Oregon Fishing Report

Oregon Fishing Update

Willamette Valley/Metro - Columbia anglers are still looking for consistent action from the sturgeon fisheries downstream of Bonneville Dam. Historically, anglers used to concentrate in fair numbers in the Portland to Longview stretch in anticipation of opportunistic keepers utilizing a staging smelt run at the mouth of the Cowlitz. With the downturn in smelt numbers, this fishery has yet to be realized.

Although numbers remain modest, fresh smelt continue to be harvested in the mainstem Columbia by gillnetters. Smelt were in higher concentrations closer to Longview indicating some may soon be available in the Cowlitz River for sport dippers.

Reservoirs upstream of Bonneville are offering some options for keeper sturgeon and the improving weather had anglers out in higher numbers.

Waters of the lower Willamette continued to rise through Friday, January 20th, which has led to a slow recovery. Visibility remains less than a foot with temperatures hovering in the mid-40s. Anglers are still waiting for winter sturgeon fishing to heat up.

Bank fishers have the best shot at steelhead in the high water as fish will be closer to shore. The hardcore plunkers who have kept at it on the lower Willamette continue to take the occasional fish. Prospects are improving.

Clackamas anglers have encountered modest steelhead action this week with levels dropping and visibility showing some improvement. Although the Sandy River has been a more consistent performer this season and is kicking out a few steelhead, the Clackamas is out-performing the Sandy now. Barring another deluge to once again put the skids on fishing, there will be more steelhead to catch into February.

Huddleston Pond has been stocked with "catchable-sized" trout. Local waters receiving a mix of rainbows from eight to 12 inches this week include Junction City Pond, Walling Pond and Walter Wirth Lake.
Mid Columbia - On
ly an occasional keeper sturgeon is being harvested from The Dalles Reservoir. A few boats are targeting walleye in this same reach with limited results.
Northwest - Anxious steelheaders finally were able to get on the water early in the week. Results were fair to good for most systems and the bigger rivers were fishing good by mid-week.

The Necanicum and North Fork Nehalem put out good numbers of steelhead last weekend but the majority of the fish taken were spawned out fish. These fish are much more aggressive on their way downstream and eggs were by far, the preferred bait. These rivers may have too many obstacles in low water for weekend driftboaters. Fresh steelhead were taken on the upper Trask River on Monday and the Wilson on Tuesday. Pro guide Jesse Zalonis (503-392-5808) reports, "conditions for the Wilson, Trask and Nestucca should be prime at midweek." Weekend anglers should have an array of options for steelhead on the North Oregon coast with the mainstem Nehalem being the high water option. Broodstock collection is way behind on the Wilson and Nestucca Rivers so contact the ODF&W at (503) 842-2741 on details for wild fish collection.

Sturgeon anglers were out in fair numbers by mid-week and catch was fair at best. Fish are scattered but opportunity is good with the bulk of the Dungeness crab at sea due to fresh water intrusion.

Crabbing has been poor in Tillamook Bay but when boats can get outside, the ocean, north of the jetty has been very productive. Call the Coast Guard station at Tillamook Bay to determine bar conditions. The best estuary for crabbing is by far Netarts Bay.

Bottomfishing effort is low on the North Oregon Coast as undependable seasons cause winter shutdowns for charter operators. Conditions were good for productive fishing early in the week but bar restrictions have smaller boats held up at dockside.

Clam diggers working the Clatsop area beaches did well on Monday but increasing surf dropped success rates by Tuesday. A good minus tide series begins on Thursday but marine weather is forecasted to be unfriendly to clammers.

Alder Lake, Big Creek Reservoirs 1 and 2, Cleawox Lake, Dune Lake, Munsel Lake and Olalla Creek Reservoir have been planted with trout this week.

Southwest - With wind and wave moderating over last weekend, rock fishermen are once again hitting outcroppings and jetties with fair to good results.

Sturgeon fishing has been good on the lower Umpqua but be prepared to hook some really large fish here.

Steelheaders on the Coos are landing winter fish daily with the rivers in fine shape. While the greater percentage of steelhead hooked are wild, numbers are good enough that persistence is rewarding anglers with hatchery fish to take home.

Rogue anglers should try plunking the lower river now for fresh, bright winter steelhead.
Chetco anglers are seeing some steelhead action on drifts and off gravel bars with the river finally returning to a fishable condition.

Many steelhead, running the distance under cover of high water, have eluded fishermen. There are more to be targeted, however, so hopefuls are encouraged to take advantage of improved water conditions.

Eastern - Pro guide Mac Huff (800-940-3688) reports, "The Grande Ronde is producing its typical excellent "winter" steelhead fishing this week. The weekend creel survey for the Grande Ronde in Oregon and Washington showed anglers averaging 3 hours per fish."
There have been approximately 1,000 hatchery steelhead have been released into Hells Canyon Reservoir for angler opportunity.

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