Thursday, October 30, 2014

Oregon fishing report for October 31

Willamette Valley/Metro - With the gorge chinook fishery winding down, anglers are already looking ahead to spring chinook. Fall coho remain an option, especially this year, with the expanded run size we're currently seeing. Coho numbers continue to impress over Bonneville Dam and should continue to provide good sport in fisheries such as the mouth of the Klickitat. What typically was a great time to sturgeon fish in the gorge has gone to the birds, likely due to the predation of adult sturgeon by the Stellar Sea Lions.

Coho counts are starting to drop at Willamette Falls with early 17,500 upstream now. Flows are increasing while visibility is predictably dropping with upstream mud and debris being transported down with the current.

McKenzie River level and flow predictably increased with rainfall although the level has been dropping again this week.

North and South Santiam river water levels are high and will remain that way through much of the coming week.

Northwest – Tillamook continues to march on with chinook still being taken at Bay City and to a lesser degree, the Ghost Hole. It seems a stronger than usual showing of late season chinook could provide opportunity well into December. Action is far from lights out but it certainly justifies sometime in the lower bay.

Area rivers produced well under last week's ideal conditions. Fair numbers of chinook were reported from the Wilson River with the Kilchis, Trask and Nestucca systems a fair option also. If water conditions persist, this could be a peak week for fresh chinook on north coast river systems. The Salmon River is essentially over.

The Alsea and Siletz systems also have chinook available but ample amounts of rain has sent a bunch of the run upstream.

The lower Columbia will largely become recreational sport crabbing grounds over the next 6 weeks. Catches are fair but could improve when stronger tides subside.

Central & South Coast Reports - Winter storms have hampered offshore fishing. Deepwater fishing for rockfish and ling cod without restriction as to fathom lines, will continue throughout wintertime.

With rainfall pushing coastal river levels up earlier this week, there was talk of early winter steelheading but it's still a little too early.

Reports from the Alsea indicate good numbers of fish although they are well upriver now. Crabbing is still holding up at Winchester Bay where boats continue to take limits or near-limits of Dungeness. Bank anglers are taking the occasional Chinook casting spinners.

Precipitation hasn't shut down crabbing in a bay as large as the Coos as boats are still taking limits. The Coos River is closed for trout fishing as of November 1.

High water has brought an end to fishing in Rogue Bay. Fishing has been fair on the middle Rogue where there was far less effect from the recent freshet. The upper river has been slow with stretches allowing bait, lures or both November 1. Check you regulations.

Estuary trolling is pretty much a done deal in Brookings Harbor with the first heavy seasonal rainfall. The Chetco opens above River Mile 2,2 on November 4th. Special regulations apply.

One report from the Sixes River indicated moderate boat traffic and some chinook caught although its quite early for this fishery to really be productive.

Fishing at Diamond Lake has been slow this week with wind hampering efforts.

Central & Eastern – A mid-week check showed no boats at the mouth of the Deschutes. Steelheading is slow to fair, trout fishing is a bit better.

There is very little pressure on the Wallowa River where anglers are taking the occasional steelhead

Rainfall has improved results for steelhead on the Imnaha River.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Oregon fishing report for October 23

Willamette Valley/Metro - The Bonneville chinook fishery is coming to a close but given the magnitude of the coho run, trollers working the gorge flats should find bright and willing coho to take spinners and plugs into mid-November. Chinook anglers in the Bonneville reach were slightly disappointed by this season's results, largely due to the over-prediction of the run and the subsequent expectations that came with it. Witnessing the jack returns at Bonneville, maybe we'll make up for the under-prediction for chinook next year and it certainly looks like the coho run will be strong again.

Willamette level and flow reacted little to recent rainfall but there's more wet weather to come shortly. Summer steelhead daily passage at Willamette Falls is dwindling. Coho, on the other hand, are passing by the hundreds every day and seem to be in a hurry. And that's just fine by us. The cumulative total topped 16,000 as of October 19th, the latest data available.

McKenzie level and flow has yet to show much effect from the rainfall this week. On the contrary, it has been on a slow, steady drop over the past seven days.

The Santiams were not heavily impacted by rains this week but we'll see how this weekend's storm effects them.

Fishing effort on the Clackamas has been low except down by the mouth in Gladstone. That will change now that rain has finally started falling. Coho hopefuls can expect some decent coho fishing from Bonnie Lure up to the hatchery now that the water has started to rise.

Rain this past week did little to improve water conditions but a few hundred more coho managed to swim into the Sandy Hatchery holding ponds. The hatchery has already processed over 4,000 coho with most going to the Food Bank and now the river is fishing well.

Northwest – Significant rain storms continue to pound the north coast, allowing driftboaters to shake the cobwebs and get their gear backtrolling. The Trask will be a favorite in what is still early in the boating season but the Wilson and Kilchis as well as the Nestucca should prove to be equally opportunistic.

Tillamook Bay itself is still giving up chinook for herring trollers but the upper and middle bay continue to be the most consistent producing areas. The Ghost Hole has been a disappointment for a good portion of the season but with fresh rains coming down the watersheds now, maybe Kilchis and Wilson River bound fish may once again utilize the extreme east side of the estuary (Ghost Hole/Bay City).

Now with water in the rivers, chinook should be shooting up all coastal systems with the Alsea and Siletz as well as the Yaquina likely to be good options for both boaters and bank anglers. The lower river reaches will likely produce the higher quality fish as fresh, sea-running chinook and coho should be entering, especially with the round of high tide exchanges we're now on.

The lower Columbia will finally begin to peter out for coho. After a strong showing, much of the run should be entering Columbia River tributaries. The estuary will largely be transformed into crabbing grounds now and the wicked tide exchange going on now won't do great things for crabbing this weekend.

Southwest- Opportunities to venture offshore for bottom-dwellers are fewer at this time of year and that situation is unlikely to improve. Take any opportunity to launch whenever water and weather conditions allow.

Offshore boaters are reminded that ocean crabbing closed on October 15th. Fortunately, most bays and estuaries have been putting out good numbers of quality Dungeness.

Tuna fishers are an enthusiastic lot and they are considering the next trip. We wish them well on this optimistic endeavor.

The latest report from the Siletz was early this week which indicated continued heavy pressure and a bobber bite that was best at first light.

Amidst coho rolling and jumping, trollers on the Yaquina River scored Chinook this week on baits of cut-plug herring.

Crabbing has remained good when it's not too stormy to take a boat out on Winchester Bay. With storms and rain, no reports have been forthcoming. Over the past weekend however, salmon fishing was good but the vast majority were wild coho which have to be released.

Trolling in Rogue Bay has been good for mostly coho. Summer steelheading had improved on the middle Rogue prior to the latest rainfall. Steelheading on the upper flies-only section slowed with the water too cool for best results.

Plenty of adult and jack Chinook in Chetco tidewater have been taken by bobber and bait fishers over the past week.

Enough rain has fallen in the Port Orford area to raise the levels of the Elk and Sixes rivers. Some Chinook should be nosing in but it's too early for the best fishing here.

Eastern – Water levels on the lower Deschutes started rising on October 15th and continued through the 18th at which time the current level was achieved, adding extra feet in depth and additional flow. This change also seemed to have shut down fishing for the time being.

Odell Lake has continued pumping out kokanee to trollers.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Oregon fishing update

Willamette Valley/Metro - Bonneville plug pullers are starting to see their fishery wind down but should experience one last hurrah for chinook, both bright and coloring. With cooling waters, action should remain more persistent throughout the day. On good coho years, there is often a successful troll fishery in the gorge although successful anglers keep it pretty tight lipped. It should be worth exploring this season with early November a peak period.

Steelhead counts are dwindling as are fall Chinook numbers. But coho, they are going strong. Since counts fall behind when fish traffic is heavy, data hasn't been updated since October 5th when the total on that date was nearly 12,000. Something between 200 and a 1,000 a day have been passing since then so that equals a lot. The passage is nearly equal to that of last year at this time and much better than 2012. The ODFW announced earlier this week, "Effective Wednesday, October 15, the daily bag limit for coho salmon increases to three fish on the Willamette mainstem above Willamette Falls, and the Molalla, Santiam, Yamhill, South Yamhill and Tualatin rivers. Prior to the rule change, the limit was two coho per day."

Coho taken in the Willamette above the falls or in any of the above-mentioned tributaries do not have to be fin-clipped.

McKenzie River levels have yet to show any impact from precipitation. This isn't unusual following a dry spell as the ground will soak up rain for a while before it starts to effect river flows.

Over 3,000 summer steelhead had been counted at Foster Dam on the South Santiam as of October 14th. While this is off about 30% from last year's run, there are still a catchable numbers of fish in the river.

Level and flows on the Clackamas improved somewhat October 14th with showers starting up on that date. If you aren't deterred by fishing amongst other anglers, Bonnie Lure has good numbers of coho for those who and hike down to the river from there.

Sandy River levels rose just a bit starting October 12th at which the river picked up about six inches of depth measured at the town of Sandy. Coho numbers are decent on the Sandy River and the improvement in flow should have a positive effect on the fishes' inclination to bite or strike.

Northwest – Chinook action in the Tillamook district remains largely focused in the middle and upper estuary of Tillamook Bay itself. The predicted rainfall was greater than anticipated, making it a possibility for driftboating possibly into the weekend but rivers still only came up about a foot. None-the-less, a slug of fresh fish entered the Wilson and driftboaters did really well here on Thursday. The Trask will be a primary target but the Wilson should produce some new fish as well.

The Nehalem system has a lot of wild coho present but they could all escape upstream on the current rain freshet. Trollers working the bay this week did fairly well on wild coho.

The Nestucca and Salmon Rivers are slowing although there should be more chinook to enter the Nestucca Basin over the next few weeks. The Nestucca looks like it may come up enough to spur some upstream opportunities.

There is still some effort for coho in the Columbia River Estuary but this fishery should finally fade. Throw in the fact that the gillnet fleet will be fishing multiple days per week and it seems even more challenging. Most coho have moved into the tributaries by now but action should hold up through the weekend.

Crabbing is good in the lower Columbia but challenging in other north coast estuaries. That likely won't change in the coming weeks.

The ocean will be a poor option for all effort well into the weekend.

Southwest- High winds and an angry ocean has kept boats in port this week. Most charter operations are taking some time off with operations to resume as the weather allows.

From Cape Falcon south to Humbug Mountain, Chinook salmon fishing remains open through the end of October. Catches have been slow and spotty when boats have been able to get out at all.

The 2014 albacore tuna season has been a very productive one. It ranked third highest overall recreational landings on record. That said, it may or may not be over. If warm water remains offshore when boats are again able to launch, they plan to go.

Razor clamming is closed from Heceta Head near Florence south to the California border to because of elevated bacteria levels.

Nearshore halibut fishing is still open off the central coast with the 29% of the quota yet to fill. The South Coast fishery endures despite the quota filling weeks ago as it absorbs additional poundage left over from earlier seasonal halibut quotas elsewhere on the coast.

Most of the crabbing in Winchester Bay is taking place in the Half Moon Bay area and crabbers are doing well. Since the coho quota filled, far fewer boats are trolling for salmon in the bay.

The most productive area for salmon trolling at Coos Bay remains the Highway 101 Bridge to the mouth of the Millicoma River although action has slowed.

Trollers using anchovies on Rogue River Rigs have been making good catches of a mix of Chinook and Coho. Skinny water is challenging steelheaders on the middle Rogue now that Chinook fishing is closed above Hog Creek. The seasons have definitely changed as it is cold water being released from Lost Creek Lake which has lowered water temperatures, slowing results in the flies-only area of the upper Rogue.

Eastern – Steelheading is fair to good on the lower Deschutes with the bulk of the run yet to enter. While it can be crowded, drift fishing near the mouth can be effective.

Now is a good time to hit East Lake for brown trout but be certain to check the weather report. It can make a trip pleasurable or miserable at this time of year.

Odell has continued to produce 25-fish limits of kokanee on most days. We say "most days" because it does fish better when the weather is pleasant.

Thursday, October 09, 2014

Oregon fishing reports

Willamette Valley/Metro - Only about another 10 days of productive backtrolling for Bonneville anglers. Fish are beginning to turn and action remains sporadic. The wobbler fishery downstream of Portland is effectively over.

Hundreds of coho are crossing Willamette Falls every day now although numbers are a little lower, perhaps the run a little later, than at this time last year. The lower river is fishing well for bass while the Middle Fork is producing steelhead.

Trout fishing is fair on the McKenzie with Caddis patterns. Water conditions are good and the flows are stable.

Fishing remains slow on the Santiams with upper stretches the best bet. Coho should be nosing in but there are better angling destinations.

Coho fishing is decent on the Clackamas which is not only receiving good numbers of fish but they're actually biting this year.

The Sandy River is getting plenty of coho as they can be seen heading upriver at most any time of day. These fish are scattered from the mouth to Cedar Creek.

Northwest – Chinook fishing remains sub-par out of Tillamook but that isn't deterring anglers. The ocean has produced some of the better catches lately but one can fish longer periods of “grass-free” territory out there. The jaws have produced poorly lately. Ocean crabbing out of Tillamook has been productive but closes after October 15th. Bay crabbing has been fair at best with the strong tide series.

A significant rain system is pouring towards the Oregon Coast and some models indicate a good enough rise in river levels to float a boat down in. You won't be alone however. The Trask will be the primary target. The West Channel continues to produce coho but chinook are largely absent.

The Nestucca and Salmon Rivers are slow.

Columbia River Fishing Report – The lower Columbia coho run was recently upgraded and action should remain good for another 10 days. Fresh anchovies will work best but green label herring is also a strong option. Crabbing in the area should improve as tides weaken.

The Cowlitz is producing primarily coho but some chinook are present. Coho, chinook and summer steelhead are all allowed here but this system also receives a lot of the local pressure. Here is a breakdown of the other systems:

Kalama River – Bank anglers on the lower river did well on coho though nearly half the fish were released.

Lewis River – North Fork Lewis bank anglers are primarily catching coho and a few fall Chinook.

Washougal River – Light effort and catch on the lower river.

Drano Lake – No report on angling success. Drano Lake is closed to all fishing from 6 p.m. Tuesdays to 6 p.m. Wednesdays in October.

Southwest- Ocean swells will start to build Saturday and will get big during the coming weekend. Those who are able to launch on Friday this week will be the lucky ones.

Charters out of Depoe Bay and Newport are returning with limits of rockfish, near-limits of ling cod and scores of large ocean crab.

Crabbing has been producing near-limits for boats in Yaquina Bay. Be aware of the change in the weather forecast that's due this weekend if you try it.

Winchester Bay salmon fishers are hooking plenty of salmon but have to release moist as they are wild coho, the quota for which closed here shortly after the fishery opened.

Trollers on the lower Coquille and in Coos Bay are boating good numbers of salmon the majority of which are coho. Crabbing is good.

Boats launching out of Gold Beach are catching good numbers of bottom fish. Rogue Bay trollers are catching Chinook while the lower river is productive for steelhead. The middle Rogue is now closed to targeting Chinook while the flies only section of the upper river is fair to good for steelhead.

The Chetco Bobble has been fishing well some days. Not so much others but large fish are being caught when they're on the bite.

Eastern – Despite strong steelhead numbers on the Columbia, they have been slow to move into the Deschutes. Trout fishing has been fair to good on the lower river.

Fly anglers throwing large streamers have been connecting with big bull trout on the Metolius.

Wickiup still has a blue-green algae alert and it appears to be a fairly negative situation.

Thursday, October 02, 2014

Oregon fishing report

Willamette Valley/Metro Bonneville anglers are producing less than stellar results for chinook; success is directly linked to how the administration operates the flow and spill routine upstream. As water temperatures cool, coho action in the gorge may improve into November. Anchor anglers below the mouth of the Sandy are losing interest and the gillnet fleet will be on the water intensively targeting chinook this week.

Fish counts at Willamette Falls demonstrate the seasonal surge of anadromous fish which are pushing their way upstream. Moderating water temperatures are prime factor. Over 1,000 fall Chinook have been counted and coho numbers are skyrocketing.

McKenzie water levels have been impacted by showers this week but only enough to barely move the gauge. It remains to be seen what effect the beginning of fall rain ultimately has on the river.

North Santiam water level and flow increased significantly with rain over the past weekend, It's forecast to remain stable for the coming week. South Umpqua summer steelhead have been recycled.

Northwest – With a warm offshore influence, chinook trollers are finding it to be a tough go in the ocean and lower Tillamook Bay. Upper bay spinner trollers are having fair to good success however and action for coho is picking up. The lower Trask has a good number of chinook present but they aren't biting all that well.

The Nehalem remains a good option for coho but chinook are fairly absent from the catches. The Nestucca is also a bit slow and the Salmon is slowing almost daily.

The lower Columbia continues to be a great option for coho trollers, even with the gillnet fleet working the area. Fresh bait is hard to come by but frozen green label herring is producing great results. Spinners aren't working so well. Crabbing is picking up out of Hammond.

A good set of minus tides starts mid-week (next week) and razor clam diggers should find good success if the surf doesn't kick up.

Tuna anglers launching out of Winchester bay have been doing well with an average of five tuna per angler. A red-hot spinner bite attracted a crowd of lure flingers over the past week as scores of Chinook and coho were landed by anglers fishing from Osprey Point and Half Moon Bay. Some landed as many as 10 salmon, most or all of which had to be released. Trollers have been doing well on the lower Umpqua as well.

Southwest- Tuna fishing is not over, at least not for the Oregon sport fleet who, following good catches over the past weekends, are planning additional forays this week.

Bottom fishing has been fairly good. Rockfish numbers have been rewarding while the Ling Cod bite has been slow. The deep water season for Lings and Rockfish opened October 1st. Fishing is expected to be excellent as anglers will be accessing areas which have not been fished for six months.

Most bays and estuaries are producing good numbers of legal Dungeness crab in fairly good condition. Catches will only improve over the coming weeks along with the quality of the crab.

Tuna anglers launching out of Winchester bay have been doing well with and average of five tuna per angler. A red-hot spinner bite attracted a crowd of lure flingers over the past week as scores of Chinook and coho were landed by bank anglers. Trollers have been doing well on the lower Umpqua as well.

Sport tuna boats launching out of Charleston have found albacore within 16 miles of port over the past week and results were good with most anglers taking a half-dozen large fish. Salmon fishing has been good in Coos Bay.

Fishing for fall Chinook in the Rogue Bay has been quite good. Despite low water in the Agness stretch, fishing for adult summer steelhead a and half-pounder has been holding up well. Fishing is slow on the middle Rogue. The upper Rogue has been fishing well for summer steelhead over the past week.

Chetco Ocean Terminal fishery (also called the Chetco hawg season by the locals) opens from October 1-12.

Eastern – Fishing on the lower Deschutes has been good over the last few weeks. Thanks to lower water temperatures coming out of the dam and overcast weather days, good numbers of summer steelhead are steadily moving upstream

Fly anglers using Chromonid imitations are experiencing fair to good results for rout at Crane Prairie.

The Challenging Metolius has been rewarding stealthy fly fisher with some large trout this week.