freezing levels and food supply should send them downstream for until early spring.
Flows at Willamette Falls have increased slightly with the water temperature rising to 42 degrees and the visibility currently unaffected but likely to color. Anglers have been hoping for river temps to increase as this should improve the sturgeon bite.
Winter steelhead are on the move at the Falls in modest numbers, jumping to double digits on December 10th and pushing the total over 170.
A couple of winter steelies have fallen to early optimists on the Clackamas but plunkers at Meldrum Bar below the mouth have a better chance of a hookup.
One lone hatchery winter steelhead has been confirmed form the Sandy River. The water is likely to be roiled by this weekend. Look for steelheading to start up here in January.
Fishing has been challenging in the high waters of the North Santiam, but the swift flows have caused hatchery summer steelhead to seek shelter near the smaller tributaries where anglers are catching a few.
Walling Pond and Walter Wirth Lake are scheduled to be planted with eight to 10 inch rainbows this week.
Northwest – North Coast anglers seized another good week of salmon and steelhead fishing in the Tillamook district. With the log jam on the Trask opened up for navigation, fishing was very good with bright fish in the high 30 pound class taken. Most streams have already begun to rise putting these fish in jeopardy through the weekend.
Although the action slowed after excellent success the week before, some fresh salmon were still being taken in the lower stretches including tidewater. Backbounced eggs and backtrolled plugs were the ticket.
Pro guide Jesse Zalonis (503-392-5808) reports, "The Nestucca also continued to put out bright chinook but this run should fade and winter steelhead fishing should be in full swing when flows drop." Pro guide Jim Nicol (503-550-3166) adds "Three Rivers will be a good option for bank anglers while boaters working the mainstem Nestucca below the entrance of Three Rivers should start to take steelhead as early as Sunday."
The North Fork Nehalem is getting steelhead back to the hatchery and should be a top option when the rains taper. It's neighbor the Necanicum is also a strong option but high winds and saturated streambanks will make this dynamic river a navigational hazard- be prepared.
Gnat Creek and Big Creek will also be options as they fish best when most other north coast rivers are too high for success. Bank access may be a problem however as some areas are well posted.
Crabbing is excellent on Netarts Bay and may remain that way through the weekend.
Razor clam digging may be an option by the beginning of next week. Clatsop area beaches will produce the best results.
On the Alsea, pro guide Bill Kremers (541 754 6411) reports, "The Alsea River went up to 10 feet today and suppose to go higher for the next couple of days. I spent the day fin clipping steelhead at the North Fork hatchery. Something like 55 steelhead showed up at the hatchery, so the run is on. Hopefully the river will drop by early next week with some good fishing."
Southwest – Steelheading is fair on the mainstem and North Fork of the Umpqua River.
Pro guide Jeff Jackson (541-268-6944) reports, "The Siuslaw fished good for chinook last week but has since blown out. When the flows recede, steelhead fishing should pick up with plunkers taking the first fish on spin-n-glos and small baits."
Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes close on December 15th but the fishery has been productive.
The Coos River is delivering some decent winter steelhead fishing while the run has started up on the Coquille where fishing is fair and improving.
Anglers on the Sixes scored bright Chinook once again over the weekend as the run winds down and thoughts turn to winter steelhead.
Winter steelheading on the lower Rogue remains slow although a few half-pounders are being taken. Summer steelhead fishing is spotty on the upper river due to chilly water temperatures.
A series of days when the ocean was flat late last week allowed crossing out of Port Orford where anglers scored limits of rockfish and lingcod. The lings ranged from the low twenties to 35 pounds.
Fall Chinook fishing is holding up on the Chetco with winter steelhead coming on strong. Metalheads are ranging from 10 to 14 pounds with an 18 pound hatchery fish taken recently.
Ocean crabbers are taking large, firm Dungeness in 100 to 120 feet of water where the bottom is sandy. Following the lengthy ocean closure, December crabbing is always reliable. Tides will be soft over the weekend, favoring crabbers, but we will move into a series of late-day minus tides by mid-week.
Eastern - Pro guide Mac Huff (800-940-3688) reports, "Grande Ronde and Imnaha anglers are putting in about fours hours for each steelhead taken. Pressure is light. Upcoming winter storms may deter travelers but with the freezing level dropping, flows should stay relatively consistent."
Willamette Valley/Metro - As per usual for this time of year, sturgeon action seems to be slowing in the gorge for keepers and shakers. Although water temperatures stabilized last week, freezing levels and food supply should send them downstream for until early spring.
Flows at Willamette Falls have increased slightly with the water temperature rising to 42 degrees and the visibility currently unaffected but likely to color. Anglers have been hoping for river temps to increase as this should improve the sturgeon bite.
Winter steelhead are on the move at the Falls in modest numbers, jumping to double digits on December 10th and pushing the total over 170.
A couple of winter steelies have fallen to early optimists on the Clackamas but plunkers at Meldrum Bar below the mouth have a better chance of a hookup.
One lone hatchery winter steelhead has been confirmed form the Sandy River. The water is likely to be roiled by this weekend. Look for steelheading to start up here in January.
Fishing has been challenging in the high waters of the North Santiam, but the swift flows have caused hatchery summer steelhead to seek shelter near the smaller tributaries where anglers are catching a few.
Walling Pond and Walter Wirth Lake are scheduled to be planted with eight to 10 inch rainbows this week.
Northwest – North Coast anglers seized another good week of salmon and steelhead fishing in the Tillamook district. With the log jam on the Trask opened up for navigation, fishing was very good with bright fish in the high 30 pound class taken. Most streams have already begun to rise putting these fish in jeopardy through the weekend.
Although the action slowed after excellent success the week before, some fresh salmon were still being taken in the lower stretches including tidewater. Backbounced eggs and backtrolled plugs were the ticket.
Pro guide Jesse Zalonis (503-392-5808) reports, "The Nestucca also continued to put out bright chinook but this run should fade and winter steelhead fishing should be in full swing when flows drop." Pro guide Jim Nicol (503-550-3166) adds "Three Rivers will be a good option for bank anglers while boaters working the mainstem Nestucca below the entrance of Three Rivers should start to take steelhead as early as Sunday."
The North Fork Nehalem is getting steelhead back to the hatchery and should be a top option when the rains taper. It's neighbor the Necanicum is also a strong option but high winds and saturated streambanks will make this dynamic river a navigational hazard- be prepared.
Gnat Creek and Big Creek will also be options as they fish best when most other north coast rivers are too high for success. Bank access may be a problem however as some areas are well posted.
Crabbing is excellent on Netarts Bay and may remain that way through the weekend.
Razor clam digging may be an option by the beginning of next week. Clatsop area beaches will produce the best results.
On the Alsea, pro guide Bill Kremers (541 754 6411) reports, "The Alsea River went up to 10 feet today and suppose to go higher for the next couple of days. I spent the day fin clipping steelhead at the North Fork hatchery. Something like 55 steelhead showed up at the hatchery, so the run is on. Hopefully the river will drop by early next week with some good fishing."
Southwest – Steelheading is fair on the mainstem and North Fork of the Umpqua River.
Pro guide Jeff Jackson (541-268-6944) reports, "The Siuslaw fished good for chinook last week but has since blown out. When the flows recede, steelhead fishing should pick up with plunkers taking the first fish on spin-n-glos and small baits."
Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes close on December 15th but the fishery has been productive.
The Coos River is delivering some decent winter steelhead fishing while the run has started up on the Coquille where fishing is fair and improving.
Anglers on the Sixes scored bright Chinook once again over the weekend as the run winds down and thoughts turn to winter steelhead.
Winter steelheading on the lower Rogue remains slow although a few half-pounders are being taken. Summer steelhead fishing is spotty on the upper river due to chilly water temperatures.
A series of days when the ocean was flat late last week allowed crossing out of Port Orford where anglers scored limits of rockfish and lingcod. The lings ranged from the low twenties to 35 pounds.
Fall Chinook fishing is holding up on the Chetco with winter steelhead coming on strong. Metalheads are ranging from 10 to 14 pounds with an 18 pound hatchery fish taken recently.
Ocean crabbers are taking large, firm Dungeness in 100 to 120 feet of water where the bottom is sandy. Following the lengthy ocean closure, December crabbing is always reliable. Tides will be soft over the weekend, favoring crabbers, but we will move into a series of late-day minus tides by mid-week.
Eastern - Pro guide Mac Huff (800-940-3688) reports, "Grande Ronde and Imnaha anglers are putting in about fours hours for each steelhead taken. Pressure is light. Upcoming winter storms may deter travelers but with the freezing level dropping, flows should stay relatively consistent."
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Oregon fishing update
Oregon Fishing Update
Willamette Valley/Metro - With temperatures stabilizing, gorge anglers had fair to good fishing for keeper sturgeon in the Columbia River Gorge over the weekend. The best fishing remains in the gorge while Kelly Point Park is a distant second. Fishing downriver of the mouth of the Willamette is fair for shakers but keepers are scarce.
Despite a low prediction for returning smelt this winter, rumors of their presence are coming from downriver. Although this used to be an indicator for the winter sturgeon fishery in the lower Columbia, it is no longer a reliable factor.
It was slow going for sturgeon fishers on the Willamette during the last Thursday through Saturday opener, but a few keepers were caught on a variety of baits. Winter steelhead are falling in modest numbers to plunkers at Meldrum Bar. As a natural consequence, the number of anglers along the bank of the Willamette below the Clackamas River is increasing.
As the Clackamas drops and clears, a few early steelheaders are sure to give it a try. Steelhead are occasionally taken in late December, but the run will get underway in December and should be worth a trip in February. Sandy River steelhead are on a similar schedule.
Despite the fact that Detroit Reservoir is not yet down to winter low levels serving as flood protection, the levels of the North Santiam are fishable. Boaters should watch for debris, logs and changes in channels. The number of summer steelhead entering the trap at Foster Dam has dwindled to near-zero and no winter fish have entered.
While few trout plantings are on the schedule for the remainder of the year, the ODFW will periodically stock brood trout and steelhead in valley lakes and ponds in wintertime. So it was with the inadvertently unpublicized planting last week. Anglers will find brood trout in Walling Pond, Walter Wirth Lake, Junction City Pond, West Salish Pond and Sheridan Pond.
Oregon licenses and harvest cards became available on December 1st at license agents state wide.
Northwest – Large numbers of anglers are still trying for late winter chinook in Tillamook Bay. A great bite in the Ghost Hole was witnessed on Monday but it had tapered by Tuesday. There is still lots of wood debris floating in the bay but the water has good clarity.
The Wilson River has been very productive this week with a mixed bag of both dark and bright chinook. Catches have been excellent since the weekend but expect continued high effort. It is clear that the Wilson and Kilchis runs are strong this year. With so many chinook in the river, steelheaders are timid about using lighter gear. Steelhead have been taken on most north coast streams however.
The Nestucca also fished very well for both bright and dark chinook since the weekend. Fresher fish will be found in downstream drifts and although action should slow, persistent anglers are still likely to find success. According to Pro guide Kent Anderson (503-550-6303), "The Nestucca finally got green again and fished good for the past 5 days(Weds-Sun).
Smaller north coast streams like the Necanicum and North Fork Nehalem are likely to be too low for safe drifting. More rain is forecasted for early next week making these streams prime for the taking of steelhead.
Siletz winter steelhead hopefuls are trying with little success. This is another river with a successful broodstock run which will pick up in January and February
Crabbing in Yaquina Bay has improved, rewarding some folks with limits. Mid-day will be the best time to toss nets, rings and traps this weekend.
The Alsea recently produced good numbers of fresh and colored chinook and an occasional winter steelhead downstream of Five Rivers. The nearby Siuslaw should soon produce winter steelhead as well.
Extreme tides kept most crabbers from attaining easy limits. Tides will soften by the middle of next week.
Southwest – On the Umpqua, Sayers Rapids has rewarded steelheaders with a few bright winter fish over the weekend but sturgeon fishing has yet to take off in the estuary.
A few steelhead nave been taken on the Coos and Coquille, with prospects improving along with river conditions. The East Fork Coquille opened to steelheading on December 1st. Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes have slowed for coho as temperatures have dropped below 45 degrees. These fisheries close on December 15th.
Winter steelheading is improving on the lower Rogue as the river recovers from heavy rains. The Grants Pass stretch is slow. Upper Rogue steelheaders continue to make fair to good catches of summer steelhead.
As Chinook fishing winds down on the South coast, only the Elk and Sixes continue to produce reliably. Levels and clarity were good over last weekend and nearly half the anglers trying scored chrome.
Winter steelhead have started entering the Chetco and several have been caught as Chinook fishing winds down here.
Eastern - The mid-40-degree water of the lower Deschutes is clearing with steelheading picking up a little this week. Pressure is very low, much like the air temperature on the East side.
The Grande Ronde River is producing decent steelhead catches although the Washington section has higher catch rates. With a warming trend, action should continue to pick up in the coming weeks.
Oregon fishing information
http://www.theguidesforecast.com
Willamette Valley/Metro - With temperatures stabilizing, gorge anglers had fair to good fishing for keeper sturgeon in the Columbia River Gorge over the weekend. The best fishing remains in the gorge while Kelly Point Park is a distant second. Fishing downriver of the mouth of the Willamette is fair for shakers but keepers are scarce.
Despite a low prediction for returning smelt this winter, rumors of their presence are coming from downriver. Although this used to be an indicator for the winter sturgeon fishery in the lower Columbia, it is no longer a reliable factor.
It was slow going for sturgeon fishers on the Willamette during the last Thursday through Saturday opener, but a few keepers were caught on a variety of baits. Winter steelhead are falling in modest numbers to plunkers at Meldrum Bar. As a natural consequence, the number of anglers along the bank of the Willamette below the Clackamas River is increasing.
As the Clackamas drops and clears, a few early steelheaders are sure to give it a try. Steelhead are occasionally taken in late December, but the run will get underway in December and should be worth a trip in February. Sandy River steelhead are on a similar schedule.
Despite the fact that Detroit Reservoir is not yet down to winter low levels serving as flood protection, the levels of the North Santiam are fishable. Boaters should watch for debris, logs and changes in channels. The number of summer steelhead entering the trap at Foster Dam has dwindled to near-zero and no winter fish have entered.
While few trout plantings are on the schedule for the remainder of the year, the ODFW will periodically stock brood trout and steelhead in valley lakes and ponds in wintertime. So it was with the inadvertently unpublicized planting last week. Anglers will find brood trout in Walling Pond, Walter Wirth Lake, Junction City Pond, West Salish Pond and Sheridan Pond.
Oregon licenses and harvest cards became available on December 1st at license agents state wide.
Northwest – Large numbers of anglers are still trying for late winter chinook in Tillamook Bay. A great bite in the Ghost Hole was witnessed on Monday but it had tapered by Tuesday. There is still lots of wood debris floating in the bay but the water has good clarity.
The Wilson River has been very productive this week with a mixed bag of both dark and bright chinook. Catches have been excellent since the weekend but expect continued high effort. It is clear that the Wilson and Kilchis runs are strong this year. With so many chinook in the river, steelheaders are timid about using lighter gear. Steelhead have been taken on most north coast streams however.
The Nestucca also fished very well for both bright and dark chinook since the weekend. Fresher fish will be found in downstream drifts and although action should slow, persistent anglers are still likely to find success. According to Pro guide Kent Anderson (503-550-6303), "The Nestucca finally got green again and fished good for the past 5 days(Weds-Sun).
Smaller north coast streams like the Necanicum and North Fork Nehalem are likely to be too low for safe drifting. More rain is forecasted for early next week making these streams prime for the taking of steelhead.
Siletz winter steelhead hopefuls are trying with little success. This is another river with a successful broodstock run which will pick up in January and February
Crabbing in Yaquina Bay has improved, rewarding some folks with limits. Mid-day will be the best time to toss nets, rings and traps this weekend.
The Alsea recently produced good numbers of fresh and colored chinook and an occasional winter steelhead downstream of Five Rivers. The nearby Siuslaw should soon produce winter steelhead as well.
Extreme tides kept most crabbers from attaining easy limits. Tides will soften by the middle of next week.
Southwest – On the Umpqua, Sayers Rapids has rewarded steelheaders with a few bright winter fish over the weekend but sturgeon fishing has yet to take off in the estuary.
A few steelhead nave been taken on the Coos and Coquille, with prospects improving along with river conditions. The East Fork Coquille opened to steelheading on December 1st. Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes have slowed for coho as temperatures have dropped below 45 degrees. These fisheries close on December 15th.
Winter steelheading is improving on the lower Rogue as the river recovers from heavy rains. The Grants Pass stretch is slow. Upper Rogue steelheaders continue to make fair to good catches of summer steelhead.
As Chinook fishing winds down on the South coast, only the Elk and Sixes continue to produce reliably. Levels and clarity were good over last weekend and nearly half the anglers trying scored chrome.
Winter steelhead have started entering the Chetco and several have been caught as Chinook fishing winds down here.
Eastern - The mid-40-degree water of the lower Deschutes is clearing with steelheading picking up a little this week. Pressure is very low, much like the air temperature on the East side.
The Grande Ronde River is producing decent steelhead catches although the Washington section has higher catch rates. With a warming trend, action should continue to pick up in the coming weeks.
Oregon fishing information
http://www.theguidesforecast.com
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Oregon fishing reports
Oregon Fishing Update
Willamette Valley/Metro - Although action is still fair for sturgeon anglers in the Columbia River Gorge, the bite is beginning to taper as temperatures drop. The cooling trend will further degrade opportunity river-wide for keepers and shakers. Downstream of the gorge, the best area is near the mouth of the Willamette. Boats downstream of the Willamette are reporting poor fishing.
The temperature of the Willamette is currently hovering in the mid-40s. An increase in water temps in the mainstem Columbia will improve the sturgeon fishing in the Portland Harbor. Water is high, swift and full of leaves from the last round of rain although it may fish by the weekend if flows moderate.
Clackamas anglers may find the occasional summer steelhead this weekend if the water clears but pickings are slim. The few coho remaining in Eagle Creek are dark.
The Sandy remains quite muddy. It would be wise to wait for winter steelhead which will arrive early next year.
There's hope for the North Santiam by this weekend, as Detroit is near winter-level low so drainage for flood control purposes is near completion. The river was off color at mid-week, however. If the water doesn't drop to a fishable level, a few decent summer steelhead are still being taken in the tributaries even when the river is high.
No trout planting took place this week in any Oregon waters.
Northwest – The Kilchis River continues to get the most pressure as it remains the only river in fishable condition reports pro guide Jim Nicol (503-550-3166). That should change however as dropping flows on other north coast rivers should enable them to clear by the weekend.
The Wilson hasn't fished all month but chinook should be plentiful from Mills bridge downstream. Flows will be low enough to cause fish to hold in traditional water versus tailouts and shallow runs. Anglers will likely come across a mix of both bright and dark chinook and a rare coho or steelhead.
The Trask remains debris dammed but authorities predict the log jam may break up in dropping flows. Know before you go. The Nestucca should produce a rare quality chinook and early winter steelhead reports pro guide Jesse Zalonis (503-392-5808). Lower floats are likely to produce the best results. Three Rivers may get a push of steelhead if early indicators are accurate.
The Ghost Hole has finally tapered off although a fair number of boats are still trying. With rivers clearing, they should be the better option.
Tillamook Bay sturgeon action should begin to improve but effort has been non-existent and cold weather may deter anglers.
Crabbing will remain best on Netarts Bay but the ocean opens on December 1st. Seas will likely be too rough for recreational crabbers however.
A good clam tide begins for north coast diggers beginning on Friday and lasting past the weekend. The surf is predicted to subside by Sunday.
Southwest – It's time for sturgeon on the Umpqua below Reedsport and anglers are starting to target them. Steelheading is slow on the mainstem, fair to good on the North Fork.
Trollers targeting wild coho in Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes are still taking fair numbers of fish. Blue and Green Pirate colors have been working best and bank anglers can access the Siltcoos River through Tyee Campground reports pro guide Jeff Jackson (541-268-6944).
The Siuslaw remains high and turbid but plunkers are taking a few winter steelhead in the lower reaches.
Chinook fishing has been productive on the Elk and Sixes whenever they are in fishable shape. The fish are averaging about 25 pounds each.
Rogue steelheaders have been finding success on the upper river for summer fish while the Grants Pass stretch remains non-productive. Conditions on the high, roiled lower river were unfishable earlier this week.
Chinook anglers on the Chetco have been scoring large, chrome fish between blowouts. Backtrollers have had success with sardine-wrapped Kwikfish. When flows drop, back bounced eggs have been effective. The first winter steelhead of the season was taken here last week.
Eastern - Pro guide Mac Huff (800-940-3688) reports, "Action on the Grande Ronde River has improved dramatically. Although weather conditions may deter anglers, catch rates of 1 fish every 3 to 5 hours are being recorded.
Fair numbers of steelhead continue to enter the Deschutes, but slides upstream have kept the water flowing muddy.
Oregon fishing reports and more
Willamette Valley/Metro - Although action is still fair for sturgeon anglers in the Columbia River Gorge, the bite is beginning to taper as temperatures drop. The cooling trend will further degrade opportunity river-wide for keepers and shakers. Downstream of the gorge, the best area is near the mouth of the Willamette. Boats downstream of the Willamette are reporting poor fishing.
The temperature of the Willamette is currently hovering in the mid-40s. An increase in water temps in the mainstem Columbia will improve the sturgeon fishing in the Portland Harbor. Water is high, swift and full of leaves from the last round of rain although it may fish by the weekend if flows moderate.
Clackamas anglers may find the occasional summer steelhead this weekend if the water clears but pickings are slim. The few coho remaining in Eagle Creek are dark.
The Sandy remains quite muddy. It would be wise to wait for winter steelhead which will arrive early next year.
There's hope for the North Santiam by this weekend, as Detroit is near winter-level low so drainage for flood control purposes is near completion. The river was off color at mid-week, however. If the water doesn't drop to a fishable level, a few decent summer steelhead are still being taken in the tributaries even when the river is high.
No trout planting took place this week in any Oregon waters.
Northwest – The Kilchis River continues to get the most pressure as it remains the only river in fishable condition reports pro guide Jim Nicol (503-550-3166). That should change however as dropping flows on other north coast rivers should enable them to clear by the weekend.
The Wilson hasn't fished all month but chinook should be plentiful from Mills bridge downstream. Flows will be low enough to cause fish to hold in traditional water versus tailouts and shallow runs. Anglers will likely come across a mix of both bright and dark chinook and a rare coho or steelhead.
The Trask remains debris dammed but authorities predict the log jam may break up in dropping flows. Know before you go. The Nestucca should produce a rare quality chinook and early winter steelhead reports pro guide Jesse Zalonis (503-392-5808). Lower floats are likely to produce the best results. Three Rivers may get a push of steelhead if early indicators are accurate.
The Ghost Hole has finally tapered off although a fair number of boats are still trying. With rivers clearing, they should be the better option.
Tillamook Bay sturgeon action should begin to improve but effort has been non-existent and cold weather may deter anglers.
Crabbing will remain best on Netarts Bay but the ocean opens on December 1st. Seas will likely be too rough for recreational crabbers however.
A good clam tide begins for north coast diggers beginning on Friday and lasting past the weekend. The surf is predicted to subside by Sunday.
Southwest – It's time for sturgeon on the Umpqua below Reedsport and anglers are starting to target them. Steelheading is slow on the mainstem, fair to good on the North Fork.
Trollers targeting wild coho in Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes are still taking fair numbers of fish. Blue and Green Pirate colors have been working best and bank anglers can access the Siltcoos River through Tyee Campground reports pro guide Jeff Jackson (541-268-6944).
The Siuslaw remains high and turbid but plunkers are taking a few winter steelhead in the lower reaches.
Chinook fishing has been productive on the Elk and Sixes whenever they are in fishable shape. The fish are averaging about 25 pounds each.
Rogue steelheaders have been finding success on the upper river for summer fish while the Grants Pass stretch remains non-productive. Conditions on the high, roiled lower river were unfishable earlier this week.
Chinook anglers on the Chetco have been scoring large, chrome fish between blowouts. Backtrollers have had success with sardine-wrapped Kwikfish. When flows drop, back bounced eggs have been effective. The first winter steelhead of the season was taken here last week.
Eastern - Pro guide Mac Huff (800-940-3688) reports, "Action on the Grande Ronde River has improved dramatically. Although weather conditions may deter anglers, catch rates of 1 fish every 3 to 5 hours are being recorded.
Fair numbers of steelhead continue to enter the Deschutes, but slides upstream have kept the water flowing muddy.
Oregon fishing reports and more
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