Thursday, December 26, 2013

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro - Effort for sturgeon downstream of Bonneville Dam is nearly non-existent. Sturgeon fishing opens up above the dam on Jan 1 for a small winter quota, likely to be filled fast.

The Willamette River at Oregon City is in great shape for catching a Christmas steelhead. Plunkers at Meldrum bar are getting an occasional fish, but they aren't setting the river on fire. Catch and release sturgeon fishing in the Portland harbor is lighting up however and more anglers should participate in this urban winter fishery.

McKenzie River levels were still rising on Tuesday this week from earlier precipitation but without rain in the forecast, it will be dropping all week. Prospects are fair for fly fishers targeting winter trout.

Winter steelhead counts are picking up at Willamette Falls which will soon create a catch-and-release fishery on the North Santiam for those who favor it. Some feel these wild fish should be left alone.

The Clackamas River is running a bit it on the high side, but the color is very fishable. A few early steelhead are spread out in the upper stretch between Carver and McIver Parks, but better numbers aren't due until mid-January. Expect the river to drop into prime shape by the weekend.

Sandy River anglers are also experiencing higher than optimum, murky water mostly due to the ascending freezing level. A slow fall is predicted through the weekend. Steelhead have been dispersed throughout the system, but better numbers are on the way.

Northwest – Winter steelhead fishing on the north coast remains fair at best. The most reliable resources, the North Fork Nehalem hatchery and Big Creek hatchery hotlines, report slow action with just a few fish moving into hatchery traps following the last rain freshet and peak season timing. It's clear the early returns are not going to be large, hopefully, the later returning broodstock and wild run hasn't suffered the same fate.

Driftboaters working the Necanicum River over the weekend report poor success. Some fish were taken off the bank but success rates were low. A few fish were reported in the tail-outs but low, clear water kept fish skittish and off the bite.

Regardless of the sub-par returns, the Wilson and Nestucca systems as well as the North Fork Nehalem remain the best chance for the early season. This will be peak week for quality steelhead, just don't expect great results with the upcoming weather pattern and poor returns.

There is a good set of weekend tides to entice a last chance at a keeper sturgeon on coastal estuaries. Action is likely to be fair at best with juvenile crab likely to intercept offerings before sturgeon have a chance.

Razor clam diggers will see good tides over the weekend but the surf conditions will likely keep clams from coming close to the surface for diggers to harvest.

Crabbing has slowed in most coastal estuaries. Even the consistent lower Columbia River is a fair-at-best option this time of year, even poorer, considering the extreme tide series this weekend.

Southwest- Rough ocean conditions have prevented offshore boats from launching recently but when they can get out, good results for rockfish and lingcod can be expected.

Lingcod are moving into shallow water in anticipation of spawning in January and February, to the delight of rock and jetty anglers.

Crabbing is fair at Winchester Bay. Winter steelhead are being taken below Sawyers Rapids on the Umpqua mainstem but treat these wild fish with respect. Hatchery fish are on the way.

Boaters at Coos Bay and in tidewater on the Coquille are reporting fair but steady crabbing. A few winter steelhead have been caught but anglers are advised to hit the lower stretches of any coastal stream in low water conditions.

With the bay fishery done for the year at Gold Beach, anglers are hitting various stretches of the Rogue with mixed results. Brief rainfall early this week sparked a little winter steelhead action on the lower river but catches have stalled due to low, clear and cold water. Anglers on the middle Rogue are taking a few, mostly wild steelhead and inadvertently the occasional coho on a variety of lures but it has been spotty. Steelheaders on the upper river continue to take summers but these fish are well past their prime and winter steelheading won't be a viable option until February next year.

Commercial crabbers report slow fishing out of Brookings. Rainfall made little change in Chetco levels with the river continuing to drop with the flow predicted to be less that 400 cfs by the coming weekend. Catching a steelhead in these conditions will be extremely challenging.

Crabbing out of Port Orford is reported as good. A little rain fell on the area earlier this week but it had very little impact on the low, clear water on the Elk River.

Eastern – The cold waters of the Grande Ronde River are reported to be providing fair fishing for steelhead to anglers dressed for frigid weather. The Imnaha is another option but not as likely to produce as the Grand Ronde.

The John Day is largely frozen over with boat travel not possible. Action won't resume until warmer weather persists.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Oregon fishing reports

Willamette Valley/Metro - Fish and wildlife statistics show a dramatic decrease in angler effort and success in the gorge fishery. Foraging stellar sea lions have changed the behavior of fish in the gorge but the shift to the Willamette has paid dividends for anglers working that water.

Anglers are catching a steelhead or two every other day at Meldrum Bar on the lower Willamette River. After the next big rain and the river gets a bump and warms, look for the catch to improve. Catch and release sturgeon fishing might be a better option as water conditions improve for this fishery. Boaters fishing the water above and below the St. Johns Bridge are getting fair numbers of fish daily as this winter fishery becomes more and more popular. A whole or half anchovy has been the best bait.

McKenzie River flows are a decent level for fishing but with the water temperature only in the high 30s, there are better options for anglers.

Very few Santiam-bound steelhead are moving up the Willamette while coastal rivers are just turning on. In addition, there is no hatchery winter steelhead fishery here and trout fishing is closed.

With good water conditions prevailing, the Clackamas River is putting out the occasional winter steelhead, although the bulk of the run is still over a month away. The river between Barton and Riverside Park would be the best stretch to work for any opportunity.

The Sandy River also has a few dispersed winter steelhead, but a good rain is needed to bring the river up and pull fresh fish in. The Oxbow to Dabney Park stretch will put out the most fish. Bobber and jig will get fish for bank fishers while pulling plugs will score for the boaters.

Northwest – Steelheaders are still struggling to find reason to pursue early run steelhead on the north coast. The signature system, the North Fork Nehalem has yet to produce any measureable catches at the hatchery although water conditions certainly haven't helped. None-the-less, a significant rain freshet is nowhere in sight but any rise in river levels will stimulate a bite.

Big and Gnat Creek, the Klaskanine, Necanicum, Kilchis and Three Rivers are all options but none are producing banner early returns of steelhead. We're entering peak season for this run of fish.

Larger systems such as the Wilson and Nestucca Rivers are best options in low water conditions and those systems are only producing a rare fish. Boaters are working the extreme lower reaches and the tidewater stretches of north coast streams and small concentrations of fish should be pocketed up where bobber and jig fishers could score results. These streams also remain open for chinook but action is dismal.

Despite good tides, effort for sturgeon on Tillamook Bay has been low. It's likely that sturgeon will continue to stage on the Columbia in hopes for another probable productive smelt run, likely to hit next month.

Ocean conditions are likely to remain too rough to recreate through the weekend. Bottomfishing can be excellent this time of year, weather permitting.

Southwest- Bottom fishing off the central Oregon coast was good over the past weekend when boats were able to get out. Near-limits of rockfish, lingcod and Dungeness were taken.

With commercial crabbers agreeing on a price of $2.65 per pound, offshore efforts got underway on Monday this week and is expected to have an effect on recreational ocean and bay crab catches.

Keep an eye on offshore predictions to sneak out for action with bottom-dwellers. The forecast looks friendly on Friday, Dec. 29, but that forecast may change.

Winchester Bay has been producing a few decent crab but it has been slow to fair at best. Look for winter steelheading on the Umpqua to pick up in January.

Crabbing has remained fair but steady at Coos Bay and in tidewater on the lower Coquille.

Low water has winter steelheading off to a slow start on the lower Rogue although a few have been landed. Boats on the middle river are taking the occasional coho but anglers targeting steelhead have been mostly disappointed. Pressure is light in low flows and frigid temperatures on the upper Rogue although catches of summer steelhead and coho have made it worthwhile for a few well-insulated anglers.

Nearshore reefs produced good catches of lingcod and rockfish to boats fishing out of the Port of Brookings. Fishing for chinook is slow in the low, clear waters of the Chetco although winter steelhead have been entering the system despite river conditions. A slight increase in flows is predicted for the coming weekend and with it, an overall improvement in action.

The subtle rainfall at Port Orford early this week had little effect on river levels. A few chinook were taken over the past weekend so perhaps there's hope for a late-season fishing flurry.

Sub-zero temperatures overnight at Diamond Lake have formed ice thick enough to tempt a few out on the surface near the bank, but it will be a week or more until it's considered safe for ice fishing.

Eastern – While Deschutes flows are acceptable for fishing, expect bitter cold temperatures at times on the east side. Trout fishing has been slow to fair, steelheading remains slow with fish scattered.

Flows at Crooked River are down to 70 cfs and fishing is fair to good.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro - On the Columbia, few reports from even fewer fishers give the impression your effort isn't worth the reward. Anglers will have several months to look forward to the first returns of spring chinook. If waters warm, a pilot run of smelt may make a winter showing.

On the Willamette, despite the frigid weather, some steelhead were taken from Meldrum Bar last week. Plunkers are casting their lines, fixing their rods into a rod holder and retreating to their warm vehicles in anticipation of a bite. Expect an improvement with the warming temperatures. Sturgeon fishers also had catch and release success in the Portland Harbor using smelt, squid, sand shrimp and anchovies will all entice hungry sturgeon.

McKenzie River water levels have been steadily dropping for over a week. Without a winter steelhead run, trout are the species to target for hearty fly fishers.

The North Santiam holds little of interest to anglers this time of year with few target species to pursue.

Bitter cold has kept anglers indoors and off the water on the Clackamas River. The water level remains very fishable but the extremely cold water temperature makes for tough fishing.

Like the Clackamas, the Sandy is a frozen ghost town for fishermen. Although there may a few steelhead in the system, getting them to bite is a challenge in the cold water. Wait for the coming rain to warm the river a few degrees and add a bit of color, then give it a try.

Northwest – Hazardous roads and plummeting temperatures have kept many anglers from trying their hand at coastal steelheading. Early indications from the North Fork Nehalem are less than impressive; only 46 steelhead were in the trap for a 2 week collection period, not giving anglers much hope for early season success. The upcoming weather front and associated warmer weather will give anglers a good idea how the rest of the season will unfold. Only a moderate bump in river levels is forecast so water temperatures will play the biggest role for weekend anglers.

The Highway 30 systems, the Necanicum, North Fork Nehalem, Kilchis, Wilson, Nestucca and Three Rivers are all options once precipitation changes the current low and clear water conditions. A rare late-season chinook may come from the Wilson or Trask Rivers.

Ocean crabbing and fishing was great on a calm ocean last week but those conditions may not return for quite some time. Commercial crabbers are likely to set pots on the 13th, effectively out-competing the recreational fleet.

The upcoming minus tide series may offer the last chance for coastal sturgeon on Tillamook or Nehalem Bays. Although action largely depends on a winter food source for lower Columbia sturgeon, some fish are certainly present.

Southwest- Offshore bottom fishing has been good out of Newport and Depoe Bay. One cabezon may continue to contribute to a seven-rockfish bag limit through December 31. Travel carefully as coast range roads may remain icy for a while.

Recreational ocean crabbing has been worthwhile but wintry when boats have been able to get out. Commercial efforts, originally scheduled for Dec.1, will commence on Dec. 16 if crabbers agree on market prices.

Coos Bay crabbing has been worthwhile with salinity levels high. Tidewater in the lower Coquille is producing Dungeness as well. Winter steelheading has yet to be worthwhile here.

Winchester Bay crabbing has shown a marked improvement. While the Umpqua is currently low and clear, the next round of precipitation will bring with it a bounty of bright winter steelhead. Rain this week is forecast to push the mainstem at Elkton over 2,500 cfs and that will put fish in the river.

Trolling for chinook on Rogue Bay is done for the year. Anglers on the lower Rogue are reporting an improvement in catches of winter steelhead. Side-drifting bait or swinging flies has been most effective. Flies, spinners and plugs have been producing slow to fair catches on the middle river although most fish are wild and must be released. Few anglers are trying the upper Rogue but results have been good for summer steelhead in winter temperatures. Most lures are effective as is bait above Shady Cove boat ramp where it's legal.

Limits were the rule for crabbers out of the Port of Brookings following the opening for ocean crabbing on Dec. 1. Dungeness are stuffing pots dropped in 100-foot depths and nearly every one is over legal size. Fishing for rockfish and lingcod has also been excellent. It has been optimistically stated that winter steelheading seems to be running about two weeks ahead of schedule on the Chetco. Catches of wild, hatchery and half-pounder steelhead would make that an accurate statement, however. Some of the adults have weighed 12 to 14 pounds and as many as a dozen half-pounders have been taken by a single group of anglers in a day.

A little rain in the forecast this week may improve low, clear conditions at the Elk and Sixes rivers. Fishing in the ocean off the river mouths is closed.

Eastern – It's cold on the lower Deschutes with water temperatures in the mid-40s. Those who have been able to keep their guides free from ice have reported slow to fair fishing for steelhead.

Steelhead are being taken by fly anglers on the frigid Grande Ronde River on nymphs and streamers; fish mid-day for best results.

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro - On the Columbia, few reports from even fewer fishers give the impression your effort isn't worth the reward. Anglers will have several months to look forward to the first returns of spring chinook. If waters warm, a pilot run of smelt may make a winter showing.

On the Willamette, despite the frigid weather, some steelhead were taken from Meldrum Bar last week. Plunkers are casting their lines, fixing their rods into a rod holder and retreating to their warm vehicles in anticipation of a bite. Expect an improvement with the warming temperatures. Sturgeon fishers also had catch and release success in the Portland Harbor using smelt, squid, sand shrimp and anchovies will all entice hungry sturgeon.

McKenzie River water levels have been steadily dropping for over a week. Without a winter steelhead run, trout are the species to target for hearty fly fishers.

The North Santiam holds little of interest to anglers this time of year with few target species to pursue.

Bitter cold has kept anglers indoors and off the water on the Clackamas River. The water level remains very fishable but the extremely cold water temperature makes for tough fishing.

Like the Clackamas, the Sandy is a frozen ghost town for fishermen. Although there may a few steelhead in the system, getting them to bite is a challenge in the cold water. Wait for the coming rain to warm the river a few degrees and add a bit of color, then give it a try.

Northwest – Hazardous roads and plummeting temperatures have kept many anglers from trying their hand at coastal steelheading. Early indications from the North Fork Nehalem are less than impressive; only 46 steelhead were in the trap for a 2 week collection period, not giving anglers much hope for early season success. The upcoming weather front and associated warmer weather will give anglers a good idea how the rest of the season will unfold. Only a moderate bump in river levels is forecast so water temperatures will play the biggest role for weekend anglers.

The Highway 30 systems, the Necanicum, North Fork Nehalem, Kilchis, Wilson, Nestucca and Three Rivers are all options once precipitation changes the current low and clear water conditions. A rare late-season chinook may come from the Wilson or Trask Rivers.

Ocean crabbing and fishing was great on a calm ocean last week but those conditions may not return for quite some time. Commercial crabbers are likely to set pots on the 13th, effectively out-competing the recreational fleet.

The upcoming minus tide series may offer the last chance for coastal sturgeon on Tillamook or Nehalem Bays. Although action largely depends on a winter food source for lower Columbia sturgeon, some fish are certainly present.

Southwest- Offshore bottom fishing has been good out of Newport and Depoe Bay. One cabezon may continue to contribute to a seven-rockfish bag limit through December 31. Travel carefully as coast range roads may remain icy for a while.

Recreational ocean crabbing has been worthwhile but wintry when boats have been able to get out. Commercial efforts, originally scheduled for Dec.1, will commence on Dec. 16 if crabbers agree on market prices.

Coos Bay crabbing has been worthwhile with salinity levels high. Tidewater in the lower Coquille is producing Dungeness as well. Winter steelheading has yet to be worthwhile here.

Winchester Bay crabbing has shown a marked improvement. While the Umpqua is currently low and clear, the next round of precipitation will bring with it a bounty of bright winter steelhead. Rain this week is forecast to push the mainstem at Elkton over 2,500 cfs and that will put fish in the river.

Trolling for chinook on Rogue Bay is done for the year. Anglers on the lower Rogue are reporting an improvement in catches of winter steelhead. Side-drifting bait or swinging flies has been most effective. Flies, spinners and plugs have been producing slow to fair catches on the middle river although most fish are wild and must be released. Few anglers are trying the upper Rogue but results have been good for summer steelhead in winter temperatures. Most lures are effective as is bait above Shady Cove boat ramp where it's legal.

Limits were the rule for crabbers out of the Port of Brookings following the opening for ocean crabbing on Dec. 1. Dungeness are stuffing pots dropped in 100-foot depths and nearly every one is over legal size. Fishing for rockfish and lingcod has also been excellent. It has been optimistically stated that winter steelheading seems to be running about two weeks ahead of schedule on the Chetco. Catches of wild, hatchery and half-pounder steelhead would make that an accurate statement, however. Some of the adults have weighed 12 to 14 pounds and as many as a dozen half-pounders have been taken by a single group of anglers in a day.

A little rain in the forecast this week may improve low, clear conditions at the Elk and Sixes rivers. Fishing in the ocean off the river mouths is closed.

Eastern – It's cold on the lower Deschutes with water temperatures in the mid-40s. Those who have been able to keep their guides free from ice have reported slow to fair fishing for steelhead.

Steelhead are being taken by fly anglers on the frigid Grande Ronde River on nymphs and streamers; fish mid-day for best results.

Thursday, December 05, 2013

Oregon fishing report 12/5/13

Willamette Valley/Metro - The Columbia below Bonneville Dam has been a ghost town for fisherman. If you're willing to brave the wind, the rain and the cold (and quite possibly some snow) you could have some action catching and releasing sturgeon.

A report finally came in of a winter steelhead taken from Meldrum Bar. Although not confirmed, supposedly a few have also been taken by the back-trollers at the mouth of the Clackamas River. This is the season, catch and release sturgeon fishing in the Portland Harbor should produce solid action for anglers willing to give it a try.

McKenzie level and flows are moderating following the freshet early this week. Fish caddis patterns and Blue-winged Olives patiently. A big McKenzie River redside is a worthwhile payoff.

Waters of the North Santiam crested on December 2nd but have been dropping since that date. While steelhead are scarce and coho uncooperative, rainbow and cutthroat trout will take Caddis imitations on the Stayton to Shelburne stretch all day long.

An adventurous angler reportedly caught two winter steelhead on the Clackamas River last week. Although it's still pretty early, more fish should show once the river drops back into shape by the weekend.

Winter steelhead are finally showing up on the Sandy River. After the high water recedes, look for angler effort to increase and more fresh fish to show up in the catch.

Boaters: If you haven't done so already, be sure to winterize your craft.

Northwest – Tillamook chinook fishing remains slow. After a brief battering of storms and a quick rise in river levels, anglers were forced to take a few days off of effort. Swollen rivers are now coming back into shape but steelhead will be on the minds of most, following a poor showing of late season chinook.

The Wilson and Kilchis Rivers will remain prime late season options for chinook with some returning early hatchery steelhead as well. The early component of steelhead will give us an idea as to how the rest of the season will perform. The first streams to fish after significant rainfall are the North Fork Nehalem and Three Rivers. Effort was high for Three Rivers anglers on Tuesday but conditions will improve by Wednesday and Thursday for most North Coast streams. After the strong deluge and high winds, rivers can become hazardous to drift. Rumors of a downed tree on the North Fork Nehalem might make it impossible to safely float this weekend. The Necanicum River is much the same although apparently did not get the rainfall that Tillamook County streams received.

With dropping water temperatures and an east wind influence, the bite likely won't take off but late mornings and early afternoons should produce best. Steelhead should be present in most north coast streams.

The lower Columbia River remains a strong crabbing option with a good tide series happening over the weekend. Clam digging will be best before the weekend; especially with the forecasted mild surf. Diggers will need lanterns and warm clothes to produce catches.

With the east wind knocking down the ocean swell, offshore crabbing and bottomfishing should be a strong option if you can tolerate the cool temperatures. Lingcod and seabass should be willing and available on most rocky reefs but the south jetty out of Astoria is reporting poor catches. Adult Dungeness males are more likely to be found at depths greater than 35 feet this time of year.

Southwest- Long-range central Oregon offshore forecasts indicate friendly launch conditions for the coming weekend. Bottomfishing and crabbing should be excellent. Commercial efforts for crab have been delayed until December 15th and possibly longer as testing of Dungeness showed meat content too low for market standards.

Crabbing has been slow in Yaquina Bay although some hard, legal Dungeness are being taken.

Bright chinook were taken out of the Siuslaw over the past weekend although it's getting late in the season for this river.

Trollers at Siltcoos Lake have been taking wild coho on plugs recently. This fishery is open through the end of the year although fish are starting to show some color.

Lower Rogue anglers are taking the occasional winter steelhead although half-pounder catches have been fair to good. Fishing on the middle river has been slow to fair for summer steelhead. Upper Rogue anglers continue to take steelhead thanks in part to ongoing recycling of fish from Coles River Hatchery. Most of these summers are pretty colorful at this time of year. Coho are also in the mix.

When the ocean has cooperated, limits of lingcod and rockfish have been taken out of the Port of Brookings. The Chetco is coming off another minor freshet with water predicted to be low and dropping into the coming week. Bobber and bait fished in deeper holes will take chinook. Prospects for winter steelhead will improve in January.

Rain is still needed to jump-start the chinook fishery on the Elk River. Precipitation in the southwest corner of the state over the past weekend was not enough to effect river levels.

Fishing remains slow at Diamond Lake.

Eastern – Crooked River is still flowing at 72 cfs and is producing trout. Anglers are using nymphs for the most part.

Mid-day fishing is likely to be most productive for steelhead in the chilly waters of the Grande Ronde River.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Oregon fishing report 11/29/13

Willamette Valley/Metro - Few, if any anglers are venturing out to fish the lower Columbia since the cold weather hit. Catch and released sturgeon fishing should produce for anglers willing to brave the frigid weather.

A few bank anglers are lining up along Meldrum Bar waiting for the first winter steelhead ring their bell. Catch and release sturgeon fishing should be good in the harbor above and below the St. John's bridge as well as in the Milwaukie section.

McKenzie water levels are at seasonal average following the freshet over the past week. While there are no winter steelhead here, redsides will cooperate with long-rodders throwing Caddis imitations.

Fish passage at Willamette Falls is nil. While there are coho in the North Santiam, they have been challenging to hook and are starting to show their age. At least water conditions will be decent for the three-day weekend.

Lack of effort on the Clackamas River leaves little to report. The first winter steelhead could be caught within the week, though the bulk of the run isn't due to show until sometime in January.

The mid-week holiday will likely bring out a few anglers to try the Sandy River in hopes of catching a Thanksgiving steelhead. Cold, windy weather will make the fishing tough to bear but a steelhead or two will likely hit the bank.

The 2014 Oregon Sport Fishing regulations are now available online, at ODFW offices and at most places that sell hunting and fishing licenses.

Northwest – The only thing left on the lower Columbia is sport crabbing. Although crabbers fishing close to the Oregon side struggled for good catches over the weekend, those crabbing lower Desdemona Sands fared well. The commercial crabbing delay will afford the sport fleet additional opportunity if the weather cooperates. East winds hampered effort last weekend.

Thanksgiving is the traditional winter steelhead kick-off and rumors of early season steelhead are starting to trickle in. The Kilchis, Wilson, Necanicum, North Fork Nehalem, Three Rivers and Nestucca systems should all produce rare, early season opportunities. The North Fork Nehalem and Three Rivers are likely to be prime targets for bank anglers, there have been confirmed catches on the North Fork. Match your bait size to water conditions using small baits in clear water and larger offerings when rivers run colored.

Late season chinook fishing on the Wilson and Kilchis systems has been disappointing. Despite historic hot fishing on a few of these north coast systems, these late November fish have been largely absent. There should remain a rare opportunity for a December chinook but anglers should not count on any consistency.

Ghost Hole trollers haven't been deterred but catches remain poor. Crabbing in Tillamook Bay was fair at best over the weekend along with most north coast estuaries. Tides will get challenging by the weekend.

An unprecedented period of calm ocean conditions last week produced great catches of bottomfish, especially large lingcod for deep-reef fishermen. Seas are expected to sour by the weekend with limited opportunity throughout the winter months. The delay for the commercial crab fleet may also yield fair ocean catches after December 1st however most keeper males migrate to deeper water this time of year.

Southwest- Large lingcod were taken over the past weekend out of central Oregon ports and rockfishing has yielded good catches as well. Limits or near limits of bottom fish are common at this time of year. Getting out is the trick.

Offshore conditions look mixed over the coming weekend with a friendly ocean predicted for Saturday, November 30, deteriorating into Sunday. Check conditions late this week to launch safely.

Recreational ocean crabbing will open on December 1 but commercial efforts scheduled for that same date will be delayed until December 15 or later as samples indicate Dungeness are not up to strict standards.

It remains to be seen if fresh winters show this week on the Alsea although coho are being caught on pink spinners and plugs. Steelheading is likely to heat up following the next round of rainfall.

While crabbing slowed in Coquille tidewater and Coos Bay following rainfall early last week, it will be improving with dry weather this week. Chinook are coloring up.

Chinook fishing in Rogue Bay is all but wrapped up for the year. Lower Rogue flows are back to pre-freshet levels with adult steelhead and half-pounders being caught near Agness. Results have been sporadic on the middle river for anglers using either bait or lures. Steelheading should be good on the upper river on Black Friday though it'll be for summers, not winters, and most are showing colorful signs of their lengthy freshwater residence. There is considerable pressure above Shady Cove where bait is allowed but drifting cured eggs has been effective.

Rockfish and lingcod are available in the ocean just outside Brookings Harbor and results for anglers using jigs has been good. Last week's storm raised Chetco levels rapidly but levels fell almost as fast with dry ground soaking up the water. Plunkers scored initially and then driftboaters as water levels dropped although overall it was just fair fishing. Expect low, dropping levels over the coming weekend with more rain in the forecast early next week.

If rain falls in the coming week as predicted for the southwest corner of Oregon, there should be some decent chinook fishing on the Elk River. Sixes River has been getting driftboat traffic but producing few fish in low water.

Trout fishing has yet to heat up as expected as the weather cools at Diamond Lake. Bait anglers are catching a few fish however.

Eastern – Water temperatures are good on the lower Deschutes although air temps will have guides icing up. Trout fishing is fair to good with Caddis hatching afternoons. Steelhead are scattered in the river but slow to bite or strike in frigid weather. Try mid-afternoons.

Results have been mixed for trollers at Crescent Lake with some boats landing several large lake trout while others have blanked.

Lake Billy Chinook is producing fair to good kokanee catches and the occasional bull trout to trollers. Avoid the Metolius Arm as it's closed at this time of year.

Off-season trollers at Green Peter are catching some kokanee.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro - Catch and release sturgeon fishing will produce for anglers willing to give it a try below Bonneville Dam. The Bonneville Pool fishery will be discussed on Tuesday of next week; managers will confer with stakeholders on 2014 season structure beginning at 6:30 p.m. at The Dalles Screens Shop, located at 3561 Klindt Drive in The Dalles.

Catch and release sturgeon is about all that's available on the Willamette River. Anglers are already starting to line the bank at Meldrum Bar and soon the first winter steelhead of the season will be taken.

The McKenzie River could be a stretch this week. Dry weather is forecast but levels were rising recently. Take an assortment of nymphs and dries if you try it.

North Santiam levels rose dramatically mid-week although anglers will find it dropping by the weekend. Coho are available but few are being caught.

A few local anglers continue to fish for late summer steelhead and mostly wild coho salmon on the Clackamas River. Anglers must cover a lot of water to find a willing biter, as there are very few fish per mile of river.

Sandy River anglers are waiting for winter steelhead to arrive. The first of which could be taken any day now, but the run won't show in earnest until sometime after Thanksgiving.

Northwest – North coast anglers are hoping for one last strong crack at Tillamook district chinook. The recent high water will give driftboaters ideal conditions by the weekend. Chinook and some chum, possibly an early steelhead should be available on the Wilson and Kilchis Rivers. The Trask may also get a few late, fresh chinook. Bank anglers and boaters alike should score some results. Anglers are no longer allowed to target chum salmon as they are spawning in good numbers on the Kilchis and Miami Rivers right now.

Tillamook Bay trollers may also find a few fresh fish late this week, working the Ghost Hole and Bay City areas. The lower bay will likely produce the best catches as most chinook are destined for the Wilson, Kilchis and Miami rivers. Recent rains may clear out juvenile crab enough to produce some sturgeon catches in the upper bay. Sand shrimp will produce best. Crabbing will likely be challenging despite good tides coming up.

The Nestucca is likely over for the season, winter steelhead will show below Three Rivers and in Three Rivers itself by month's end.

Netarts crabbing will likely be fair at best but the lower Columbia will draw a lot of interested crabbers this weekend. Recent reports state success rates aren't what most are used to but this weekend will likely be good. An attempt for a late coho will be futile however.

Southwest- Offshore forecasts were off the mark earlier this week but long-range predictions indicate a friendly ocean for the weekend. It's best to check at the last minute. Rockfish and lingcod will reward those able to launch.

Fishing for wild coho has been slow on Siltcoos Lake and will remain so until a decent rainfall. The fishery overall has been disappointing.

Crabbing has picked up at Winchester Bay and is reported to have produced a few limits recently.

Coquille trollers are using spinners to connect with chinook but many are showing signs of age. A freshet will bring in brighter, late-season fish.

Little is happening on Rogue Bay although a few chinook are being taken near Indian Creek. Lower river fishing is slow with the exception of half-pounder catches near Agness. Steelheading on the middle Rogue is spotty but has been best at tributary mouths. Steelheaders have continued to fare well on the upper Rogue with summers on the move and coho in the mix thanks to a little rain over the past week.

Boats launching out of Brookings have been able to slip out to the ocean occasionally to jig up rockfish and a few lingcod. Chetco water flows got a little help from Mother Nature earlier this week but as the weekend approaches, levels will once again be dropping. Steelheaders report taking a few winters recently.

Rain is needed to get the chinook fishery underway on the Elk and Sixes rivers, early December is often peak.

Eastern – Steelhead are scattered on the lower Deschutes but catches remain poor to fair. Chinook and summer steelhead counts have dwindled to single digits at Sherars Falls, another sign of the change in seasons.

Nymphing is generally most effective in the Metolius at this time of year although there are occasional hatches. Fly anglers throwing streamers are taking a few large bull trout. Pressure on the river is light in November.

Fishing for steelhead is reported as fair on the Grande Ronde River.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Oregon fishing reports

Willamette Valley/Metro - Salmon fishing below Bonneville Dam is done. Catch and release sturgeon fishing should provide some action.

Very little is happening on the Willamette River. Catch and release Sturgeon fishing is about the only game in town and few anglers are showing any interest. Expect the first winter steelhead to be caught around Thanksgiving at Meldrum Bar.

The rising waters of the McKenzie through November 8th have turned around and are gradually moderating. While the river is still a little high, nymphs will fool redsides here.

Fishing is slow on the North Santiam but coho have continued to cross the Willamette Falls at a rate of 30 or 40 a day. There should be some available to target. It was a slow season for summer steelhead.

Little is available on the Clackamas other than a handful of late summer steelhead and the odd wild coho salmon. Winter steelhead typically show up here the first week of December.

After a poor return of fall coho, Sandy River anglers await the first winter steelhead. Expect a few to show up in the lower river just after Thanksgiving.

Northwest – The North Coast Rendezvous ended up producing around 40 chinook for about 120 “angler days” indicating that chinook fishing remains challenging for even some of the region's best. Catches were most productive for driftboat anglers working the lower Wilson and Kilchis Rivers with fewer coming from Tillamook Bay itself. Since the rivers have dropped, focus again turns to Tillamook Bay with the Ghost Hole and Bay City again producing an occasional chinook. Interest has certainly dropped off even though fresh chinook can still be caught into mid-December.

Anglers will keep a keen eye on river levels, where driftboaters can access fair numbers of returning chinook, particularly to the Kilchis and Wilson Rivers. Females, often still bright and laden with sea-lice, can often still cut pale in color, making for poor table fare. Bucks however can be a great holiday bonus as long as they are still sliver-skinned. Sporadic precipitation should keep the lower reaches of north coast systems fishable through the weekend.

The upcoming minus tide series may yield some sturgeon in Tillamook Bay. This fishery may be the last-ditch option for anglers seeking consumptive opportunity for sturgeon in Oregon. November typically marks a winter migration into coastal estuaries where sturgeon forage on clams, shrimp and juvenile Dungeness crab. The west and middle channels of Tillamook Bay often produce fair catches well into the New Year. Sand shrimp will make the best bait.

The minus tide series will also bode well for clam diggers on the north coast. Razors should be available along Clatsop Beaches if the surf forecast remains accurate. Bay crabbing will likely be challenging on the extreme tide series.

The offshore forecast may be conducive to offshore bottomfishing. Deep-reef action should persist for large lingcod but sea bass should also be plentiful along nearshore reefs.

Southwest- Certain stretches of the Oregon coast produce particular species of fish on diverse schedules. chinook fishing in starts to shine on the south coast at this time of year. The Elk and Sixes Rivers should provide some of the best late fall opportunities.

Fishing for wild coho has been poor for Tahkenitch and Siltcoos Lake trollers.

While crabbing in bays has been spotty, results should improve as winter approaches. Heavy rains will stall catches but large, deep bays such as Winchester and Coos are most likely to remain productive.

Anglers trolling spinners on the lower Coquille have been landing some large chinook over the past week.

Chinook fishing is slow at Rogue Bay with only the occasional Indian Creek fish hooked. Slow fishing in the lower Rogue should improve with rain. Steelhead catches dropped off to just a few on the middle river. Summers are being taken on the upper river with bait allowed only above Shady Cove boat ramp. A few coho are in the upper Rogue but rarely bite in this stretch.

Anglers stood shoulder-to-shoulder, fishing "guerilla style" following the opening of the Chetco River on November 2nd. Scores of salmon are stacked in holes awaiting the next freshet which would allow upstream progress. Bobbers and bait flung, lines snarled and epithets were spoken. Regardless, fishing has been good.

Elk River anglers fishing the mouth are taking a few chinook.

Trout fishing is expected to improve at Diamond Lake as fish feed heavily in preparation for the winter months ahead. The weather is getting colder and snow has been falling occasionally.

Eastern – As predicted, steelheading on the Deschutes has shown some improvement now that chinook spawning is over. With summers scattered throughout the lower river, there are plenty of opportunities. Redsides have been cooperative during daytime Blue-Winged Olive hatches and again late in the day with Caddis patterns.

Low waters of the Crooked River have continued to produce fish. Trout catches are decent in the stretch below Bowman Dam while the river below is producing whitefish.

Thursday, November 07, 2013

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro - On the lower Columbia River, fishing from a boat is restricted to below Beacon Rock. Bank angling is allowed upstream of Beacon Rock to the deadline right below the dam. Dark fall Chinook salmon are present and anglers are encouraged to let them spawn in peace. Catch and release sturgeon fishing may be a good option. Little is happening on the lower Willamette River, however catch and release sturgeon fishing will likely produce for anglers not concerned with taking something home.

McKenzie flows have increased slightly with rainfall this week. Expect levels to rise as fall rains continue this week. Caddis patterns remain predominate if water conditions cooperate.

North Santiam water conditions will be variable this week and likely unsuitable in some places for drift boating. Coho are scattered with best numbers from Neal Park to Jefferson. They'll hit jigs or spinners occasionally.

Nothing to report on the Clackamas River. A few late summer steelhead are present in the upper stretch between Barton and Rivermill dam. Also, a few coho might be present in the deeper holes up to Eagle Creek.

If anything is available on the Sandy River it would be a straggler coho salmon. Winter steelhead are up next and the first of which should show around Thanksgiving in the lower river.

Northwest – North Coast fishing report – Tillamook chinook fishing remains hit or miss in the district despite a traditional productive period of the season. Wilson and Kilchis River chinook should make a stronger showing this week, which could last into early December. Target salmon in the lower bay as the low tide exchange should keep fishing most productive down-bay from Bay City.

North coast rivers will receive another round of precipitation which could make driftboating on the Trask, Wilson, Kilchis and Nestucca Rivers productive again for chinook and some chum salmon. The Necanicum has been producing catches lately too.

The peak of the chinook run has passed on Nehalem Bay. A few late fish will be taken from now until Thanksgiving. Bobber fishing in tidewater is underway and anglers are sorting through a lot of dark fish to catch a bright keeper. Crabbing in the lower bay has been slow to average. A few silvers are still present up to the hatchery on the NF Nehalem River.

The next rise in water levels will bring in the tail end of the run. Winter steelhead will follow around Thanksgiving time.

The Siletz has a few late chinook and the next rain should push a few more into the lower river. Expect the best opportunity for quality fish in the upper tidewater section and lower river between Strom and Ojalla Parks.

Southwest – Offshore bottom fishing out of Newport and Depoe Bay was excellent through late last week, Limits of rockfish and ling cod were the norm. That changed when the weather turned foul over the weekend with some charter offices closing until there's an improvement in conditions.

Crabbing in large, deep bays such as Coos or Winchester will improve at this time of year unless rain decreases salinity, forcing Dungeness out to the ocean.

Of the southwest rivers open for wild coho, catches have been best on the Umpqua where just over half of the 3,000 fish quota has been taken. Fishing for wild coho has been improving on Tahkenitch Lake.

Reports early this week indicate good numbers of coho but few Chinook on the Siuslaw. It remains to be seen what changes occur with rainfall.

Few boats are trolling Rogue Bay now with marginal success. Many of the Indian Creek Chinook are turning dark at this stage of the season. Salmon and steelhead catches have slowed at Agness although steelheading is fair but steady on the middle river. On the upper Rogue, with the flies-only restriction over, bait fishers are hitting the stretch above Shady Cove boat ramp. From that point downstream to Fishers Ferry, only flies and lure may be used. Catches have been fair to good throughout.

The Chetco opened above tidewater on November 2nd with a temporary bag limit of one wild Chinook per day due to low water conditions. Fish bobber and bait in deep holes to hook up. Flows are forecast to improve somewhat in the second week of November but significant improvement may take a few weeks. Chinook may not be kept above Nook Creek.

Elk River flow and level remain low with the water running clear. The southwest corner of the state has received insufficient rainfall to improve conditions.

Eastern - While the Crooked River, Deschutes River and the Metolius River remain open. most central Oregon streams closed at the end of October.

Fly fishing caddis patterns on the lower Deschutes has continued to produce fair numbers of redsides. Steelheading is improving now that Chinook spawning has wrapped up.

Fly casters on the Wallowa River are limited to whitefish as retention of trout closed at the end of October although catch-and-release is allowed. A few steelhead were caught over the past week.

Steelheading has picked up on the Grande Ronde with success rates at 50% for anglers in the Troy area according to ODFW checkers.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro - Bonneville anglers are still catching a few chinook below the dam, but most fish are dark and getting ready to spawn. Angling for salmon from a floating device is prohibited from Beacon Rock upstream to Bonneville Dam Nov. 1 - Dec. 31.

Little effort leaves little to report on the Willamette River. Sturgeon fishing is catch and release only but there are plenty of nice size fish around to bend rods. Late season bass fishing is still a good option in the Lake Oswego/ Milwaukie area and walleye are still on tap in the Multnomah Channel.

Water levels have continued to fall on the McKenzie in relatively dry seasonal conditions. October Caddis patterns have been effective over the past week.

While coho passage at Willamette Falls is tapering off, there are still fish entering the Santiams. Until rain hits and changes everything, water level and flow will be good with the North Santiam River offering as good a chance as any at a coho hookup.

Other than a few straggler late summer steelhead in the upper stretch and the odd coho, little is available on the Clackamas River. The first winter steelhead will show up around Christmas.

On the Sandy, there are some dark chinook in the river as well as a few coho, but the run has been far less than impressive this season. For a chance at a bright coho look to the lower river below Oxbow Park.

Northwest – Chinook seekers on Tillamook Bay continue to struggle for strong results. All week, the jaws have been the most popular but only a handful of chinook have been taken following the peak of the soft outgoing tide. The ocean produced fair results on Tuesday, south of the jetty, but will close after October 31st. The Ghost Hole and Bay City will become primary targets in the incoming tides over the weekend and anglers should get a good idea how the late season will perform, based on weekend results. Wilson and Kilchis fish make up the bulk of the late season catch and tidewater of the Wilson should again perform if the bay sees another shot of fish.

Chum salmon are starting to show in Tillamook Bay and the long range weather forecast indicates they may make a run up the Miami and Kilchis Rivers following the predicted rain. If the weather is significant enough, driftboaters will have ample opportunity for chinook on the Trask, Wilson and Nestucca Rivers well into next week. Retention deadlines exist on some north coast systems so check regulations before heading out.

The Nehalem has finally slowed after a great season and likely won't light up again as the chinook run is done over there. Coho remain available but will also be hard to target.

Most north coast coho quotas are half-met and will remain open through November. Be sure to check the specific basin your fishing however as regulations vary by watershed.

Bay crabbing is fair at best on Tillamook Bay and only slightly better on Nehalem. The lower Columbia will continue to produce great results, particularly on the weaker tide series, which won't be the case this weekend. A good set of clam tides should produce good digging early next week along Clatsop Beaches, pending the height of the surf.

Southwest- As fall rains start this weekend, offshore conditions are forecast to become seasonally challenging as well. Expect higher swells and winds for the week to come.

The ocean is closed to crabbing but will likely reopen December 1. Prior to that date, crab can still be taken in lower bays and estuaries as long as crabbers don't venture into the ocean.

Bay crabbing historically improves in fall and winter in Oregon. The first to produce are generally the larger water bodies such as Winchester and Coos Bays.

Chinook and coho catches are fair to good in Rogue Bay for trollers. Chinook returning to Indian Creek are hitting spinners. Catches of steelhead and coho have slowed at Agness. Steelheading has remained fair but steady for anglers using a variety of baits, lures and flies on the middle river. Fly anglers are continuing to score on the upper Rogue with egg patterns and streamers.

Calm seas and mild winds out of the Port of Brookings encouraged boats to hit the salt over the past week. Bottom fishing results were good with lingcod catches excellent. Halibut fishing is closed as of November 1st. Trolling for chinook in the harbor has been fair. The Chetco River is scheduled to open above the 2.2 mile mark on Saturday, November 2. This is mostly a bobber and bait show but the fishery is dependent on sufficient rain to raise water levels. Otherwise, it could shut down again almost immediately.

Rain is needed to rejuvenate the chinook fishery on the Elk River.

Eastern – Steelheaders on the Deschutes below Warm Springs have had to settle for landing mostly redsides and the occasional whitefish as steelheading has been only fair at best.

Bull trout are falling for large streamers on the Metolius. Fish deeper water on the upper river for these fish which commonly run over 10 pounds.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro - On the Columbia River below Bonneville Dam, anglers continue to catch fall chinook although the bite is becoming sporadic and many of the fish are getting quite dark. A large portion of the chinook present will spawn right below the dam. Anglers should take note and consider letting these fish spawn in peace. Saturday's sturgeon opener on the Willamette River below Willamette Falls proved to be quite productive for many anglers and the turn-out was also surprising. Many reports came in of boats limiting with three, four or five keepers from Oregon City, Milwaukie, the Portland Harbor and Multnomah Channel indicating the river has plenty of fish in it for catch and release entertainment. Anglers slightly exceeded their 1,000 fish quota by about 200 fish. Bass and walleye anglers have an extended late season stretch of good weather to cash in on. Water temps are still in line for productive fishing.

The weather is beautiful and the fishing is fine on the lower McKenzie. Just go. Take October and other Caddis patterns along with some Adams and some Prince, Possie Bugger and similar nymphs.

The Santiam system has good numbers of coho for those who can crack the code on the challenging fish. Popular lures are jigs and spinners. Try from the rest stop on the mainstem up the North Santiam for the best chance of a hookup.

Not much to report on the Clackamas River but low water and the occasional silver salmon being caught. The next rain might bring a few more into the system.

Water is getting low on the Sandy River as well and a few silvers are still in the system. Best action is reported from the mouth and up near Cedar Creek. Jigs and spinners are the go-to lures with cured roe being the bait of choice.

Northwest – After a great early season, Tillamook Bay fishing has slowed as it has in years past at this time. Historically, mid-October to mid-November has produced great catches and that remains to be seen this year. With an already strong showing of Wilson chinook, the run that fuels the late season bite, anglers remain hopeful and results are likely to improve. Ocean fishing for chinook will close after October 31st but has remained one of the best options lately. Deep reef bottomfish seekers have been taking advantage of the all-depth opportunities and being rewarded accordingly. Ocean crabbing will remain closed until at least December 1st but is slightly improving in coastal estuaries.

The Nehalem remains an option although it too has slowed slightly. The run here is likely to taper after this week but persistent anglers may still be rewarded. Bobber fishers are taking fair quality fish in tidewater using eggs and shrimp combinations.

Another good round of precipitation will do the north coast systems some good but there is none in sight. Until then, anglers should target the tidewater sections of the Nestucca, Siletz and Alsea with the Salmon a distant second choice. Bobber and bait will take the most fish but trollers will take some fish too.

The lower Columbia is absent anglers but crabbing will only get better through late November. Pick the softer tides to maximize catches. Good clamming tides won't come around again until early November.

Southwest- Bottom fishing out of central Oregon ports has slowed. Everyone is still catching rockfish and lings but not limits as they were last week.

As ocean water temperatures drop, it appears that tuna hopefuls have made their last run for the season.

Long-range offshore forecasts look favorable for ocean launches although conditions are predicted to become more challenging late in the coming weekend.

Bay crabbing is expected to show improvement with salinity levels good and weather conditions friendly this week.

Catches of rockfish and lingcod have been good when boats have been able to get out on the ocean from Gold Beach. Trollers in Rogue Bay are taking decent numbers of chinook and coho. Fishing off the mouth of Indian Creek has picked up with chinook gathering to run up to the hatchery on that tributary. Steelhead and coho are available in good number around Agness. Anglers on the middle river are catching steelhead on an assortment of baits and lures. The upper Rogue is fishing well as summer steelhead continue to lie in tailouts below spawning chinook. Fly casters will score with egg patterns.

With the ocean closed for salmon fishing, trollers are working Brookings Harbor while shore-bound anglers cast spoons and spinners from the crab pier but chinook catches have been only fair at best. Fish with the tides for best results. The Chetco River opens above River Mile 2.2 on November 2nd.

While the Elk River is running low and clear in the absence of precipitation, it gave up more than a dozen chinook on Sunday, October 20.

Trout catches continue to slowly improve at Diamond Lake with bait fishing on the north end yielding the best results.

Eastern – Trout fishing remains better than steelheading on the lower Deschutes although fresh summers continue to enter. Water level and flow have improved with upstream irrigation efforts shut down.

Fly anglers are reminded that during extended mild, sunny weather, trout will be making terrestrials a significant part of their diet.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Oregon fishing report for 10/18/13

Willamette Valley/Metro - The Columbia River below Bonneville Dam continues to produce the odd productive day for chinook salmon, but more and more days are slow. The majority of the run has passed, but 2,000 to 5,000 kings a day are still ascending the ladders. Many of the fish staging below the dam are destined to spawn there and a high percentage are already donning their spawning colors, so anglers should take consideration and let them do their thing, unmolested.

Silver salmon are still climbing the ladder at Willamette falls at a rate of 200 - 400 per day and fishermen continue to take a few at the mouths of the Tualatin, Molalla and Yamhill Rivers. Silvers above the falls can be harvested regardless of having a fin-clip or not. Below the falls, little is happening except for the odd silver caught at the mouth of the Clackamas or at Meldrum Bar. A one day sturgeon retention opener is slated for Saturday, October 19th. Late season bass and walleye fishing is likely good, but few anglers are participating.

The McKenzie River is fishing well as brightly-colored foliage gives evidence of fall arriving. Rivaling the brilliance of the leaves are the large, colorful redsides coming to hand for fly fishers. Drifted nymphs are effective early in the day with Caddis imitations and Adams effective as the day warms.

Bright coho can be seen rolling and jumping at various locations on the North Santiam but getting them to bite or strike is always a challenge.

Good water conditions prevail on the Clackamas River but few fish are there to catch. Very slow fishing for silvers has been the norm this season. Eagle Creek is the destination for most Clack silvers, but the water is getting low and the few fish that are there are scattered.

The Sandy offers better opportunity for silver salmon and the odd chinook. The river is still holding at a good level since last week's rain and fish are scattered from the lower river up to Cedar Creek. The fish seem to be more concentrated in the upper stretch. Both coho and chinook salmon must be fin-clipped to retain on the Sandy.

The family fishing event scheduled for October 19 at Canby Pond has been cancelled. Blame it on the weeds which are too thick to allow for a pleasant fishing experience.

Northwest – Although far from the blistering hot beginning anglers witnessed on Tillamook Bay, action for chinook remains consistent with the ocean and the Ghost Hole still producing some of the best catches. Calm ocean weather has drawn a renewed interest in the nearshore for chinook and the outlook seems favorable through the weekend. Too bad ocean crabbing is now closed as Lee Richey of Tualatin and his crew of 4 took their 60-Dungeness crab limits along with 4 chinook on Tuesday, just south of the jetty out of Tillamook Bay. Crabbing in Tillamook Bay itself is just fair but should improve pending any other storm fronts. The upper bay may turn on again with the strong tide series over the weekend.

Tidewater reaches of the Tillamook streams has slowed recently but may improve again following the strong upcoming tide series. The Wilson River should hold the greatest promise after mid-October.

The Nehalem system has jump started again, following the prolonged period of turbid water following the last rain event. Trollers working the mouth continue to do very well with some coho in the mix. Pressure has let up but the good fishing continues. No north coast estuary is close to achieving their coho quota and is slated to go through November.

The lower Columbia is vacant of anglers but one guide boat reported 2 chinook and 4 hatchery coho last week with fairly consistent catches of coho still coming. The strong tide series this weekend could bring about another small shot of coho for those wanting a serene experience. Crabbing is excellent downstream of Hammond.

Southwest- Offshore conditions are supposed to moderate into the coming weekend according to long-range forecasts. Nearshore and deep water lingcod fishing has been good with rock fishers taking mostly limits. Ocean crabbing has slowed but is still worthwhile.

Now that fresh water has been replaced with that of a salty nature, bay crabbers should expect some improvement in catches.

Winchester Bay trollers have continued to hook up with chinook on herring with most catches coming from the jaws and below the Highway 101 Bridge.

Florence boaters have taken a few large chinook trolling herring in tidewater over the past week. Pressure has been moderate.

Rogue Bay has provided some productive periods over the past week with scores of fish landed on some days. Catches are a mix of chinook and coho. Indian Creek chinook have finally started showing in catchable numbers and are hitting spinners. Steelhead and coho are being taken at Agness. Steelheading has been decent on the middle river with flies, lures and bait all effective at times. Upper Rogue fishing continues to yield consistent results for steelhead.

The Chetco Ocean Terminal Area Fishery closed October 13th with at least one 50-pounder and several 40-pound chinook landed. Trollers attention will now focus on Brookings Harbor from the jaws to the mouth of the Chetco River. Trolled anchovies are most effective. Halibut may be taken out of Brookings through the last day of October.

No chinook have been reported from the low, clear waters of the Elk or Sixes Rivers. Look for these to turn on later in the year.

Eastern – steelheading is fair to good on the lower Deschutes. Counts ramped up at Sherars Falls over the past week. Expect lower flows as the Bureau of Reclamation has the outflow from Wickiup down to a trickle to allow the reservoir to fill.

Steelheading has improved on the Grande Ronde River with some anglers reporting multiple fish. Flies and spinners have been effective.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro - Fishing for chinook salmon below Bonneville Dam has dropped off a bit, as have the counts over the dam. The peak of the run has now passed and more sporadic fishing should be expected for the next few weeks. However, fish are still being caught and some good days are still in order for back trollers and anchor fishermen alike.

The Willamette River holds some opportunity for coho salmon at the mouth of the Clackamas, but hot fishing is not likely. As the water clears from last week's storm, bass and walleye fishing will pick up for the season's finale. The section from Ross Island to Lake Oswego should fish best for smallmouth bass and the Multnomah Channel will be the go-to spot for late season walleye.

The entire McKenzie River is fishing very well for fly anglers. Large redsides have been looking up lately, creating exciting opportunities for dry patterns. In the absence of surface activity, nymphs have been effective.

Thanks to thousands of coho which have passed over Willamette Falls, these fish far outnumber steelhead on the North Santiam. Fishing for coho has been fair to good at times.

The Clackamas River has dropped into prime shape for early fall coho fishing, but the numbers of fish available are disappointing. A few pods of fish scoot by from time to time but relatively few get caught. Clackamas coho are notorious for being non-biters, but with fewer hatchery fish planted in the last few years, the outlook for decent action is mediocre at best. Anglers intent on trying for the random coho would be well advised to spend their time near and in Eagle Creek.

The Sandy River offers better opportunity for coho and chinook salmon than the Clack. Best action for coho would be from Oxbow Park up to Cedar Creek and the few chinook salmon that are available, would be better sought after down low in the system. Chinook are mixed stock, with both darker tules and a few brighter "quality" fish.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host a Family Fishing Event Saturday, Oct. 12 at Mt. Hood Pond in Gresham. The event is free and open to anglers of all ages. ODFW staff and volunteers will help participants learn how to set up tackle, cast and land fish.

Hagg Lake closes for the season on November 24th but will be open year 'round starting in 2014.

Northwest – North Coast fishing, particularly in Tillamook Bay have been nothing short of epic. Anglers working Tillamook Bay, as well as the lower reaches of the Wilson and Trask Rivers are realizing catches that haven't been witnessed in many years. In Tillamook Bay itself, the west channel produced many boat limits last weekend and although it has dropped off, remains a strong option. Todd Liebow of Portland took his 2-fish limit on Sunday; a 25-pounder from Bay City and a 16-pounder from the West Channel on trolled herring. The Ghost Hole is still producing good catches too, especially around the last part of outgoing tide and the first part of incoming. The middle and upper bay is also producing consistent results and could pick up when the morning tide series intensifies over the weekend.

Bobber fishing in the lower Wilson is excellent and last week's high water produced excellent catches for driftboaters over the weekend on the Trask and Nestucca Rivers as well. River levels are expected to remain stable but the strong early showing of Wilson and Kilchis River chinook are an indication that Tillamook area anglers will likely have good fishing well into Thanksgiving.

The Nehalem River has had an epic run as well although fishing tapered with the recent high water. The system should be well primed for the weekend however as the run is sure to continue well into October. The North Fork Nehalem hatchery reports fair coho fishing, particularly from the handicap platform although the bite is likely to taper.

Crabbing has picked up in some coastal estuaries, likely due to the fall crab spawn approaching. Ocean crabbing may be an option over the weekend if the calming trend continues. Deep-reef bottomfishing will also be productive for lingcod and sea bass out of Garibaldi.

Southwest- Without depth restrictions as of October 1, offshore boats have been taking limits of lingcod out of Newport and Depoe Bay. Nearshore bottom fishing has been excellent. Ocean crabbing remains rewarding but will close at the end of day on October 15th.

Long-range offshore forecasts predict a moderating trend into the coming weekend with mild swells at manageable duration and coastal winds becoming breezes.

Chinook fishing has been good on the Umpqua River bar. Hatchery coho may be kept anywhere on the Umpqua, wild coho are legal to take below the Scottsburg Bridge. The North Umpqua is producing some steelhead but be prepared to find campgrounds such as Fisherman's Bend and Susan Creek closed and locked.

Trollers on Rogue Bay have had some good days over the past week, landing both chinook and coho. About 15% of the coho have been hatchery keepers however. Anglers are still waiting for decent numbers of Indian Creek chinook to show. These fish are due to show any day now. Adult steelhead and half-pounders are being taken at Agness with best results early and late in the day. Now that chinook fishing is closed on the middle Rogue, anglers are targeting steelhead with fair results. Drifting flies for steelhead holding below spawning chinook has been an effective technique on the upper Rogue.

When trollers have been able to get out for the Chetco Bubble fishery, it has not disappointed. Plenty of 20 pounders have been landed and a few have topped 30. Cut-plug purple label herring has been most effective. This fishery will remain open through Sunday, October 13. Fishing is closed above River Mile 2.2 until November 2nd although an early opener of the waters above may occur if flows justify doing so in mid to late October.

The mouth of the Elk River produced chinook earlier this week despite low, clear water conditions.

Despite lower water temperatures at Diamond Lake, fishing remains only fair at best. Try the south end with Power Bait or night crawlers.

Eastern – Following a spike in water levels at the end of September, the lower Deschutes has returned to stable flows. Steelheading and trout fishing are worthwhile.

Trout to 14-inches or better have been responding to October Caddis patterns on the Wallowa River.

Steelhead are bound for the Imnaha and Grande Ronde Rivers at the 10-year average which means better numbers this season than last.

Thursday, October 03, 2013

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro - Chinook counts over Bonneville Dam have sunk to 5,000 to 7,000 per day. Although these numbers indicate a steep decline, it's still strong for this late in the run. Considering the amount of rain we have had and the timing, now is the time for the backtrollers below the dam to have their best action. Once this week's unstable weather subsides, good fishing should resume.

The Willamette River has bumped up a couple notches and the visibility is deteriorating. This gets coho excited but puts them on the move as well. Expect fishing at the mouth of the Clackamas to be "off' until after the weekend when the river cleans back up.

The McKenzie River blew out on Monday this week but is predicted to recover by the coming weekend.

A few coho have been caught recently on the Santiam near Jefferson. It has been estimated that about one-quarter of the coho which pass over Willamette Falls are destined for the Santiam system.

The Clackamas River jumped up to over 17 feet and is now on a slow drop. Expect fishing for silvers to resume when the river clears and gets within reach of the 13 ft. mark.

Like the Clack, the Sandy River is also high and dirty. If predictions are spot on, it should drop back into fish-able shape by Sunday or Monday. By then, expect fishing for silvers and chinook to continue through October.

Northwest – The Tillamook and Nehalem systems remain the focal points for most sportanglers on the north coast. Recent turbulent weather kept anglers from fishing over the weekend however Kelly Murray of Hillsboro took her 2-chinook limit in one pass on a stormy Tillamook Bay on Saturday, trolling a herring at Bay City near the top of the tide. The recent rains have swollen the district's rivers and fishing on the Trask, Necanicum and both the North and South Forks of the Nehalem should be excellent prior to the weekend. The Nestucca and Salmon Rivers should also produce great action. Check each rivers regulations as there are large areas closed to harvest. This early season opportunity is often a rare one as the districts rivers frequently aren't floatable until next month.

Once the rivers and estuaries clear, action should pick up again although it's likely that estuary staging chinook and coho will all pass into the river systems. Following this freshet, the Nehalem is likely to drop off but Tillamook Bay will remain a stalwart producer well into November and early December. Hopefully, the freshet will clear the estuaries of troublesome, free-floating eel grass and seaweed that historically fouls anglers gear while pursuing chinook.

The influx of fresh water will likely further slow estuary crabbing. It could however stimulate sturgeon activity in Tillamook and Nehalem estuaries when large populations of sturgeon tend to make a mass exodus from the Columbia River, destined for other coastal estuaries in search of winter forage. These coastal estuaries remain the last open areas for sturgeon retention until the end of the year, when the large scale closure is likely to last for a long time.

Stronger tides will slow lower Columbia crabbing but there may be fair at best action for late season coho in the Astoria area. Of greater interest may be the evening minus tides starting on Saturday, where razor clam diggers may find good digging conditions after a long summer closure north of Tillamook Head at Seaside. You'll need a lantern and a watchful eye on the surf behind you. Use extreme caution when digging at night.

Southwest- Offshore conditions disallowed boating adventures over the past weekend and into the early part of this week but seas are predicted to calm considerably as the weekend approaches.

There has been a quiet conversation about running for tuna on Friday, October 4th but aside from that, albacore fishing is all but over for the year.

As of October 1, there is no longer a 30-fathom restriction on bottom fishing. Catches are expected to be excellent and cabezon retention which was scheduled to close at the end of September has been extended, possibly through the rest of the year.

Ocean coho closed the last day of September with the quota unfulfilled. Chinook will remain open offshore through October.

Coho seem to be dominating catches at Winchester Bay with bank-bound anglers hooking up on spinners while trollers using herring are taking fish below Gardiner.

Despite off-color water in Coos Bay, many bobber and bait fishers landed chinook from the dock on Monday this week. There are good numbers of salmon entering the bay.

While offshore trips haven't been an option over the past week out of Gold Beach, the Rogue Bay has periodically produced a mix of adult chinook, coho and mixed-specie jacks. Anglers on the lower river are still awaiting the big push of Indian Creek chinook. With chinook closed above the Hog Creek Boat Ramp as of October, targeting steelhead is the only option on the Grants Pass stretch. Fishing should remain worthwhile on the upper Rogue despite low water temperatures. Look for steelhead holding below spawning chinook where egg imitations should be effective and low light conditions most productive. Water level and flows should be normal by the weekend.

The highly-anticipated Chetco Ocean Terminal Area Fishery opened October 1st with the ocean too rough to fish. As conditions moderate this week, action should follow. This opportunity, during which the largest chinook of the season are typically landed, will continue through October 13th.

The Elk and Sixes Rivers were high and muddy on Monday this week but had started to drop and clear with that trend expected to continue through the week.

Eastern – The Deschutes was marginally affected by recent rainfall with the level and flow returning to normal. The majority of steelhead hookups over the past week have been wild fish. Counts of chinook and steelhead remained good at Sherars Falls through the last day of September.

Steelheading has yet to get started on the Grand Ronde and Imnaha Rivers with summers slow to make their way up the Columbia this year. Numbers are showing at Bonneville Dam but remain low at Lower Granite.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro - With the early fall rains and cooler temperatures, chinook fishing below Bonneville Dam has picked up, particularly for back-trollers using divers and bait wrapped Kwikfish. Anchor fishers are still getting it done but the game has evened out. As of yesterday, the counts over the dam have dropped significantly but remain a steady 13-20K per day since the weekend. Expect good fishing for the next few weeks.

Silvers are present at the mouth of the Clackamas but getting them to bite consistently is challenging. Backtrollers at Meldrum Bar are faring the best, but a few savvy shore-bound anglers are getting a fish or two chucking spinners from the rocks. Remember the barbless hook rule. Coho are headed upstream from Willamette Falls although total numbers are unknown as daily counts are not being updated. Early numbers give reason for optimism, however. It's time to troll plugs or toss spinners at the mouths of tributaries above the Falls.

McKenzie flows increased from 2,500 to 2,700 cfs over the past weekend but with drying weather this week, conditions will be good over the coming weekend. Fishing has been good with Stoneflies and October Caddis taking wing. There are still openings available for the Sixth Annual McKenzie River Two Fly Tournament taking place the first weekend in October. Contact the Caddis Fly in Eugene to register.

Fishing is slow on the Santiams and will likely remain so for a while.

On the Clackamas River, silvers are spread from the mouth up to Eagle Creek. Getting a consistent bite is another thing, as usual, these fish are a moody bunch. Local anglers are still picking up a late summer steelhead or two in the river above Barton Park.

Both silvers and chinook are available on the Sandy River. Anglers are encountering a few bright chinook mixed in with the less desirable tules. All salmon on the Sandy must be adipose fin clipped for retention. The water below Oxbow Park will offer the best opportunity for chinook while the silvers are spread up to Cedar Creek.

Northwest – The Buoy 10 fishery in Astoria continues to under-impress. Although anglers are still seeing fair coho numbers, limits are far from the rule. A rare chinook is still in the catch but jacks may be retained after October 1st. Managers met late on Tuesday, allowing any chinook, fin-clipped or not, to be retained beginning Thursday from Buoy 10 and upstream. Crabbing is good downstream of Hammond.

The chinook fishery is well underway on most north coast systems. Tillamook and Nehalem remain the most popular, and for good reason. On Tillamook Bay, the chinook bite was quite consistent in the Ghost Hole through Monday with good numbers of chinook taken by herring trollers through low slack and near high slack. A rough ocean has kept the bar closed but last Thursday, Dale Goebel of Beaverton had the hot rod, hooking 3 of 7 chinook his family landed trolling herring on the south side of the south jetty out of Tillamook Bay. Dale's fish tipped the scales at 17, 25 and 26-pounds respectively.

Nehalem Bay has been productive as well with good numbers of fish coming out of the Wheeler to Nehalem stretch by herring trollers. Coho numbers were plentiful as evidenced by consistent jumpers in the estuary although the recent rainfall sent many of them upstream. The North Fork of the Nehalem may house ample numbers for bank anglers to access near the hatchery although they are notorious for not biting.

A weak outgoing tide series should keep interest near the bay entrances this weekend, where herring trollers will likely take fair numbers of chinook into early October.

Although the fall rains have begun, a relatively minute amount of rain has risen many coastal streams, albeit slightly. On some systems however, it is enough to get chinook and coho into the systems with the Trask and North Fork Nehalem the best north coast prospects. Chinook should be available in most tidewater reaches right now.

The Nestucca, Salmon, Siletz and Alsea are also reaching their prime right now. Cozy Cove on the Alsea is now closed, making a large portion of tidewater hard to access.

Southwest- Rough ocean conditions have prevented boats from launching out of Newport and Depoe Bay this week. Offshore anglers are looking forward to fishing deep water lingcod starting October 1.

Long-range offshore forecasts are less than optimistic this week.

Although ocean conditions have kept most boats from launching out of Newport over the past week, when they have gotten out, salmon fishing has been tough. Long hours have produced few fish.

Boats launching out of Reedsport have done well for chinook when ocean conditions have allowed them to get out. Trolling inside the bay has been slow with crabbing even slower.

When boats have been able to get out of Florence, ocean chinook fishing has been good. Fish are also being taken inside below the Highway 101 Bridge.

Now that fall is upon us, the ocean is granting fewer friendly days to offshore boaters although offshore fishing for rockfish and lings is excellent out of Gold Beach and ocean crabbing is producing quality limits. Bay trolling is unpredictable. The lower Rogue has been fairly dependable for jack salmon with half-pounders and adult steelhead fishing well at Agness. Adult chinook have been taken below Indian Creek with this fishery improving over the last week of September and into October. Middle Rogue chinook fishing is holding up well. It's legal to keep either hatchery or wild chinook from Hog Creek boat landing to Fishers Ferry boat ramp through the end of September. Flows out of Lost Creek Lake have dropped to 1,150 cfs which should be good for upper river fly-rod steelheaders.

Offshore bottom fishing has been excellent whenever boats have been able to cross the bar out of Brookings Harbor. Chinook are entering Chetco Bay with a few picked up by trollers over the past week. This fishery will improve in coming weeks. Anglers are anxious for the October bubble season.

Eastern – Steelheading picked up on the lower Deschutes as the water cleared early this week. Fishing is slow to fair around Maupin. Chinook, steelhead and coho are being seen in greater numbers in the fish trap at Sherars Falls.

Crooked River flows have dropped below 200 cfs. Fishing with nymphs should be good here.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Oregon fishing report for 9/20/13

Willamette Valley/Metro - The Columbia River is kicking out good numbers of chinook below Bonneville Dam. Reports indicate the anchor fishermen are faring better than the backtrollers. Fishing should improve from already "good' to "excellent" as the water temperatures drops a few degrees from this week's cooler weather. Fish are also being taken at the mouths of the Sandy, Washougal, Lewis, Kalama and Cowlitz with wobbler's, spinners and plugs.

On the Willamette River, silvers have been spotted rolling and jumping off the mouth of the Clackamas. Boaters and bank anglers have taken a handful since the weekend at Meldrum Bar and at the blacktop, either backtrolling plugs or casting plugs and spinners. Bass anglers are looking forward to the cooler temps to bring the smallmouth back on the bite. Sturgeon fishers will get another catch and keep season on Saturday Oct 19th. This will likely be the last opportunity for keeping a sturgeon for quite some time.

With fall approaching, shadows are lengthening and showers are falling periodically. These conditions combine to create excellent fly fishing opportunities on the McKenzie River.

Pressure is light on the North Santiam at this time of year and while fishing remains slow, it's a great place for solitude or mushroom hunting.

The Clackamas is giving up a few silvers on the lower river, but better times are on the way with the onset of early fall. Hoards of anglers are lining the bank at the bowling alley and Cross Park. Few are taken legally in these spots. Reports have come in of a handful of late summer steelhead being taken between Rivermill Dam and Feldheimers.

The Sandy also started to kick out a few silvers in the lower river, but anglers have also spotted a few up as far as the Cedar Creek hatchery. Small baits of cured roe, spinners and jigs under a bobber will all draw bites.

Northwest – With the absence of hatchery coho in the lower Columbia River, interest and success has waned. Chinook catches were fair at best over the last weak tide series but anglers have largely dispersed to other fisheries. It's likely that the late season coho fishery in October will also be a bust. Crabbing is good however.

Angler focus has shifted to other coastal estuaries with Nehalem and Tillamook being the best prospects. The Ghost Hole in Tillamook has yielded consistent early morning catches on the incoming tide although few fish over 20 pounds are being taken. Spinners have also been working well in the middle and upper bay as we begin to enter peak season for Tillamook chinook. Bobber and bait tossers working the Trask and Tillamook tidewater sections have also been tallying success. Tillamook's consumptive coho season kicks off on Friday and Saturday and fish are present in the estuary but not too willing to bite.

The Nehalem has been excellent for fall chinook with the current stronger tide series likely to produce good catches at Wheeler and Nehalem this weekend. Herring is most productive below the Highway 101 Bridge with spinners becoming a good tool upstream. Check the ODF&W web site for wild coho restrictions on this system but there is currently consumptive opportunity for these fish as well.

Although ocean crabbing is not as productive as it has been in years past, the quality of crab is excellent. Estuary crabbing is not nearly as productive and the stronger tide series this weekend won't help things.

Southwest- Boats out of Newport and Depoe Bay made fair to good catches of tuna earlier this week. Offshore trollers experienced an improvement in salmon catches. Ocean crabbing has yielded limits of good-sized, hard-shelled Dungeness. Rockfishing has been excellent.

Ocean coho fishing remains open seven days a week off the central coast through the end of September or fulfillment of the quota.

Bait fishers using bobbers have taken some nice chinook from the Siuslaw tidewater over the past week.

Rough seas prevented launches out of Gold Beach for much of the past week. Boats plying Rogue Bay made fair catches of chinook and coho. When offshore conditions settled down over the past weekend, fishing for rockfish and lingcod was good. Catches of adult steelhead and half-pounders have been good on a variety of bait, lures and flies around Agness. Chinook fishing has been steady on the Grants Pass stretch. It's flies only on the upper Rogue above Fishers Ferry boat ramp where summer steelhead have been cooperative with long-rodders.

Although boats out of the Port of Brookings are taking Pacific Halibut to 40 pounds and decent catches of rockfish and lingcod, ocean salmon fishing closed until the "bubble" fishery opens October 1. This situation has local anglers exploring Chetco tidewater for salmon, which has resulted in fair to good catches of jack salmon recently along with several adult chinook.

Eastern – The lower Deschutes has been unsettled but water conditions are improving. Summer steelheading has been fair but will pick up as water conditions improve. With outrageous numbers at Bonneville, steelheaders are waiting for the big numbers to hit. Trout fishing is fair with nymphs effective. Counts at Sherars Falls have improved with double-digit chinook and summer steelhead passing daily along with a few coho.

Suttle Lake has continued to produce near-limits of smallish kokanee to trollers. Anglers are allowed 25 fish per day here.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro - Huge numbers of chinook are crossing Bonneville Dam and things are shaping up for a record return that was likely under-forecast. Catches are good for both boaters and bank bound anglers, but still not what they could be if the water was 3 to 4 degrees cooler. As the nights get shorter and cooler, expect fishing for chinook salmon to improve through October. Little attention is being given to catch and release sturgeon fishing with good numbers of salmon in the river.

Silvers are showing up in the Willamette River at the mouth of the Clackamas, but it's far from productive. The water is still very warm and fishing will likely improve in the coming weeks after the weather starts to cool.

Bass fishermen are scoring catches from Oak Grove downstream to Ross Island, but effort has been very low the last couple weeks. Walleye are still on the menu for the Multnomah Channel but effort is light here as well.

McKenzie River flows have been fairly steady this week. Fly fishing for trout should be worthwhile over the next several days, particularly those with cloud cover.

Santiam River levels are up with recent releases of water from upstream impoundments. Steelheading remains slow.

A few coho are getting caught in riffles below Cross Park on the Clackamas River. It can be a rough crowd and lawlessness is common, so mind your manners if you decide to participate.

Not much to report yet for the Sandy River, but the silvers are due and it's likely that a few forerunners are already up to Cedar Creek.

Northwest – Buoy 10 anglers are still searching for catchable numbers of hatchery coho. It appears as if coho were grossly over-predicted. Coho jack catches were impressive but jacks along with the ample numbers of chinook still in the estuary, must be released downstream of Tongue Point. Tongue Point to Warrior Rock remains open for fin-clipped chinook and coho and managers will review the new run size upgrade on Thursday to determine if additional opportunity is available in the lower river. The current weak tide series will make the Tongue Point fishery explode once again.

Wobbler fishers in the Longview reach witnessed white-hot fishing over the weekend. It has since slowed but ample catches continue to happen.

Offshore, north of Cape Falcon, any 2 salmon may be retained; wild or hatchery coho or chinook. Fishing to the north of the river along the Long Beach Peninsula seems to be the most productive. September can offer some of the finest ocean weather. A very friendly ocean is forecast from today through the weekend. Ample numbers of albacore are available and will readily take live bait.

Nehalem Bay herring trollers have been taking impressive numbers of chinook over the weekend. The jaws and Wheeler are producing quality fish.

Tillamook Bay fall salmon fishing is also producing nicely. Effort will shift to the lower bay on the weaker tide series.

The wild coho fishery continues offshore and starts on most inland systems on September 15th. Check the ODF&W web site for your specific estuary and tidewater systems.

Ocean and estuary crabbing should be good this weekend.

The lower reaches of the Nestucca, Salmon, Siletz and Alsea Rivers should all produce good catches of chinook this weekend.

Southwest- This is a great time of year for ocean crabbing. The quality of meat is approaching that of fall and winter while offshore conditions are launch-friendly with greater frequency than they will be later in the year.

Tuna fishing has been challenging over the past week. Single-digit catches were the rule for boats launching out of Depoe Bay and Newport with many catching only one or two.

A few chinook are being taken on the Yaquina by boats launching at Toledo and heading upriver.

Boats launching for out of Reedsport have been doing well for ocean chinook. Crabbing has improved on Winchester Bay with the Crab Bounty contest continuing through the end of September. Return spinner-tagged Dungeness whole to Sportsman Cannery for a hat and a chance in the $1,000 drawing. Bay trolling is producing chinook as has fishing the lower Umpqua mainstem.

Coos Bay trolling has been productive for chinook over the past week. Offshore fishing has been productive for salmon. Bay crabbing is fair to good for boats, slow off the docks.

Offshore fishing was good out of Gold Beach for bottom fish over the past week until weekend conditions shut down bar crossings. When the lingcod bite has turned on, limits have come quickly. Bay trolling has been slow. Fall chinook and summer steelhead are being taken on the lower Rogue and while it's only fair, it's worth the effort. Chinook catches have been good on the middle Rogue with plug-pullers doing best on wrapped Kwikfish although back-bouncers are also taking fish. Upper Rogue flows increased on Tuesday this week, an annual occurrence in an effort to reduce water temperatures and encourage chinook to migrate upriver. Steelheading is expected to be good, particularly for those swinging streamers with the river flies only above Fisher's Ferry boat ramp.

Ocean chinook fishing closed out of Brookings at the end of day September 8th. The next opportunity will be the Chetco Ocean Terminal Area Fishery from October 1 through 13, which will be take place from Twin Rocks to the Oregon/California border up to 3 miles out. It should be a rewarding fishery. Bottom fishing has been fair to good and should only get better in the coming weeks.

Eastern – Water conditions are improving on the lower Deschutes. The White River is causing only moderate issues with clarity as of Tuesday this week and the river looks good above the White. Steelheading has been fair but should improve with better water conditions. Redsides are hitting caddis imitations.

Trout are being caught at Big Lava Lake and while numbers are decent, larger fish are elusive.

Hosmer Lake is producing decent catches of trout including stocked cutthroat.

Thursday, September 05, 2013

Oregon fishing report 9/6/13

Willamette Valley/Metro - Smallmouth Bass fishing on the Willamette River is on the upswing with the recent rains and slightly cooling water. Walleye fishing should also pick up with the dip in temperature. Silvers are still absent at the mouth of the Clackamas but are expected any time.

Though the calendar would indicate it's early yet, it's time to think fall on the McKenzie River. Nymphs remain effective but with daylight conditions improving, dry flies are often the better choice. Steelheading is slow with the low return this season.

Water conditions are good on the Santiam system. Trout fishing is good, particularly higher in the system. Steelheading is slow and expected to remain so.

The Clackamas River is a virtual ghost town when it comes to summer steelhead. The first early silvers are due within the next couple of freshets.

Silvers are also due to show anytime on the lower Sandy River. Any precipitation in the forecast should stir the pot and get things rolling in the lower river.

Northwest – After an epic chinook season on the lower Columbia, the stretch between Tongue Point and Buoy 10 is now closed to chinook retention. Anglers may still retain 2 coho but good numbers have yet to show; expect them any day however. Anglers are finding tremendous success just above Tongue Point as witnessed by Bob Keerins from Portland and his group of 7 on Saturday. They took 7 adult chinook, 1 hatchery coho and 2 jacks above Tongue Point by 9:15 a.m. One of the chinook literally jumped in the boat shortly after being hooked. The best action has come on herring throughout the incoming tide, trolling near the bottom in 45 to 50 foot of water. Starting September 6th, from Tongue Point to Warrior Rock near the mouth of the Lewis River, only adipose fin-clipped chinook may be retained.

Wide open opportunity still exists for ocean anglers outside of the mouth of the Columbia River. Effort for the offshore fishery remains low due to success rates inside the river. The offshore weather forecast looks very favorable for salmon and tuna into the weekend but is certainly subject to change.

Upriver, anchor anglers remain frustrated due to the inconsistency of the wobbler fishery. Most anglers report low success rates, laying blame on the warm water temperatures. Anglers fishing the mouth of the Cowlitz seem to be producing some of the best results.

The Columbia River below Bonneville Dam is thick with Chinook salmon, but the bite has been a bit off due to drastically reduced flow and 71+ degree water temps. Fishing for salmon will improve as the water cools and normal flows resume. Sturgeon fishing below the dam is also on the slow side likely also due to the low flow.

Tillamook Bay is yielding good catches of chinook, especially when anglers can get outside and away from the seaweed. Those that pursued wild coho over the weekend largely came up empty. Water temperatures offshore have topped 62 degrees and coho are hard to find.

The Nehalem, Nestucca, Salmon, Siletz and Alsea all now have chinook available but that doesn't mean they will fall easy. Peak season is still weeks away.

Crabbing in most estuaries and adjacent ocean waters is productive although soft-shells are still making up a fair portion of the catch.

Southwest- Offshore chinook salmon fishing out of Depoe Bay slowed on Labor Day following fair to good results over the weekend.

The non-selective (wild or hatchery) coho season continues offshore each Thursday through Saturday from September 5th through September 30th or the 19,580 coho quota. Two salmon per day may be kept.

It's not too late in the year for tuna fishing. Over the past weekend, boats traveling 30 to 40 miles out of Newport made good catches on cedar plugs and clones. The trick has been finding schools of albacore.

If the long-range offshore forecast holds up, launches should be possible this week.

Sea-run cutthroat trout fishing is good and improving on coastal rivers. The best results have been coming on days when it's showery.

Salmon fishing was fair and ocean crabbing good out of Florence over the past weekend.

Winchester Bay salmon trollers experienced a moderation in chinook hookups over the past weekend but it's still quite good. Bass fishing is holding up on the upper Umpqua mainstem. Steelheaders in the flies-only section of the North Umpqua are taking wild steelhead but they are working for them.

Offshore fishing out of Gold Beach has been productive if unpredictable. When the ocean and offshore winds allowed launches, bottom fishing produced well for lings one day, rockfish another. When the wind came up late last week, boats stayed in port. Bay trolling has stalled with chinook heading straight upriver. Half pounder fishing is picking up on the lower Rogue and they are running larger this season. Fishing for steelhead is good in the Grants Pass to Galice stretch with chinook closed from Fisher's Ferry to Cole Rivers Hatchery through October, Upper Rogue waters are flies only with prospects good for summer steelhead.

While most offshore waters are closed to halibut, it remains open through October from Humbug Mountain to the California border. Anglers willing to fish a couple of pounds of lead in nearly 250 feet of water are occasionally rewarded with halibut to 60 pounds. Bottom fishing for lingcod and rockfish is excellent. The 10th annual Slam'n Salmon Ocean Derby took place out of the Port of Brookings over the Labor Day weekend. Over 300 participants were vying for prizes. Sprits were high and the fishing was good if not hot although final results were unavailable at deadline for this report.

Eastern – Conditions on the Deschutes have been variable lately, from great to poor, but there are plenty of steelhead in the river when level, flow and clarity come together.

The upper Snake River is open to hatchery fall chinook fishing from the Oregon–Washington border to the deadline below Hells Canyon Dam through October 31 or until a closure is announced. The daily bag limit will be six adipose fin-clipped chinook salmon. Anglers can also keep and unlimited number of fin-clipped jack Chinook between 15 and 24-inches long.