Oregon Fisheries Update:
Willamette Valley/Metro - Although sturgeon fishing in the mainstem Columbia remains slow, there is some effort for sturgeon taking place below the mouth of the Willamette River. Fishery managers will suggest that a small slough section of the river near Rooster Rock remain closed to all fishing for much of the year. This highly productive section was responsible for a large portion of the harvested quota in 2010, crimping other options for consumptive users from Wauna to Bonneville Dam.
The lower Willamette is high and murky. In a decision this week, ODFW officials decided to delay sturgeon retention on the lower Willamette. Originally scheduled to open January 1st, a determination as to when sturgeon may be kept will be made in the first week of February.
Fly fishers have been scoring on the McKenzie whenever the water level is fishable.
Clackamas levels were on a steady drop through Tuesday this week. Pressure has been high with results poor on Eagle Creek.
Winter steelhead are being taken in the Sandy whenever water conditions allow. Expect fish to be scattered. Steelhead will make a much stronger showing by late February.
Huddleston Pond and Junction City Pond are scheduled to be planted with hatchery trout.
Northwest – North coast streams have been without significant rainfall lately, enabling driftboaters to work their favorite waterways such as the Wilson and Nestucca River. Despite the river being in ideal condition success rates were less than ideal for those working the water early in the week. The Wilson did produce a handful of early returning Alsea stock fish but not what most had anticipated, given the good returns on many smaller systems in the same district.
Those smaller streams did produce well in the higher flows. The Necanicum was good on Sunday with some boats reporting double digit opportunities, landing a mix of both semi-colored fish as well as fresh chrome ones. Drifters reported numerous wild coho digging nests in the tailouts of this system.
Despite limited bank access, the North Fork Nehalem produced good catches for anglers fishing near the hatchery over the weekend. With dropping and clearing conditions, success rates will once again fall until the next rain freshet.
Like the North Fork Nehalem, Three Rivers, a Nestucca River tributary will also produce fair to good results near the hatchery at Cedar Creek. As these smaller systems drop, the most productive time of the day will be at daybreak. Smaller baits will be necessary in the lower flows.
The Nestucca itself will be hit or miss as small pods of hatchery fish make their way upstream. The better fishing on the mainstem Nestucca will happen later into February and March, when wild and broodstock fish make their appearance.
High winds have kept anxious sturgeon anglers from testing the waters of Tillamook Bay. Keepers are likely present but the weather forecast will likely continue to discourage effort. Crabbing will remain challenging given the weather forecast as the ocean won’t be an option for recreation through the weekend.
Southwest – Rough seas have curtailed recreational crabbing effort although results have been good when conditions have allowed ocean access. Ocean forecasts for the coming week favor larger, commercial vessels.
Winchester Bay crabbing results have yet to decline due to freshets. The Umpqua system was very high and rising early this week.
Crabbing remains good in Coos Bay despite recent rainstorms. Coos River steelheaders have been doing well recently although, as usual with winters, there have been a far greater number of hookups than landings.
Coquille steelheaders have been experiencing fair to good results when the water level is dropping.
Elk River anglers have caught chinook and fresh winter steelhead recently with precipitation less than expected. The Sixes blew out early this week but will fish a couple of days after the Elk clears.
Rising river levels from weekend rainfall have kept anglers off the Rogue. Although levels were falling early this week, any precipitation will rapidly shut down fishing opportunities.
The Chetco came into shape for plunking late last week and delivered for steelheaders. Spin 'N' Glos were the lure of choice for fresh fish, half or better were of hatchery origin. Storms over this past weekend pushed the Chetco over 10,000 cfs this week but it will fish again for plunkers whenever it's 8,000 cfs and dropping. Look for the 4,000 cfs range to drift it.
Eastern – Summer steelheading is nearly done on the Deschutes with winters on their way.
Cold water angling enthusiasts should enjoy some good results on the Fall River at this time of year. Try fishing nymphs in deep slots.
Most eastern Oregon streams saw a surge in flow and turbidity last week. Prior to the muddy water, fishing was good on the John Day, Wallowa, Umatilla and Imnaha. Fishing should once again improve when snow levels drop and flows subside.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Oregon fishing report
Willamette Valley/Metro - Sturgeon catches remained poor on the lower Columbia but the fishery above Bonneville should begin to heat up when weather patterns stabilize. Anglers are already looking forward to the 2011 spring chinook return. Columbia returns are expected to be down while another great year is in the works for Willamette anglers. A bigger component of the larger 5-year old fish is expected this season.
The lower Willamette is swollen and opaque. Fish passage has virtually stopped in the torrent. The January 1st sturgeon opener may not occur as scheduled and anglers can expect an additional 29% quota reduction in 2011 due to increased sea lion predation and reduced food resources.
Clackamas water levels were very high at mid-week. There are steelhead in the system but it will only fish on the drop. Eagle Creek will be the best bet for weekend foray’s and the run should be peaking about now.
Water levels on the Sandy are predicted to fall through the week and if accurate, the river should fish later this week. The bulk of the run isn’t due for several more weeks however.
Walling Pond and Walter Wirth Lake are scheduled to be planted with legal and larger trout.
Northwest – With north coast rivers reaching flood stage over the weekend, fishing effort was non-existent. Smaller streams will be the first to recover and should produce good results for steelhead.
The North Fork Nehalem was likely to come in by today and should fish well this weekend. Returns have been good for this system and it will likely produce the best results of all north coast streams.
The Necanicum and Three Rivers will also be top bets, along with Gnat Creek, Big Creek and the Klaskanine River. Bigger baits fished in softer water will be the rule this weekend and fish will likely be on the move until flows drop. Be prepared to cover a lot of water but plunking can also be a very effective tool when flows are up. Spin-n-glos tipped with bait or loaded with scent will produce the best.
The Kilchis River is also an option but steelhead returns are lower on this system than most in the district. The Trask River, especially at the Dam Hole, could produce fair catches of both wild and an occasional hatchery stray.
Chinook are still on the table for the Wilson and Kilchis Rivers but target bucks for best tablefare, leaving hens to seed future generations. Plugs should be effective in the higher flows, especially in the tailouts but bait will produce results as well.
Still not many anglers targeting sturgeon in Tillamook Bay but the estuary should have catchable numbers present. The west channel is the likely area of interception. Crab won’t be an issue.
Crabbers should focus their efforts on Netarts Bay or the lower Columbia River. The ocean won’t be an option in the foreseeable future.
Southwest – Rain has slowed crabbing in many smaller bays and estuaries although Winchester and Coos Bays have remained productive.
Recent heavy rains have put fresh winter steelhead in the Alsea River where anglers may expect success into March.
Siuslaw steelheaders will begin to find winters starting in January.
Steelhead were caught in the South Fork Coquille River late last week but it has since blown out with storm fronts passing through this week.
Umpqua steelheaders are taking a break this week with the river high, muddy and unfishable.
When there's even a brief break in the downpour, try the Elk or Sixes rivers. The small systems fall quickly with the Elk inevitably a day or two ahead for coming into shape. Start high on the system when this occurs. Both fresh winter steelhead and bright chinook are in these rivers.
The lower Rogue, reported as high over the past weekend, had risen another foot by mid-day Tuesday. High, muddy water has stalled fishing efforts on the middle and upper Rogue while plunkers on the lower river are catching steelhead whenever the river is on the drop. Wild steelhead must be released until January 1st.
While plunkers enjoyed some success on the Chetco River over the past weekend, with the flow over 15,000 cfs, a break in precipitation will be required for any fishing opportunity here. There are some large fish in the system with an estimated 60-pound chinook caught and released last week. Boats out of Brookings have been making good catches of rockfish but conditions in the coming weekend will disallow launches.
Eastern – The Deschutes is high from recent east-side rainfall. Trout fishing is closed from Pelton to the Northern Reservation Boundary and steelheading closes on this stretch December 31st.
High and muddy, the Metolius may not fish until Christmas week.
The Grande Ronde remains a good option for steelheaders willing to travel but dropping temperatures could make for treacherous travel. Fishing conditions however may be ideal with anglers scoring results every 4 to 7 hours of effort.
The lower Willamette is swollen and opaque. Fish passage has virtually stopped in the torrent. The January 1st sturgeon opener may not occur as scheduled and anglers can expect an additional 29% quota reduction in 2011 due to increased sea lion predation and reduced food resources.
Clackamas water levels were very high at mid-week. There are steelhead in the system but it will only fish on the drop. Eagle Creek will be the best bet for weekend foray’s and the run should be peaking about now.
Water levels on the Sandy are predicted to fall through the week and if accurate, the river should fish later this week. The bulk of the run isn’t due for several more weeks however.
Walling Pond and Walter Wirth Lake are scheduled to be planted with legal and larger trout.
Northwest – With north coast rivers reaching flood stage over the weekend, fishing effort was non-existent. Smaller streams will be the first to recover and should produce good results for steelhead.
The North Fork Nehalem was likely to come in by today and should fish well this weekend. Returns have been good for this system and it will likely produce the best results of all north coast streams.
The Necanicum and Three Rivers will also be top bets, along with Gnat Creek, Big Creek and the Klaskanine River. Bigger baits fished in softer water will be the rule this weekend and fish will likely be on the move until flows drop. Be prepared to cover a lot of water but plunking can also be a very effective tool when flows are up. Spin-n-glos tipped with bait or loaded with scent will produce the best.
The Kilchis River is also an option but steelhead returns are lower on this system than most in the district. The Trask River, especially at the Dam Hole, could produce fair catches of both wild and an occasional hatchery stray.
Chinook are still on the table for the Wilson and Kilchis Rivers but target bucks for best tablefare, leaving hens to seed future generations. Plugs should be effective in the higher flows, especially in the tailouts but bait will produce results as well.
Still not many anglers targeting sturgeon in Tillamook Bay but the estuary should have catchable numbers present. The west channel is the likely area of interception. Crab won’t be an issue.
Crabbers should focus their efforts on Netarts Bay or the lower Columbia River. The ocean won’t be an option in the foreseeable future.
Southwest – Rain has slowed crabbing in many smaller bays and estuaries although Winchester and Coos Bays have remained productive.
Recent heavy rains have put fresh winter steelhead in the Alsea River where anglers may expect success into March.
Siuslaw steelheaders will begin to find winters starting in January.
Steelhead were caught in the South Fork Coquille River late last week but it has since blown out with storm fronts passing through this week.
Umpqua steelheaders are taking a break this week with the river high, muddy and unfishable.
When there's even a brief break in the downpour, try the Elk or Sixes rivers. The small systems fall quickly with the Elk inevitably a day or two ahead for coming into shape. Start high on the system when this occurs. Both fresh winter steelhead and bright chinook are in these rivers.
The lower Rogue, reported as high over the past weekend, had risen another foot by mid-day Tuesday. High, muddy water has stalled fishing efforts on the middle and upper Rogue while plunkers on the lower river are catching steelhead whenever the river is on the drop. Wild steelhead must be released until January 1st.
While plunkers enjoyed some success on the Chetco River over the past weekend, with the flow over 15,000 cfs, a break in precipitation will be required for any fishing opportunity here. There are some large fish in the system with an estimated 60-pound chinook caught and released last week. Boats out of Brookings have been making good catches of rockfish but conditions in the coming weekend will disallow launches.
Eastern – The Deschutes is high from recent east-side rainfall. Trout fishing is closed from Pelton to the Northern Reservation Boundary and steelheading closes on this stretch December 31st.
High and muddy, the Metolius may not fish until Christmas week.
The Grande Ronde remains a good option for steelheaders willing to travel but dropping temperatures could make for treacherous travel. Fishing conditions however may be ideal with anglers scoring results every 4 to 7 hours of effort.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Oregon fishing report
Willamette Valley/Metro- The only keeper sturgeon tallied in last weekends creel check occurred in the Portland to Longview stretch. The Bonneville stretch is effectively over for the next few months. Some good sturgeon fishing is likely to occur however above Bonneville, where in recent years, good adult populations have fueled a strong but short consumptive fishery.
Fishery managers are busy calculating 2011 predictions due out next week. Season shaping for salmon and sturgeon will occur over the next several months so stay tuned for public meetings. Now is a good time to purchase your 2011 licenses and tags.
With the river high, steelhead are crossing Willamette Falls in single digits daily. Plunkers at Meldrum Bar have been picking up a few winters.
McKenzie water levels have dropped but remain high for fishing.
The Santiam system is too high and the water too cold for the system to fish well.
Early hatchery winter steelhead are available in the Clackamas with drift fishing most productive. It's best to wait until the water level starts to drop. Higher river levels remain in the forecast, making Eagle Creek an attractive option through the weekend.
A few early Sandy winter steelhead have been caught but results will improve in the coming weeks.
Northwest - High water levels this week have kept most anglers focusing on smaller river systems. Charlie Wooldridge of Bay City landed a chrome chinook buck in the 20-pound range early last week fishing the lower Kilchis River using a Flatfish wrapped with sardine fillet. A few hatchery winter steelhead are also available but this system doesn't get the planted numbers other north coast systems do.
The Wilson has been high for much of the week but anglers did get out over the weekend. Chinook are still being caught on the Wilson but with all the early positive news for steelhead, anglers are switching over to target early fish.
The North Fork Nehalem hatchery has been a steelhead highlight on the north coast recently. In the lower flows, bobbers and jigs produced well. Fishing near the hatchery will likely remain productive for the next few weeks, especially as fish get recycled back downstream by hatchery personnel.
Necanicum anglers have been tangling with steelhead as this system closely mimics the North Fork Nehalem when returns are good. Three Rivers, a Nestucca River tributary near Hebo, is also peaking right now and anglers fishing near the hatchery should produce good weekend catches.
A brief window of offshore opportunity early this week produced magnificent crab catches in the ocean out of Garibaldi and Depoe Bay. A delay in the commercial crab opener contributed to sport success. Anglers sticking close to shore had good conditions for ling cod and rockfish. Anglers aren't likely to see ocean conditions like that again for a long time, certainly not this weekend.
Southwest - Ocean crabbing opened at the beginning of December and has been productive for quality Dungeness when ocean conditions have allowed the activity.
Boats launching out of Depoe Bay have been taking limits of ling cod, rockfish and crab for many boats, good catches for others.
Trollers targeting wild coho at Siltcoos Lake have had poor results over the past week.
Rockfishing has been good off the South Jetty at Winchester Bay when wave action has allowed safe access. High water has hampered fishing on the Umpqua system.
Crabbing has remained good in lower Coos Bay despite recent rains. Winter steelhead had been caught on the South Coos and East Millicoma prior to the water levels rising.
Drift gear allowed anglers to hook a good number of chinook on the Elk River over the past weekend. Rain this week should improve prospects with winter steelheading improving. Ocean trolling at the mouths of the Elk and Sixes is closed.
Winter steelhead are entering the Rogue but high water has prevented fishing around Agness. Anglers are taking some chinook on plugs in the Grants Pass stretch where a few steelhead have been caught. High flows have slowed fishing on the upper Rogue.
Rockfishing has been excellent out of the Port of Brookings when the ocean is calm enough to recreate on. Salmon and steelhead are available in the Chetco although chinook catches (and bright fish availability) are winding down as steelhead action is ramping up. Checking the river level and flow before you hit the river will determine whether anglers pack drift or plunking gear.
Eastern - Nymphing has been most effective for trout on the lower Deschutes. Summer steelhead remain available above Maupin but are pretty well colored up. There was snow on the ground at Maupin on Tuesday this week.
Crescent Lake has produced some large mackinaw to trollers launching in the snow.
The Grande Ronde remains a good option for cold weather steelheaders. A slight warming trend should produce better catches with current creel statistics indicating a fish for every 4 to 7 hours of effort.
Fishery managers are busy calculating 2011 predictions due out next week. Season shaping for salmon and sturgeon will occur over the next several months so stay tuned for public meetings. Now is a good time to purchase your 2011 licenses and tags.
With the river high, steelhead are crossing Willamette Falls in single digits daily. Plunkers at Meldrum Bar have been picking up a few winters.
McKenzie water levels have dropped but remain high for fishing.
The Santiam system is too high and the water too cold for the system to fish well.
Early hatchery winter steelhead are available in the Clackamas with drift fishing most productive. It's best to wait until the water level starts to drop. Higher river levels remain in the forecast, making Eagle Creek an attractive option through the weekend.
A few early Sandy winter steelhead have been caught but results will improve in the coming weeks.
Northwest - High water levels this week have kept most anglers focusing on smaller river systems. Charlie Wooldridge of Bay City landed a chrome chinook buck in the 20-pound range early last week fishing the lower Kilchis River using a Flatfish wrapped with sardine fillet. A few hatchery winter steelhead are also available but this system doesn't get the planted numbers other north coast systems do.
The Wilson has been high for much of the week but anglers did get out over the weekend. Chinook are still being caught on the Wilson but with all the early positive news for steelhead, anglers are switching over to target early fish.
The North Fork Nehalem hatchery has been a steelhead highlight on the north coast recently. In the lower flows, bobbers and jigs produced well. Fishing near the hatchery will likely remain productive for the next few weeks, especially as fish get recycled back downstream by hatchery personnel.
Necanicum anglers have been tangling with steelhead as this system closely mimics the North Fork Nehalem when returns are good. Three Rivers, a Nestucca River tributary near Hebo, is also peaking right now and anglers fishing near the hatchery should produce good weekend catches.
A brief window of offshore opportunity early this week produced magnificent crab catches in the ocean out of Garibaldi and Depoe Bay. A delay in the commercial crab opener contributed to sport success. Anglers sticking close to shore had good conditions for ling cod and rockfish. Anglers aren't likely to see ocean conditions like that again for a long time, certainly not this weekend.
Southwest - Ocean crabbing opened at the beginning of December and has been productive for quality Dungeness when ocean conditions have allowed the activity.
Boats launching out of Depoe Bay have been taking limits of ling cod, rockfish and crab for many boats, good catches for others.
Trollers targeting wild coho at Siltcoos Lake have had poor results over the past week.
Rockfishing has been good off the South Jetty at Winchester Bay when wave action has allowed safe access. High water has hampered fishing on the Umpqua system.
Crabbing has remained good in lower Coos Bay despite recent rains. Winter steelhead had been caught on the South Coos and East Millicoma prior to the water levels rising.
Drift gear allowed anglers to hook a good number of chinook on the Elk River over the past weekend. Rain this week should improve prospects with winter steelheading improving. Ocean trolling at the mouths of the Elk and Sixes is closed.
Winter steelhead are entering the Rogue but high water has prevented fishing around Agness. Anglers are taking some chinook on plugs in the Grants Pass stretch where a few steelhead have been caught. High flows have slowed fishing on the upper Rogue.
Rockfishing has been excellent out of the Port of Brookings when the ocean is calm enough to recreate on. Salmon and steelhead are available in the Chetco although chinook catches (and bright fish availability) are winding down as steelhead action is ramping up. Checking the river level and flow before you hit the river will determine whether anglers pack drift or plunking gear.
Eastern - Nymphing has been most effective for trout on the lower Deschutes. Summer steelhead remain available above Maupin but are pretty well colored up. There was snow on the ground at Maupin on Tuesday this week.
Crescent Lake has produced some large mackinaw to trollers launching in the snow.
The Grande Ronde remains a good option for cold weather steelheaders. A slight warming trend should produce better catches with current creel statistics indicating a fish for every 4 to 7 hours of effort.
Friday, December 03, 2010
Oregon fishing report
Willamette Valley/Metro - Recent rumors of improved fishing for keepers is coming from the gorge. Given that there are very few keepers remaining on the quota, if those rumors are accurate, the fishery is likely to close very soon. The Willamette remains closed to catch and keep fishing but should provide good catch and release opportunities.
Anticipation is running high for metro area salmon anglers. Fishery managers are in the process of modeling 2011 returns and after a banner year on the Willamette last year, anglers are anxious. The Columbia run is likely to be down from last year.
Winter steelhead counts have stalled at Willamette Falls. Bright summer steelhead remain available on the Town Run in the upper Willamette when water conditions allow.
While the McKenzie is driftable, trout fishing has been poor to slow.
North Santiam water levels are high for boating. Watch for new hazards from Shelburn's to Green's Bridge.
Winter steelhead have been hooked and a few landed on the lower Clackamas. The Eagle Creek system may be a better bet this weekend however as high water will have fish on the move.
A few winter steelhead have been banked on the Sandy River but it's early for this system to fish well.
Northwest – Tillamook driftboaters have enjoyed good water conditions to fish in. Action picked up when the water and air temperatures began to rise. Anglers working the upper stretches of the Wilson remain frustrated however as fishers still pursuing chinook and steelhead below Sollie Smith Bridge seem to be intercepting the lion’s share of the fish. Fair numbers of steelhead have been caught on the Wilson already, indicating a good season ahead.
The Kilchis has a few fish available but isn’t fishing as good as most had anticipated. The Trask also has a few late run chinook and a rare steelhead but effort is low. The high water we’re currently experiencing typically bodes well for the Dam Hole on the Trask for early run steelhead.
Smaller streams like the North Fork Nehalem, Necanicum and Three Rivers should all be prime candidates for steelhead right now but North Fork hatchery reported surprisingly few adults in the trap this week. The current rain freshet should stimulate a good push into these systems however.
The Nestucca has been a sleeper lately and in the high water, steelhead are likely to move right into Three Rivers so mainstem fishing will likely remain challenging with the exception of the mouth of Three Rivers itself.
Tillamook Bay remains void of effort. Chinook trollers still have a viable chance in the Ghost Hole after the water clears from this rain event. Sturgeon fishing should be good but little effort exists. A nice tide series starts today but by the weekend, low slack will take place after dark.
Tides will be too strong for good crabbing this weekend. The lower Columbia and Netarts Bay will be the best bets and with a possible delay in the commercial opener, recreational crabbing should remain productive.
Southwest – Crabbing has slowed in bays and estuaries as heavy rains have lowered salinity which always slows Dungeness take. Ocean crabbing opened December 1st. Ironically, after a wild fall, the ocean looks like a possibility for crabbers and fishers this weekend.
The wild coho fishery slowed for trollers on Siltcoos Lake over the past weekend.
Winchester Bay anglers have been doing well for bottom fish off the south jetty when conditions allow safe access. Fishing on the Umpqua has been slow with high, muddy water shutting down the bite.
Winter steelhead have yet to show in the Coquille.
South Coos anglers are taking a few chinook but catches are slowing and most fish are dark.
The Elk and Sixes have been productive lately with some boats taking multiple chinook. High wind has been problematic at times. The ocean fishery off the mouths is closed as of December 1st. Bullard's Bridge should be open during the day but call ODOT to confirm.
Winter steelhead are showing in the lower Rogue with results expected to improve in coming weeks. High, muddy water has challenged steelheaders on the middle Rogue although fishing has been fair at times. The upper Rogue continues to offer the best chance of a hookup with a late-season summer steelhead despite slowing due to higher water.
Boats launching early out of the Port of Brookings have made good catches of rockfish nearshore but few ling cod. Cold water slowed the chinook bite over the past week on the Chetco River although persistent boaters dragging wrapped plugs continued to take a few fish. Low water temperatures didn't prevent early winter steelhead from biting however, as several were taken. December is shaping up to be a good month. The Chetco was 2,700 and dropping on Tuesday this week.
Eastern – A few good-sized trout are being hooked on the Metolius where bull trout are also available.
Steelheading has been good on the Grande Ronde but at last report, a cold snap had formed slushy ice in the river.
Anticipation is running high for metro area salmon anglers. Fishery managers are in the process of modeling 2011 returns and after a banner year on the Willamette last year, anglers are anxious. The Columbia run is likely to be down from last year.
Winter steelhead counts have stalled at Willamette Falls. Bright summer steelhead remain available on the Town Run in the upper Willamette when water conditions allow.
While the McKenzie is driftable, trout fishing has been poor to slow.
North Santiam water levels are high for boating. Watch for new hazards from Shelburn's to Green's Bridge.
Winter steelhead have been hooked and a few landed on the lower Clackamas. The Eagle Creek system may be a better bet this weekend however as high water will have fish on the move.
A few winter steelhead have been banked on the Sandy River but it's early for this system to fish well.
Northwest – Tillamook driftboaters have enjoyed good water conditions to fish in. Action picked up when the water and air temperatures began to rise. Anglers working the upper stretches of the Wilson remain frustrated however as fishers still pursuing chinook and steelhead below Sollie Smith Bridge seem to be intercepting the lion’s share of the fish. Fair numbers of steelhead have been caught on the Wilson already, indicating a good season ahead.
The Kilchis has a few fish available but isn’t fishing as good as most had anticipated. The Trask also has a few late run chinook and a rare steelhead but effort is low. The high water we’re currently experiencing typically bodes well for the Dam Hole on the Trask for early run steelhead.
Smaller streams like the North Fork Nehalem, Necanicum and Three Rivers should all be prime candidates for steelhead right now but North Fork hatchery reported surprisingly few adults in the trap this week. The current rain freshet should stimulate a good push into these systems however.
The Nestucca has been a sleeper lately and in the high water, steelhead are likely to move right into Three Rivers so mainstem fishing will likely remain challenging with the exception of the mouth of Three Rivers itself.
Tillamook Bay remains void of effort. Chinook trollers still have a viable chance in the Ghost Hole after the water clears from this rain event. Sturgeon fishing should be good but little effort exists. A nice tide series starts today but by the weekend, low slack will take place after dark.
Tides will be too strong for good crabbing this weekend. The lower Columbia and Netarts Bay will be the best bets and with a possible delay in the commercial opener, recreational crabbing should remain productive.
Southwest – Crabbing has slowed in bays and estuaries as heavy rains have lowered salinity which always slows Dungeness take. Ocean crabbing opened December 1st. Ironically, after a wild fall, the ocean looks like a possibility for crabbers and fishers this weekend.
The wild coho fishery slowed for trollers on Siltcoos Lake over the past weekend.
Winchester Bay anglers have been doing well for bottom fish off the south jetty when conditions allow safe access. Fishing on the Umpqua has been slow with high, muddy water shutting down the bite.
Winter steelhead have yet to show in the Coquille.
South Coos anglers are taking a few chinook but catches are slowing and most fish are dark.
The Elk and Sixes have been productive lately with some boats taking multiple chinook. High wind has been problematic at times. The ocean fishery off the mouths is closed as of December 1st. Bullard's Bridge should be open during the day but call ODOT to confirm.
Winter steelhead are showing in the lower Rogue with results expected to improve in coming weeks. High, muddy water has challenged steelheaders on the middle Rogue although fishing has been fair at times. The upper Rogue continues to offer the best chance of a hookup with a late-season summer steelhead despite slowing due to higher water.
Boats launching early out of the Port of Brookings have made good catches of rockfish nearshore but few ling cod. Cold water slowed the chinook bite over the past week on the Chetco River although persistent boaters dragging wrapped plugs continued to take a few fish. Low water temperatures didn't prevent early winter steelhead from biting however, as several were taken. December is shaping up to be a good month. The Chetco was 2,700 and dropping on Tuesday this week.
Eastern – A few good-sized trout are being hooked on the Metolius where bull trout are also available.
Steelheading has been good on the Grande Ronde but at last report, a cold snap had formed slushy ice in the river.
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