Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro- Don’t forget to purchase your new 2012 angling licenses and tags. Also return your 2011 tags whether you punched a keeper or not. Smelt often make a showing in the lower Columbia River on a weather system such as what we experiencing. This may stimulate the bite in the St. Helens area and downstream but the regions smelt population is currently listed and unlawful to harvest by either sport or commercial fishers. The Willamette is high and roiled this week. The 2012 lower Willamette sturgeon retention fishery will be decided in January, open in February and may be only two weekends in duration due to a shortage of keeper-sized fish. Rain this week has the McKenzie out of shape but the level is predicted to be dropping in the coming week. The Santiam system is high and angry this week. Clackamas water levels are forecast to rise nearly six feet at Estacada but will be dropping through the New Year's weekend. Steelhead will enter with the freshet. Although there aren’t as many steelhead on Eagle Creek as there used to be, recent precipitation should flood the system with fresh fish headed for the hatchery. Steelheading has been fair on the Sandy. This glacial river will experience a moderate impact from rain this week with levels dependent on freezing levels on Mount Hood. Northwest – Steelhead angler’s long awaited rain freshet is now pounding coastal systems, with water conditions less than ideal until we near the New Year. If weather models remain accurate, smaller systems like the Highway 30 streams, the Necanicum and Kilchis may offer some opportunities. The North Fork Nehalem and Three Rivers will be outstanding options however once they clear and that may be as early as Friday. Larger systems such as the Wilson, Trask and Nestucca are further off and may not fish until early of next week. When those systems do clear, the Wilson will be a top bet for hatchery and wild fish with excellent opportunities for bank fishers at the Dam Hole on the Trask, even in high water. Plunkers will be the first to produce measureable results, targeting moving fish in the shallow water not far from shore. Steelhead will be moving in the slower flows close to the bank to avoid burning valuable calories on their upstream migration. Large colored lures like the spin-n-glo, tipped with eggs should produce fair results for systems with heavier concentrations of fish. When flows subside to “steelhead green”, side-drifters will score the best results with the upper reaches of these systems producing the best early and the lower reaches as flows continue to subside. As we enter what appears to be the authentic Oregon winter weather pattern, steelheaders may find that they only have short windows of opportunity between systems. High winds will put large trees down, making all systems potentially dangerous at any river level. This is the time of year to proceed with extreme caution. Sturgeon anglers found good success in Tillamook Bay prior to the holiday. The west channel of Tillamook Bay produced the most consistent catches for anglers using sand shrimp. The middle of next week may produce the next such opportunity for anglers working the late outgoing tide. Southwest – Ocean crabbing, open north of Gold Beach, has been slow to fair while results in bays and estuaries have been good. Offshore crabbing opens south of Gold Beach on January 15th. On rare winter days when boats have been able to get out on the ocean, lingcod fishing has been very good while rockfish catches have been spotty. Early winter steelhead results have been slow on the Coos and Coquille but precipitation this week should turn things around as water levels start to drop. Winter steelhead are scattered on the Umpqua mainstem but catches have been spotty. Fishing has remained slow on the North Umpqua. Rain this week should finally move winter steelhead into the South Umpqua which opened the 1st of December but has had no winters available. Steelheading in the low. clear waters of the Chetco was surprisingly good over the past weekend. Once the river recovers from rain this week it should be excellent. There is very little action on the lower Rogue at this time but the freshet this week should rejuvenate winter steelheading. Reports indicate only a few steelhead and half-pounders in the Agness stretch with the middle Rogue producing the occasional winter fish. Summer steelheading has been fair but steady on the upper Rogue for smoker-quality fish. Rain this week is putting much-needed water in the Elk and Sixes rivers. Fresh fish will enter but early chinook are already spawning. It might be time to think winter steelhead here. Eastern – Results on the Deschutes have been spotty for steelheaders. There are a few fish around but they have obviously been in fresh water for a while. Deep trolled jigs and large plugs are taking fair to good catches of lake trout at Crescent Lake. Steelheaders working the John Day area are starting to see their fishery begin to fade.

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro- Although a fresh quota will be available for mainstem Columbia sturgeon seekers, action will remain dormant until spring flows increase the water temperatures. Action may be best near the mouth of the Willamette although the Portland Harbor itself will produce the best results. Willamette River sturgeon anglers got official word that a delay in the season will put off catch and keep opportunities until February at least. Action will be fast with a very abbreviated season on a dwindling population. Fish passage has nearly ceased at Willamette falls in low, cold water. The water is too low for productive plunking in the Meldrum Bar stretch. There is optimism regarding the 2012 spring Chinook return for which the numbers are predicted to be greater than the 2011 actual return. McKenzie flows have dropped below 2,000 cfs at Vida which means stealth tactics for winter trout fishing, The Santiams are low, clear, cold and slow for fishing. Water on the Clackamas is at low levels and too clear to fish well. Eagle Creek is not generating a lot of interest although there are fish present. The mouth should be the most ideal spot to intercept these returning fish. Similar conditions on the Sandy River have made for slow results for early broodstock winter steelhead. Northwest – Although the peak of the winter steelhead season, river levels have curtailed effort and success. Savvy anglers are focusing efforts on the tidewater reaches of north coast systems where fish are likely stacking up in anticipation of the next rain freshet which isn’t predicted until after Christmas. When the rains do come, the fishing will be excellent. Anglers are forced to use small offerings, light gear and stealthy approaches to maximize opportunity but until fish feel more secure in higher flows, success rates will be mediocre. Larger systems such as the Wilson, Nestucca and the Trask offer up the best opportunities for wild and hatchery fish but boaters will have the best access to productive drifts where bank anglers will be constrained due to limited river access. The North Fork Nehalem has good numbers of steelhead present and early morning anglers are scoring the best results but fish are slow to move towards the hatchery where bank anglers have their best shot at what looks to be a good return. The Necanicum River will be much the same with the tidewater stretches producing the best results. Chinook are still an option on Tillamook Bay and the lower Wilson River. One boat posted a double on chinook in the Ghost Hole on Tuesday, landing 2 bright bucks on their first pass using herring for bait. Chinook retention closes at the end of the month and fish upstream of tidewater are likely close to spawning and should be avoided, especially if they are hens. Sturgeon fishing is underway on Tillamook Bay and legals are falling to west channel anglers. Sand shrimp is the top bait but the peak part of the tide, low slack, happens after sunset this week. Anglers can still find success before dark however; navigate with caution however. Crabbing will be a poor option with the extreme tide series but razor clam digging along Clatsop County Beaches should produce fair results after sunset. Southwest – Offshore bottom fishing is great for rockfish and lingcod when ocean conditions allow boats to get out. Crabbing has been slow to fair in the ocean. If offshore ocean forecasts remain accurate, boats will not be able to get out in the weekend to come. Winchester Bay crabbing has been very good. North Umpqua steelheading remains slow and winter steelhead have yet to enter the low waters of the South Umpqua. Crabbing in Coos Bay is excellent from boats or docks with Dungeness full and hard. Boats venturing offshore are taking good numbers of lingcod. Fishing for early winters has been slow on the Coos River. Although a few winter steelhead were taken following rain last week, the Coquille slowed as water levels dropped. Winter steelhead fishing on the lower Rogue has ground to a near standstill with low water conditions. Middle Rogue steelheading is primarily a catch-and-release affair for wild fish. The upper Rogue is pretty skinny, summer steelhead and the occasional coho continue to cooperate with anglers. The waters of the Chetco are low and gin clear in one of the driest winters in recent history. Winter steelhead are present but catching them requires stealthy techniques similar to those implemented for low-water summers: long, light leaders and small offerings. Ocean crabbing is not legal until mid-January but good results are coming from the docks in Brookings Harbor. The Elk and Sixes rivers are again low and clear. There are a few chinook around but many are turning dark. Wait for the next round of rainfall to try these small ocean tributaries. Eastern – Trout fishing is spotty on the Crooked River but whitefish are plentiful and cooperative. Crescent Lake is producing decent catches of lake trout to deep trollers. Good numbers of bull trout are being caught at Lake Billy Chinook.

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro- As the Columbia enters its winter slumber, anglers just received news of great spring chinook returns in 2012. Although fish have been historically caught as early as January, March and April are prime months pending spring run-off on the mainstem. Seasons are likely to be set later in January. Flows at Willamette Falls are low with the water temperature falling to the high 30s. These conditions have stalled winter steelhead movement. The sturgeon bite is also likely to slow but the Portland Harbor will likely remain the best bet for those seeking fair to good catch and release activity. Smelt will continue to be a top bait and although smelt is officially listed under the Endangered Species Act, it may still be used as bait. Thawing tributaries bumped the McKenzie flows at Vida from 2,300 cfs to 2,900 cfs over the past weekend. It will be dropping this week. Flows are stable on the Santiam system although fishing is slow. Flows are decent on the Clackamas but the water is extremely clear. Fishing has been poor. Water levels are forecast to increase next week. The Sandy River has dropped and will remain clear in cold weather. Effort is light and justifiably so. Steelhead will enter in better numbers by February. Northwest – Steelheaders continue to hope for precipitation although a significant event is not in the near-term forecast. Steelhead are likely pooling up in the lower reaches of most north coast systems with tidewater a viable option for the few that know how to utilize this stretch of a coastal river. First light can take fish in the most productive drifts but that’s also when air temperatures are nearly the coldest. Bobber and jigs or small deep diving plugs will produce the best results but success will improve dramatically with any rise in river levels. Driving conditions are hazardous so travel with extreme caution. Some chinook are still being taken in Tillamook Bay and its larger tributaries. Trollers working herring in the Ghost Hole are still catching an occasional fish and a driftboat working the lower Trask reportedly tied into a few bright chinook earlier this week. Anglers should consider releasing female chinook this time of year as even bright hens cut pale in color, making them poor tablefare. Good sturgeon tides begin on Sunday for adventurous anglers willing to brave the cold on Tillamook Bay. Afternoon tides may make the outing more tolerable however. Sand shrimp will be a top bait. Ocean crabbing opens up today with only small windows of opportunity typical for recreational boaters this time of year. Commercial pots will be out in force so crabbers may want to avoid competition by utilizing coastal estuaries instead. The lower Columbia River remains the best bet. Good razor clam tides begin early next week with Clatsop Beaches likely to produce the best results. Southwest – While bank anglers can keep cabezon until the end of the year; currently off-limits to boaters, they’ll be off limits to all recreational users from January 1 until April 1, 2012. Much to the relief of commercial and recreational Dungeness enthusiasts, the delayed ocean crabbing season will open for the most part on Thursday, December 15th, with Dungeness filled out sufficiently to retain. Crabbing will not be allowed from north of Gold beach to the California border until January 15th. Lack of precipitation in the district has anglers anxious for rain. Steelhead season should be well underway but most rivers are low and clear with lack of rain this month. Winchester Bay is producing well for crabbers. Summer steelheading is slow on the North Umpqua and winters have yet to enter the South Umpqua. Crabbing is excellent and the quality of Dungeness has improved in Coos Bay. Rockfishing has been worthwhile on the south jetty and catches have been excellent when boats have been able to dross the bar. Low, clear water has stalled steelheading on the lower and middle Rogue. Summer steelhead are biting plugs on low flows on the upper Rogue but they’re colored up. Smoke anglers are still taking fish that are deemed good enough to smoke. Coho are being taken in this stretch as well. When boats have been able to get out of Brookings Harbor, rockfish catches have been good with a few lings in the mix. Fishing is slow for late chinook and winter steelhead on the Chetco River although occasional flurries of steelhead are coming in. Chinook fishing is usually good at this time of year on the Elk and Sixes but lack of rain has resulted in slow results. Eastern – John Day steelheaders are finding nice, bright fish above Service Creek but most are natives which must be released. Brace for cold weather and chilly, fluctuating water levels here. Effort in the John Day Pool is slowing, as is the success rates. It was a productive season. The Grande Ronde is beginning to ice up, making for poor steelheading. Success rates will likely pick up again if temperatures warm.

Oregon fishing report 12/09/2011

Willamette Valley/Metro- Sturgeon fishing slowed to a crawl on the lower Columbia and with cold temperatures likely to continue to grip the region, it likely will not get any better. The Willamette River, in the Portland Harbor will likely be the go-to spot for the remainder of the winter season. It remains catch and release there however and likely won’t open until February, much like last year. Fishery managers were surprised to see another downward trend in the population models for keeper-sized sturgeon. Further quota restrictions are highly likely in the 2012 season, not only in the Willamette but throughout the lower Columbia as well. Water temperature is in the low 40s at Willamette Falls. The Falls navigation locks have been shut down indefinitely due to safety concerns. Plunkers are trying for winters at Meldrum Bar and late summers and cutthroat in the upper river around Dexter Dam. McKenzie flows have returned to pre-storm level. Trout will respond to nymphs in winter although there are occasional blue winged olive hatches. The North Santiam has dropped to a navigable level from Packsaddle downstream. Winter steelhead have been in the Sandy for a few weeks in modest number. Broodstock catches will improve in January and February. Very few winter steelhead have been caught in the Clackamas but numbers will improve in weeks to come. The river is in excellent condition. Northwest – After a good stretch of chinook fishing in the Tillamook district, flows have once again subsided and chinook are harder to come by. Quality fish remain in the Wilson River but are hunkered down in the deeper holes and less likely to bite the longer they reside in fresh water. The tidewater stretch is the best place to intercept chinook under the current conditions. It’s been bitterly cold in the morning but trollers working the Ghost Hole in Tillamook Bay continue to score fresh chinook. Pat Vining and Ted Lane scored their 2-fish limit by 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday, taking 25 and 18 pound fish respectively. The two anglers were trolling herring 2 hours before high slack in the Ghost Hole. Chinook action is winding down on other north coast streams as steelhead action is coming on. Although not quite the peak of the run, steelhead are well distributed in many north coast systems with the North Fork Nehalem and Three Rivers being primary targets for those seeking early run hatchery fish. Water temperatures are dropping making afternoons a viable option so anglers can avoid iced up roads. These smaller streams are also extremely clear, causing steelhead to be skittish and less likely to bite. There will be many good options in this district when warmer, wetter weather returns to the north coast. There is no sign of that in the near future. Tillamook Bay crabbing is spotty with some crabbers reporting good success and others just mediocre. Ocean crabbing remains temporarily closed until adults fill out more. That is disappointing for bottomfishers that are scoring great catches of lingcod and rockfish in the deep reefs on calm seas. Calm seas are forecast to come up by the weekend however. The lower Columbia River remains the best place to catch crab, with limits easily attained around Buoys 20 and 22. Put in your best effort near high or low slack and be cautious of heavy tide exchanges that will likely submerge crab pot buoys if your timing is off. An after-sunset minus tide series begins tonight. Clamming should be excellent prior to the weekend along Clatsop County beaches. Southwest – Offshore charter boats have been able to launch this week. Limits of rockfish were taken as well as some large ling cod, particularly for boats targeting them in deeper water. Unfortunately, swells are forecast to increase into the coming weekend. Recent Dungeness samples taken by ODFW biologists indicate crabs are not yet of harvestable quality. The ocean season will remain closed to commercial and recreational crabbing until at least December 15th. Crabbing has improved in Winchester Bay with lower flows on the Umpqua but sorting of lightweights is required to cull quality catches. Chinook fishing is done for the season in the Coos and Coquille systems. Steelheaders on the lower Rogue have started catching early winters. Fishing has been slow on the middle river. Anglers on the upper Rogue continue to take steelhead but it's getting late in the season for quality summers. The fish are showing a lot of color and are, for the most part, suitable only for smoking. A few coho are also being taken. With the Chetco River low, only the occasional chinook is being caught in tidewater and far upstream. Early winters are showing but the river is too skinny to fish well. Low, clear water has virtually shut down chinook catches on the Elk and Sixes rivers. Rain will rejuvenate this fishery but mostly dry days are in the long range weather forecast. The Washougal River is a good metro option with fish already reported back to the hatchery. Eastern – Steelheading this late in the season is fair at best on the Deschutes. Traffic is very light at this time of year and the weather can be bone-chilling. The John Day Pool and John Day Arm slowed a bit this week; likely due to the drastic drop in air and water temperatures. Action should pick back up again when temperatures moderate. The Grande Ronde and Umatilla Rivers are good for steelheading. Anglers are averaging 4 to 5.4 hours per fish respectively on these systems. Bitter cold temperatures in these systems mean the possibility for streamside ice in the morning hours, use caution.

Oregon fishing report 12/2/11

Willamette Valley/Metro- Sturgeon fishing on the mainstem Columbia remains best in the Portland to Longview stretch where boaters were averaging a keeper for every 11 boats. Far from its potential, action on the mainstem likely won’t pick up again until spring time. Impact from rainfall was evident at Willamette Falls November 24th & 25th when water levels rose and muddied. Flows have been moderating this week. Catch and release sturgeon fishing in the Portland Harbor remains very good with smelt producing the best results. McKenzie River levels were high but dropping Tuesday this week so it should fish by the weekend. North Santiam levels are forecast to drop into the weekend but it's too early for winters here and most summer steelhead are past their prime. Clackamas levels are returning to normal so it should fish by the weekend. A few early winter steelhead should be around with the mouth of Eagle Creek and Eagle Creek itself providing the best opportunity. Hatchery fish will return through January to the popular tributary. Water color is improving on the Sandy and while it's early for winter steelhead, rumors are circulating that there may be a few around. Northwest – Many north coast anglers are anxious to get the next season underway; winter steelhead. December can provide some good opportunities for late run chinook however and action was good in the tidewater of the Wilson on Monday. Effort was light as a slide in the upper watershed is contributing to muddy conditions. The Wilson River bite slowed by Tuesday but fish are expected to continue to come in through the month. Effort has been low on Tillamook Bay but may jump as river levels continue to drop. Effort will likely remain in the Ghost Hole although jetty fishing may be an option by early next week as the tide series softens. Weather is forecasted to be cold, especially on the bay but sturgeon should become more prevalent in the coming weeks. Sand shrimp will provide the best action. Crabbing may improve, especially on Netarts Bay, by early next week. Although winter steelhead remain a rare treasure on the coast, they are due in bigger numbers in the coming weeks. Steelhead are being caught from the disabled fishing platform on the North Fork Nehalem with action likely to only improve in the coming weeks. Conditions were ideal at mid-week. The Nehalem system closed to wild coho retention yesterday. It was the only coastal system that didn’t attain its harvest quota goal this year. The Nestucca and Three Rivers should see improving catches of winter steelhead with the peak likely in the next 3 weeks. The mainstem Nestucca will be the favored option once flows drop but target the mouth of Three Rivers near Hebo for the best opportunity. The Necanicum, Big Creek, Gnat Creek and the North Fork of the Klaskanine River produce best in higher flows which we’re not likely to see for at least another week. A cold east wind is supposed to blow, making steelhead fishing a frigid experience. Crabbing should be excellent on the lower Columbia after the weekend but expect a stiff east wind and very cold conditions. Southwest – While the ocean is open to bottom fishing without depth restrictions, days when it’s safe to launch become a rarity in wintertime. When boats do get out, fishing is usually excellent. Ocean crabbing is tentatively scheduled to re-open on December 15th but only of Dungeness are in good condition. Crabbing has slowed dramatically in Winchester and many other bays and estuaries following the recent influx of fresh water. North Umpqua steelheading did not improve as a result of the freshet. Chinook fishing appears to have wrapped up for the season in Coos Bay and the lower Coquille. A few winter steelhead have been taken on the lower Rogue. Early winters are often a harbinger of a good seasonal run. Chinook fishing is very slow. Steelhead and half-pounder catches on the middle Rogue have been poor to fair. With the river coming back into shape, summer steelheading has resumed in the upper river with mixed results. Chetco is in good shape this week and is forecast to continue to drop and remain in decent condition for weekend fishing. Big chinook are available this season although none have topped the 65-pounder taken last week. Results will be good into early December although winter steelhead will also be entering in ever-greater number. Plunkers have taken winters this week although the edge will go to side-drifters as the river level drops. As the Elk and Sixes rose and fell with recent precipitation, anglers followed. Despite crowded conditions, bright fish were taken as the river dropped into shape. Both will be low and clear by the coming weekend. Eastern – Prospects are fair this week for steelhead on the Wallowa, Imnaha and Grande Ronde rivers. The John Day Pool and John Day River itself are producing great catches of steelhead although wild fish outnumber hatchery ones. Action should continue to produce for anglers willing to brave cold winds this week.

Oregon fishing report 11/24/11

Willamette Valley/Metro- Anglers fishing the mainstem Columbia have been put off by dropping catch rates and inclement weather. Neither is expected to improve although anglers may find varying degrees of success pursuing catch and release sturgeon opportunities in the Bonneville Pool. Keepers should remain available in the Portland to Longview stretch but will be challenging to come by. Waters adjacent to the mouth of the Willamette are also a fair option. As water temperatures on the Willamette drop to the mid-40s, level and flow will be increasing over the coming week and beyond as it will be slower to react and recover from the storm. The McKenzie River has been fishing well, providing some dry fly action afternoons but as with other valley rivers, it is rapidly rising. Sandy and Clackamas rivers will be unfishable and won't be recovering until sometime next week. There isn’t much to pursue here anyway, until broodstock steelhead begin to make a showing early next year. Travelers are reminded to dial 511 for Oregon travel and road information. Northwest – Prior to the winter storm, district rivers were fishing good for fresh chinook. The lower Wilson was a top producer with the Kilchis also putting out fair numbers of chinook and incidental chum salmon. Tidewater of the Wilson produced the most consistent results for backtrollers and backbouncers with fresh fish into the high 20-pound class reported. Tillamook Bay itself produced fair results for a dwindling fleet. Action remained on the east side of the bay where the Ghost Hole and Bay City were producing half way through the incoming tide. Although there will likely continue to be effort in the bay into December, it will be several days before conditions are favorable for salmon catches. Tillamook Bay often sees its first significant catches of sturgeon in November and with fresh water inundating the estuary, juvenile crab, which often compete for anglers bait while sturgeon fishing, will likely be washed to the ocean making for good opportunity for anglers targeting the west channel and middle bay. Sand shrimp is the top bait when pursuing sturgeon. The North Fork Nehalem will be one of the earliest rivers to recover after the storm series and should provide good opportunity for steelheaders working the reach nearest the hatchery. Steelhead have already been taken near the hatchery and workers have caught a handful in the trap already. The Necanicum River will offer up similar opportunity when systems pass through. Anglers will have to use extreme caution when floating rivers after the high water events. Dynamic channel carving and high water will recruit large wood debris into the watersheds, causing navigational hazards that are life-threatening. Boat safely and always wear a lifejacket when on board. The Nestucca River had traffic prior to the high water and may provide a rare bright chinook and early winter steelhead when it clears again. Target steelhead downstream of Three Rivers or in Three Rivers itself as the early run is likely destined for this small tributary. Crabbing is out for most north coast bays but the lower Columbia and Netarts Bay remain options. More severe weather however will make them treacherous to recreate in. Use extreme caution and only crab on an incoming tide. Southwest – Rock and jetty fishing is both productive and hazardous at this time of year. While there are plenty of rockfish, sea-going perch and even lingcod just a short cast away, winter wave action can be dangerous. Check conditions ahead of time and keep a constant eye on the water. Ocean conditions are expected to be very rough this week with combined seas over 20 feet. Winter storms and high water will put coastal rivers out of shape this week but this surge of fresh water will pass, waters will recede, and, when this occurs, many ocean tributaries will contain fresh winter steelhead. Umpqua levels increased sharply over the past weekend and as with other southwest streams, will be highest on Thanksgiving Day. Even prior to the blowout, fishing was slow. Chinook fishing, which has slowed over the past couple of weeks at Coos Bay and in the lower Coquille, is out of the question this week. Winter storms will undoubtedly dump enough fresh water into bays and estuaries to drive Dungeness out to sea. With the Rogue level and flow predicted to more than double into Thursday this week, it will be a while before this larger river recovers from the storm sufficiently to fish again. The first to find success after the freshet will be plunkers. Currently, the Chetco River is rising even more rapidly than forecasted. At this rate, expect flows over 20,000 cfs at Brookings on Thanksgiving Day. While the level is predicted to moderate into the weekend, it remains to be seen if it actually drops to fishable level. When it does, chinook fishing should be good. Wayne Smith of Yreka, California landed his salmon of a lifetime on November 19th. The 47-inch chinook was estimated to weigh near 65-pounds, landed on a T-55 Hog Nose Flatfish on the lower Chetco River fishing with pro guide Andy Martin (206-388-8988). The Elk and Sixes rivers will be the first to recover from the storm. Eastern – Deschutes anglers scored redsides and the occasional brightly-colored steelhead over the past weekend. Weather this week will not be conducive to fishing the east side. The Crooked River fished well for fly anglers over the past weekend, producing decent numbers of large trout along with a few whitefish. Grande Ronde steelheaders should also see some fair opportunity when flows subside after the storm pushes through. The Imnaha and Umatilla may also be good late season options.

Oregon fishing reports

Willamette Valley/Metro- Sturgeon remains the only viable option for gorge anglers but the Bonneville Pool often produces good catches this time of year as well. It remains catch and release fishing in this reservoir. Anglers working the Portland to Longview stretch, particularly around Trojan, are still catching some keepers and a fair number of shakers. Water temperatures at Willamette Falls have dropped to 50 degrees. While fish passage is at a near-standstill, a few steelhead are being taken upriver on the Town Run. Sturgeon fishing remains good in the Portland Harbor but catch and release regulations are still in effect. Catch and keep seasons for 2012 have yet to be set. While the McKenzie had been dropping into shape this week, rain will cause the river to rise. A dry weekend may allow some fishing opportunities. North Santiam fishing has been best around Packsaddle but the river is on the rise this week. Anglers may keep up to two coho per day. Fishing on the Clackamas and Sandy has been slow. It remains to be seen what results from rain this week. Anglers may have a long wait for winter steelhead in these systems. Northwest – Chinook are still available in the Tillamook area with driftboaters still anxiously awaiting the first good rain freshet of the season. Meanwhile, herring trollers working the Ghost Hole and Bay City continue to take fresh chinook but action is sporadic at best. Tidewater of the Wilson, Kilchis and Trask Rivers has been putting out good numbers of chinook and a slight increase in river levels over the weekend boosted catches in the lower reaches of these rivers. Another, more significant rain event is forecast before the weekend which could put rivers in ideal shape by the weekend. Fresh chinook will be most available on the Wilson and Kilchis Rivers but all north coast streams should produce good catches. Targeted chum salmon fishing is now closed but a large return is coming in on the Kilchis, Miami and Wilson Rivers. Fish are spawning in the lower reaches. Wading anglers should be cognizant of eggs incubating in fresh redds. Sturgeon typically make a stronger showing in Tillamook and Nehalem Bays this month. Tides will improve later in the month but fish should be available. The Nehalem system continues to slow but hatchery workers on the North Fork were surprised not to find the season’s first winter run steelhead in their trap after the last rain. Early returning steelhead are often an indication for how the season will shape up. No winter-run steelhead have been reported on the north coast yet. The Nestucca should also be a fair fall chinook option after the next rain but anglers need to be mindful of the salmon closure upstream of First Bridge near Beaver. Weak tides should make for productive crabbing in most estuaries, barring a large amount of rain inundating the watershed. The lower Columbia should provide the best opportunity if winds remain subdued. Netarts Bay should also be a strong option. Southwest – Neither commercial nor recreational crabbing will be allowed to crab in the ocean as scheduled because Dungeness have not sufficiently recovered from the summer molt according to a November 10th announcement from the ODFW. Commercial efforts will not be allowed in bays and estuaries as of December 1st although recreational crabbers may continue to reap the bounty. Ocean crabbing will be delayed until December 15th or possibly later. Offshore all-depth bottom fishing is excellent at this time of year although days which allow crossing the bar are few and this week is predicted to be rough. Halibut is closed for the year. Chinook and coho catches are on the wane at Winchester Bay although crabbing has been very good. Crabbing has been excellent for numbers in Coos Bay but the situation that delayed ocean crabbing this year is evident in catches - Dungeness are not yet filled out with meat. Chinook fishing is slow. Chinook catches are slow on the lower Rogue with a few being taken near Indian Creek. Half-pounder catches are spotty at Agness. Steelheading is fair to good on the middle river although the majority are wild, requiring release. The upper Rogue has been fishing fairly well for steelhead with no one technique producing better than another. Bait is allowed above Shady Cove, artificials elsewhere. As rain fell and the Chetco rose, then dropped following the opening above tidewater on November 2nd, anglers experienced excellent fishing at times. Bobber and bait was most successful followed by spoons and spinners. The Chetco is forecast to rise again over the coming week and is expected to fish very well. Most effort on the Elk and Sixes Rivers has been near the mouths. Despite crowded conditions, it has been slow to fair at best. Rain will improve results. Eastern – With the Crooked River at excellent level and flow and plenty of trout available, fishing has been good although fish are running on the smallish side. The John Day Pool and John Day River itself is now peaking for late-season steelhead. Trollers take a good number of fish this time of year, fishing just upstream of the John Day Dam but bobber and jig anglers can witness good action in the lower 8 or 10 miles of the John Day River too. The Grande Ronde, Umatilla and Imnaha Rivers should begin to provide more opportunity until winter temperatures begin to freeze the river banks. Fish are not large but can provide some of the best opportunity for the year. SW Washington – Although chinook and coho are present in good numbers on many district streams, most fish are dark, making for poor table fare. Anglers are anxious for the upcoming winter steelhead season. Winter steelhead will be most prevalent on the Cowlitz River, where Thanksgiving is a predictable indicator on how the season will progress. Good numbers of larger-than-average fish should be available to both bank and boat anglers. Klickitat River anglers are still finding some coho but like other areas, fish are beginning to turn dark. Some late run summer steelhead should also be available.

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro- With the closure of fishing for salmon from a floating device above Beacon Rock, chinook season on the Columbia near Bonneville is effectively over. Most chinook are dark now and close to spawning. Sturgeon season remains open but catches have slowed. Bank anglers yielded a keeper for about every 10 rods while boat anglers didn’t quite do that good. The bite will likely continue to slow. Sturgeon anglers fishing downstream of Portland on the mainstem Columbia are still catching a few keepers but that too is likely to slow. Good catch and release sturgeon fishing remains in the Portland Harbor. With the water temperature dropping, fish passage remains low at Willamette Falls. A few coho are being counted along with 15 winter steelhead. Steelhead passing Willamette Falls beginning November 1st are considered winter-run fish. McKenzie levels have dropped and held steady for several days but this will change with weekend rains. North Santiam levels will be fairly high through November. Start looking for winters in December. Clackamas water levels are little changed and fishing is slow for mostly dark fish. Many are waiting for winter steelhead. Results have been slow to fair on the Sandy. The next round of rainfall should improve prospects. Northwest – Chinook fishing really took off late last week with the North Coast Rendezvous tallying over 100 fish for the 2-day event. The jetty produced the best action on Thursday but the Ghost Hole and Bay City took off on Friday. Since the event, bay action has slowed but Jeff Nickol of Hood River took the biggest salmon of his life on Sunday. The 28½ pound buck hit a herring near Lyster’s Corner along the jetty about 2 hours before low slack. Good tides through the weekend and the prospects of rain on Sunday should continue to motivate salmon to enter Tillamook Bay. There have been a surprising number of chum salmon caught and released with fish jumping like coho near Bay City. Tidewater of the Wilson has been producing good catches of bright chinook lately. Chinook are well distributed in most tidewater sections of Tillamook area rivers and sloughs. Bobber and eggs tipped with shrimp will continue to produce results through the weekend. If the weather models remain accurate, rivers may rise early next week, jumpstarting the driftboat season with unprecedented action likely on the Wilson, Trask, Kilchis and Nestucca Rivers. The Necanicum River near Seaside should also produce results. Chum and coho salmon will also likely be present and must be released unharmed unless they are missing an adipose fin. Wild coho season remains open on the Nehalem but few fish are being taken. An occasional chinook remains in the fishery but this season is winding down. Strong tides should damper crabbing success but clammers willing to use lights at night should find favorable conditions on the minus tide series beginning tonight. Southwest – With rough ocean conditions in the forecast this week, boats may not be able to get out to take advantage of the seasonally excellent bottom fishing. Halibut closed for the year on Monday this week. Crabbing remains excellent in Winchester Bay although chinook catches have slowed dramatically. Chinook are being caught below Roseburg. North Umpqua steelhead catches are slow. Action for chinook is slow on Coos Bay although crabbing has been excellent for somewhat lightweight Dungeness. Results will be good for crabbers until the fall rains start. Trollers dragging herring behind a flasher are making slow but steady catches of chinook on the Coquille. Chinook fishing is slow to fair on the lower Rogue. Steelhead and half-pounder catches are spotty at Agness. Steelheaders on the middle Rogue are taking a few but most are wild, requiring release. Low, clear water has slowed the steelhead bite on the upper Rogue. Side-drifters seem to be doing best below the Shady Cove boat ramp where bait is allowed. Above Shady Cove to the old dam site, only artificials are allowed and plug pullers have done well although egg flies are still effective. The Chetco River opened above Milepost 2.2 on schedule November 2nd with precipitation in the forecast. Water levels rose sharply on November 6th and are forecast to come way up around mid-month, falling thereafter (creating optimum fishing conditions) but shutting down action in tidewater. A couple of fish in the 40 and 50-pound range were taken over the past week. Rainfall has improved water conditions and catches on the Elk and Sixes river but more water is needed to encourage fresh fish holding offshore to enter. Fly anglers do well for chinook here. Eastern – Steelheading is fair on the Deschutes with smaller offerings most effective. While there was a decent chinook return this season, most are spawning. Caddis patterns are most effective for red-sides with fishing good at this time of year. Results have been good on the Crooked River recently. Fish haven't been large but numbers are good for those using a nymph fished with a strike indicator. John Day River and John Day Pool steelheading is ramping up with boaters reporting nearly a fish per boat average on the last creel check. Over half of the fish caught are wild however and must be released. This wild to hatchery ratio is likely to be maintained throughout the season.

Oregon fishing report for November 04

Willamette Valley/Metro- Salmon fishing at Bonneville remains active although anglers working the area are releasing almost all of the fish. Of the 5 boats fishing there on the weekend, 16 chinook were reported caught but all were released. Plugs remain the most effective but fish are near spawning. Sturgeon action continues to slow although keepers are still coming from the bank and boat fisheries. A keeper for every 10 rods in the boat fishery and every 8 rods for bank anglers. Water temperature has dropped to the low 50s at Willamette Falls. Fish passage is at a near standstill. Steelheading has slowed in the upper Willamette. Catch and release sturgeon fishing is good in the Portland Harbor. Retention for sturgeon likely won’t open until early next year. Fishing remains slow on the Clackamas and slow to fair on the Sandy. Cedar Creek is the likely area to target coho for Sandy River anglers although fish are turning dark. Fly casters on the lower McKenzie are enjoying steady action for trout on nymphs and the occasional surprise summer steelhead hookup. The Santiam system is fairly high and is forecast to rise sharply around November 10th. Fishing is slow. Northwest – Tillamook chinook remains a late-season option although action has been slow with the exception of last Friday. Staging fish made a strong showing for bay anglers in the morning but afternoon winds had boats scurrying for shore. By Saturday, the bite had slowed as fish made their way into area rivers. The Ghost Hole and Bay City remain the best bet for weekend anglers as a mid-morning high tide should push fish in, destined for the Wilson and Kilchis Rivers. Although November fishing has not been all the productive in recent years, it seems this year will be different. North coast streams only witnessed a mild rise in river levels over the weekend but it was enough to stimulate a good bite in tidewater and get fish moving upstream in preparation for spawning. Trask tidewater fished good for bobber fishers on Saturday and remains fair. As the north coast enters the wet season, driftboat opportunities will continue to expand. The Wilson, Kilchis, Trask and Nestucca Rivers should offer up some of the best late season salmon options in that order. Plugs become very effective in freshwater but back-bounced eggs and shrimp will also be a favorite technique employed. Chum salmon have made a showing in Tillamook Bay, surprising herring trollers on some days. Chum historically provided excellent sport opportunity on the Miami and Kilchis Rivers and anglers may still pursue them for catch and release through mid-November. Nehalem Bay remains open for chinook but is nearing its wild coho quota. Check the ODF&W website before targeting wild coho. The first winter steelhead will likely nose into the North Fork Nehalem in the coming weeks. Bay crabbing slowed last week with the strong tides but should improve this week. Netarts will likely remain the best option as winter storms saturate larger estuaries with fresh water. Southwest – Offshore bottom fishing has been excellent when boats have been able to get out. The ocean is closed to crabbing through November. Trollers in Winchester Bay have been catching fish daily but the number of fish has started to wane. Crabbing is good in the bay. Chinook fishing has remained steady in the lower Coquille River for boaters trolling herring. Crabbing is excellent in Coos Bay from boats as well as from the docks although Dungeness are not yet in prime condition. Chinook catches have slowed. Chinook are in evidence but off the bite on the lower Rogue. Steelheading has been good on the middle river. The flies-only restriction on the Rogue above Shady Cove has ended. Bait fishers can now feed real salmon eggs to steelhead which are dining downstream of spawning chinook. No bait is allowed below Shady Cove to the old Gold Ray Dam site but artificial lures are OK to use in addition to flies. Brookings area trollers have been making steady catches of chinook. Jetty anglers throwing spoons are also hooking up with a 50-pounder landed last week. The Chetco is scheduled to open above River Mile 2.2 on November 5th but the opening is contingent upon water levels. While water levels are still fairly low, chinook fishing was very good at the Elk River late last week but slowed as hundreds of anglers stormed the area. The Sixes River is producing fair to good catches of chinook in tidewater. Diamond Lake is closed as of the 1st of November. It will re-open April 23, 2012. Eastern – The lower Deschutes is fishing well for trout on nymphs with best results early and late in the day. Steelheading has been slow for the most part. John Day anglers are beginning to see a surge in steelhead success. Boaters working the mainstem with bobber and jigs along with trollers dragging plugs in the reservoir directly upstream of the dam are reporting good action. Better than a fish per boat was reported last weekend with a slightly higher chance at releasing a wild fish than retaining a hatchery one. This fishery will peak later this month. Grande Ronde steelheaders are doing fairly well fishing deep in low water levels. There is very little pressure on the Imnaha River although there are steelhead to be caught.

Oregon fishing report

Recent creel checks for boaters working the Gorge near Bonneville still show willing chinook falling to backtrolled plugs and boats on anchor. Although the quality of fish is quickly degrading, a late showing of bright fish at the mouth a few weeks ago could keep this fishery going into early November. Fish of any quality however will be increasingly more challenging to find. Sturgeon action in the gorge continues to decline with bank anglers tallying just a keeper for every 10 rods. Boat anglers aren’t even producing that. The mainstem Columbia will slowly go to sleep over the next few weeks. With little change in the water temperature or flow at Willamette Falls, fish passage has nearly ceased. Catch and release fishing in the lower Willamette has been very good reports pro guide Frank Russum (503-804-1622). Frank suggests for the purposes of good action, fish the lower Willamette versus the Columbia River Gorge. Trout fishing has been very good on the McKenzie for a mix of rainbows and cutthroat. Fly anglers are occasionally surprised by steelhead hookups. Trout fishing is fair on the North Santiam but closes after October 31st. Fishing has been very slow in the low, clear water of the Clackamas. A few coho are being hooked on the Sandy but many have been dark. Anglers are advised to stay clear of spawning chinook. Northwest – Anglers on Tillamook Bay continue to produce reliable results for chinook throughout the estuary. With the strong tide series through the weekend, action should remain the best in the lower bay early on the incoming tide and move to the upper estuary as high slack occurs. The west channel is hit or miss but some chinook are still being taken there. Lenora Lawrence of Oceanside took a 24-pound buck in the Ghost Hole on Tuesday. The fish took a whole herring in 12 feet of water on the early part of the incoming tide. Spinner fishers on Tillamook are taking a mix of wild coho, which must be released, and chinook in the middle and upper bay. Tidewater bobber fishers on the Trask and Wilson Rivers should start to see improved catches this weekend. Precipitation is in the forecast but measureable rainfall will likely not be significant enough to jump-start the driftboat season. The Nehalem remains an option for both chinook and coho although coho catch rates have dropped dramatically. Chinook fishing should be best from Wheeler upstream as strong tides should push fish well into the estuary. Only a few hundred fish remain on the wild coho quota but it is the only remaining wild coho fishery open on the north coast. The Nestucca tidewater still holds fish but many are turning dark. Fresh fish may arrive on the current tide series however. The Salmon River run is about over but bobber fishers may see another batch of wild fish too. Although effort is light and reports sparse, some late run coho may make a showing in the lower Columbia. These same coho should be available at SW Washington tributaries this week for anglers casting spinners or plunking eggs. Trout season closes in many north coast basins after October 31st. Check regulations before heading out. Crabbing will remain good in most estuaries but extreme tides will keep most keepers buried until the water velocity slows. Southwest – The wild coho fishery is over in rivers on the southwest coast although the troll fishery at Tenmile Lake has yet to start producing. Offshore bottomfish trips were postponed off the central coast early this week due to unfavorable ocean conditions but tuna remain on the radar with fish reported within 30 miles of port. October 31st is the last day nearshore halibut may be taken. Winchester Bay has been rewarding to trollers targeting chinook and crab catches have improved over the past week. Crabbing has been excellent for boaters in Coos Bay around Charleston where chinook fishing has been good for trollers. Fishing slowed in Rogue Bay and the lower river late into the past weekend. At last report, only a few coho, most of which were wild requiring release, and the occasional jack were taken. Steelheading remains worthwhile in the Flies-only upper Rogue. While chinook fishing has been slow to get underway in the Chetco estuary, a 50-pounder was landed on Friday last week during a guided trip. Rain will energize this fishery, predicted to be about 35% greater than the 20-year average. The Chetco River is closed above mile 2.2 until November 5th. Anglers awaiting rain are gathering at the mouth of the Elk although fishing has been slow with only a few jacks to show for their effort. Trout fishing remains good at Diamond Lake for those fishing Power Bait in 15 to 20 feet of water. This coming weekend is the last chance to fish it. Eastern – With steelhead scattered on the Deschutes, the better opportunity for the coming weekend is above Maupin. Expect to fish hard between hookups. Trout fishers are doing well by throwing nymphs. Metolius fly fishers have been doing well for late-season bull trout. Despite good water conditions, success on the Grande Ronde was limited until last week. With temperatures dropping and steelhead more receptive, action on the Grande Ronde, Imnaha and Umatilla should heat up. Although the fish are not large, their numbers can provide all day action for an angler versed in small stream tactics.

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro- Chinook fishing at Bonneville continues to slow although weekend boat anglers still tallied over 2 salmon per boat fishing in the area. Some bright fish are still being taken but as fish counts plummet, so will the opportunity for fresh fish. Sturgeon anglers working the gorge are still tagging keepers, especially near the deadline at Bonneville Dam. Success rates will continue to fall however as keepers get culled from the population and fish begin to enter a more lethargic period as temperatures drop. Squid and shrimp remain the favored baits. Flows at Willamette Falls remain moderate with water temperatures in the mid-50s. The better fishing is above the falls for smallmouth bass and trout. Slow but steady results are reported by fly anglers targeting fall trout on the McKenzie where the occasional steelhead hookup has been exciting. The North Santiam is somewhat high but the flow is steady. There are some steelhead and a few coho in the river but South Santiam prospects are somewhat better. Fishing is slow to fair on the Clackamas. Rain brought a few coho into Eagle Creek where the crowds have followed. Coho catches have been slow to fair on the Sandy River. Northwest – With other estuaries slowing, Tillamook will become the main focus of salmon anglers well into November. Fishing on Tillamook has been good this season with the later returning component of the run seemingly as strong as the early run. These late chinook are often destined for the Wilson and Kilchis systems and although they tend to be smaller in size, they do seem plentiful. Weaker tides had anglers focused along the north jetty, inside Tillamook Bay, where catches were good on Tuesday for herring trollers from Lyster’s Corner to the bay entrance. Charlie Wooldridge of Bay City tagged a rare hatchery coho and wild chinook. Wild coho remain plentiful on the north coast but most fisheries are closed with exception to the Nehalem and Siletz on the north coast. The Nehalem is likely to close very soon. Although inconsistent, the Nestucca has good numbers of chinook present with a fair percentage of hatchery origin. The Nehalem saw fair chinook catches on Saturday but slowed thereafter. The Salmon River is still surprisingly producing good catches of chinook but action should slow in the coming weeks. The Alsea should be peaking over the next few weeks, especially for bobber fishers working the tidewater areas. The ocean has been friendly enough to take advantage of deep reef bottomfishing, with limits of quality lingcod coming out of Garibaldi recently. Ocean crabbing closed on October 15th with impressive catches coming from those participating in this relatively new sport opportunity. Bay crabbing remains fair in Tillamook, Nehalem and Netarts estuaries and excellent in the lower Columbia River. Southwest – Offshore fishing for rockfish has been very good out of central Oregon ports while lingcod catches are slow to fair with the ocean open to all-depths for bottom fishing. Ocean forecasts indicate mild conditions through the coming weekend and perhaps one more chance for October albacore. The wild coho fishery at Tenmile which opened October 1 has yet to start producing decent catches. Effort is light by trollers dragging plugs and spinners. Chinook results remain decent and steady for trollers in Winchester Bay. Results for chinook slowed on Coos Bay this week. Catches and boat traffic have been very light. Crabbing has been excellent. At the last update from the ODFW, the wild coho fishery remains open on the Coos system with well over half of the 1,200-fish quota yet to be taken. The wild coho quota has been met but chinook fishing remains worthwhile out of Bandon. Fishing slowed in Rogue Bay and the lower river into the past weekend following several fairly productive days. At last report, only the occasional coho and a handful of jacks made up a day’s catch. Half-pounders are being caught at Agness. Steelheading has been good on the upper Rogue where it remains flies-only through October. Trollers are taking a few chinook in Brookings Harbor and the lower Chetco River. Eastern – Steelhead fishing has been a fair but steady affair on the lower Deschutes with fish scattered throughout. Redsides are responding to both dries and nymphs at times. Despite decent trout results, steelhead continue to get the most attention at this time of year. Crooked River fly fishers are hooking good numbers of smaller trout. The John Day Pool will likely begin to light up later in November for steelhead but trollers are taking a fair number of chinook in the reservoir. Catches for chinook will likely taper after this weekend however. Look for steelhead to start in by the middle of November.

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro- Although counts at Bonneville are dropping dramatically, success rates are hit and miss for salmon as anglers enter the late season. Upriver brights make up the bulk of the catch through the month but anglers will have to grade through fish to find some of tablefare quality. Plugs will remain the best option for action. Sturgeon effort on the Saturday opener was high and success was fair. Bank anglers fared well with counts from the Washington side tallying a keeper for every 4 rods. Sand shrimp fished near the deadline should be consistent throughout the month of October. Boaters landing on the Oregon side reported 25 legals landed for 33 boats. There were also a fair number of oversize sturgeon in the mix. About 1,500 fall chinook and 2,300 coho have crossed Willamette Falls. Try for steelhead or trout on the Middle Fork. Smallmouth bass fishing is good many places above Willamette Falls. October Caddis are out in full force on the McKenzie with trout responding to matching patterns. Steelhead remain available. The North Santiam will be fluctuating this week although there are coho in the system. While coho care trickling into the Clackamas system, catches are negligible. Rain should improve prospects. Coho fishing is fair on the Sandy. Cedar Creek is producing a few but is getting pressure. Northwest – North coast chinook fishing slowed this week although good numbers of fish seem to be present. Spinner fisherman fared well in upper Tillamook Bay late last week as Tillamook and Trask chinook staged before heading into tidewater. The current soft tide series has anglers focused on the lower bay where the Ghost Hole, Bay City and the jetty has been producing just a few fish. The wild coho quota on Tillamook Bay has been utilized, closing the fishery effective today. All chinook and hatchery coho may still be retained although hatchery coho have been oddly absent. The ocean out of Tillamook Bay has been productive for both salmon and crab but rough ocean conditions have kept boats inside with no signs of improvement. The Nehalem has been productive with both wild coho and chinook falling to herring trollers near the jaws. A rough bar is in the forecast so anglers need to use precautionary measures. The wild coho quota is double what the Tillamook quota was and remains open. Weather systems are forecast to raise river levels on the north coast, possibly allowing for an early driftboat season on some of the larger river systems. The Trask should be a high priority but other systems should also produce fish if the weather models are accurate. Check local regulations before heading out however as complicated rules remain in effect on a watershed by watershed basis. Soft tides on the Siletz, Salmon and Nestucca will likely slow the bite. These river systems are just passing peak season right now with action likely to improve when the tides do beginning early next week. The Alsea tidewater bobber fishing and trolling should also improve after the weekend. These systems are showing signs of improving returns over previous years. Southwest – When the ocean has cooperated and with the depth restriction lifted, offshore bottom fishing has been very productive for rockfish and lingcod. Boats dropping pots on the way out have harvested excellent Dungeness catches. With the wild quota filled earlier than other systems on the coast, the Umpqua River and bay closed to harvest on October 1st. Chinook catches are good in Winchester Bay and the lower Umpqua mainstem. Lower Coquille chinook trolling is productive with a larger-than average return predicted this year. Coos Bay trollers have been taking chinook regularly with hookups occasionally hitting double digits. Chinook will move up the Coos River as the season progresses. Crabbing is good in the bay. Rogue Bay has been producing good catches of adult and jack chinook and coho to trollers over the past week. Upriver, side drifting has been more productive at times. Steelhead fishing was good on the upper Rogue although it shut down early this week due to muddy water from a broken irrigation ditch. Referred to locally as “Hawg Season”, the Chetco Terminal fishery opened October 1st and will continue through October 12th. This fishery is known to produce chinook to 40 pounds or better. Slow-troll herring starting just outside jetty tips for one per day and five for the season. Fall salmon are also being taken inside Brookings Harbor with catches expected to improve later in the month. Elk River fishing will commence with sufficient rain but it was still low early this week. Diamond Lake trout catches are good for still-fishers and trollers but weather is likely to be problematic during October.

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro- Although the wobbler fishing is slowing down for mainstem anglers, Bonneville backtrollers continue to find fair to good success using sardine wrapped plugs in the deep water. This fishery should improve even further into early October although anglers will have to become more choosy as fish near the end of their life-cycle.

The much anticipated fall sturgeon fishery upstream of the Wauna Powerlines begins on October 1st. Anglers may retain 1 keeper sized fish per day from Thursday though Saturday through the end of the year or until the quota has been reached. Fishing is expected to be good. Bonneville typically produces the best catches.

Over 1,000 fall chinook and a similar number of coho have been counted at Willamette Falls as daily numbers increase. The Middle Fork is producing a few steelhead.

Steelhead are hitting spinners on the McKenzie but stay clear of spawning salmon.

Trout fishing is good on the upper North Santiam where chinook are spawning and October Caddis are hatching.

Coho fishing remains slow on the Clackamas although spinner casters lining up at the Bowling alley Hole are taking the occasional fish.

With coho numbers building in the Sandy, spinners and drifted yarn have resulted in a few hookups.

Northwest – Tillamook Bay has been producing good numbers of chinook but wild weather on Sunday and Monday inundated the bay with seaweed and eelgrass. High tide offers the only reprieve from the weed and chinook have been taken in the Ghost Hole and at Bay City during the peak part of the incoming tide.

Portland angler Frank Ness landed a 37-pound birthday buck at Bay City on Saturday. The fish took a plug-cut herring trolled in 11 feet of water on the incoming tide. The upper bay has produced poorly in recent days.

The Nehalem produced excellent fishing late last week with higher numbers of chinook clearly present compared to the previous several years. Bigger tides and a little rain should stimulate more movement into the basin.

Wild coho numbers are starting to show in better numbers on many north coast streams. Check the ODF&W web site for updates on basin quotas.

The Salmon and Nestucca Rivers should be consistently productive through this weekend. Bobber fishers and tidewater trollers will likely produce the best results.

Recent rains were not significant enough to raise summer low levels on most north coast streams. Therefore, chinook and coho will likely remain in the lower reaches of these systems, including tidewater. Bigger tides should draw in even more biters this week.

The Alsea and Siletz Rivers have also been productive although fishing is not consistent day to day.

Crabbing remains fair to good in most north coast estuaries but a rough ocean isn’t allowing sportanglers to take advantage of the bounty at sea right now. Evening minus tides should be fair for razor clam diggers north of Tillamook Head.

Southwest – In a September 26th News Release, the ODFW announced that all-depth fishing for rockfish and lingcod will re-open on October 1st.

Nearshore halibut remained open at this writing with 25% of the quota remaining available as of the latest data on September 18th.

Chinook catches have been good in Winchester Bay. The remaining wild coho quota is dwindling with good catches on the lower Umpqua River and will likely close in the near future. Crabbing has been good in the bay.

Following a slow week, the past weekend turned on for anglers in Rogue bay and the lower river when the ocean laid down and fish moved in. Boats are taking primarily chinook although coho make up a significant component in catches. Results have been very good at times. The upper Rogue is consistently delivering summer steelhead to anglers throwing egg patterns to fish feeding below spawning chinook.

Officially, the Chetco River Fall Chinook State Waters Ocean Terminal Area Recreational Fishery opens this year on Saturday, October 1st for 12 days and fish to 40 pounds or better. Chinook fishing in the lower Chetco has been good for a mix of Chinook adults and jacks.

Trout fishing at Diamond Lake is good with Power Bait effective although deep trollers are also taking fish.

Eastern – It's been busy on the Deschutes at the Sherars Falls fish trap recently with over 100 chinook, steelhead and coho counted on September 25th alone. Steelheading on the lower river is good. For trout, it's mostly a caddis show with long-rodders experiencing fair to good results.

Kokanee fishing is about done at Odell with low catch numbers and the majority of fish in full spawning colors.

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro- Anglers fishing Bonneville had some great fishing last week and action remains fair in water that traditionally doesn’t produce good catches for another few weeks. Fishing should improve, even as passage is likely to slow. Anglers anchored with plugs seem to be producing the best results.

Anchor anglers using wobblers are still producing chinook from Portland to Warrior Rock but peak action is winding down. Anglers will begin to focus on coho near tributary mouths in the coming weeks.

The lower Willamette will remain closed for sturgeon retention through 2011. Middle Fork anglers are taking a few steelhead while trout fishing is fair on the North Fork.

Expect to see October Caddis start to appear on the McKenzie any day now. Steelhead fishing is fair.

A few coho have joined steelhead in the Santiams but overall, fishing is slow. Flow at Mehema will increase to over 3,000 cfs next week.

Sandy fishers are seeing coho in the lower river but hooking these finicky fish has been a challenge.

Coho fishing is underway in the Clackamas although catches are spotty. Spinners or drifted, cured eggs are getting hits.

Northwest – Action at Buoy 10 finally skid to a halt following the coastal deluge over the weekend. Hatchery coho should remain available but limits seem unlikely until the later returning “B” run arrives in October.

Crabbing in the lower Columbia is good.

Tillamook Bay anglers continue to get rewarded with good chinook fishing. Soft tides had most guides focused on the lower bay and ocean but the ocean won’t be a good option if the offshore forecast comes to fruition.

Another large halibut nearing 70 pounds was taken near the green can just outside of Tillamook Bay on Tuesday. The nearshore season remains open.

Tillamook Bay fishing has only been fair with seaweed and eelgrass hampering success. Some wild coho are beginning to get caught with prospects improving later this month. Sturgeon are present in Tillamook Bay but until fresh water inundates the estuary, you’re likely to be feeding juvenile crab with your offerings.

Ocean crabbing is awesome but rough seas will keep most bar options closed. Bay crabbing is good in most estuaries with Tillamook offering up limits for those willing to put in their time.

Nehalem Bay fishing has been good with chinook and coho in the mix. Stronger tides over the weekend should produce better results in the upper bay for spinner and herring trollers. The bobber bite should also pick up.

The Nestucca, Salmon, Alsea and Siletz Rivers all produced fair to good results on the current tide series. Although a significant amount of rain fell over the weekend, river levels did not rise significantly in any of the coastal basins but it did get fish moving.

Southwest – Boats launching off the central Oregon coast have taken fairly easy limits of rockfish inside the 20-fathom line although lingcod have been off the bite. Ocean crabbing remains worthwhile and nearshore halibut remains open as of Tuesday this week. Albacore are an option whenever ocean conditions allow.

Winchester Bay has been good for chinook while the wild coho fishery which started the 15th has been spotty but will improve. North Umpqua steelheading is slow.

While chinook fishing has been fair in the lower Coquille with catches steady, Coos Bay has been somewhat better with hookups common over the past week.

Despite good numbers of chinook in Rogue Bay, fishing has been slow. It has been much better outside in the ocean when boats have been able to cross the bar. Chinook catches are also good below Grants Pass for plug-pullers and back-bouncers. The upper Rogue is a reliable fishery for anglers tempting steelhead with egg patterns fished below spawning chinook.

Salmon fishing is underway in the lower Chetco. Jacks are being caught as they are generally the first to arrive but adults are also coming over the gunwales.

Good news came in over the past week for halibut fishers south of Humbug Mountain with no early closure as rumored and halibut catches continuing through October.

Trout fishing was reported as slow over the past weekend at Diamond Lake although Greg Juber of McMinnville, Oregon caught the largest trout taken since ridding the lake of tui chub in 2006; a 26 1/2 inch rainbow weighing 7.10-pounds.

Eastern – Steelheading has been good on the Deschutes below Maupin. Trout fishing is fair to good at times with October Caddis amongst the hatches.

Trout catches have eclipsed those of bass at Davis Lake. Fishing is best when the wind is light.

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro- Anchor fishing from Longview to Bonneville Dam is ramping up with wobbler anglers reporting good success, although inconsistent from 30 to 45 foot of water. Anglers must be cognizant of where they anchor as ship traffic has the right-of-way. The next two weeks should be peak fishing in the Portland to Longview stretch.

Bonneville counts are impressive now. It would be worth your time to take kids to the fish-viewing window just to see the magnitude of this run. Summer steelhead numbers are dropping but mid-river action, especially near the mouth of the Deschutes should continually be improving. Sturgeon retention in the Bonneville stretch won’t open for another month.

Fall chinook and coho are crossing Willamette Falls in modest number. Bass fishing is good on the Willamette and will only get better as fall approaches.

The McKenzie remains in decent shape thanks to a wet spring and good snow pack. Trout and steelhead are being caught.

Santiam flows should remain steady until fall rains. Fishing is slow on the North Santiam, fair on the South Santiam.

A few steelhead have been caught on the Clackamas. Remaining spring chinook are dark. Coho should start showing up in fair numbers this week but often are reluctant biters.

Jigs & spinners are taking the occasional steelhead on the murky Sandy River but overall it's slow. Coho will be the target here soon.

Northwest – Hatchery coho showed in force on the Washington side just above the Astoria Bridge on Labor Day. Although limits are not consistent, it is the best hatchery coho fishing of the season. Coinciding with this fishery, the Tongue Point chinook bite turned on the next day. Chinook limits were common on Tuesday and Wednesday with many jacks legally retained as well. This fishery closes after September 9th but will remain open above Warrior Rock near St. Helens and increase to a two chinook bag limit until further notice.

Ocean fishers out of the Columbia are still catching coho and chinook but river action is much better.

The all-salmon ocean fishery closed to wild and hatchery coho salmon last night. Higher than anticipated angler effort and very successful catch rates allowed anglers to attain the quota faster than what was modeled. The ocean will remain open to chinook salmon however and action should pick up near estuary mouths, particularly Tillamook Bay.

The Tillamook, Nestucca, Salmon River, Siletz River and Alsea River estuaries should all be good options for lower bay herring trolling this weekend. Estuary mouths can be a dangerous place to fish so be sure your safety equipment is in good working order. Soft tides this weekend should produce fair catches for this early in the season.

Tuna anglers are struggling to find consistent success but they are averaging large right now. Interest is waning with most enthusiasts already looking forward to next summer.

Ocean crabbing is picking up and should stay good with the extended recreational fishery lasting through mid-October.

Southwest – The ocean coho fishery which allows retention of either wild or hatchery fish, closed Wednesday night. This section of the ocean will remain open to chinook however.

Tuna fishing has been hit or miss off the central coast but decent for those who locate schools of albacore and use live bait or jigs. Keeping one fish hooked up at all times keeps the school of fish interested.

Crabbing is fair to good at Winchester Bay. Smallmouth catches are excellent on the South Umpqua while steelheading on the North Umpqua has been slow.

Chinook fishing was fair to good on Coos Bay over the Labor Day weekend with very heavy boat traffic.

Boats launching out of Port Orford have done well for albacore over the past week.

Charters out of Gold Beach have been doing well for bottom fish despite the 20-fathom depth restriction. Limits of rockfish were taken recently along with good catches of lingcod to 30 pounds or better. Offshore salmon fishing also improved over the past week. Trollers using anchovies have continued to take chinook in Rogue Bay. Wrapped Kwikfish are taking fair to good numbers of chinook on the middle Rogue. Steelheading is good on the upper Rogue, which is flies-only through October.

Eastern – With the waters of the Deschutes markedly cooler than the Columbia, summer steelhead are entering in good numbers now, creating a fishery described by some as the best in 20 years.

Green Peter is producing good catches of kokanee averaging 14 inches.

Paulina has been very slow while nearby East Lake is producing good numbers of smallish kokanee

Fishing has been slow at Crane Prairie over the past week.

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro- Although inconsistent day to day, the wobbler fishery around Portland is underway. The best fishing is taking place from Portland to Longview with some hoglines consistently out-producing others. Veteran anglers expected better results on the current tide series but better action is likely to happen next week. Action is reported as good at the mouth of the Cowlitz.

The gorge is predictably slow for salmon, even though thousands are pouring over the dam daily. Summer steelhead counts are beginning to slow and so is the action. Larger, “B” run fish will begin to make a showing but warmer water temperatures keep these quality fish from biting on the mainstem.

Water temperatures at Willamette Falls is approaching 72 degrees. Fish upriver for bass which is good; trout success is only fair.

Trout fishing is worthwhile on the McKenzie with Caddis the primary hatch. Summer steelhead are available but most springers are dark.

Despite indications otherwise, North Santiam flows will increase starting September 1st. Salmon are due to spawn.

The Clackamas is low, clear and very slow for fishing. Coho may begin to show at the mouth and lower drifts although Clackamas coho are notoriously known for not biting all that well this far up the system.

A few steelhead are being taken from the milky waters of the Sandy where most chinook are past their prime. Coho should begin to show with the peak likely in early October. Returning numbers are not forecasted to be large however.

Northwest – Effort in the Buoy 10 fishery plummeted when chinook season closed on Sunday. Anglers are enjoying sparser effort but catches of hatchery coho are slim. Anglers are still tangling with fair numbers of chinook however, indicating more good fishing ahead for upriver anglers. Gail Aylor of Sisters, Oregon released an estimated 35-pounder in front of Hammond on Tuesday, the fish took a small spinner at 18 feet. Weaker tides should stimulate a good chinook bite above Tongue Point for the holiday weekend.

There are still coho available in the north of Cape Falcon ocean fishery but windy weather will keep most anglers in-river over the weekend. You’ll still have to weed through lots of wild fish to take a hatchery limit.

South of Cape Falcon, anglers will get to experience a rare opportunity beginning September 1st. Two salmon of any species, whether from a hatchery or of wild origin may be retained as long as it meets minimum length requirements. The short season begins on September 1st and lasts through September 10th or until a quota of 5,900 fish are retained. Seas are predicted to be rough so participation is likely to be low in the early part of the season.

Tillamook Bay saw its first chinook of the season last week as strong tides drew Trask and Tillamook River fish into the upper estuary. The weaker tide series will be more conducive to lower bay herring trolling. Coho are largely absent from the bay but a wild coho fishery on many coastal basins begins on September 15th. Check regulations carefully before participating in this fishery.

The Nehalem has been producing some chinook catches in open waters. Coho are oddly absent but should make a strong showing soon.

Southwest – Ocean coho fishing opens September 1st. During this non-selective opportunity, two fish may be kept, fin-clipped or not. Chinook may also be taken through September 30th.

Chinook fishing has improved for those trolling or mooching Winchester Bay. Typical of fall chinook, some days are better than others but fish over 30 pounds have been landed.

Rockfish and lingcod catches are good out of central Oregon ports. Tuna fishing remains worthwhile whenever offshore conditions allow. Ocean crabbing is excellent. Nearshore halibut remained open at this writing.

Tuna Charters out of Charleston have been doing well. Coos and Coquille chinook catches have been fair but steady. Action is expected to improve in the next couple of weeks.

Offshore bottom fishing has been very good out of Gold Beach. Fall chinook trolling in Rogue Bay has been hot or cold over the past week with best results coming late afternoons and evenings. Fortunately, it was good for the Sea Lion Patrol Salmon Derby on Saturday, August 27th. Chinook are moving upstream during cool, foggy mornings. Summer steelheading is good on the upper Rogue in higher-than-normal flows.

Mild offshore conditions over the last week allowed boats easy ocean access out of the Port of Brookings. Limits of rockfish were the rule, many limited on lingcod and several Pacific Halibut weighing 40 pounds or better were landed. Fair numbers of chinook have been landed with albacore taken further offshore.

Eastern – Steelheading has continued to improve on the lower Deschutes while hot weather has slowed trout results.

With trout moving into the channels, Crane Prairie results are improving.

East Lake is producing limits of kokanee with the fish starting to show signs of the upcoming spawning season.

Kokanee fishing is poor at Paulina.

SW Washington – The mouth of the Cowlitz is producing a mix of chinook, coho and a few steelhead. This will be a coveted hot-spot over the next several weeks as migrating chinook enjoy a cool reprieve from the warm waters of the mainstem. Wobblers and spinners will take the majority of the fish.

The Lewis does have some summer steelhead available but most anglers will wait for the late arriving coho.

Boat anglers at Drano Lake are still faring well for steelhead with chinook catches likely to improve in the coming days.

The mouth of the White Salmon River should also produce nicely for the next several weeks with chinook early and coho a bit later.

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro- As is commonly the case, catch rates in the Portland area don’t reflect the large numbers of chinook passing Bonneville Dam. These earlier returning fish often don’t fall to anglers working the gorge area as they focus more on migration that feeding and aggressive behavior. Catch rates in the gorge should improve in late September.

Anchor anglers however are witnessing improving catches from Portland to Longview as excitement grows with angler success and the quality of fish being taken in this fishery. Half of the sport boats working this stretch saw action between salmon and steelhead catches. This fishery should really take off this week.

Smallmouth bass fishing remains productive on much of the Willamette above the falls.

Trout catches are as steady as the water conditions on the McKenzie although there are very few anglers on the river.

The North Santiam is stable with the water crystal clear and fishing slow. The remaining, mostly-dark spring Chinook are off-limits as of mid-August.

Steelheading is near-standstill on the Clackamas. Banks are lined with litter and beer cans from Barton to Carver due to the carelessness of the inflatable plastics crowd.

Although the sandy is roiled from glacial runoff, a few fish are being caught. Coho will likely begin to show in catchable numbers by mid-September.

Northwest – The Buoy 10 fishery busted wide open this week with great catches of chinook and some coho around the Astoria/Megler Bridge on both sides of the river. Barbara Trinkle and her family of 5 took a 6 chinook limit by noon on Tuesday, finishing up above Tongue Point where numerous salmon were falling on both the incoming and outgoing tides. The group took most of the fish on plug cut herring, fishing within 7 feet of the bottom in about 30-foot of water.

Chinook retention is slated to close after Sunday, August 28th with numbers reportedly coming in as modeled. Anglers can continue to retain chinook above Tongue Point however although this area fishes best on the smaller tide exchanges, like the current one we are now experiencing.

Coho catches have been sparse but numbers are building with the peak of the “A” run coho due in the next 2 weeks. October can also provide excellent catches; these later running fish are deemed the “B” run.

The ocean out of the Columbia will remain open to coho but will close to the retention of chinook effective Monday, August 29th. There isn’t much effort in the ocean with lower Columbia catches coming into full bloom. The weekend forecast offshore is calling for significant wind waves, further motivating anglers to stay inland.

Ocean crabbing should begin to pick up as males move closer to shore in preparation for fall feeding and spawning. They are still a bit light for meat recovery but that too should change next month.

Nehalem Bay anglers are finding fair success from Wheeler to Nehalem. Trolled herring are taking some fish and improving tides should bolster catches. Bobber tossers are starting to take fish above Nehalem.

The Nestucca and Tillamook districts should begin to see chinook staging this week with better catches occurring by mid-September. Both systems will have small quotas for wild coho this year but Tillamook Bay should see a fair return of hatchery coho as well.

Southwest – Offshore crabbing has resulted in excellent catches. Sorting of softshells is still required but dungeness are hardening. Bottom fishing has been fair to good for rockfish and lingcod. Coho salmon fishing resumes September 1st. Nearshore halibut fishing currently remains open.

Crabbing has been very good this week out of Waldport in Alsea Bay.

Boats fishing the bar at Winchester Bay are taking chinook but those trying should exercise caution in this hazardous area. Reedsport has started producing chinook to trollers. Fishing is fair to good for summer steelhead on the North Umpqua. Smallmouth bass fishing is good near Elkton and in the South Umpqua.

Chinook are being taken daily in Coos Bay while the chinook fishery is just starting to become productive in the lower Coquille.

As seas calmed and fog rolled in over the past week, albacore anglers found fish inside the 15-mile mark out of Gold Beach. Trollers in Rogue Bay have been averaging numerous chinook a day although the fishery is on one day, off the next with salmon moving upriver quickly.

Boats launching out of the Port of Brookings have made trips of 35 to 40 miles to find warm water and tuna but catches have been excellent. Rockfish catches have been excellent as well with lingcod results fair. Lingcod are being taken by jetty fishers in decent numbers.

Eastern – Summer steelhead are moving into the lower Deschutes in good number now with catches improving despite warm water. Early and late day results have been best.

At the Odell kokanee derby held over the past weekend, anglers made decent catches of fish averaging over 12 inches.

Jigging has been more effective than trolling at Paulina with kokanee schooled in good numbers.

Oregon Fishing Report

Willamette Valley/Metro- Although not consistent every day, summer steelheading in the gorge remains excellent. Bank anglers witnessed an unprecedented ½ fish per rod average over the weekend with half of those fish needing to be released because of their wild origin. Boaters did well for steelhead too with the seasons first fall chinook showing in the catches. Steelhead will remain the main focus for another week but with the strong return of salmon in the forecast, fishing should pick up earlier than normal for the chinook fishery above Tongue Point.

With daily counts dwindling, roughly 44,000 spring Chinook and 21,000 summer steelhead are now upstream from Willamette Falls, the majority of which are in the tributaries. Lower river temperatures are approaching the mid-70s. Smallmouth bass fishing is good in the upper Willamette.

Water conditions remains good with the McKenzie stable. Trout fishing has been fair to good.

Steelhead are available in the North Santiam with best results early in the day around Mehama. Spinner fishers landed a few springers on the South Santiam over the past weekend.

First light steelheading has produced a few on the Clackamas recently. Try the upper river with bobber & jig.

Fishing has been very slow on the Sandy over the past week.

Northwest – Fishing on the lower Columbia is picking up for chinook. Coho catches remain light in the river but chinook anglers are targeting their quarry at the mouth of Young’s Bay. The Rogue River strain of chinook are plentiful right now, indicated by a modified left ventral clip. These are high quality fish raised in net-pens in Young’s Bay, primarily for the terminal gillnet fishery inside Young’s Bay. Action here should be strong through this week when mainstem fish make a stronger showing.

Although trolled herring are a staple on the lower river, the new size 8 Flash Glo spinner has been responsible for several chinook this week near Young’s Bay. Troll spinners about 30 inches behind a chartreuse fish flash in 19 to 22 foot of water for a good chance at a chinook.

Offshore salmon fishers out of the mouth of the Columbia are finding more consistent catches of chinook in close and coho in about 260 feet of water NW of the river entrance. Fishing should continue to pick up off of the mouth with both coho and chinook staging and feeding heavily over the next few weeks.

Although effort increased this week for offshore coho, catches remained subdued out of Garibaldi. The offshore fishery is slated to close after August 13th but will remain open to chinook. Nearly 60% of the coho quota is likely to remain underutilized although many of those fish are destined for the Columbia fishery.

Chinook catches remain fair in the Wheeler area on Nehalem Bay. Some chinook are being caught just outside of the jaws of the Nehalem although this is a dangerous place to fish. Fishing inside the estuary is likely to pick up later this month but you have to be knowledgeable of the changing regulations in this area.

Tillamook Bay is likely to see their first chinook closer to the end of the month. A stronger return is predicted from the last 2 years. Wild coho returns are expected to be higher as well.

Tuna remain far offshore but anglers willing to travel are taking fair numbers of fish. Trolling success will likely continue to wane as live bait and jigging become more popular this month. The weekend offshore forecast looks favorable for a run to the tuna grounds.

Southwest – A few chinook have been taken at the Winchester Bay jaws contingent upon ocean conditions. Bay crabbing has been slow to fair with sorting of softshells required. A few chinook have been caught at Reedsport but it's early for this fishery although the occasional fish has been caught in the lower mainstem. Steelheading remains good in the North Umpqua with smallmouth bass fishing only fair in the South Umpqua due to lower than normal water temperatures.

Charleston coho anglers experienced an improvement in catches offshore over the past week. Ocean crabbing has been fair although some are soft. Check regulations for upcoming closures.

Boats out of Gold Beach have been scoring limits of rockfish and lingcod when offshore conditions have allowed safe crossing. Trollers in Rogue Bay have done well on some days although chinook have been going off the bite periodically. Fall chinook are upriver in higher than normal water conditions with boaters using plugs to take them as high as Galice. Summer steelhead and half-pounder catches are improving in the lower river. While chinook fishing is over in the upper Rogue, summer steelheading has been good and should hold up for a while.

Ocean chinook fishing has picked up out of the Port of Brookings over the past week. As salmon appeared only a few miles offshore and offshore conditions moderated, the bite was actually good at times. Bottomfishers reaped offshore rewards of rockfish, lingcod and the occasional pacific halibut. Tropical ocean water temperatures have been far offshore, preventing recreational tuna fishers from pursuing them but that situation may soon change. Surf perch fishers have been taking limits casting from area beaches. The Chetco River is closed to all fishing above River Mile 2.2.

The blue-green algae advisory remains in place at Diamond Lake. Fishing has been worthwhile but trout should be skinned before cooking.

Eastern – Warm water in the lower Deschutes has kept summer steelhead numbers low although counts at Sherars Falls picked up a little in the first week of August. Trout fishing is best early and late in the day on the lower river.

Wallowa River fly fishers are doing well on nymphs for smaller fish during the day with large trout hitting attractor patterns in the evening. Wallowa Lake has been productive for stocked trout.

SW Washington – The Cowlitz, especially the lower reaches, is a fair option for summer steelhead.

Anglers should start to see chinook penetrating several district streams but regulations vary so study them carefully before venturing out.

Good steelhead counts at Bonneville should continue to fuel fisheries on the Klickitat River and Drano Lake. Action should stay favorable until fall chinook arrive in the coming weeks.

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro- Steelheaders working the river below Bonneville continue to produce great catches of summer steelhead with more hatchery keepers in the mix this week. Boaters continue to do the best but bank anglers held their own in what is usually past the peak season. With passage behind schedule, action should remain good through the month of August is water temperatures don’t warm much more. Anglers are now allowed to retain chinook whether they are fin-clipped or not. The limit is one chinook per day. Regulations vary by section so check carefully.

Sturgeon fishing from Buoy 10 to Bonneville Dam is now closed to retention but remains open for catch and release opportunity. The popular fall fishery from Wauna Powerlines to Bonneville Dam will reopen in early October with fair fishing expected when water temperatures cool again.

Chinook passage was good as steelhead numbers continued to wane on the last week of July at Willamette Falls. Water temperatures in the lower river have topped 70 degrees.

Summer steelhead fishing has been fair to good on the McKenzie River. Trout fishing has also been producing good catches. The McKenzie rose from 3.65 feet to over 5 feet and from 970 cfs to about 2,800 cfs below Leaburg Dam in a matter of a few hours on Monday night. Power canal work was being performed.

North Santiam levels have dropped. Steelhead are available while chinook are showing some color.

Previous weeks on the Clackamas were producing fair results for lower river anglers but warmer temperatures and rafting traffic has slowed the bite. Action will remain best in the early morning hours with fish distributed well into McIver Park.

Chinook have been hooked over the past week above Cedar Creek on the Sandy River but steelhead will remain the focus for most through this month. Just an average run of coho is expected later in the fall.

Northwest – The Buoy 10 opener was less than impressive but the best tide was later in the day when most anglers had folded up their effort. Success rates will likely remain subdued this week. Gillnets are scheduled to fish for 9 hours beginning August 4th at 9:00 p.m. It is the only scheduled opener for the river downstream of the Kalama this summer.

Catch and keep sturgeon fishing is now closed but anglers experienced one of the best years in recent memory. Quality sized keepers fell in good numbers for the whole month of July.

Offshore anglers are just now getting back to work after a long week of onshore flow, keeping the ocean lumpy. Coho success remains low with not even a third of the quota taken. The fishery will last through the 13th of August, even though anglers will fall far short of the 15,000 allowable catch. The first non-selective ocean coho season in nearly 2 decades will occur in early September; details to follow.

Rough weather and shifting temperatures disappointed albacore anglers for much of the week. Improving conditions should excite tuna chasers once again but anglers will still have to expect a long run west to run into qualifying temperatures. Live bait becomes more popular this time of year but fish should still respond to trolled clones and cedar plugs. Some larger fish should begin to show in the catches.

Although effort remains light, some chinook are starting to show in the Nehalem system. Anglers will still have to know the detailed regulations and softer tides this week may stall the bite at Wheeler or Nehalem. Fall regulations for chinook and coho are relaxed from last year however.

District rivers remain low and clear, challenging steelheaders on the Wilson and Nestucca Rivers. Trout fishing should be a strong option in the estuaries and tidewater sections of most north coast watersheds with tides playing a critical role in the lower reaches and early mornings producing the best results higher up.

Southwest – Coho catches off the central Oregon coast were warm one day, cold the next over the past week. Bottom fishing inside the 20-fathom line was also spotty. Boats are landing fair to good numbers of albacore. All-depth halibut re-opens August 5th and 6th.

Chinook catches near the bar at Winchester Bay have been good at times with some days producing multiple hookups. Crabbing is slow to fair in the bay. Smallmouth bass fishing is good in the South Umpqua. Summer steelhead catches are fair to good in the North Umpqua.

Charter boats out of Charleston have seen an improvement in coho hookups and success with albacore when offshore conditions have allowed.

Surf perch fishing from south coast beaches has been very good with many anglers bagging 15-fish limits.

Offshore trips out of Gold Beach were rare over much of the past week, with high offshore winds preventing boats from crossing to the ocean. Local reports indicate chinook starting to stack up in Rogue Bay which means the troll fishery should improving soon. Chinook catches are gradually improving in the middle river. The upper Rogue is closed to chinook above Dodge Bridge where anglers continue to do well for summer steelhead.

Tuna are about a 30-mile trip out of Brookings, but ocean conditions have prevented boats from trying recently. Crabbing from the public pier in the harbor has been excellent.

Eastern – Steelhead and chinook passage has been slow but steady on the Deschutes according to counts at Sherars Falls.

Green Peter is producing fair to good catches of mixed-size kokanee.

Although slowing, the Wallowa River closes after August 7th for spring chinook.

John Day smallmouth fishing is excellent for sheer quantity. River flows are around 1600 cfs with the river remaining most navigable above 1000 cfs.

SW Washington – The Cowlitz remains the best option for tributary anglers below Bonneville Dam with the Lewis and Kalama Rivers still down in returning hatchery adults. The Washougal River is a rare bright spot in the district.

Drano Lake and the Klickitat River fisheries should be going full speed right now. Passage at Bonneville is peaking, fueling good opportunity for these summer favorites.