Fishing Report 03-05-2021
Angler Stacey Hartman recently fished with Fisherman’s Pro Guide, Bill Meyer, on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula and caught this amazing Winter Steelhead! With more Spring Chinook being caught daily, now is the time that Northwest anglers must face the tough decision of whether to fish for trophy Steelhead, or, delicious Springers…what a great problem to have!
(Rivers West Guide Service and Bill Meyer: 206-697-2055.)
Fishing report 3-5
Winter Steelhead fishing around the region has been consistent and anglers are still finding a much larger grade of fish. Many anglers have broken the 20 lb mark already this year and we still have a solid month of fishing left. Folks have found success Bobberdoggin bait and beads, side drifting bait and float fishing worms or jigs. With temperatures being warmer and low lying snow slowly melting, many rivers will have plenty of color in them creating that beautiful “Steelhead Green” color we all love so much. There have been a few very early Summer Steelhead caught already and we will start to see a few more trickle in as the weeks progress.
Spring Chinook are showing up and as the Willamette continues to clear look for more reports to surface. We have received reports of some Springers caught in Oregon City, Sellwood and the Portland Harbor. These early fish are typically caught by anglers trolling cut plug Herring or a cured Prawn Spinner. The Columbia has seen a few fish caught as well, with most of these reports coming from the lower Columbia by anglers plunking Spin-n-Glos or anchor fishing Kwikfish. Look for these reports to become more consistent in the coming weeks.
Catch and release Sturgeon fishing has been good in the lower Willamette with anglers starting to take advantage of the dropping water conditions. The slow, deep waters of the Portland Harbor make for great Sturgeon habitat and give anglers a great opportunity to chase the prehistoric beasts on light tackle while fishing light lead. Squid, sand shrimp, herring and smelt have all been good bait options.
Kokanee fishing up at Merwin Lake has been productive and anglers are reporting good success targeting these fish just below the surface. This is promising for a lot of anglers, as it means you don’t need to have downriggers to target these delicious landlocked Salmon. Flat line your favorite dodger with a small Spinner Blade, Spin-n-Glo, Wiggle Hoochie or even a Wedding Ring tied on a short leader. Shoepeg Corn is a must and having different scent options can be very beneficial.
Trout fishing is a great option this time of year, as ODFW has started to stock many area lakes and will continue to do so through the Spring. These freshly stocked Trout are typically great biters and can make filling up a stringer a very real possibility. Power Bait, nightcrawlers, salmon eggs or shrimp are all great bait options. Trolling small Mag Lips or Flatfish is a great way to move around the lake searching for willing Trout as well.
Bottom fishing is another great option right now. These delicious fish are predominant along the coast with anglers finding success from Northern California all the way up to the Northern tip of the Washington Coast. Vertical jigs, Shrimp Flies, Rock Cod Rigs or large curly tails are all good options when chasing these fish.
Always be sure to check local regulations at ODFW and WDFW before heading out. Find reports and two most widely used baits, information on the Fisherman's Community page.
