Thursday, February 23, 2012

Oregon fishing report


Willamette Valley/Metro- The re-opening of the catch-and-keep sturgeon season on the lower Willamette brought about a frenzy of angler activity with successful counts of keepers coming from Oregon City to the Portland Harbor on Friday. Although the bite had dropped of significantly by Saturday, anglers consumed a measureable number of the keeper quota jeopardizing the February 24th/25th season finale. ODF&W announced Tuesday that the additional 2-day season for catch and keep will be rescinded. Willamette River retention season is over for the year.

Spring chinook fishing seemingly slowed on the Willamette River although many were focused on sturgeon. Effort for salmon on the mainstem Columbia remained fair through the weekend and persistent anglers are experiencing a rare keeper salmon at Davis Bar and Caterpillar Island. Herring and flashers will remain a top choice.

Trout fishing has been fair to good on the McKenzie with caddis hatching at times but rising water will stall results until the river recovers.

It is unlikely the rising Santiam system will be fishable by the coming weekend.

While steelheading has been slow on the Clackamas for most, it may improve as levels drop in the coming weekend. Some steelheaders have taken fair numbers recently however.

Steelheading has been spotty on the Sandy but the river is muddy and rising at this time. Larger numbers of broodstock steelhead are likely later this month.

Northwest – With most northwest anglers focused on sturgeon over the weekend, effort was light for north coast steelheaders. Wintery weather in mountain passes also quelled effort. Tillamook district rivers rose to optimum levels over the weekend with fair catches reported on Saturday and lasting through Monday. Side-drifters did well for most of the weekend but a K-11 chrome/red stripe Kwikfish took a nice 12-pound hatchery hen for Rennie Ferris of Newport on Monday.

The Trask, Nestucca and mainstem Nehalem all produced fair results over the weekend with hatchery fish most likely to come from the Wilson and Nestucca. The North Fork Nehalem is still producing a few hatchery fish but this system, along with the Necanicum will shift to a predominately wild steelhead prospect through the end of March.

This Kilchis River may be one of the better options by the weekend if river levels continue to rise. It is primarily a wild fish system, requiring release of most of the fish that are caught by anglers.

Sturgeon effort was light over the weekend but there have been rumors of good fishing recently. Some anglers theorize that the large smelt run on the Columbia may have drawn out a larger population that typically sticks around during winter months to feed on abundant shrimp, clam and crab populations.

Big seas remain in the forecast, nullifying offshore opportunities for crabbers and bottomfishers. A bounty of rockfish species, including lingcod awaits anxious anglers when offshore waters calm. A soft incoming tide this weekend may produce fair catches of Dungeness in Tillamook and Netarts Bays.

Southwest – Ocean conditions will keep recreational and charter boats inshore through the weekend. When boats have been able to get out, lingcod and rock fishing has been excellent.

Sturgeon catches have remained good in Winchester Bay for those fishing below the Highway 101 Bridge. While crabbing has been worthwhile, rain this week may push Dungeness out of the bay. Steelheading has been fair on the mainstem Umpqua, has slowed on the North and has been best on the South Umpqua. Levels are on the rise region-wide this week.

Crabbing in Coos Bay has been good although rain this week is expected to reduce results.

Steelheading on the lower Rogue has slowed in low water although fly anglers have taken some around Agness. Plug pullers are taking steelhead on the middle river while upper river boaters are finding steady action with fresh winters with upstream movement taking place daily.

Chetco steelheading, which had been productive, slowed due to low, clear water over the past weekend. The river was on the rise on Tuesday this week but if forecasts are accurate, will be dropping in the weekend to come. Fresh, bright winter steelhead will continue to enter as long as bar conditions aren't too rough.

Results for winter steelhead have been slow on the Elk and Sixes in low water conditions but should be revitalized with rainfall this week.

Eastern – Fly anglers on the Crooked River have continued to do well for whitefish and trout over the past week. Small, dark nymphs have been effective.

Warmer weather may contribute to increased catches for eastern Oregon steelheaders. The Grande Ronde, Wallowa and Imnaha remain top options but if temperatures get too warm, river flows may be too intense.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Oregon fishing report


Willamette Valley/Metro- Interest is growing on the lower Columbia for early run spring chinook but mainstem anglers are reporting poor results. Although salmon and sturgeon are clearly present in the river, anglers focused on the lower Willamette are finding greater success.



Willamette River water level and visibility have continued to gradually improve. The river is expected to be jammed with anglers this weekend for the sturgeon retention opener. The Portland Harbor should produce good results.



Avid angler John Shmilenko claimed the first spring chinook taken at Sellwood Bridge this season. Shmilenko caught the fish in 18 feet of water using a green label herring fished near the bottom. Several more springers have been reported on the Willamette since; mostly on green label herring. These early returning spring chinook are often 5-year olds, tipping the scales to 20+ pounds consistently. The smaller 4-year old component typically shows up later in April.



The Bonneville Pool will close beginning Saturday for catch and keep opportunities. Catch and release action should remain good.



The McKenzie River is fishing well for fly-rodders tossing nymphs to wild redsides.



North Santiam steelheaders will find the best water conditions yet this year and a few wild steelhead in the system.



Clackamas levels will be dropping through the coming weekend. Steelheading has been slow with returns low so far this year.



Sandy River water levels rose over the weekend but has since dropped to lower levels. Steelheading is slow to fair.



Be sure to turn in 2011 tags, filled or not, for a chance at winning a drift boat from the ODFW.

  
Northwest – Measureable precipitation kept most north coast steelhead rivers in good shape with mixed reports coming from each system. The Wilson and Nestucca remain fan favorites with broodstock steelhead an option as well as a quality wild run. The lower reaches will continue to fish the best until the next significant rainfall which may come over the weekend.



The North Fork Nehalem continues to report fresh steelhead into the hatchery trap but conditions are low and clear, making for low catch rates. Most smaller streams that support earlier returns are done for the season but a token wild return should offer up some quality catch and release options.


The mainstem Nehalem should become more consistent in the coming weeks. This river gets a good run of wild fish but it’s sheer size allows steelhead to dodge offerings more easily than smaller systems. There is good bank access in the upper reaches but boaters frequently fish from the Beaver Slide to Roy Creek or Mohler Sand and Gravel but access to their take-out only exists on the weekdays during business hours.



The Siletz River has been producing steady catches of steelhead but not like anglers remember as hatchery plants are fewer under state policy. Wild fish can certainly supplement a quality day on the river.



Another round of good sturgeon tides will fall upon Tillamook Bay this weekend, but will make crabbing a poor option in most estuaries. High winds and a big swell will keep ocean enthusiasts off the seas and could compromise a good razor clam opportunity along Clatsop Beaches.



Southwest – Boats will remain inshore with ocean swells forecast to increase over the coming weekend.



Streams and rivers are in fair shape for steelheaders with mild weather and periodic showers in the forecast which should keep options viable through the weekend. This is prime time for winter steelhead at many locations with conditions predicted to improve somewhat in the week to come.



Sturgeon fishers are doing well on Winchester Bay around the Highway 101 Bridge for mostly oversized fish. Crabbing is fair to good. Winter steelhead catches have been fair to good with best results reported from the mainstem Umpqua around Elkton.



Coos Bay crabbing is worthwhile with salinity returning to normal levels. Steelheading has slowed in low water conditions.



Rogue steelheaders may expect to find low water dropping even further through the coming weekend. Despite challenging conditions, a few fresh fish are being taken on the lower river. Middle Rogue anglers are taking the occasional winter by drifting small baits or lures. Upper river fishing is spotty in skinny flows.



The Chetco River which is low and clear this week is forecast to be falling through the weekend. It should rise sufficiently to provide some fair fishing in the week to come. Anything over 1,000 cfs will produce winter steelhead to stealthy anglers using light leaders.



Smaller streams such as the Elk and Sixes were too low to fish well mid-week. Rain will provide short-lived windows of opportunity for steelheaders.



Eastern – Nymphs are taking a few trout on the Deschutes but check the regulations for closed stretches.



Lake Billy Chinook has produced some large bull trout to trollers recently.



Steelhead trollers in The Dalles Pool continue to score fish with a fish per rod average still being checked.



Eastern Oregon rivers such as the Grande Ronde and Wallowa are still offering good steelhead opportunities for boaters and bank anglers. As long as rivers don’t receive a lot of precipitation, they could produce good results for the next several weeks.



SW Washington – For tributaries upstream of the Cowlitz, hatchery returns remain lower than last year. The Washougal produced about a fish per rod over the weekend with almost half of those fish wild.



The North Fork of the Lewis should start to see some large natives showing and the Kalama might be a fair late season option.



Smelt seem to be making a strong showing in the Cowlitz with interested observers claiming returns not seen in recent history. It’s quite a spectacle with eagles, sea gulls and seals all taking part in the bounty. Harvest remains closed to recreational and commercial fishers.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Oregon fishing report


Willamette Valley/Metro- There have been confirmed reports of sport caught spring chinook on the mainstem Columbia near Caterpillar Island. With the Willamette clearing and weather moderating, there will likely be several more caught before another winter storm turns the river brown again. Early spring chinook often respond best to herring but anglers should still pursue fish in slower flows as returning adults will seek the path of least resistance.


Bonneville Pool sturgeon catches have slowed but the east wind hasn’t been helping matters. The staff proposal of a February 15th shutdown for this fishery will likely get adopted but a sufficient number of fish will likely remain to conduct a summer catch-and-keep fishery.



Water flow is moderating with the visibility gradually improving on the lower Willamette. Winter steelhead counts at the Falls are picking up. It’s highly likely spring chinook will be caught any day at Sellwood Bridge but be aware of the in-water work being conducted in the area; boat with care.



McKenzie water level and clarity are good for winter trout fishing this coming weekend.



The Santiams are forecast to drop rapidly through the weekend. There should be a few steelhead available.



Steelheading is slow and spotty on the Clackamas with boat anglers doing better than those fishing from the bank.



The Sandy has been providing a fair number of hookups but about half of the fish landed recently have been natives. A stronger showing of broodstock fish is likely in another few weeks.

  
Northwest – District rivers were in ideal shape through the weekend but produced varied results. The Wilson was predictably crowded but produced better in the high water versus the ideal green water conditions over the weekend. Some sizeable fish have been taken recently. Plugs may become more effective in the dropping and clearing flows but anglers should remain vigilant in targeting any water that has a broken surface.



The Nestucca was crowded too with fair fishing for this early in the broodstock season. Fishing for late season natives and hatchery broodstock fish will steadily improve into the month of March. Given the robust returns we’ve already seen however, good action should be expected this month, traditionally a slower, transitional period before the bulk of the late season fish return.



Rivers that produce early returning steelhead like the North Fork Nehalem, Necanicum and Three Rivers are really starting to wane, with spent adults making up the bulk of the catch. They are easy prey however, providing good sport for newcomers.



The mainstem Nehalem should become a good option but anglers have to realize it’s a significantly bigger body of water and results aren’t as predictable. With the continued dry trend predicted, it could be a highlight over the weekend. The extreme tide series could motivate fish to return.



Despite good tides over the weekend, sturgeon fishing wasn’t great on Tillamook Bay over the weekend. Pressure was light with no reports of success. Weekend tides look favorable but will be in the early morning.



Crabbing was surprisingly good on Tillamook Bay over the weekend with little effort by other boats. The offshore forecast should have crabbers inland again this weekend although extreme tides may limit success.



Southwest – Offshore boats have been unable to get out due to rough ocean conditions. Ocean crabbing has not been possible in the high wind and waves. When boats have gotten out, rockfish and lingcod catches have been excellent.



Crabbing is picking up in bays and estuaries as the salinity levels return to normal.



We have a really nice window of weather and numerous dropping and clearing rivers around the state. Locally, Lake Creek and the Siuslaw are coming around, the South Coast is in fine shape and the Alsea system has been fishing well for several days.



Winchester Bay crabbing is fair to good and improving. Hatchery steelhead catches have been good on the South Umpqua. While good catches are being made on the mainstem and North Umpqua, almost all are unclipped which require release as wild fish cannot be kept anywhere on the Umpqua system.



Winter steelhead are scattered on the Rogue with fish being caught from every location; low, middle and upper. Side drifters and plug pullers are hooking up regularly. Two steelhead per day are allowed, one which may be wild. The water is forecast to be dropping and clearing through the week to come.



Boaters have been unable to access the ocean out of Brookings for the most part but those who have done so made good catches of lingcod. Chetco water levels are too low to fish well but precipitation is predicted to improve flows somewhat mid-month.



Elk and Sixes water levels are low and clear which has slowed winter steelheading. These volatile systems change rapidly with dry or wet weather.



Eastern – Fly anglers are taking browns, rainbows whitefish and the occasional bull trout on the challenging Metolius.



It's too early for kokanee at Green Peter but trollers are taking some rainbows. The water is fairly low at this time of year.


The Dalles Pool continues to kick out steelhead although the fish are not of the highest grade.



SW Washington – The Cowlitz has slowed for steelhead but may provide some late season opportunity later this month.



Other district streams are recovering but only offering limited success for anglers willing to work for their quarry. The Kalama did put out a few fish over the weekend and the East Fork of the Lewis should start to produce some larger fish in the next few weeks.



Smelt have showed up in force in the Cowlitz River but no sport or commercial harvest is allowed. This return often sparks good sturgeon fishing in the lower reaches but since anglers may not use fresh smelt, success will be limited. Several years of strong returns are necessary for federal restrictions to be lifted.





Soapbox Update: The Association of NW Steelheaders is doing wonderful work here in Oregon and Washington. Take advantage of the offer below and contribute to the organization that’s working hard on behalf of the NW angler. Then, go to the Association of NW Steelheaders home page and see what else you can do to become a better sportsman or sportswoman. Go to: http://www.nwsteelheaders.org/



Be sure and bring your knife to the Sportsman Show Feb 8-12 at the Portland Expo Center. Kershaw is doing a knife sharpening and is donating the proceeds to the Steelheaders. Cost is $3 per knife and 100% of the proceeds are donated to the Steelheaders. The knife sharpening is happening at the Fred Meyer booth. Stay sharp and give back to the resource!


Saturday, February 04, 2012

Oregon Fishing Report

Willamette Valley/Metro- Under permanent rule, the mainstem Columbia is open now to spring chinook fishing but effort will be very low, at least until March brings more promise. Sport seasons were recently set through the bi-state process allowing boat angling seven days per week from March 1 through April 6 from Buoy 10 upstream to Beacon Rock. Bank angling will be allowed during the same time frame from Buoy 10 upstream to Bonneville Dam. There will be three Tuesday closures – Mar. 20, Mar. 27 and Apr. 3 – to accommodate commercial fisheries. The first spring chinook of the season passed Bonneville Dam last week. The lower Willamette water level has been on the drop but remains swift and muddy. In the recent decision by fishery managers regarding the spring chinook season, the lower Willamette fishery remained unscathed. It will be open seven days a week with a 2-fish bag limit for as long as the run lasts. The McKenzie has yet to recover from the high water event although there is hope for the week to come. The Santiam System will remain too high to be of interest through the coming week. Still a little high but with good color, the Clackamas will be dropping through the coming weekend. Steelheading has been slow but broodstock fish should begin showing in better numbers in the weeks ahead. Hardware and fly fishers are taking steelhead on the Sandy River. Use caution on soft sand riverbanks. Snow levels dictate river conditions but conditions should remain favorable for a while. Northwest – Anglers received a glimmer of hope as river levels on some north coast streams dipped low enough to produce unexpectedly good results last weekend. Steelheaders side-drifting from boats and drift- fishing from shore did exceptionally well around Mills Bridge on the Wilson last Saturday. The river started to rise from another storm however and just began to fish again mid-week. The conditions should be ideal for weekend anglers and although there should be fair numbers of fish available in what will certainly be an excellent year for winter steelhead, don’t expect easy limits this time of year. The ideal conditions will draw a significant crowd. The North Fork Nehalem also received another shot of hatchery steelhead and anglers fishing near the hatchery deadline produced good results. This system and the Necanicum may be too clear for great results over the weekend and low water typically makes boating more hazardous. Bank anglers should continue to do well however as fish are well distributed throughout these systems. The North Fork Nehalem hatchery is recycling fresh fish back downstream and darker fish to Lake Lytle in Rockaway. Spent fish in these systems do bite well but aren’t good for eating. The Nestucca and upper Trask Rivers should also have fishable numbers of steelhead available. The Trask will primarily produce wild fish along with the Nestucca but the Nestucca should have a fair shot of broodstock fish entering the system as well. Weekend tides and weather look conducive to a sturgeon outing for Tillamook Bay anglers. Although the fishery is more challenging to figure out, success can be good in a relatively un-crowded water body. Offshore fishing and crabbing remain a poor option through the weekend. Southwest – Bottom fishing has been good offshore but not a given. Charter boats have had to move around to find rockfish and lingcod but once located, limits have been the rule. Ocean crabbing has been slow due to rough ocean conditions almost daily over the past several weeks. A few Dungeness have been taken in Winchester Bay but it's still slow. Now that the Umpqua has dropped into shape, steelheading has improved with the South Umpqua reliably producing hatchery fish. Steelheaders hooked up with wild fish over the past weekend on the North Umpqua. When ocean conditions have allowed, lingcod limits have been taken out of Charleston. Coos Bay crabbing has yet to recover from the freshet resulting from recent storms. Plunkers did well for winter steelhead over the past weekend on the lower Rogue but in the absence of precipitation, all forms of bank and boat fishing will take fish. Water conditions on the middle Rogue were coming into shape late last week with plug-pullers and side-drifters taking fish recently. With good numbers of winter steelhead already snug in the Cole Rivers Hatchery, there are enough in the upper Rogue to create a worthwhile fishery. Steelheading on the Elk and Sixes rivers will improve into the coming weekend as rainfall has stopped, allowing the water to drop and clear. One wild steelhead per day may be retained from either river. Eastern – Nymphing has been marginally effective in the cold, high water of the Deschutes. Steelheading is done as fish have moved into tributaries to spawn. Boat anglers fishing The Dalles Pool were averaging an unprecedented 3 fish per rod on the last creel check. Although 2/3 of the fish are wild, the ratio still worked out to be a keeper hatchery fish per angler. Fishing is good on the Crooked River despite low, clear water. Typical winter hatches of midges and Blue-Winged-Olives are occurring early in the afternoon. Soapbox Update: Do you care about how you go about catching your annual supply of salmon? As conservation-minded anglers, we should. Currently, scientists believe that not enough is known about critical populations of forage fish in our nation’s oceans. Learn more about this campaign and the critical work its experts are doing to secure this valuable food source for our great sport fish here: www.pewenvironment.org/pacificfish but also stop by their booth, booth #159, at the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen Show beginning this Wednesday, February 8th. SW Washington – The Cowlitz saw a rebound in steelhead catches once flows dropped. Boat anglers averaged nearly a steelhead per rod and bank anglers did about half that good. The Kalama and Lewis should produce some results over the weekend. These rivers are dropping into excellent shape right now. The Washougal is also an option but high effort only produced fair results on the last check.