Willamette Valley/Metro- Fish passage at Bonneville is still well underway and fishery managers decided to reopen the season for the retention of fall chinook above the Hood River Bridge. Catches are likely to be light but this is peak season for this section of the river. Jack counts continue to skyrocket boding well for future returns.
Sturgeon anglers in the gorge continued to catch keepers at a fair rate. Department heads met on Wednesday to discuss keeping a liberalized sturgeon season above Bonneville Dam. (The fishery will remain open 7 days per week through the end of the year.)
Cooler nights have had a dramatic effect on water temperatures at Willamette Falls as it dropped 10 degrees in 10 days to 62 as of September 24th. The temperature change has yet to effect fishing or fish movement over the Falls. A few coho have been hooked below the mouth of the Clackamas to Meldrum Bar. Sturgeon fishing is slow.
Steelheaders have experienced another week of fair to good fishing on the North Santiam. Summer steelhead have continued to enter the trap at Foster Dam on the South Santiam in good numbers over the past week. In addition, water levels and temperatures have improved, resulting in more steelhead landed over the past week.
The Clackamas has continued to produce good-quality summer steelhead over the past week while coho remain typically tight-lipped. Driftboats below Carver report seeing many steelhead and coho but hooking very few. Use caution, as the water remains low.
Coho are entering the Sandy and have been seen rolling as high as Cedar Creek.Foster Reservoir, Henry Hagg Lake and West Salish Pond are scheduled to be planted with hatchery trout.
Northwest – Tillamook Bay catches are still good with higher numbers of chinook coming from the spinner trollers in the upper bay. Anglers are grumbling about the excessive silt that washed in from last year’s floods. It’s limiting the number of productive fishing areas in the upper bay putting large numbers of boats at the Oyster House Hole.
Catches in the lower bay and ocean strongly favored wild coho on Tuesday although weekend fishing was good. Tom Bonk of Kaiser landed his personal best at 43 pounds on Saturday using a herring at the mouth of Tillamook Bay. Crabbing is only fair on Tillamook Bay.
Nehalem Bay remains slow but action should be picking up on the Nestucca and Salmon Rivers in south Tillamook County. Better tides are coming this weekend.
The first fall rains are forecasted for this weekend. Although not substantial, the precipitation should stimulate hatchery coho on the North Fork of the Nehalem as well as the Trask River. Chinook should also start upriver on these streams.
Siletz tidewater has been very slow for chinook over the past week.Trollers dragging plug-cut herring behind a flasher have been taking a few chinook in Yaquina Bay. A tournament will be taking place on October 14th for which anglers must register at one of several local businesses by October 6th. Crabbing is worthwhile in the bay.Plug cut herring or large spinners have been productive recently in Siuslaw tidewater. Boaters are reporting better numbers of chinook this week. Word is out and the boat pressure has been heavy.
Southwest – If accurate, the wind and wave forecast for the weekend will prevent boaters from crossing southwest Oregon bars into the ocean. The good news is that the first significant fall rain is predicted to start on Sunday.
ODFW biologists remind anglers again this week that hatchery fall chinook holding below Calapooya Creek should be harvested before rains start. With precipitation, these chinook will enter the creek to spawn. Recent reports from the Umpqua tidewater indicate very slow reports and little angler effort.
Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes open for wild coho retention on October 1st. Trolled spinners and plugs are most commonly used to take these fish.
It's been a morning bite in the lower Coos River recently with trollers taking chinook on herring. Coos Bay has been producing good numbers of large, mostly hard Dungeness.
Chinook trollers on the Rogue River estuary have to endure spotty action again over the past week, a situation not expected to improve until the first decent fall rain.
Chetco anglers have started taking a few salmon but precipitation would be welcomed here as well. The bulk of the chinook run is holding offshore, awaiting fresh water that will trigger their migration. Chinook jacks are being taken in upper tidewater. The Chetco River ocean terminal area fall chinook opening October 1st will once again allow offshore salmon angling.
Eastern – Fishing on rivers in northeast Oregon is improving with cooler weather having a positive effect on water temperatures. The Grande Ronde, Wallowa and Minam Rivers should start showing improvements although peak season for these rivers occurs later in the fall.
Trout fishing has been good on the lower Deschutes while the steelhead bite has been decent one day, slow the next.
More Oregon fishing reports.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Oregon fishing reports
Willamette Valley/Metro- Sportanglers were hit with an unexpected closure on the Columbia on Wednesday. The river closed to the taking of chinook from Bonneville downstream. The remainder of the river closed at mid-night, last night. Catches have been light but managers will monitor the run to see if additional openers are warranted. The upriver bright run is tracking 40% below pre-season expectations.
Pro guide Jim Nicol (503-550-3166) reports picking up good numbers of coho and CHinook at the mouth of the Cowlitz but warns that trolling here can be a challenge.
Although sturgeon fishing in the gorge remains fair, expectations are for better fishing in the coming weeks. Boat anglers are faring best but some of the best bank fishing of the year takes place in October.
Soft plastics are taking good numbers of smallmouth bass on the lower Willamette.
Clackamas River anglers are anxious for precipitation where cooler, stronger flows should stimulate an otherwise challenging coho bite.
The Sandy River is providing coho action at first light but pretty much shuts down once the sky becomes bright. Pro guide Jim Nicol (503-550-3166) reports seeing very few coho hooked at the mouth of the Sandy.Steelheaders experienced fair to good results on the North Santiam over the past week. Hundreds of spring salmon can be seen spawning now.
October caddis have started showing on the upper McKenzie.
Mt Hood Pond, North Fork Reservoir, Small Fry Lake and Foster Reservoir are scheduled to be planted with trout this week.
Northwest – Tillamook Bay is producing good catches of fall chinook although rarely is fishing good for more than 2 days in a row. Soft tides kept anglers near the jaws but heavy bar restrictions are likely into the weekend. A 42-pounder was weighed in at Garibaldi Marina on Tuesday.
Nehalem Bay remains slow but the fall run fish should show in better numbers this week.
The lower Columbia remains open for fin-clipped coho but catches dropped off last week. Crabbing remains good near Buoys 20 and 22.
Tuna anglers venturing out 43 miles did excellent on Friday last week but only fair on Saturday. The tuna bite becomes sporadic this time of year with live bait fishing significantly out-producing all other methods. Live bait is hard to come by however.
The Alsea River slowed for chinook fishers but the Yaquina is likely be pick up on coming weeks.
Albacore were once again available in good number fewer than 40 miles out of Depoe Bay over the past weekend.A charter boat returned to Newport last Saturday with a Dorado on board, a certain indication of the tropical-temperature water offshore. Most boats seeking all-depth halibut took limits about 27 miles out of port.Pro guide James Stevenson (503-581-5347) confirms that Chinook catches are down at the Alsea this year.Fish checkers at Oregon ports weren't bothering to measure or weigh halibut over the last all depth opener. All-depth halibut is likely to close this week.
Fishing is starting to pick up here on the Siuslaw. Most fish are being caught from the mouth of the North Fork to the Dairy Hole with plug cut herring a top bait.
Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes will open for wild coho beginning October 1st. Be sure to check regulations for bag limits are restrictions before participating.
Southwest – Pro guide Bill Kremers (541 754 6411) reports landing a big halibut out of Newport before the closure.Chinook, planted as smolts in 2004, have returned to the Umpqua as adults and are holding below the Calapooya River on the mainstem. North Umpqua steelheaders are experiencing fair to good results on a variety of baits and lures. Fly anglers are also taking fish here. Smallmouth bass fishing is rewarding from Sawyer's Rapids to Elkton.
Boaters hitting the ocean out of Coos Bay experienced outstanding bottom fishing for a variety of fish including some dandy ling cod. The lings will approach shallow water around rocks and jetties to spawn around the first of the year at which time they'll be available to bank-bound anglers. Crabbing has been fair to good in Coos Bay.
The lower Rogue was productive last week but slowed over the weekend with far more anglers than chinook in the estuary.
The ocean was friendly over the past week, then kicked up on Sunday. During that extended calm period, anglers traveling about 45 miles offshore once again found warm water and tuna. Bottom fishers are being rewarded with rockfish and large ling cod.
Fish Lake and Diamond Lake will be stocked with trout.
Eastern – The caddis hatch on the Metolius is bringing a lot of fish to the surface. If matching the hatch is ineffective, try attractor patterns to get their attention.
While steelhead counts are slowing at Bonneville, they are crossing The Dalles fairly well. Numbers are building in the lower Deschutes, providing decent results in the lower river. Anglers trolling the mouth are taking steelhead and fair numbers of coho. The “B” run fish have yet to show in any large numbers. Chinook retention is now closed.Pro guide Rick Arnold (541-382-4843) reports a Brown Trout out of East Lake weighing over12 pounds which he'll be mounting soon.
Pro guide Jim Nicol (503-550-3166) reports picking up good numbers of coho and CHinook at the mouth of the Cowlitz but warns that trolling here can be a challenge.
Although sturgeon fishing in the gorge remains fair, expectations are for better fishing in the coming weeks. Boat anglers are faring best but some of the best bank fishing of the year takes place in October.
Soft plastics are taking good numbers of smallmouth bass on the lower Willamette.
Clackamas River anglers are anxious for precipitation where cooler, stronger flows should stimulate an otherwise challenging coho bite.
The Sandy River is providing coho action at first light but pretty much shuts down once the sky becomes bright. Pro guide Jim Nicol (503-550-3166) reports seeing very few coho hooked at the mouth of the Sandy.Steelheaders experienced fair to good results on the North Santiam over the past week. Hundreds of spring salmon can be seen spawning now.
October caddis have started showing on the upper McKenzie.
Mt Hood Pond, North Fork Reservoir, Small Fry Lake and Foster Reservoir are scheduled to be planted with trout this week.
Northwest – Tillamook Bay is producing good catches of fall chinook although rarely is fishing good for more than 2 days in a row. Soft tides kept anglers near the jaws but heavy bar restrictions are likely into the weekend. A 42-pounder was weighed in at Garibaldi Marina on Tuesday.
Nehalem Bay remains slow but the fall run fish should show in better numbers this week.
The lower Columbia remains open for fin-clipped coho but catches dropped off last week. Crabbing remains good near Buoys 20 and 22.
Tuna anglers venturing out 43 miles did excellent on Friday last week but only fair on Saturday. The tuna bite becomes sporadic this time of year with live bait fishing significantly out-producing all other methods. Live bait is hard to come by however.
The Alsea River slowed for chinook fishers but the Yaquina is likely be pick up on coming weeks.
Albacore were once again available in good number fewer than 40 miles out of Depoe Bay over the past weekend.A charter boat returned to Newport last Saturday with a Dorado on board, a certain indication of the tropical-temperature water offshore. Most boats seeking all-depth halibut took limits about 27 miles out of port.Pro guide James Stevenson (503-581-5347) confirms that Chinook catches are down at the Alsea this year.Fish checkers at Oregon ports weren't bothering to measure or weigh halibut over the last all depth opener. All-depth halibut is likely to close this week.
Fishing is starting to pick up here on the Siuslaw. Most fish are being caught from the mouth of the North Fork to the Dairy Hole with plug cut herring a top bait.
Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes will open for wild coho beginning October 1st. Be sure to check regulations for bag limits are restrictions before participating.
Southwest – Pro guide Bill Kremers (541 754 6411) reports landing a big halibut out of Newport before the closure.Chinook, planted as smolts in 2004, have returned to the Umpqua as adults and are holding below the Calapooya River on the mainstem. North Umpqua steelheaders are experiencing fair to good results on a variety of baits and lures. Fly anglers are also taking fish here. Smallmouth bass fishing is rewarding from Sawyer's Rapids to Elkton.
Boaters hitting the ocean out of Coos Bay experienced outstanding bottom fishing for a variety of fish including some dandy ling cod. The lings will approach shallow water around rocks and jetties to spawn around the first of the year at which time they'll be available to bank-bound anglers. Crabbing has been fair to good in Coos Bay.
The lower Rogue was productive last week but slowed over the weekend with far more anglers than chinook in the estuary.
The ocean was friendly over the past week, then kicked up on Sunday. During that extended calm period, anglers traveling about 45 miles offshore once again found warm water and tuna. Bottom fishers are being rewarded with rockfish and large ling cod.
Fish Lake and Diamond Lake will be stocked with trout.
Eastern – The caddis hatch on the Metolius is bringing a lot of fish to the surface. If matching the hatch is ineffective, try attractor patterns to get their attention.
While steelhead counts are slowing at Bonneville, they are crossing The Dalles fairly well. Numbers are building in the lower Deschutes, providing decent results in the lower river. Anglers trolling the mouth are taking steelhead and fair numbers of coho. The “B” run fish have yet to show in any large numbers. Chinook retention is now closed.Pro guide Rick Arnold (541-382-4843) reports a Brown Trout out of East Lake weighing over12 pounds which he'll be mounting soon.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Oregon fishing report
Willamette Valley/Metro- Chinook fishing near the mouth of the Sandy River is fair at best. This is peak season for this section but most salmon are motivated to head upriver. The gorge is also poor for salmon but continues to pick up for sturgeon anglers.
North Santiam steelheaders saw some decent action over the past week. Fishing is good and with the river at a favorable level and flow, it's expected to hold up.
The lower Clackamas is yielding a few coho to anglers throwing spinners and drifting corkies in the morning hours. Plugs trolled in the Willamette just outside the mouth of the river have also accounted for a few.
Anglers hitting the Sandy at first light and again in the evening have taken a few coho in the lower river. This fishery will improve in coming weeks as water levels and temperature improve.
Faraday Lake, North Fork Reservoir and Small Fry Lake are scheduled to be stocked with trout.
Northwest – The Buoy 10 fishery is still going strong with anglers taking advantage of a strong return of hatchery coho. The best fishing is close to high slack with incoming tide producing on the Washington side. The first part of outgoing is producing good results on the Oregon side above the Astoria Bridge but the bite is coming late in the day. Coho are starting to respond to spinners with pink and white a top choice. Chinook jack counts at Bonneville indicate better returns in coming years and high numbers are still being encountered in the estuary.
Although most of the effort near Astoria remains in the river, some anglers are still venturing out to the ocean in search of easy limits. The coho are large but many anglers are traveling south to Gearhart to catch the fish. They are down deep with 40 to 50 feet producing the best results using fresh anchovies and herring for bait. Check your bait options before going out as many bait shops are not stocking fresh bait due to a drop in angler effort but anchovies are available near the Hammond Harbor entrance to those that wish to jig their own.
Ocean halibut off of the Columbia opens for one day, Saturday. The fishing on the last opener was challenging. Tuna may be another option but plan on traveling nearly 50 miles offshore to get into consistent schools. The ocean forecast for the weekend looks favorable.
Crabbing on the lower Columbia is picking up and so is the effort.
Tillamook Bay is off to a productive start with good catches reported in the middle of last week. The early run fish are destined for the Trask and Tillamook Rivers so upper bay catches should begin to improve. Some sturgeon are also available near Memaloose.
Nehalem Bay fishing remains poor and crabbing has also dropped off.
In the last scheduled planting for 2007, Cape Mears Lake, Coffenbury Lake, Lost Lake in Clatsop County, Sunset Lake and Town Lake will receive hatchery trout.
Herring jiggers managed to score several dozen over the past weekend on Yaquina Bay.
Herring trollers scored good numbers of chinook at the Alsea Bay entrance on Tuesday. The season is just getting underway.
Southwest – Ocean fishing appears to be an option this weekend for recreational boaters according to offshore forecasts but crossing early and returning to port before the afternoon wind kicks up is suggested.With over 32,000 pounds remaining in the quota, the all-depth halibut fishery bag limit has been increased to two fish per day starting Friday, September 14th. The halibut limit inside the 40-fathom line remains one per day Mondays through Thursdays but two per day will be allowed during the all depth openers Fridays through Sundays. With the increase in limits, the quota is expected to fill by the end of September.Ocean crabbing closed mid-August but bay crabbing will continue to improve into the fall months as crab grow, harden and enter coastal estuaries in greater number.
Wind hampered fishing efforts in Winchester Bay over the past weekend. A few coho and fewer chinook were landed. Crabbing was fair. North Umpqua steelheaders have experienced an improvement in action with the water temperature hovering in the mid-50s and exhibiting a little color. Smallmouth bass are still on the bite on the south and mainstem Umpqua.
Chinook fishing is fair and improving in the Coos River. The Eighth Annual Coos Basin Amateur Salmon Derby will be held this weekend, September 15th and 16th. Entry is only $20 per angler for two days with tickets available at local merchants.
Periodic flurries of activity have occurred in the Rogue estuary where the chinook bite has turned on - and off just as quickly - often at the turn of the tide. Catches of coho have been fair to good as well. Fishing in the Grants Pass stretch has been poor.
Offshore coho angling will remain open from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain through September 16th, or fulfillment of the quota allowing for the possibility of some halibut/salmon combo trips.
Ocean salmon fishing has closed south of Humbug Mountain for both chinook and coho although bottom fishing is a rewarding option. The Chetco River Terminal Area Fall Chinook Salmon Fishery opens for two weeks starting October 1st when large fall fish are traditionally taken in the upper 30 feet of the water column.
No trout stocking is scheduled this week in the Southwest Zone.
Eastern – Sporadic passage numbers at The Dalles Dam has trollers at the mouth of the Deschutes excited. They saw an improvement in action over the past weekend. Spinner casters have been doing well upriver.
http://www.TheGuidesForecast.com
North Santiam steelheaders saw some decent action over the past week. Fishing is good and with the river at a favorable level and flow, it's expected to hold up.
The lower Clackamas is yielding a few coho to anglers throwing spinners and drifting corkies in the morning hours. Plugs trolled in the Willamette just outside the mouth of the river have also accounted for a few.
Anglers hitting the Sandy at first light and again in the evening have taken a few coho in the lower river. This fishery will improve in coming weeks as water levels and temperature improve.
Faraday Lake, North Fork Reservoir and Small Fry Lake are scheduled to be stocked with trout.
Northwest – The Buoy 10 fishery is still going strong with anglers taking advantage of a strong return of hatchery coho. The best fishing is close to high slack with incoming tide producing on the Washington side. The first part of outgoing is producing good results on the Oregon side above the Astoria Bridge but the bite is coming late in the day. Coho are starting to respond to spinners with pink and white a top choice. Chinook jack counts at Bonneville indicate better returns in coming years and high numbers are still being encountered in the estuary.
Although most of the effort near Astoria remains in the river, some anglers are still venturing out to the ocean in search of easy limits. The coho are large but many anglers are traveling south to Gearhart to catch the fish. They are down deep with 40 to 50 feet producing the best results using fresh anchovies and herring for bait. Check your bait options before going out as many bait shops are not stocking fresh bait due to a drop in angler effort but anchovies are available near the Hammond Harbor entrance to those that wish to jig their own.
Ocean halibut off of the Columbia opens for one day, Saturday. The fishing on the last opener was challenging. Tuna may be another option but plan on traveling nearly 50 miles offshore to get into consistent schools. The ocean forecast for the weekend looks favorable.
Crabbing on the lower Columbia is picking up and so is the effort.
Tillamook Bay is off to a productive start with good catches reported in the middle of last week. The early run fish are destined for the Trask and Tillamook Rivers so upper bay catches should begin to improve. Some sturgeon are also available near Memaloose.
Nehalem Bay fishing remains poor and crabbing has also dropped off.
In the last scheduled planting for 2007, Cape Mears Lake, Coffenbury Lake, Lost Lake in Clatsop County, Sunset Lake and Town Lake will receive hatchery trout.
Herring jiggers managed to score several dozen over the past weekend on Yaquina Bay.
Herring trollers scored good numbers of chinook at the Alsea Bay entrance on Tuesday. The season is just getting underway.
Southwest – Ocean fishing appears to be an option this weekend for recreational boaters according to offshore forecasts but crossing early and returning to port before the afternoon wind kicks up is suggested.With over 32,000 pounds remaining in the quota, the all-depth halibut fishery bag limit has been increased to two fish per day starting Friday, September 14th. The halibut limit inside the 40-fathom line remains one per day Mondays through Thursdays but two per day will be allowed during the all depth openers Fridays through Sundays. With the increase in limits, the quota is expected to fill by the end of September.Ocean crabbing closed mid-August but bay crabbing will continue to improve into the fall months as crab grow, harden and enter coastal estuaries in greater number.
Wind hampered fishing efforts in Winchester Bay over the past weekend. A few coho and fewer chinook were landed. Crabbing was fair. North Umpqua steelheaders have experienced an improvement in action with the water temperature hovering in the mid-50s and exhibiting a little color. Smallmouth bass are still on the bite on the south and mainstem Umpqua.
Chinook fishing is fair and improving in the Coos River. The Eighth Annual Coos Basin Amateur Salmon Derby will be held this weekend, September 15th and 16th. Entry is only $20 per angler for two days with tickets available at local merchants.
Periodic flurries of activity have occurred in the Rogue estuary where the chinook bite has turned on - and off just as quickly - often at the turn of the tide. Catches of coho have been fair to good as well. Fishing in the Grants Pass stretch has been poor.
Offshore coho angling will remain open from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain through September 16th, or fulfillment of the quota allowing for the possibility of some halibut/salmon combo trips.
Ocean salmon fishing has closed south of Humbug Mountain for both chinook and coho although bottom fishing is a rewarding option. The Chetco River Terminal Area Fall Chinook Salmon Fishery opens for two weeks starting October 1st when large fall fish are traditionally taken in the upper 30 feet of the water column.
No trout stocking is scheduled this week in the Southwest Zone.
Eastern – Sporadic passage numbers at The Dalles Dam has trollers at the mouth of the Deschutes excited. They saw an improvement in action over the past weekend. Spinner casters have been doing well upriver.
http://www.TheGuidesForecast.com
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Oregon fishing update
Oregon Fisheries Update:
Willamette Valley/Metro- Anglers have had a disappointing start to the upriver bright salmon fishery. The stretch of Columbia from Kalama to the mouth of the Sandy is usually producing excellent results now but recent reports indicate otherwise. The river is now only open from Warrior Rock near Sauvie Island upstream to the Oregon/Washington border. Metallic wobblers are producing the best results. Dam passage at Bonneville indicates the best is yet to come.
The lower Willamette remains low, warm and clear. Coho are trickling over the Falls, but it'll take a break in temperatures and the first fall rain to open the floodgates. Fall chinook number fewer than 40 and summer steelhead counts are still shy of the 14,000 mark for the year. Sturgeon fishing is slow, bass fishing is excellent.
Fly anglers are taking fair to good numbers of rainbows and cutthroat on the South Santiam, but steelhead smolts are also hitting. Release with care.
The McKenzie above Leaburg Dam continues to delight fly anglers with a combination of native and hatchery trout.
A few lightly colored summer steelhead are being hooked on mostly early morning forays on the Clackamas. Recycling to Riverside from the trap is ongoing. Coho salmon are available on the lower river although numbers are low this early in the season.
Coho are expected to show in the lower Sandy River over the next week or so although October is the peak month.Faraday Lake, North Fork Reservoir, Small Fry Lake and the McKenzie River below Leaburg Lake are scheduled to be planted with hatchery trout.
Northwest – The Buoy 10 fishery is clearly peaking with easy limits falling to anglers in the know fishing bait or hardware above the bridge on the Washington side. Coho are averaging large with frequent keepers running nearly 9 and 10 pounds. Most recently, the fish have been taken in the deepest part of the channel which is over 40 foot deep.
The ocean re-opener was less than impressive but still produced limit fishing. Offshore anglers turned around on Sunday when westerly winds kept tuna fishers from pursuing their quarry. Good weather conditions are common for ocean fishers this month however and opportunities will likely come later in the month.
Lower Columbia River crabbing is sporadic with shorter soak times producing better results. Crab pot buoys are frequently getting run over by sport and commercial traffic so be aware of where you place your gear.
Chinook are being taken in Tillamook but not in any great numbers. The Nehalem showed signs of improvement last week but only for a couple of days. A 46-pounder was weighed in on the 31st. Some chinook are beginning to show in the lower Nestucca as well. Spinner casters are faring best.
The new record Siletz chinook (so far) this season goes to Brad Bemis who landed a 46-pounder on August 28th. It’s still slow but action has picked up here over the past week with most fish in the 28 to 30 pound range.
Halibut fishing was rewarding over the past weekend out of Newport with most boats returning to port with limits.
Southwest – Mild minus tides over the weekend will likely delay bar crossings. The surf forecast for Saturday and Sunday is mild as of Tuesday this week.
Albacore were tough to find and halibut was slow offshore out of Winchester Bay this past Saturday. Anglers launching out of the bay on Sunday this week were met with a lumpy ocean and scattered tuna. Trolled, plug-cut herring are picking up a few chinook below Reedsport.
Boaters 18 to 20 miles out of Coos Bay experienced spotty tuna fishing over the weekend, but it was worth the trip.
Anglers continue to pick up chinook daily trolling the Rogue River estuary. It's been steady and improving over the past week. A few chinook have been taken outside the mouth on wobblers. Expect changes in chinook regulations next year as the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission lays plans to double the number of wild chinook spawning in the Rogue system over the next few years.
South coast beaches continue to deliver surf perch limits with pressure form anglers very light.
Offshore salmon fishing wrapped up September 6th south of Cape Falcon. The ocean north of that landmark re-opened September 2nd for an additional 2,000 coho. Brookings anglers get a two-week chinook season in October. Bottom fishing remains excellent with large rockfish and lings rewarding ocean anglers.
Section 5 of the Rogue River is scheduled to be stocked with rainbows this week
Eastern – Water conditions are improving as temperatures gradually drop with cooler nights. Steelhead numbers are building on the lower Deschutes and should be receptive to spinners and plugs.
Willamette Valley/Metro- Anglers have had a disappointing start to the upriver bright salmon fishery. The stretch of Columbia from Kalama to the mouth of the Sandy is usually producing excellent results now but recent reports indicate otherwise. The river is now only open from Warrior Rock near Sauvie Island upstream to the Oregon/Washington border. Metallic wobblers are producing the best results. Dam passage at Bonneville indicates the best is yet to come.
The lower Willamette remains low, warm and clear. Coho are trickling over the Falls, but it'll take a break in temperatures and the first fall rain to open the floodgates. Fall chinook number fewer than 40 and summer steelhead counts are still shy of the 14,000 mark for the year. Sturgeon fishing is slow, bass fishing is excellent.
Fly anglers are taking fair to good numbers of rainbows and cutthroat on the South Santiam, but steelhead smolts are also hitting. Release with care.
The McKenzie above Leaburg Dam continues to delight fly anglers with a combination of native and hatchery trout.
A few lightly colored summer steelhead are being hooked on mostly early morning forays on the Clackamas. Recycling to Riverside from the trap is ongoing. Coho salmon are available on the lower river although numbers are low this early in the season.
Coho are expected to show in the lower Sandy River over the next week or so although October is the peak month.Faraday Lake, North Fork Reservoir, Small Fry Lake and the McKenzie River below Leaburg Lake are scheduled to be planted with hatchery trout.
Northwest – The Buoy 10 fishery is clearly peaking with easy limits falling to anglers in the know fishing bait or hardware above the bridge on the Washington side. Coho are averaging large with frequent keepers running nearly 9 and 10 pounds. Most recently, the fish have been taken in the deepest part of the channel which is over 40 foot deep.
The ocean re-opener was less than impressive but still produced limit fishing. Offshore anglers turned around on Sunday when westerly winds kept tuna fishers from pursuing their quarry. Good weather conditions are common for ocean fishers this month however and opportunities will likely come later in the month.
Lower Columbia River crabbing is sporadic with shorter soak times producing better results. Crab pot buoys are frequently getting run over by sport and commercial traffic so be aware of where you place your gear.
Chinook are being taken in Tillamook but not in any great numbers. The Nehalem showed signs of improvement last week but only for a couple of days. A 46-pounder was weighed in on the 31st. Some chinook are beginning to show in the lower Nestucca as well. Spinner casters are faring best.
The new record Siletz chinook (so far) this season goes to Brad Bemis who landed a 46-pounder on August 28th. It’s still slow but action has picked up here over the past week with most fish in the 28 to 30 pound range.
Halibut fishing was rewarding over the past weekend out of Newport with most boats returning to port with limits.
Southwest – Mild minus tides over the weekend will likely delay bar crossings. The surf forecast for Saturday and Sunday is mild as of Tuesday this week.
Albacore were tough to find and halibut was slow offshore out of Winchester Bay this past Saturday. Anglers launching out of the bay on Sunday this week were met with a lumpy ocean and scattered tuna. Trolled, plug-cut herring are picking up a few chinook below Reedsport.
Boaters 18 to 20 miles out of Coos Bay experienced spotty tuna fishing over the weekend, but it was worth the trip.
Anglers continue to pick up chinook daily trolling the Rogue River estuary. It's been steady and improving over the past week. A few chinook have been taken outside the mouth on wobblers. Expect changes in chinook regulations next year as the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission lays plans to double the number of wild chinook spawning in the Rogue system over the next few years.
South coast beaches continue to deliver surf perch limits with pressure form anglers very light.
Offshore salmon fishing wrapped up September 6th south of Cape Falcon. The ocean north of that landmark re-opened September 2nd for an additional 2,000 coho. Brookings anglers get a two-week chinook season in October. Bottom fishing remains excellent with large rockfish and lings rewarding ocean anglers.
Section 5 of the Rogue River is scheduled to be stocked with rainbows this week
Eastern – Water conditions are improving as temperatures gradually drop with cooler nights. Steelhead numbers are building on the lower Deschutes and should be receptive to spinners and plugs.
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