Willamette Valley/Metro - Chinook counts at Bonneville Dam finally crested over 1,000 fish per day. The run is typically well underway by now but managers are still holding out hope that the nearly 200,000 prediction will come to fruition. The jump in counts should stimulate sport fishing above Bonneville Dam but the season will close after Sunday.
Willamette level and flow have been moderating over the past week with the water visibility improving. Over 100 springers were counted at the falls on Monday this week and summer steelhead crossed in even greater numbers. Springer fishing has been spotty with periodic flurries of activity around Sellwood Bridge. The Garbage Hole just below the I-205 Bridge had an epic bite on Monday. Prawns remain a top bait.
Following a slight rise early this week, water levels on the McKenzie are dropping and will fish well this week. Try the lower river for redsides, around Leaburg for planted trout.
Steelheading has been just fair on the Clackamas River with most anglers optimistically gearing up for spring chinook. Chinook are likely to be late again this season with late May and June producing the best catches. Summer and late winter broodstock steelhead should be making a stronger showing soon.
Fishing has been slow on the Sandy. It may be worth waiting until springers start to enter. Warmer air and water temperatures will also stimulate the bite.
Northwest – Steelheaders put one last cap on a great north coast steelhead season late last week, tallying great catches of fresh and dark fish on the Wilson and Nestucca Rivers. There were still fish in the high teens being reported but a large percentage of the catch were wild fish.
No reports of summer run steelhead on the north coast and high water has hampered spring chinook effort. Both species will likely make a show this week but weather has kept most sensible anglers from trying.
Sturgeon catches were fair on the last tide series with another good set of tides starting early next week. Fishing could stay good through the month of May.
Seas could calm again by late in the weekend, giving offshore anglers an opportunity for bottomfish and California stocks of chinook well offshore. Ocean salmon regulations remain complex so check the ODF&W website for the expanded opportunity we’ll be experiencing this season.
ODF&W will host a series of meetings on the coast April 26th – April 28th to craft fall salmon options for sport and commercial fishers. Overall, returns look much improved from recent years, allowing the department to relax regulations on most systems for chinook and even implementing non-selective coho seasons on some which haven’t seen opportunity for well over a decade.
Crabbing remains poor on most estuaries and nearshore areas on the north coast. Prospects may not improve until mid-summer.
Southwest – When offshore conditions allow crossing, charter and recreational boats out of central Oregon ports witnessed good catches of rockfish and lingcod despite the 40-fathom restriction.
Crabbing has been fair in Winchester Bay. As the Umpqua drops and clears, fishing for springers will pick up on the mainstem. Steelheaders will take hatchery fish on the South Umpqua as conditions improve.
Cooperative offshore conditions out of Gold Beach allowed productive bottom fishing over the past weekend. Boats landed limits or near limits of rockfish, many took good catches of lingcod and crabbing was fair to good. Conditions are once again rough this week but long-range forecasts look optimistic for weekend ocean forays. Spring chinook fishing has been fair on the lower Rogue despite high water. With river conditions forecast to improve this week, good results are expected to follow. Springer results will be picking up with dropping and clearing water on the middle Rogue. Early springers and late winter steelhead are being bagged on the upper river.
Local beaches have been the daily scene of south coast surf fishers with striped surf perch on the bite during incoming tides. Catches have been good and are expected to continue into mid-May. Good-sized fish are available with some scaling two pounds.
It was an ice-fishing show, as expected, at the Diamond Lake opener on April 23rd but everyone caught trout. Snow and ice still covered the lake early this week although the area is gradually thawing. Anglers can enjoy a little extra time on the water starting May 1st when the limit increases from five to eight trout per day.
Eastern – Lower Deschutes water conditions remain a little high but results for nymph fishers have been good. Best hatches continue to occur mid-day as the regular suspects begin taking wing.
Kokanee anglers enjoyed decent fishing over the past weekend for larger-than-average fish and the area clear of snow.
Trollers took limits while bait anglers scratched out only a few at the opener on Howard Prairie.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Oregon fishing report
Willamette Valley/Metro - After two additional fishing extensions, the lower Columbia River is now closed to spring chinook. Fishery managers decided on the hard closure last week as numbers continue to just trickle over Bonneville Dam. More opportunity may come in May but dam passage must jump significantly to begin the conversation. Success rates remained fair at best prior to the closure but bank anglers fared well under the high water conditions. The Columbia above Bonneville remains open through Sunday, April 24th.
Willamette flow was up on Tuesday this week with visibility reduced to 1.5 feet and water temperature down to 48 degrees. Plunking may be the best bet until it clears. Passage of spring chinook and steelhead remains fair. Good action was witnessed near St. Johns prior to the rise in river levels. Now is the traditional peak for spring chinook on the Willamette but with the late run timing, the best action may still be a few weeks away.
McKenzie water levels, high at mid-week, will be falling until the next round of rainfall. Prospects will be good when anglers catch a break with March Browns on the hatch.
Fishing has been fair on the Clackamas River with spinners and jigs taking steelhead. Sandy fishing has been slow. It's too early to target spring chinook in these rivers but that will change in May and action should continue into June with the high spring flow.
There are decent numbers of steelhead in the Santiam system. Try the South Santiam for the best chance of a hookup with an early hatchery summer fish.
Northwest – Steelheaders saw another good shot of fish come into the Wilson and Nestucca Rivers this week. Monday produced good results for small crowds of people on the Wilson downstream of Siskeyville. Sidedrifters continue to produce the best results in the higher flows but plug pulling may become a good option when flows drop.
Steelhead season is winding down but the Nestucca and Wilson should remain the best options. Anglers are likely to find fair numbers of spawning or spawned-out fish, these should be released unharmed. Summer steelhead should begin to show in the catches however but number far fewer than the winter run.
Although the districts first spring chinook has yet to be reported, adults should be available in the Tillamook system. The Trask, Wilson and Nestucca are the best options when flows are high but good tides exist for bay trollers as well. The run will start in stronger by mid-May.
The 8th annual Bounty on the Bay will move a few weeks closer to peak season. Anglers will have an opportunity to catch the north coasts’ most premier species, spring chinook. The event is June 3rd and 4th with a seminar on the evening of the 3rd detailing proper preparation and presentation of herring for trolling by local professional John Kirby. Register at www.tbnep.org.
Sturgeon were taken in Tillamook Bay last week with tides conducive to good action through the weekend.
Calm seas have finally allowed offshore anglers to take advantage of willing bottomfish species. Lingcod and seabass made up the bulk of the catch and action should remain good as long as seas remain calm. Offshore crabbing is reported as poor.
Southwest – The Pacific Fishery Management Council has determined offshore chinook fishing will remain open off the central and southern Oregon coast to Humbug Mountain near Port Orford through September 30th. Rough offshore conditions have prevented effort for ocean salmon most days this season.
Ocean conditions have been cooperative this week, allowing charter and recreational offshore boats to take limits of rockfish and lingcod out of central Oregon ports. Ocean conditions should remain good into the coming weekend.
Trout season opens in the Southwest Zone on Saturday, April 23rd with Diamond Lake a prime destination. ODFW biologists estimate over 400,000 holdover trout are in the waters of Diamond Lake with over half of those 16 inches or better. A five-fish limit will be in effect until May 1st when anglers may keep eight per day, only one of which may be over 20 inches. Conditions for the opener are still up in the air with ice on the lake. Phone 541-793-3333 for the latest conditions.
Although the lower Rogue was running high early in the week, it is forecast to be dropping through the weekend to come. Spring chinook fishing was steady over the past week and is expected to be productive through April and into May. Herring or anchovy, fished straight or using a Rogue River spinner rig have been effective in landing springers. About a third of the salmon landed have been wild, requiring release. With springers just starting to nose into the upper Rogue, steelhead remain the target of choice.
Boaters launching out of the Port of Brookings did well for rockfish on a variety of lures with many reporting seven-fish limits. A few lingcod were taken as well but have been more difficult to locate. Offshore forecasts early this week predict good conditions through Saturday.
Eastern – While the water level remains a little high on the lower Deschutes, redside results are decent with March Browns and Blue-Winged-Olives hatching and drawing attention from rising trout. Nymphs are effective early and late in the day.
Early season kokanee fishing has been slow at Green Peter Reservoir with the water level low. It will improve as it fills and the water warms.
Deep water jigging has been producing limits of kokanee this week at Wallowa Lake with some big fish in the mix.
Willamette flow was up on Tuesday this week with visibility reduced to 1.5 feet and water temperature down to 48 degrees. Plunking may be the best bet until it clears. Passage of spring chinook and steelhead remains fair. Good action was witnessed near St. Johns prior to the rise in river levels. Now is the traditional peak for spring chinook on the Willamette but with the late run timing, the best action may still be a few weeks away.
McKenzie water levels, high at mid-week, will be falling until the next round of rainfall. Prospects will be good when anglers catch a break with March Browns on the hatch.
Fishing has been fair on the Clackamas River with spinners and jigs taking steelhead. Sandy fishing has been slow. It's too early to target spring chinook in these rivers but that will change in May and action should continue into June with the high spring flow.
There are decent numbers of steelhead in the Santiam system. Try the South Santiam for the best chance of a hookup with an early hatchery summer fish.
Northwest – Steelheaders saw another good shot of fish come into the Wilson and Nestucca Rivers this week. Monday produced good results for small crowds of people on the Wilson downstream of Siskeyville. Sidedrifters continue to produce the best results in the higher flows but plug pulling may become a good option when flows drop.
Steelhead season is winding down but the Nestucca and Wilson should remain the best options. Anglers are likely to find fair numbers of spawning or spawned-out fish, these should be released unharmed. Summer steelhead should begin to show in the catches however but number far fewer than the winter run.
Although the districts first spring chinook has yet to be reported, adults should be available in the Tillamook system. The Trask, Wilson and Nestucca are the best options when flows are high but good tides exist for bay trollers as well. The run will start in stronger by mid-May.
The 8th annual Bounty on the Bay will move a few weeks closer to peak season. Anglers will have an opportunity to catch the north coasts’ most premier species, spring chinook. The event is June 3rd and 4th with a seminar on the evening of the 3rd detailing proper preparation and presentation of herring for trolling by local professional John Kirby. Register at www.tbnep.org.
Sturgeon were taken in Tillamook Bay last week with tides conducive to good action through the weekend.
Calm seas have finally allowed offshore anglers to take advantage of willing bottomfish species. Lingcod and seabass made up the bulk of the catch and action should remain good as long as seas remain calm. Offshore crabbing is reported as poor.
Southwest – The Pacific Fishery Management Council has determined offshore chinook fishing will remain open off the central and southern Oregon coast to Humbug Mountain near Port Orford through September 30th. Rough offshore conditions have prevented effort for ocean salmon most days this season.
Ocean conditions have been cooperative this week, allowing charter and recreational offshore boats to take limits of rockfish and lingcod out of central Oregon ports. Ocean conditions should remain good into the coming weekend.
Trout season opens in the Southwest Zone on Saturday, April 23rd with Diamond Lake a prime destination. ODFW biologists estimate over 400,000 holdover trout are in the waters of Diamond Lake with over half of those 16 inches or better. A five-fish limit will be in effect until May 1st when anglers may keep eight per day, only one of which may be over 20 inches. Conditions for the opener are still up in the air with ice on the lake. Phone 541-793-3333 for the latest conditions.
Although the lower Rogue was running high early in the week, it is forecast to be dropping through the weekend to come. Spring chinook fishing was steady over the past week and is expected to be productive through April and into May. Herring or anchovy, fished straight or using a Rogue River spinner rig have been effective in landing springers. About a third of the salmon landed have been wild, requiring release. With springers just starting to nose into the upper Rogue, steelhead remain the target of choice.
Boaters launching out of the Port of Brookings did well for rockfish on a variety of lures with many reporting seven-fish limits. A few lingcod were taken as well but have been more difficult to locate. Offshore forecasts early this week predict good conditions through Saturday.
Eastern – While the water level remains a little high on the lower Deschutes, redside results are decent with March Browns and Blue-Winged-Olives hatching and drawing attention from rising trout. Nymphs are effective early and late in the day.
Early season kokanee fishing has been slow at Green Peter Reservoir with the water level low. It will improve as it fills and the water warms.
Deep water jigging has been producing limits of kokanee this week at Wallowa Lake with some big fish in the mix.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Oregon fishing update
Willamette Valley/Metro - After last week’s performance, anglers aren’t too excited about prospects on the mainstem Columbia. Effort has been waning, especially with the Willamette River coming into shape. The Columbia is scheduled to close tomorrow but fishery managers will access sport catches today and determine if more time should be allowed for sportanglers. Passage at Bonneville is picking up with peak passage likely in early May. If flows drop, fishing should improve.
The water level in the lower Willamette has been stable for several days with flow decreasing. Pressure has been lighter than normal on the lower Willamette and Multnomah Channel with springer fishing only fair. The water temperature is in the high 40s and broke 50 degrees on Tuesday. Chinook results are improving as it warms a few degrees. Fish passage is picking up following a lull during the recent high water.
With the McKenzie on steady drop over the past several days, March Browns and Blue-Winged-Olives are hatching.
Flow on the Santiam system has dropped and is fishable. Summer steelhead have been taken recently at the mouth.
The water level on the Clackamas has dropped and is fairly stable. There are broodstock in the river and soon, springers.
Sandy fishers have seen little action recently but spring chinook will be in the river soon. The Sandy run doesn’t compare in numbers to the Clackamas but fishing can still be good.
Boaters should keep an eye out for floating debris at Detroit Reservoir as it fills.
Northwest – Steelheaders finally saw quality conditions grace north coast streams early in the week. Good catches were reported on the Wilson and fair on the Nestucca and district streams remain busy as Willamette Valley fishing is slow. Despite high flows, some of the best fishing took place downstream of Sollie Smith Bridge on the Wilson. Side-drifters did best in the higher flows.
The Kilchis produced some fish over the weekend but flows are dropping and clearing making fishing challenging. The Trask is an option too with April being one of the better months on this mostly native river.
Rivers are forecast to rise slightly on the weekend but then begin a steady drop next week. The Nestucca and Wilson will remain the best bets but action should wind down after next week. Anglers may begin seeing a few dark fish in the mix as we near spawning time.
Spring chinook should begin entering Tillamook Bay but the peak period is still a month away. Tillamook springers average larger than their inland cousins but aren’t as plentiful. The Trask and Wilson Rivers are primary destinations for hatchery bound fish.
Another minus tide will greet sturgeon anglers on Tillamook Bay over the weekend but low slack is just after daylight. It’s best to wait to have at least 4 hours of fishing near the bottom of the outgoing tide. Bar crossings will be sketchy in these conditions. Persistent wind across the ocean is in the forecast.
Southwest – A family fun day with activities for young and old will take place in honor of Earth Day on Saturday, April 16th from 8 AM to 3 PM at Olalla Reservoir. Although the reservoir will be planted, activities will be available for those who don’t fish as well. Parking will be limited.
Boats launching out of central Oregon ports have been taking limits of lingcod averaging 10 pounds which are perfect for the table. Ocean Chinook fishing will remain open through the end of the month.
Pressure is building and hog lines are forming on the Umpqua mainstem as spring chinook season gets underway here. The water level is forecast to rise into the coming weekend, however.
The April 23rd Diamond Lake opener is just over a week away although if current conditions persist, it may be necessary to access by snowmobile to fish through the ice. On a brighter note, there are half a million trout awaiting anxious anglers.
Trollers and bank fishers on the lower Rogue have been doing well for springers to 20 pounds and occasionally larger. Some anglers have taken limits although there are wild fish around which must be released. Fishing has been fair on the middle Rogue and good for winter steelhead on the upper river.
When ocean conditions have allowed offshore launches out of Brookings recently, bottom fishers have boated limits of rockfish just outside the harbor. Catches of lingcod have been slow to fair but are expected to improve. If offshore forecasts hold true, there will be opportunities to fish the ocean this coming weekend and into next week. Area beaches are producing surf perch as is the mouth of the Winchuck River.
Eastern – Trollers at Green Peter are spotting good numbers of fish on depth finders but are catching very few kokanee.
Lake Billy Chinook is producing bull trout to herring trollers.
The water level in the lower Willamette has been stable for several days with flow decreasing. Pressure has been lighter than normal on the lower Willamette and Multnomah Channel with springer fishing only fair. The water temperature is in the high 40s and broke 50 degrees on Tuesday. Chinook results are improving as it warms a few degrees. Fish passage is picking up following a lull during the recent high water.
With the McKenzie on steady drop over the past several days, March Browns and Blue-Winged-Olives are hatching.
Flow on the Santiam system has dropped and is fishable. Summer steelhead have been taken recently at the mouth.
The water level on the Clackamas has dropped and is fairly stable. There are broodstock in the river and soon, springers.
Sandy fishers have seen little action recently but spring chinook will be in the river soon. The Sandy run doesn’t compare in numbers to the Clackamas but fishing can still be good.
Boaters should keep an eye out for floating debris at Detroit Reservoir as it fills.
Northwest – Steelheaders finally saw quality conditions grace north coast streams early in the week. Good catches were reported on the Wilson and fair on the Nestucca and district streams remain busy as Willamette Valley fishing is slow. Despite high flows, some of the best fishing took place downstream of Sollie Smith Bridge on the Wilson. Side-drifters did best in the higher flows.
The Kilchis produced some fish over the weekend but flows are dropping and clearing making fishing challenging. The Trask is an option too with April being one of the better months on this mostly native river.
Rivers are forecast to rise slightly on the weekend but then begin a steady drop next week. The Nestucca and Wilson will remain the best bets but action should wind down after next week. Anglers may begin seeing a few dark fish in the mix as we near spawning time.
Spring chinook should begin entering Tillamook Bay but the peak period is still a month away. Tillamook springers average larger than their inland cousins but aren’t as plentiful. The Trask and Wilson Rivers are primary destinations for hatchery bound fish.
Another minus tide will greet sturgeon anglers on Tillamook Bay over the weekend but low slack is just after daylight. It’s best to wait to have at least 4 hours of fishing near the bottom of the outgoing tide. Bar crossings will be sketchy in these conditions. Persistent wind across the ocean is in the forecast.
Southwest – A family fun day with activities for young and old will take place in honor of Earth Day on Saturday, April 16th from 8 AM to 3 PM at Olalla Reservoir. Although the reservoir will be planted, activities will be available for those who don’t fish as well. Parking will be limited.
Boats launching out of central Oregon ports have been taking limits of lingcod averaging 10 pounds which are perfect for the table. Ocean Chinook fishing will remain open through the end of the month.
Pressure is building and hog lines are forming on the Umpqua mainstem as spring chinook season gets underway here. The water level is forecast to rise into the coming weekend, however.
The April 23rd Diamond Lake opener is just over a week away although if current conditions persist, it may be necessary to access by snowmobile to fish through the ice. On a brighter note, there are half a million trout awaiting anxious anglers.
Trollers and bank fishers on the lower Rogue have been doing well for springers to 20 pounds and occasionally larger. Some anglers have taken limits although there are wild fish around which must be released. Fishing has been fair on the middle Rogue and good for winter steelhead on the upper river.
When ocean conditions have allowed offshore launches out of Brookings recently, bottom fishers have boated limits of rockfish just outside the harbor. Catches of lingcod have been slow to fair but are expected to improve. If offshore forecasts hold true, there will be opportunities to fish the ocean this coming weekend and into next week. Area beaches are producing surf perch as is the mouth of the Winchuck River.
Eastern – Trollers at Green Peter are spotting good numbers of fish on depth finders but are catching very few kokanee.
Lake Billy Chinook is producing bull trout to herring trollers.
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Oregon fishing report
Willamette Valley/Metro- The Columbia River below Bonneville Dam closed after Monday. The season ended with most anglers disappointed and the lack of effort showed that sentiment for most of the season. Kim Reller of Portland was one of the lucky anglers on Sunday, boating a 15-pound spring chinook just below the I-5 Bridge on a sardine wrapped plug in 17 feet of water. High water plagued the sport fleet for most of the season, leaving nearly half of the sport quota unutilized.
Fishery managers decided Wednesday to extend the sportfishery on the mainstem Columbia, adding an additional 7 days for sportanglers between Buoy 10 and Rooster Rock. If water conditions remain challenging as expected, more time may be allotted but that won't be decided until another meeting occurs on April 13th.
Sturgeon fishing continues slow in most areas of the Columbia but keeper action did improve in the Portland to Longview stretch slightly. Effort and catch will likely remain subdued until flows subside and temperatures warm.
Water levels are expected to rise once again on the Willamette where muddy water has already hampered success rates in what should be approaching peak season. Flows did not stop fish passage as over 800 summer steelhead have been counted in addition to the nearly 5,900 winters.
The water level and flow on the McKenzie was on the increase earlier this week. Snowmelt will likely continue to keep the level up and water temperatures down. This will make fishing challenging for anglers.
The Clackamas has settled into normal level and flow for this time of year. It should provide fishing for a mix of wild and broodstock steelhead. Sidedrifting bait often produces the best in these higher flows as fish are likely to utilize shallower, slower flows, especially in colored water.
Sandy River water levels rose again earlier this week and it looks like a long shot for the coming weekend. Broodstock steelhead await anglers when conditions improve.
Northwest - Steelheaders remains justifiably frustrated as high water limited the river systems most have been able to access recently. Traffic however was busy over the weekend with the Wilson and Nestucca Rivers bearing the brunt of the effort.
River levels are expected to come into good shape again by the weekend but with such a prolonged period of high water, fishing is likely to be only fair. Both wild and hatchery broodstock fish should be available however with a rare summer steelhead available on the Wilson and Nestucca Rivers.
This Kilchis remains a viable option in higher flows and should continue to produce almost exclusively wild fish at least through mid-April. Most other small streams closed to fishing on March 31st.
Sturgeon fishers continue to catch some keepers in Tillamook Bay. Fair tides will allow some opportunity through the weekend but keepers typically begin exiting the estuary about this time of year.
Wind wave and swell height will likely keep offshore anglers from accessing hungry lingcod and seabass schools. When ocean weather does settle, the fishing should be excellent.
Crabbing remains the best in the lower Columbia where crabbers with fresh bait are still taking limits of crab. Tides will remain favorable in the afternoon but the freshwater influx on the lower Columbia should slow catches.
Southwest - With rainfall moderating, lingcod catches will improve inside the 40-fathom line. As of April 1st, offshore bottom fishers may keep only one cabezon per day. Poor ocean conditions have hampered efforts.
Historically, boats launching out of Coos Bay and Winchester Bay have caught the most ocean salmon but weather conditions have prevented launches since the opener. Long-range forecasts indicate a glimmer of hope for the coming weekend.
Crabbing has been slow to fair due to fresh water influx from coastal river runoff. Surf perch fishing has been good on area beaches when wave action has moderated.
Steelheaders have done well on the North and South Umpqua when water levels have been dropping. The ODFW predicts a good hatchery return on the South.
Fishing on the Elk River was good right up to the end of March. The Elk and Sixes are closed as of April 1st.
On the Rogue spring chinook catches have been on one day, off the next, but even slow days have produced several bright fish. Overall, anglers are pleased with results for this early in the run. Lower Rogue level and flow is forecast to be good and dropping over the coming weekend. Fishing for winter steelhead has been slow on the middle river due to high water but good on the upper river.
The last day for steelheaders on the Chetco River was March 31st. It will re-open on May 28th when sea-run cutthroat will be the species of interest with salmon and steelhead runs over at that time.
Eastern - It's the time of year when spring runoff will hamper effort on the lower Deschutes. High water may potentially continue for weeks although fishing will be good when the water drops.
The John Day crested at flood level on April 3rd but has been dropping since. It is forecast to drop through the coming weekend but will remain high for fishing.
Sturgeon retention season will close in the John Day Pool beginning April 10th. The 500 fish quota is expected to have been met by then.
Walleye anglers are catching fair numbers of fish despite high water flows. The action should remain good for another few weeks.
SW Washington - High water has hampered steelhead success on the Cowlitz, Lewis and Kalama Rivers. Steelhead remain available and the Cowlitz is one of the better options when flows drop.
Spring chinook should begin to show in fair numbers on the Cowlitz and Lewis Rivers. Forecasts aren't great however but peak season is fast approaching.
Bonneville Dam passage of spring chinook isn't favorable enough to excite Drano Lake and Wind River salmon anglers. Late April is the better time and biologists expect significantly better passage to happen in the next few weeks.
Fishery managers decided Wednesday to extend the sportfishery on the mainstem Columbia, adding an additional 7 days for sportanglers between Buoy 10 and Rooster Rock. If water conditions remain challenging as expected, more time may be allotted but that won't be decided until another meeting occurs on April 13th.
Sturgeon fishing continues slow in most areas of the Columbia but keeper action did improve in the Portland to Longview stretch slightly. Effort and catch will likely remain subdued until flows subside and temperatures warm.
Water levels are expected to rise once again on the Willamette where muddy water has already hampered success rates in what should be approaching peak season. Flows did not stop fish passage as over 800 summer steelhead have been counted in addition to the nearly 5,900 winters.
The water level and flow on the McKenzie was on the increase earlier this week. Snowmelt will likely continue to keep the level up and water temperatures down. This will make fishing challenging for anglers.
The Clackamas has settled into normal level and flow for this time of year. It should provide fishing for a mix of wild and broodstock steelhead. Sidedrifting bait often produces the best in these higher flows as fish are likely to utilize shallower, slower flows, especially in colored water.
Sandy River water levels rose again earlier this week and it looks like a long shot for the coming weekend. Broodstock steelhead await anglers when conditions improve.
Northwest - Steelheaders remains justifiably frustrated as high water limited the river systems most have been able to access recently. Traffic however was busy over the weekend with the Wilson and Nestucca Rivers bearing the brunt of the effort.
River levels are expected to come into good shape again by the weekend but with such a prolonged period of high water, fishing is likely to be only fair. Both wild and hatchery broodstock fish should be available however with a rare summer steelhead available on the Wilson and Nestucca Rivers.
This Kilchis remains a viable option in higher flows and should continue to produce almost exclusively wild fish at least through mid-April. Most other small streams closed to fishing on March 31st.
Sturgeon fishers continue to catch some keepers in Tillamook Bay. Fair tides will allow some opportunity through the weekend but keepers typically begin exiting the estuary about this time of year.
Wind wave and swell height will likely keep offshore anglers from accessing hungry lingcod and seabass schools. When ocean weather does settle, the fishing should be excellent.
Crabbing remains the best in the lower Columbia where crabbers with fresh bait are still taking limits of crab. Tides will remain favorable in the afternoon but the freshwater influx on the lower Columbia should slow catches.
Southwest - With rainfall moderating, lingcod catches will improve inside the 40-fathom line. As of April 1st, offshore bottom fishers may keep only one cabezon per day. Poor ocean conditions have hampered efforts.
Historically, boats launching out of Coos Bay and Winchester Bay have caught the most ocean salmon but weather conditions have prevented launches since the opener. Long-range forecasts indicate a glimmer of hope for the coming weekend.
Crabbing has been slow to fair due to fresh water influx from coastal river runoff. Surf perch fishing has been good on area beaches when wave action has moderated.
Steelheaders have done well on the North and South Umpqua when water levels have been dropping. The ODFW predicts a good hatchery return on the South.
Fishing on the Elk River was good right up to the end of March. The Elk and Sixes are closed as of April 1st.
On the Rogue spring chinook catches have been on one day, off the next, but even slow days have produced several bright fish. Overall, anglers are pleased with results for this early in the run. Lower Rogue level and flow is forecast to be good and dropping over the coming weekend. Fishing for winter steelhead has been slow on the middle river due to high water but good on the upper river.
The last day for steelheaders on the Chetco River was March 31st. It will re-open on May 28th when sea-run cutthroat will be the species of interest with salmon and steelhead runs over at that time.
Eastern - It's the time of year when spring runoff will hamper effort on the lower Deschutes. High water may potentially continue for weeks although fishing will be good when the water drops.
The John Day crested at flood level on April 3rd but has been dropping since. It is forecast to drop through the coming weekend but will remain high for fishing.
Sturgeon retention season will close in the John Day Pool beginning April 10th. The 500 fish quota is expected to have been met by then.
Walleye anglers are catching fair numbers of fish despite high water flows. The action should remain good for another few weeks.
SW Washington - High water has hampered steelhead success on the Cowlitz, Lewis and Kalama Rivers. Steelhead remain available and the Cowlitz is one of the better options when flows drop.
Spring chinook should begin to show in fair numbers on the Cowlitz and Lewis Rivers. Forecasts aren't great however but peak season is fast approaching.
Bonneville Dam passage of spring chinook isn't favorable enough to excite Drano Lake and Wind River salmon anglers. Late April is the better time and biologists expect significantly better passage to happen in the next few weeks.
Sunday, April 03, 2011
Oregon fishing report
Willamette Valley/Metro - Since the lower Columbia cleared due to the dropping flows of the Willamette River, the better action has taken place from Kalama to Westport Oregon. Anglers both trolling and anchor fishing with plugs have been faring well. Anglers still working the water around I-5 and the airport are still catching an occasional fish but some are reporting seeing no fish caught after a full day's effort.
April 4th will be the last day to fish the lower Columbia River from Buoy 10 to Bonneville Dam. With the high percentage of upper Columbia bound fish in the catch this year, anglers couldn't expect additional time after the closure. The stretch above Bonneville will remain open until April 24th or until the catch guideline of 1050 fish are retained.
Sturgeon anglers working the gorge for sturgeon was an upsurge in success. Effort remained low but success for keepers was good. The Portland to Longview stretch was productive as well.
Winter and summer steelhead are crossing Willamette Falls in fair numbers with a few springers accompanying. Spring chinook results have been on one day, off the next on the lower Willamette. Oregon City anglers are beginning to see catches improve but additional rainfall may put the river out again. With the upswing in earlier returning 5-year old fish, the peak may come a bit earlier this year. Look for the Willamette to be the go to spot for spring chinook when the water is running clear.
Lower McKenzie water levels rose slightly over the past weekend but the river will fall into good shape this week. Water temperature remains in the lower 40s.
Water conditions should be worthwhile this week on the Santiam systems. Fair numbers of wild winters are available along with a very few summer steelhead.
Sandy steelheaders took fish over the past weekend with jigs and drifted roe drawing strikes.
The Clackamas has been getting a good deal of pressure although catches have only been fair. Bobber and jig has been effective at times but side-drifters are taking the lion's share.
Northwest - Steelheaders remain frustrated at water conditions on the north coast. Smaller streams are fishing best but anglers wanting a hatchery option will be out of luck until late in the weekend at the earliest. Flows are forecast to be high for the rest of the week so fish should be well distributed throughout most river systems.
The Wilson and Nestucca Rivers will remain fair hatchery steelhead options through mid-April. Summer steelhead may also be making their way into the Wilson and Nestucca Rivers. Spring chinook retention is allowed in the Tillamook Basin beginning April 1st. Fishing isn't likely to pick up until mid-May however.
Smolt releases began this week so anglers fishing bait targeting steelhead may find it challenging to keep the hungry juveniles off. Trout season doesn't open until late May due to mis-identification of smolts by novice anglers.
Sturgeon anglers caught some keepers on Tillamook Bay over the last tide series. Good tides won' return for a while however so anglers may turn their focus to crabbing in Netarts Bay. Other estuaries will likely produce poor results due to the influx of fresh water from the last rain freshet.
Bass may begin to stir as temperatures warm this week. Many north coast lakes now harbor largemouth bass and trout imitations may take some of the larger ones.
Southwest - Offshore trips were not a possibility due to rough ocean conditions over the past week and the forecast for the coming week does provide reason for optimism. Ocean salmon fishing is open, bottom fishing outside the 40-fathom line closes on March 31st. Only one cabezon per day is allowed as part of the seven-rockfish per day limit starting April 1st.
South coast surf fishing is heating up, yielding limits of striped perch recently. Pinkfin surf perch, preferred for their table quality, will be showing in greater number shortly.
Avoid a $200 fine - get those studded tires off your fishing rig before April 5th.
Steelheading has been fair to good on the North and South Umpqua when water levels are falling.
Slow crabbing in Winchester Bay will improve as the Umpqua drops and salinity levels improve in the estuary.
Boat launching facilities are up and running following tsunami damage in the Port of Brookings. Waters of the Chetco River closed to salmon and steelhead retention on the last day of March to reopen in June. Trout fishing is closed until May 28th.
Elk River steelheaders did well when water conditions were good recently although about half the fish hooked were spawned out and heading back to sea.
Lower Rogue fishers did well over the past week for a mix of mostly-hatchery spring chinook and mostly-bright winter steelhead. When a storm front hit over the past weekend, the river blew out but is expected to settle down and fish well this week with catches further improving as the water temperature climbs into the lower 50s. Muddy water has hampered steelheading efforts in the middle Rogue at what is potentially the peak of the season here. Upper Rogue steelheaders stand a good chance at a hookup as conditions improve this week.
Eastern - Pro guide Mac Huff (800-940-3688) reports that while steelheading is winding down with two weeks remaining, fishing has been very good on the Grande Ronde.
The middle Deschutes is expected to remain somewhat high until irrigation begins around mid-April. A few brown trout have been taken with nymphing most effective.
High water has prevented any effort on the Crooked River but good results are expected when the flow drops.
Fall River fly anglers have experienced good results using nymphs.
April 4th will be the last day to fish the lower Columbia River from Buoy 10 to Bonneville Dam. With the high percentage of upper Columbia bound fish in the catch this year, anglers couldn't expect additional time after the closure. The stretch above Bonneville will remain open until April 24th or until the catch guideline of 1050 fish are retained.
Sturgeon anglers working the gorge for sturgeon was an upsurge in success. Effort remained low but success for keepers was good. The Portland to Longview stretch was productive as well.
Winter and summer steelhead are crossing Willamette Falls in fair numbers with a few springers accompanying. Spring chinook results have been on one day, off the next on the lower Willamette. Oregon City anglers are beginning to see catches improve but additional rainfall may put the river out again. With the upswing in earlier returning 5-year old fish, the peak may come a bit earlier this year. Look for the Willamette to be the go to spot for spring chinook when the water is running clear.
Lower McKenzie water levels rose slightly over the past weekend but the river will fall into good shape this week. Water temperature remains in the lower 40s.
Water conditions should be worthwhile this week on the Santiam systems. Fair numbers of wild winters are available along with a very few summer steelhead.
Sandy steelheaders took fish over the past weekend with jigs and drifted roe drawing strikes.
The Clackamas has been getting a good deal of pressure although catches have only been fair. Bobber and jig has been effective at times but side-drifters are taking the lion's share.
Northwest - Steelheaders remain frustrated at water conditions on the north coast. Smaller streams are fishing best but anglers wanting a hatchery option will be out of luck until late in the weekend at the earliest. Flows are forecast to be high for the rest of the week so fish should be well distributed throughout most river systems.
The Wilson and Nestucca Rivers will remain fair hatchery steelhead options through mid-April. Summer steelhead may also be making their way into the Wilson and Nestucca Rivers. Spring chinook retention is allowed in the Tillamook Basin beginning April 1st. Fishing isn't likely to pick up until mid-May however.
Smolt releases began this week so anglers fishing bait targeting steelhead may find it challenging to keep the hungry juveniles off. Trout season doesn't open until late May due to mis-identification of smolts by novice anglers.
Sturgeon anglers caught some keepers on Tillamook Bay over the last tide series. Good tides won' return for a while however so anglers may turn their focus to crabbing in Netarts Bay. Other estuaries will likely produce poor results due to the influx of fresh water from the last rain freshet.
Bass may begin to stir as temperatures warm this week. Many north coast lakes now harbor largemouth bass and trout imitations may take some of the larger ones.
Southwest - Offshore trips were not a possibility due to rough ocean conditions over the past week and the forecast for the coming week does provide reason for optimism. Ocean salmon fishing is open, bottom fishing outside the 40-fathom line closes on March 31st. Only one cabezon per day is allowed as part of the seven-rockfish per day limit starting April 1st.
South coast surf fishing is heating up, yielding limits of striped perch recently. Pinkfin surf perch, preferred for their table quality, will be showing in greater number shortly.
Avoid a $200 fine - get those studded tires off your fishing rig before April 5th.
Steelheading has been fair to good on the North and South Umpqua when water levels are falling.
Slow crabbing in Winchester Bay will improve as the Umpqua drops and salinity levels improve in the estuary.
Boat launching facilities are up and running following tsunami damage in the Port of Brookings. Waters of the Chetco River closed to salmon and steelhead retention on the last day of March to reopen in June. Trout fishing is closed until May 28th.
Elk River steelheaders did well when water conditions were good recently although about half the fish hooked were spawned out and heading back to sea.
Lower Rogue fishers did well over the past week for a mix of mostly-hatchery spring chinook and mostly-bright winter steelhead. When a storm front hit over the past weekend, the river blew out but is expected to settle down and fish well this week with catches further improving as the water temperature climbs into the lower 50s. Muddy water has hampered steelheading efforts in the middle Rogue at what is potentially the peak of the season here. Upper Rogue steelheaders stand a good chance at a hookup as conditions improve this week.
Eastern - Pro guide Mac Huff (800-940-3688) reports that while steelheading is winding down with two weeks remaining, fishing has been very good on the Grande Ronde.
The middle Deschutes is expected to remain somewhat high until irrigation begins around mid-April. A few brown trout have been taken with nymphing most effective.
High water has prevented any effort on the Crooked River but good results are expected when the flow drops.
Fall River fly anglers have experienced good results using nymphs.
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