Oregon Fishing Reports for December 31 - catch our entire summary here

 

Portland/Metro Fishing Report - Mainstem Columbia anglers finally have an option in their future; the opening of the above Bonneville sturgeon fishery is about to commence! It was a banner opener last year, so much so that fishery managers decided it was time to ramp down the momentum to provide more equitable opportunity. You can find regulations about halfway down THIS page, and the agency's most recent press release HERE to ensure you're within your legal guidelines. It should be good fishing, especially with the up-tick in air and water temperatures over the weekend. The agencies also came out with an "outlook" for fall salmon, and it's not bad. Fall Chinook numbers will likely be up from the previous year, and coho numbers slightly down from this year's realized run, NOT this year's predicted return. I'll take this moment to boast my forecast many months ago that the return was likely to be about half what the agencies predicted. Coho jack counts were nearly identical to last year in some watersheds, so hopefully back to back robust returns are in order! The Willamette remains an option for catch and release sturgeon anglers although few are participating given the recent weather conditions. Anglers are going to start thinking about spring Chinook soon. The Clackamas and Sandy Rivers are both fair options for steelhead this weekend. There's a small window of opportunity before river levels rise again, from the ensuing snow-melt about to take place as temperatures warm and rain once again graces the Willamette district.  The Clackamas from Barton to Carver offers the best chance for a boater or bank angler to succeed. Jeff Stoeger has this to say about the Sandy River: Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports, "I hope that everyone had a good Christmas this year. I want to wish you a happy New Year and the best of luck. The fishing report shows good numbers of fish early in the season. The hatchery has 17 fish already for so early in the season and the numbers are climbing daily. I know a guide who is 19 for 22 fish already and the numbers will only climb. The weather could throw a wrench into fishing with temperatures dropping and the river temps dropping causing the fish to become lethargic and less aggressive to bite. Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.

Career outdoor writer Bill Monroe so eloquently puts it into words, we thought we'd share his wisdom this week, with more than just our Chinook Level Members. Make it a New Year's Resolution to take a newbie fishing, and let The Guide's Forecast help them CATCH MORE FISH!

Wish It Were The Old Days... By Bill Monroe In a career of writing about the outdoors, one question crossed my eardrums more than any other, including complaints about “wish it were the old days.” Pay close attention now, because your hosts on this Web site are about to lead you to that yellow brick road. Then you can pass it along along to neighbors, friends and family. The question was most often – not nearly always, however – from a mother; many times from a father and even from grandparents: “My kids (or grandkids, friends, girlfriend, siblings, etc.) want to go fishing, but I don't know anything about fishing. What can I do?” (I'm not asked as much in the new age of social media. Possibly because almost anyone these days can go online and learn at least something. More likely, unfortunately, is the probability their attention has been hijacked by video games.) Still, I get the question often enough to resurrect the old Chinese proverb by Lao Tzu: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” How about “teach a parent to fish and those kids will not only love you forever, they may develop into responsible, environmentally aware adults.” Bob Rees is about to do just that...and WITH the help of the Internet. Starting Jan. 11, TGF will present a five-week basic course of fishing 101. For $25 (that's only $5/week), gather as many of the family as you can around a desktop screen (or yourself and someone watching a smartphone) and learn the basics of trout, salmon and steelhead fishing. Mostly trout, which in Oregon is a major gateway fish to all other angling. The course coincides, in fact, with the popular winter trout stocking program of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife beginning Jan. 10 in a waterway near you. Did you know it's possible to fish in Oregon 365 days a year with a reasonable expectation of getting a bite from something? True. And it begins with trout. All year. As Rees points out, we all began with “not-so-challenging” fish and eventually moved on to bigger and better things. But no one forgets that first time something wiggled at the other end of the rod. My father was career Navy and stationed at Tongue Point when I recall my earliest fish, a trout I proudly took home and used to interrupt my mother's bridge club meeting. Rees is collecting experts to present the basics in this five-week webinar series: Week 1 – What can I catch, what does it look like, what do I use and where can I go? Week 2 – Regulations, trout opportunities and run timing for salmon and steelhead. Week 3 – Rods and reels and different riggings for different fish. Week 4 – Getting the most out of a fishing trip, preparation and what to do after catching something. Week 5 – Planning the next trip, resources (there are tons) and a detailed Q-A with pros. The classes will begin each Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. As many can watch and learn as you'd like and will be recorded attendees will have indefinite access to the classes through TGF. Lao Tzu's prophecy and lesson holds as true today as ever, even in this day and age of cyber angling. Or, as Bob Rees puts it, “Just as we've taught the avid angler to catch more fish, help us reach the next generation of anglers so they, too, can understand why we do the things we do.”

Purchase the beginner series HERE - JUST $25.00!

North Coast Fishing Report - Steelheaders on the north coast had a hard time getting around for much of the week, but those that braved the weather, and chilly water conditions, did find steelhead to play with. Crowds were down a bit too, at least for this time of year, due to the treacherous traveling conditions and chilly temperatures anglers had to put up with. It is peak season for early-run steelhead however. The standard early return systems did not disappoint this week. The NF Nehalem, Necanicum, Klaskanine River as well as Big and Gnat Creek all produced fairly good catches this week. Steelhead have also been transported to several north coast lakes such as Sunset, Vernonia, Coffenbury and Lost Lake for anglers to take advantage of as well. The bulk of the run is in for these early systems, the Alsea included, and should produce fair results for the next 10 days. Shortly after that however, these quick to ripen steelhead will be off the bite and onto the spawning phase of their life-cycle. We won't hear much from them until late January/early February, on their way back downstream as kelts. That's when they get more bitey once again. Broodstock fish will start in better numbers on the Wilson and Nestucca systems, and more wild fish will start to show on other north coast favorites. It'll be another few weeks before the Siletz starts kicking out more consistent catches too. Bay crabbing continues to taper and the ocean continues to be angry. If it's not a monster swell, it's strong winds that create unbearable wind waves for the winter sport fleet. It'll be off limits again into next week at the earliest.    A nice minus tide will certainly go to waste next week, as a rough surf will certainly keep the razor clams from feeding near the surface. See the full report and forecast for Members right here.

Central Oregon Fishing Reports - Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports: (Glenn will be providing fresh reports every OTHER week through the winter season.) This week's report... Weather Outlook Across Central and Eastern Oregon:  The areas with higher elevation and proximity to the Cascades received copious amounts of snow starting last Christmas evening that continues to affect access to some waters and remains a consideration when deciding where to fish.  The extreme cold is currently giving way to more normal daytime temperatures.  Snow is expected on New Year’s Eve daytime through much of the high desert, with more accumulation in the higher elevations and locations near the Cascades, like the Metolius River.  Saturday and Sunday daytimes look to be great; sunny with temperatures in the 30s.  Mixed precipitation is in the forecast next week.  ODFW News - Angling Restrictions Deschutes River Mouth to Moody Rapids - Includes the Deschutes River mouth at the westbound Interstate 84 Bridge upstream to the marker at the lower end of Moody Rapids. All angling is closed through December 31. Moody Rapids to Pelton Dam - Includes the Deschutes River from the marker at the lower end of Moody Rapids upstream to Pelton Reregulating Dam. November 1 – December 31: Closed to angling for and retention of steelhead and coho. Mouth at westbound I-85 bridge upstream to the Pelton Dam regulating reservoir - Closed to all angling for and retention of steelhead from Jan. 1 to May 31, 2022. All other permanent rules for the Central Zone, as stated in the 2022 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, remain in effect. Lower Deschutes River:    Lower Deschutes flows are steady at typical winter levels.  It’s been cold and snowy this week between Christmas and New Years.   With the onset of winter temperatures and conditions, blue wing olives are the primary hatch during the early afternoons.  Nymphing will produce on the Lower Deschutes.  Best fishing starts during the late morning and continues through the afternoon up until sunset.  Heard Panther Martins were working well – have a little blue color on the lure.  Best to clip the treble and use a single hook, please. Crooked River:   Flows remain low and steady.  With the snow and cold temperatures over this past holiday week, there is some icing along the edges.  Blue Wing Olive and midges will be the primary surface action, especially during the warmest time of day during the early afternoons.  Most of the action will be on nymphing – Perdigons have been the ticket.  Nymphing is consistent and anglers are catching redsides and whitefish.   Check out Glenn's detailed report with much more information and forecast in this week's Member's version.

Eastern Oregon Fishing Report - Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports bi-weekly. This is a repeat from last week. Weather Outlook Across Central and Eastern Oregon:  Northeast Oregon will see highs in the 30s through the next week, with night ranging from the teens to 25 degrees.  Some snow on Thursday, and again middle of next week. Southeast Oregon will see highs in the 30s and 40 on the weekend.  Lows in the teens to the mid 20s.  Some snow on Thursday, and then mostly clear.  EASTERN/SOUTHEASTERN OREGON WATERS Ana Reservoir:    Fishing on Ana Reservoir remains steady for legal and trophy size trout, but will slow down with colder temperatures.  Trout will go for slowly stripped leeches and streamer patterns.     Trolling lures and flies, and bait are taking fish.  Blitzen River: No new reports.  Latest water temperatures are in and around 32 degrees, meaning the trout will go to the bottom and get lethargic.  The banks will begin icing over if not already.   Flows remain low in the 30 to 32 CFS range.    If fishing there, it will be a nymphing:  PTs, Euro nymph style flies.    Lofton Reservoir:  Likely iced over for the season.    Check out Glenn's detailed report and forecast in this week's paid version for Chinook and Steelhead Members both!

SW Oregon Fishing Report - Contributor Jeff Rome reports A white Christmas after a big rainstorm got all the Southern Oregon streams and rivers primed for winter steelheading. After a few blown out days, many of these are now into fishable shape or getting into prime conditions for the New Year. I suggest you get online now….. after reading my report of course, to get your 2022 angling license and tags so you don’t have the “oops, I forgot it” explanation to the game officer after you just caught a beautiful chromer😲😨! Into the New Year weekend look very good to try out the new tackle and gear you got for Christmas. Weather and river conditions are looking good and the winter steelhead are in! The Chetco got back into shape and will be in prime shape through the weekend. Bank plunkers at Social Security bar and side drifters at Loeb Park are getting fair to good success. Boaters through mid-week have been averaging at least 1 fish per boat. The Elk and Sixes are fishable but catches of steelhead have only been fair at best. Chinook seem to be a wrap for the year, but ya never know🤔. The upper Rogue has remained in fishable shape during the rain and snow. The fair to good catches of summer steelhead has slowed due to the cold water, but some nice winter fish are being reported. Mid Rogue is and has seen some “winters” from Galice on up to Rogue River, though mostly from guides in boats. The river flow looks to be good for the weekend through mid-next week. Those without boats should try popular holes around Baker, Schroeder and Griffin Park. Coos basin area streams including the Millicoma and Coquille finally got into fishable shape and provided fair to good steelhead action this week. Forecast for New Year's weekend looks excellent. My best bets are pretty much anywhere you are at- the Rogue, Chetco, Elk, Sixes, Coos, Millicoma, Coquille, Umpqua….. and so on 🎣 Thank you all for your support and readership of TGF. Have a safe and successful New Year 2022🥂 Jeff's detailed report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week's version for Members!

SW Washington Fishing Report by Terry Otto Vancouver Metro Area For those souls brave enough to weather the recent storms, steelhead fishing is improving in most local tributaries. Trout fishing is picking up in lowland lakes, and Gorge sturgeon retention begins Saturday.   Hatchery steelhead returns to some streams have been almost triple what they were last year at this time feeding hopes for a better steelhead year. Sturgeon retention starts in the Gorge pools on Saturday, but The Dalles Pool is open only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, to prevent the quota being reached too soon.   There were fresh stockings in most local lakes prior to Christmas, and some lakes, such as Ice House Lake in the Gorge, were planted for the first time.   Watch for fresh trout plantings, as well as big broodstock trout and steelhead plantings HERE   Lewis and Washougal Rivers Fishing Report—Steelheading has been fair to good on the Lewis River in recent weeks, with anglers finding the fish up near Merwin Dam, and at the Meat Hole. There are steelhead scattered spread through the river from Woodland up to the hatchery, too. Boat anglers are getting some fish by bobber-dogging with beads or small bits of salmon eggs. A few anglers are getting some fish by pulling plugs, too.   Bank anglers have been doing okay, mostly by fishing beads or jigs below a bobber, or by drift fishing. A few are finding takers by plunking in the lower river. The river did drop from the 14.5-foot stage down to about 13 feet over the last week.   You can read Terry Otto’s recent article in The Columbian on fish passage issues on the Lewis River dams HERE.   The Washougal has been on a steady drop this week, and some anglers have braved the conditions to give it a try. The fishing has been fair, with winter steelhead falling for bobber presentations and drifted gear or bait. Most of the fish have been taken in the lower three river miles. Merwin and Yale Lakes Fishing Report Both lakes are fishing fair to good, for those anglers that have been able to get to the lake. the fish have been near the surface, so flat-line trolling or fishing with just a little lead has been the most effective. The fish are taking scented natural-colored corn fished with a wedding ring, spinner, or hootchie behind a kokanee dodger. With the recent bad weather, the fishing pressure has been lower than usual. Yale has been a little less crowded than Merwin.   Local Lakes Fishing Report - Trout fishing at Klineline Pond was fair to good this week, while Battle Ground Lake is rated as excellent for trout. The hot bait at Klineline recently has been the Powerbait Mouse Tails. The fish are still moving around quite a bit, so anglers should move if they aren’t getting bit. Boat anglers did the best at Battle Ground again, but bank anglers are also getting a few. In both lakes the bite has been best on bait. Lacamas Lake has been well stocked and is fishing well near the boat ramp and around Round Lake.    Longview Area Cowlitz and Kalama Rivers Fishing Report—Dave Mallahan of Dave’s Guide Service (360-201-9313), gave the Cowlitz a try this week, and he reported catching one steelhead. “If there were many steelhead around, I would have caught more,” he reported. He also said he was the only boat out there. His fish fell to a bead fished via bobber-dogging. He does not think the river will get to be much good until at least mid-January. Last week, Tacoma Power employees recovered 211 coho adults, 20 coho jacks, three cutthroat trout, one fall Chinook adult, but only seven winter-run steelhead adults during four days of operations at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.   The lower river has been no better, and few, if any anglers, are giving it a try. There are very few steelhead moving through right now, certainly not enough to draw plunkers to the banks.   The Kalama has been fishing fair for steelhead, and has been on the drop all week. The river is in good shape, and anglers are getting some steelhead. They moved through the entire system recently, drawn up by the recent high flows, so anglers are finding a few fish scattered all through the system. Boat anglers are finding a few fish in most of the popular drifts, and bank anglers are doing fair up in the canyon.   Local Lakes Fishing Report—Lake Sacajawea was given its annual stocking ahead of Christmas Day, and should be fishing well. The fish planted in Sacajawea averaged one pound each. Kress Lake is still producing some trout and excess steelhead. The steelhead have been biting very aggressively at Kress this year.   Check out Terry's detailed report (he crushes it every week!) and forecast in this week's SW Washington Member's version!