Willamette Valley/Metro- After a flurry of success by Bonneville anglers, the bite has slowed although fish are still being hooked with some regularity. Backtrollers are scoring the best results with bait-wrapped Flatfish the most common lure of choice. Action should pick back up again in early October.
The anchor wobbler fishery has also slowed in the Portland to Longview stretch but a few fish will still be taken throughout the rest of this month.
Coho are crossing Willamette Falls in good numbers. Steelheaders on the upper Willamette have been catching steelhead around Eugene.
Trout fishing has been fair on the McKenzie. Spring chinook can be observed spawning here.
Summer steelhead remain available on the North Santiam. Chinook appear to have finished spawning.
Rain showers caused a slight bump in flows at the Clackamas on September 9th but the water level quickly dropped back to summer level lows. Rain this week will put coho in Eagle Creek.
Coho are in the Sandy River in good number now although they can be challenging to hook. Spinners were taking some earlier this week.
Northwest - Lower Tillamook Bay tallied some good fall chinook fishing on Tuesday with some boats taking their 1-fish limits of chinook. Julie Chick of Nehalem boated a fresh buck, tipping the scales at nearly 32 pounds. The fish took a plug cut herring on the inside of the north jetty on the soft outgoing tide.
Hatchery coho have been plentiful in upper Tillamook Bay. The adults have fallen to spinners and herring close to high tide. Although only a slight rise in river levels is in the forecast, the rain freshet could send anxious hatchery fish up the Trask and North Fork Nehalem Rivers over the weekend. This should give bank anglers ample opportunity in the early morning hours.
Calm seas allowed anglers and crabbers to recreate on the ocean for much of this week, taking big numbers of dungeness crab in the nearshore and tuna offshore. A southerly influence may bring tuna even closer to shore where anglers should have a great shot at big numbers when seas calm once again.
The Nestucca River opened for chinook today but detailed restrictions remain in place. Check updated regulations for north coast systems by logging onto the ODF&W web site. Chinook are starting to penetrate the mainstem Nehalem in fair numbers. An occasional pink salmon is showing in some north coast basins and by regulation, are allowed to be retained as part of your daily bag limit.
More coho are due back to the lower Columbia but action was very slow over the weekend. A second run of coho typically runs through the area in mid-October, destined for Washington hatcheries. Crabbing remains good in the lower Columbia, especially on the current low tide exchanges.
The Alsea and Siletz are beginning to show signs of promise. Catches have been best near the estuary. The Salmon River near Lincoln City is also beginning to gain attention and should peak this week.
Southwest - Tuna are being caught 20 to 30 miles off the central Oregon coast but the opportunity will be over when the water cools.
Chinook fishing has picked up for trollers at Winchester Bay and the lower Umpqua. Crabbing continues to improve here as in most southwest bays and estuaries.
Salmon fishing has improved on the Coos with jacks supplementing catches.
The Coquille is now open for coho retention. Trollers are experiencing spotty results for chinook.
Rogue Bay has been spotty for fall chinook with evenings most productive. Half-pounder steelhead catches are good at Agness. The middle Rogue is roiled from the Gold Ray Dam removal site although chinook are being landed. Upper river fishing is worthwhile for steelhead in flies-only water. The Indian Creek Salmon Derby will take place on September 18th with $1,500 prize money to be awarded to the top finishers. Sign up at local merchants.
Ocean conditions are forecast to be friendly for offshore boaters out of Brookings this coming weekend. Bottom fishing and ocean crabbing should be good.
The first significant fall rain will kick of the fall fishery at Elk River.
The first Chetco Bay chinook of the season was landed recently by Brookings resident Wayne Sargent. The Chetco remains closed at River Mile 2.2 until November 6th.
There's $5,000 in prize money up for grabs at the Diamond Lake Trout Derby taking place September 25th. Call 541-973-4831 for information.
Eastern - Steelhead counts at Sherars Falls have picked up significantly over the past week and the majority of these are hatchery keepers. Steelheading is good from Maupin to Macs Canyon and fishing pressure is building commensurately. Trout fishing has improved with nymphing effective during the day and dry caddis patterns taking fish in the evening.
It's getting fairly late in the season to expect quality kokanee form Oregon lakes and reservoirs with spawning time approaching.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Fishing report for Oregon
Willamette Valley/Metro - Chinook fishing on the lower Columbia from Longview to Portland is peaking right now. Although success rates vary day to day, success is good for anchor anglers working wobblers in 30 to 50 foot of water. Anglers will lose access to chinook in waters downstream of Warrior Rock beginning September 12th but fishing upstream of this deadline should remain productive into October. Nearly 20,000 adult chinook per day are crossing Bonneville Dam.
With water temperature in the mid-60s, coho continue to cross Willamette Falls. The best chance for a hookup is for steelhead on the Middle Fork or Town Run.
Trout fishing and steelheading is fair on the McKenzie. Parking will be closed at the Upper McKenzie River Trailhead until construction is completed in October.
The North Santiam is on the rise from water release at Detroit and rising water is not conducive to good fishing. South Santiam steelheading has been challenging despite decent numbers in the river.
Fishing has been slow for coho on the Clackamas although crowds are forming at the Bowling Alley. A few can be seen rolling but it will be a week or two before fishing is worthwhile. Water temperatures will play a role in angler success.
There are a few coho being taken at the Sandy now. Try spinners or drifted roe in the early morning for best results. Adipose fin-clipped chinook salmon may also be retained with the extreme lower portions of the river the most likely place of interception.
Estacada Lake, Faraday Lake, North Fork Reservoir and Small Fry Lake are scheduled for trout stocking.
Northwest – After a banner week of coho fishing downstream of Tongue Point and a short-lived chinook bite upstream, action in the Buoy 10 fishery has slowed dramatically. Although tens of thousands more coho are due back to the river, the run size is down from previous years so success should remain mediocre. Trolled bait will remain the best option, targeting coho on the Washington side of the river both upstream and downstream of the Astoria Bridge.
Ocean fishers will continue to struggle for hatchery coho although September can often bring good success for “B” run hatchery fish destined for Washington State hatcheries later in October. Crabbing should improve in the nearshore and is excellent in the lower Columbia during soft tide exchanges near Buoy’s 20 and 22 on the Oregon side.
Early September can be an excellent time to target albacore tuna 20 to 30 miles offshore and the ocean forecast looks favorable through the weekend. Tuna will respond best to live anchovies but will spook easily is not approached in a stealthy manner.
Chinook catches are improving in the Tillamook district. Quality fish have been taken in upper Tillamook Bay and in the bubble outside of the mouth. Strong afternoon tides favor upper bay fishers over the weekend but early mornings should be productive near the bay entrance as well.
A few chinook are nosing into Nehalem Bay but this fishery remains restrictive so check regulations before participating. The Nestucca River remains closed to salmon angling until after this week. It’s scheduled to open September 16th although catches are expected to be light.
The Salmon River near Lincoln City should be heating up with a fair return expected back to the hatchery this season. A stronger tide series should favor bobber and bait anglers in the upper tidewater and near Highway 101.
Alsea River anglers saw good catches near the mouth on Saturday but the fishery has remained sporadic since. Action will likely remain hit or miss into early October. Crabbing is good.
Southwest – Albacore are being caught 30 to 35 miles off the central Oregon coast.
Salmon fishing is slow to fair for trollers in Coos Bay although Marshfield Channel is getting a great deal of boat traffic.
Trollers are taking fair to good numbers of fall chinook on herring or anchovies in the lower Umpqua River. Dungeness limits are being taken offshore in 60 to 80 feet of water. Boats are making successful tuna runs out of Winchester Bay.
Chinook fishing is very slow on the lower Rogue and in the estuary. Anglers on the Grants Pass stretch are landing large, bright chinook. The upper Rogue is fair for steelhead, closed for chinook and only flies may be used.
Coquille trollers are taking chinook and coho. One wild coho may be retained per day here, up to five for the season.
When the ocean laid down over the past week, bottom fishers have caught limits of rockfish just outside the jaws at Brookings. Ling cod catches have been light but the fish are good quality.
Enter early for the salmon derby running October 1st through 12th during the Chetco bobble fishery opener. There are only 200 slots available and this one fills up in short order. Contact Mike Ramsay at Sporthaven Marina for information or to sign up.
Diamond Lake has continued to fish well for large, fat trout.
Eastern – Fish the lower Deschutes early or late in the day for the best shot at a steelhead hookup. Counts at Sherars Falls are improving. Although not as productive as it used to be, the troll fishery at the mouth should begin to produce better numbers of the larger “B” run steelhead. Destined for Idaho tributaries, fish over 15 pounds become more common.
Green Peter has continued to produce good-sized kokanee, most of which remain in decent condition.
With water temperature in the mid-60s, coho continue to cross Willamette Falls. The best chance for a hookup is for steelhead on the Middle Fork or Town Run.
Trout fishing and steelheading is fair on the McKenzie. Parking will be closed at the Upper McKenzie River Trailhead until construction is completed in October.
The North Santiam is on the rise from water release at Detroit and rising water is not conducive to good fishing. South Santiam steelheading has been challenging despite decent numbers in the river.
Fishing has been slow for coho on the Clackamas although crowds are forming at the Bowling Alley. A few can be seen rolling but it will be a week or two before fishing is worthwhile. Water temperatures will play a role in angler success.
There are a few coho being taken at the Sandy now. Try spinners or drifted roe in the early morning for best results. Adipose fin-clipped chinook salmon may also be retained with the extreme lower portions of the river the most likely place of interception.
Estacada Lake, Faraday Lake, North Fork Reservoir and Small Fry Lake are scheduled for trout stocking.
Northwest – After a banner week of coho fishing downstream of Tongue Point and a short-lived chinook bite upstream, action in the Buoy 10 fishery has slowed dramatically. Although tens of thousands more coho are due back to the river, the run size is down from previous years so success should remain mediocre. Trolled bait will remain the best option, targeting coho on the Washington side of the river both upstream and downstream of the Astoria Bridge.
Ocean fishers will continue to struggle for hatchery coho although September can often bring good success for “B” run hatchery fish destined for Washington State hatcheries later in October. Crabbing should improve in the nearshore and is excellent in the lower Columbia during soft tide exchanges near Buoy’s 20 and 22 on the Oregon side.
Early September can be an excellent time to target albacore tuna 20 to 30 miles offshore and the ocean forecast looks favorable through the weekend. Tuna will respond best to live anchovies but will spook easily is not approached in a stealthy manner.
Chinook catches are improving in the Tillamook district. Quality fish have been taken in upper Tillamook Bay and in the bubble outside of the mouth. Strong afternoon tides favor upper bay fishers over the weekend but early mornings should be productive near the bay entrance as well.
A few chinook are nosing into Nehalem Bay but this fishery remains restrictive so check regulations before participating. The Nestucca River remains closed to salmon angling until after this week. It’s scheduled to open September 16th although catches are expected to be light.
The Salmon River near Lincoln City should be heating up with a fair return expected back to the hatchery this season. A stronger tide series should favor bobber and bait anglers in the upper tidewater and near Highway 101.
Alsea River anglers saw good catches near the mouth on Saturday but the fishery has remained sporadic since. Action will likely remain hit or miss into early October. Crabbing is good.
Southwest – Albacore are being caught 30 to 35 miles off the central Oregon coast.
Salmon fishing is slow to fair for trollers in Coos Bay although Marshfield Channel is getting a great deal of boat traffic.
Trollers are taking fair to good numbers of fall chinook on herring or anchovies in the lower Umpqua River. Dungeness limits are being taken offshore in 60 to 80 feet of water. Boats are making successful tuna runs out of Winchester Bay.
Chinook fishing is very slow on the lower Rogue and in the estuary. Anglers on the Grants Pass stretch are landing large, bright chinook. The upper Rogue is fair for steelhead, closed for chinook and only flies may be used.
Coquille trollers are taking chinook and coho. One wild coho may be retained per day here, up to five for the season.
When the ocean laid down over the past week, bottom fishers have caught limits of rockfish just outside the jaws at Brookings. Ling cod catches have been light but the fish are good quality.
Enter early for the salmon derby running October 1st through 12th during the Chetco bobble fishery opener. There are only 200 slots available and this one fills up in short order. Contact Mike Ramsay at Sporthaven Marina for information or to sign up.
Diamond Lake has continued to fish well for large, fat trout.
Eastern – Fish the lower Deschutes early or late in the day for the best shot at a steelhead hookup. Counts at Sherars Falls are improving. Although not as productive as it used to be, the troll fishery at the mouth should begin to produce better numbers of the larger “B” run steelhead. Destined for Idaho tributaries, fish over 15 pounds become more common.
Green Peter has continued to produce good-sized kokanee, most of which remain in decent condition.
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