Portland/Metro Fishing Report – Despite many more springers yet to come, the Willamette River has slowed down as water temperatures have warmed up. It’s getting time for the Portland Harbor fishery to kick off, with sporadic success likely to happen around Willamette Falls in the coming weeks. We’re entering summer doldrums, but it’s been a cool, wet spring, prolonging the springer bite in the lower Willamette.
Columbia River springers continue to impress biologists as the 3rd run size upgrade triggered managers to further liberalize the mainstem sport season. Managers expanded the limit to 2 hatchery springers/day and opened up the river to boat anglers upstream of Beacon Rock. Some of the best catch rates remain for bank anglers however, largely fishing the lower end of Hamilton Island on the Washington side of the river. The river upstream of Bonneville Dam also re-opened for sportfishing. Read the full press release HERE.
Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports, “Well, this week we saw that the river held its course and stayed just over 10.5 ft for most of the week. The forecast is for the river to stay at 10.5 and then head up to almost 11ft before we see the river drop back down to 10 ft. The river is ideal in color and is running around 47 degrees which is ideal to keep fish on the bite. The river will bump because rain is forecasted for the next 4 days. Fish were caught the entire river from the mouth to Cedar Creek. Spinners seemed to be the ticket for both steelhead and springers. There was a mix of both hatchery and native springers caught from Dodge to the mouth.”
Clackamas River anglers have yet to tally a spring Chinook, but there seems to be fair numbers of summer steelhead available, mostly to bank anglers in recent weeks. With rain and warm temperatures in the forecast, both metro rivers are expected to go out on Sunday.
Check out the upcoming stocking schedule HERE.
Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.
North Coast Fishing Report – Spring Chinook are hitting fairly good in the Tillamook district. Tillamook Bay and the Trask River have catchable numbers available. The Hatchery Hole is producing consistent results for early birds and the Nestucca River has some springers as well. Three Rivers is a good bank fishing spot as well, but be cognizant of gear restrictions to reduce the chances of snagging. Of course you should be reporting any poachers in these areas.
Offshore Chinook fishing continues to produce impressive numbers of fish. It’s a rich ocean out there, hopefully Chinook fishing will hold up.
Bottomfishing remains good and crabbing has improved since last week. Halibut fishing seemed to under-perform this week, but action can be sporadic after intensive pressure when ocean weather cooperates.
Fishery managers gave sport anglers another 2 sturgeon days (June 8 and 11) as catch rates have under-performed as of late. The best fishing remains above Tongue Point and with the water still high and on the cold side, catch rates aren’t likely to explode in the coming days.
See the full report and forecast for Members right here.
Central Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:
Paulina and East Lakes. Last Hurrah For The Salmonflies. Metolius Hatches Have Been On and Off
Weather Outlook Across Central and Eastern Oregon:
Temperatures Friday, and through the weekend and early next week will top out in the 60s through much of the region, with chances of showers especially on Saturday and Sunday. Low temperatures will be near 50 on Friday night/Saturday morning, and 40s starting Sunday.
Weekend temperatures in the Lower Deschutes canyon will be in the low 70s, with some overcast and scattered showers on Saturday and Sunday. Temperatures will start to climb on Tuesday into the upper 70 and near 80.
Temperatures at the Cascade lakes will top out in the 60s each day through the weekend, a bit cooler in the 50s on Monday, before reaching the 70s starting next Tuesday. Lows will be in the 40s through most days, but Monday night will dip into the 30s. There will be showers on Saturday and Sunday.
The Lower Deschutes is steady at 3830 CFS in Madras and 5050 CFS at Moody. Water access is good, with summer-like flows along the Warm Springs stretch.
Temperatures on the lower portions of the river are in the 53 to 55 range at Madras and 60 to 63 degree range near Moody.
Salmon flies continue, like they have been all May and now June, to be on and off. They are active and flying on the rarer warm days, but hunkering down in the vegetation during the frequent cool, cloudy and sometimes wet days during this salmon fly season. When the air is cooler and it’s overcast, nymphs are still a way to go.
That said, there is plenty of dry fly-topwater action on the Deschutes with PMDs, PEDs and brief emergences of Green Drakes.
Nymphs at that time were effective when I was last on the river, with black stone nymphs, golden stone nymphs, and larger beadhead Hare’s Ear nymphs all being effective. In addition, Perdigons (purple, blue, peacock), and caddis pupa/larva flies in various green and brown tones were working.
Middle Deschutes River: River level is just right.
There is a mix of PEDs, PMDs, and some caddis on the river from Bend to Steelhead Falls. Much of the stone fly action is fading away.
Haystack Reservoir: No recent reports. Was stocked earlier in the year and dropping now.
Lake Billy Chinook:
Kokes, from all the reports, are being caught. Effective colors include purple, pink, orange and brass.
There has been some exceptional bull trout fishing in LBC in recent days, look to the Metolius Arm.
Crooked River: The Crooked River continues to be colored up, but fishing well.
The Mother’s Day caddis has been going this month but is now past it’s peak and fading. That said there continues to be caddis hatches.
Metolius River:
The entire stretch up the Metolius, including the section above Allingham Bridge is open and this is prime time on the Metolius.
PMDs continue to hatch in spurts because of on and off cold weather in this region which continues to this day. Green drakes are going also in spurts– and the overcast days help the hatch. The fish will come up for the drakes under most conditions. Be on the river during the afternoons for possible PMD and green drake hatches, but be ready for anything. If there are no hatches, be prepared for nymphing.
North and South Twin Lakes: North and South Twin Lakes were stocked with 2500 legal size trout in each lake during April, again early in May and late in May.
South Twin has been going strong, but recent reports are that North Twin has been slow. That said, both lakes have been recently stocked. Jeff Perin says that North Twin has some big fish, going for olive balanced leeches.
And yet there is a lot more for Members. Check out Glenn’s detailed reports and forecasts right here for Chinook and Steelhead Members both!
SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:
Free Fishing Weekend is coming up June 4 & 5 – two days when you don’t need a license, tag or endorsement to fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon that’s open. It’s a great time of year with many types of fishing to be had- salmon, trout, bass & panfish, halibut, offshore rock fish, jetty, steelhead, crabbing and clamming…. you name it, there’s somewhere in Oregon that will provide your pleasure.
As for the Rogue valley, Springers are being caught on a regular basis both by boaters and bank anglers from Dodge Bridge to McGregor Park. The warmer weather has gotten the bass and panfish bite back on at Lake Selmac and other Rogue valley ponds. Trout fishing continues to be good at Lost Creek and Applegate lake where there’s lots of hold over and recently stocked fish to be caught and both lakes are at peak high water. On the mid Rogue, some anglers are hooking into some Summer Steelhead already.
The lower Rogue springer fishing seems to be on the “down hill slide” as the numbers of fish caught are dwindling even despite being able to keep both wild and hatchery fish.
Getting out on the ocean after Friday looks to be not so promising as yet another weekend storm approaches. Friday is the best opportunity to get out and get some good catches of rock fish, ling cod, and halibut. The coastal lakes have been stocked with lots of trout and will fish well until the water gets too warm and sprouts up the weeds. Surf perch fishing is still going good especially around Charleston and Winchester Bays. Jetty fishing is also a good option although maybe not this weekend depending on weather.
Good flow and cool water on the North Umpqua, catches of Spring Chinook has been “surprisingly good”. The main Umpqua has seen fair catches of Chinook and the shad are in!
AGATE LAKE (White City): surface temps have warmed up for bass and panfish catches and there’s also ample stocked trout to be caught. Target around the dam and boat ramp. Anglers might also find some crappie and yellow perch on the flats.
APPLEGATE RESERVOIR: is just above 85% now and has been fishing good for recently stocked and hold over trout. Bass catches are picking up with the warmer weather too. Bait is allowed and 5 trout per day, year-round.
BEN IRVING RESERVOIR: Fishing has been good when the wind is down with lots of trout available and bass on the bite with the warmer weather.
COOPER CREEK RESERVOIR (Sutherlin): was stocked and there should be lots of other fish available including some landlocked coho from last fall’s stocking. These fish are small but might be legal-size by the fall.
LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: is nearly full and about as much as it’s going to get and is full of stocked trout! Anglers are reporting good to excellent catches of stocked and hold over trout in the mid to upper teen range.
WILLOW LAKE: There’s plenty of other holdover and recent stocked trout available, as well as yellow perch. Fishing should be good and angler pressure is low. Fishing from shore will likely produce plenty of perch and possibly some bluegill. It’s recommended that you take as many yellow perch as possible as they have over populated the lake.
COQUILLE RIVER-Small mouth and striped bass fishing has picked up in the upper main stem. When the weather stays warmer after this weekend’s storm front and flows decrease, the bite should be good. A temporary regulation started on May 22 allowing anglers in Coquille River system to use spears and spear guns to harvest small mouth bass. Traditional rod and reel anglers can also use bait throughout the river system.
Upper Rogue- Spring Chinook fishing has picked up well for both bank and boat anglers. Angling pressure has increased along with catches of Chinook ranging 15-25 pounds. The condition of these fish has been very good too as the river flow has been good enough to allow the fish to swim hard and fast up to their spawning grounds. Anglers are picking up fish around the Casey Park and McGregor fishing access areas to a bit further downstream. Drift boat anglers are using sardine/ anchovy and or tuna wrapped Mag Lips or Kwikfish, or back bounding roe in the deeper holes. Almost 1000 spring Chinook have been counted thus far
SMITH RIVER, Umpqua system- Fishing for salmon, trout and steelhead is closed but is open for stripped bass. Trout season is open and should be good. Shad are coming in as well.
UMPQUA RIVER Main– Spring Chinook catches are sporadic. Again weather and water conditions have kept Springer catches “fair” at best. No wild harvest of spring Chinook is allowed in 2022 (jacks or adults). Weather conditions for the upcoming long weekend looks better for trout fishing in the many lakes and ponds that have been stocked well.
Summer steelhead are entering the river now and anglers targeting strippers are finding increased numbers and will get better as the weather gets warmer.
North Umpqua – Summer run steelhead and increased numbers of spring Chinook have been caught in the lower part of the river. Weather and water conditions have been sporadic and catches have only been fair. Another shot of water flow coming up should improve both salmon and steelhead catches.
Only one wild spring Chinook adult per day and ten per season may be kept on the North in 2022. Anglers may still retain one additional Chinook if it’s a hatchery fish.
Jeff’s detailed report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week’s version for Members!
SW Washington by Ian Carter
Synopsis
I hope that everyone had a remarkable Memorial Day weekend. Simple thanks seem so inadequate to all those that made the ultimate sacrifice serving our great country. Memorial Day is a perfect remembrance and acknowledgement for our lost but not forgotten American hero’s.
Action is picking up all around our fishing neighborhood. The Dam controlled tributaries are in a state of flux with extreme varied flows every couple of days. The Lewis and Kalama catch rates are on the upswing and the lower Columbia is holding steady. Fishing for the kids is about to get more exciting as Shad are beginning to make themselves known.
REMINDER, please verify the regulations before fishing any body of water
Lewis Report
Water flow is a roller coaster this past seven days. 6,000 CFS last Wednesday, Friday down to 4,000 CFS (average) back up to 7,000 on Saturday and falling to 5,000 where it is today Wednesday 1st. The gauge level at Ariel is 4ft. Creel checks by WDFW from their most recent report indicated that 25 bank rods kept two Chinook. 1 boat/3 rods had no catch.
Boat fishing pressure is getting heavy above Happa and below the hatchery. Anglers are hover fishing eggs with some triumphs. The stream flow data can be found here: USGS-North Fork Lewis
Kalama Report
38 bank rods kept seven Chinook and released two jacks. 11 boats/22 rods kept nine Chinook and released one steelhead. John Thompson of Sportsman’s Warehouse said that fishing is getting pretty good.
Cowlitz Report
Creel checks by WDFW showed Cowlitz River I-5 Br downstream – Six bank rods had no catch. Cowlitz River Above the I-5 Br – 13 bank rods released three Chinook and seven jacks. 2 boats/8 rods kept six steelhead and released one steelhead.
Last week, Tacoma Power employees recovered 488 spring Chinook adults, 69 spring Chinook jacks, 57 summer-run steelhead adults, and 18 winter-run steelhead adults over five days of operations at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator. The Cowlitz was re-opened for Hatchery Chinook retention on May 28th. With a listed closing date of 7/31/22.
Washougal Report
Speaking of shad, the mouth of Washougal in the Camas slough is a good spot to anchor up. If they aren’t hitting in the Columbia, try inside the slough, noted with the red squiggly on this map below. Look for water at least 4ft deep.
Otherwise, it’s the same report: Winter steelhead is over, and the system doesn’t receive much of a Springer run. The summer Chinook are right around the corner though, so stay tuned.
Columbia Gorge and Tributaries
Drano lake is trailing off and fishing pressure was lighter this week. Success on the Wind River is also waning. WDFW checks provided the following results: Wind River – 33 boats/77 rods kept four Chinook and released two Chinook. Drano Lake – 24 boats/78 rods kept 10 Chinook, three jacks and released one Chinook. Klickitat River below Fisher Hill Bridge – NO REPORTS
Reservoir Report
On May 24th WDFW did stock Swift with 36,000 catchable rainbow.
Merwin level was raised over the past couple of days. It is still fishing well, although with the brighter days the earlier the better. On both Yale and Merwin fishing in the top water column with at least a 100ft drop back is still the norm.
Vancouver Metro Area Lakes
Horseshoe Lake –Last week WDFW stocked 83 large rainbow in the 2-3lb class. Fishing pressure has dropped off. This lake warms quickly which is bad for trout, but good for bass and Panfish.
Kress Lake – NO REPORT
Battle Ground Lake – Trout fishing continues to be excellent. On May 18th the state stocked an additional 3,000 rainbow.
Klineline Pond – Hasn’t received any additional stocking since May 9th. Early morning and late evening are best. Watch for swimmers as the weather warms up.
Lacamas Lake – Trout still available. Bass and bluegill fishing should be getting into full swing.
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