Oregon fishing report

Updated for the week of October 14th – October 20th, 2005
Oregon Fishing Update

Columbia River - Pro guide Bill Kremers (541-754-6411) reports sturgeon fishing near Bonneville continues to put out keepers but larger fish aren't making up a large percentage of the catch. None-the-less, keepers are common and smelt is the preferred bait although shad strips and squid have produced as well. Pressure dramatically drops off during the non-retention days.

Mid Columbia/Deschutes River - Pro guide Eli Rico (425-417-0394) reports the mainstem above McNary Dam remains open until the 22nd of October. Fishing for Chinook remains steady with a better showing of larger Chinook in recent days. Most of the salmon are being taken on plugs and remain suspended so deep divers are not necessary.

The mouth of the Deschutes River is inconsistent for steelhead and the mainstem itself is slower than most expect for this time of the year. Some dark Chinook are taking steelhead gear so be prepared for anything!

North Coast - Pro guide Bob Rees (503-812-9036) reports, "Tillamook was slow for most of the week due to a poor tide series. Usually, the ocean is a good option on these poor tides but a big swell kept the bar restricted to all recreational vessels. Tides are improving however and the action is due to pick up."

Nehalem Bay was poor on Tuesday but produced good results for Chinook on Monday. Professionals are saying it is an every-other-day kind of fishery.
The Nestucca tidewater is producing some fish but the boat ramp hole is not fishing well this year. The Pacific City Bridge is much more popular this year and the crowds will verify this.
The Salmon River is drying up as its run is coming to an end. Fewer crowds mean less competition and anglers are hard pressed to find those options anywhere on the north coast this time of year.

No significant rain in sight which will be disappointing news to driftboaters. When that rain does come, north coast rivers will be an excellent option for Chinook.

Mid-Coast - Many dark, spawning chinook may be seen on the Siletz now. Give them a wide berth, avoid disturbing the redds (Spawning beds) and don't harass them. These salmon are the future of this fishery. It's worth protecting.

Crabbing is good at Yaquina Bay with limits of large Dungeness the rule. Salmon fishing has just about wrapped up for the season here. Recently, Alsea anglers have seen an upturn in action for chinook although the weekend was slow.

South Coast - Action has dropped off on the Siuslaw where low numbers of coho seem to be about equally divided between wild and hatchery fish. Trollers out of Reedsport are finding fair, steady action for Fall chinook.

Steelheading is slow to fair on the Umpqua. The South Umpqua is closed to all angling. Salmon fishing in Winchester Bay is fair as is the crabbing. Trollers in the lower Coos and Coquille River report chinook fishing as slow to fair.

Rogue River anglers have had a tough tome in the Gold Beach area recently with Chinook numbers down and water too warm to encourage the passing coho to take anything. A few half-pounders are being taken upstream with an emphasis on "few." Summer steelheading is best around Grants Pass. The river below Hog Creek remains open for chinook but most of the fish in the river are dark.

Chinook are stacked at the mouth of the Chetco where some dandies have been landed. A good rain will bring these fish into the main river.

Gold Beach remains open for razor clam digging for the first 15 clams taken, regardless of size or condition. A fair minus tidal series starts up next week with clam tides after dark. Many razor regulars enjoy this nighttime spot, equipping themselves with lanterns or head-mounted lamps to spot their quarry after dark.

Willamette Valley/Metro - The Willamette is slow for sturgeon although a couple of keepers have come over the gunwale at Multnomah Channel.

Steelhead fishing remains slow with the water levels and flows high on the North Santiam.
Eagle Creek on the Clackamas has seen periodic flushes of coho as it rises with a rain shower but it's been dropping back to low water very quickly. Floating quality cured salmon eggs without the use of weight has taken a few under these conditions. Fishing on the mainstem Clackamas River is slow.

Roiled water remains a challenge on the Sandy River. A few fish are being landed on salmon eggs, but speculation regarding the corky fishermen and snagging is increasing. If you see anyone taking fish illegally, call the TIP (turn in poachers) hotline at 800-452-7888.

Oxbow Park on the Sandy River is once again hosting the annual Salmon Festival this weekend, October 15th and 16th. The tents are the headquarters for a number of activities of interest to both adults and children. These will include salmon walks, kid's activities, arts and crafts, music, storytelling, cultural exhibits, horse-drawn wagon rides, forest hikes, and a salmon barbecue along with vendors offering many kinds of food and drink. Much of the entertainment and many activities will be undercover if the weather turns wet.

Trout fishing - Rainbow trout were planted this week at Detroit Reservoir, Walling Pond and Walter Wirth Lake.

SW Washington - The Cowlitz River is fair for coho from Blue Creek to Barrier Dam. There are some fresh fish available but darker fish are certainly in the mix.

The Lewis River is also producing good number of coho salmon for both bank and boat anglers. A late shot of summer steelhead has added to the opportunity on both river systems.

Most of the "B" run coho in the Columbia are bound for Washington state hatcheries. These fish seem to be making a stronger than anticipated showing which will bode well for these fisheries.

http://www.theguidesforecast.com/
http://www.northwestguides.com/oregonfishing/