Fishing Report 04-21-2023
Long-time customer, Tim Kosta, fished with Fisherman’s Pro Guide Dan Dieter to catch this awesome Spring Chinook this morning. The hefty Springer slammed a plug-cut herring trolled behind a triangle flasher. At the time of this writing, Dan and company had already boated three nice keepers! Needless to say, Spring Chinook angling on the Willamette River has improved markedly over the past few days. Go get ‘em, folks! (Deet’s Guide Service: 503-842-1440.)
Fishing Report:
The Willamette River is gradually coming into shape and Spring Chinook fishing has improved dramatically over the past few days. There have been good bites recently from Oregon City all the way to the bottom end of Multnomah Channel, so head to your favorite area and give it a shot as there seem to be quite a few fish around. From Sellwood up, anglers tend to favor backtrolling diver and bait, or, back-bouncing. Eggs, sand shrimp and prawns are the baits of choice up here, but don’t hesitate to try herring as well. From Sellwood down, trolling herring behind a triangle flasher has been the hot technique of late. As water temperatures continue to warm, watch for the Pro Troll/360 flasher thing to take off, not that it wouldn’t work now, it’s just hard to beat herring in the current conditions. No confirmed reports yet of Spring Chinook caught on the Clackamas or Sandy Rivers—just rumors-- but that should change any day now as we head into the thick of the season.
Winter Steelhead fishing is all but over, but there could be a few bright stragglers over the next week or two both on the coast and locally. Be sure to check regulations for the water you are fishing as there are some coastal streams that close to steelhead at the end of March. There have been some summer steelhead caught from both the Clackamas and Sandy Rivers, as well as a few caught this week on the Willamette by anglers targeting Spring Chinook. The Clackamas in particular might be worth a look for a mixed bag of late winter steelhead and/or summer steelhead. Back-trolling plugs, throwing spoons and spinners, or float-fishing jig or bait are all deadly techniques for both summer and winter steelhead on local tributaries.
Catch and release Sturgeon fishing on the Willamette and Columbia is getting better by the week. Fisherman’s Pro, Steve Leonard, has been keeping his clients entertained by reeling in Sturgeon after Sturgeon on recent trips. With next week’s warm and dry weather coming, look for the Sturgeon to respond well. Squid, herring, anchovies, smelt and sand shrimp are all baits you will find on a spring-time Sturgeon fisherman’s boat.
Bottom fishing had been good when the weather has cooperated. Fisherman’s Pro, Andy Martin, has been finding a wide variety of Rockfish on his recent trips, including some really large Vermillion Rockfish! Large Lingcod have been the primary target for many anglers. We have had reports of quality fish coming over the rails of many boats. This fishery will also continue to get better with better weather and calmer seas. Nearshore Halibut fishing will be starting up shortly as well. Fisherman’s Pro, Ted Teufel, absolutely crushed the Halibut last year so we are looking forward to hot reports coming from Tillamook in the coming weeks.
Kokanee fishing continues to be a great option for folks who have a taste for Salmon but can’t wait until the Willamette comes back into shape. There are many schools of Kokanee that are constantly on the move through Lake Merwin and when you find one or two of them the fishing can be lights out. Trolling dodgers with a small Spin-N-Glo, small spinner blade, bright colored hoochie, Wiggle Hoochie or Wedding Ring will all work well.
Trout fishing is another spring activity that everyone can enjoy. Whether you are a seasoned Trout angler looking for a trophy Trout, or a family looking for a fun day on the water, there are options for everyone. ODFW is continuing their planting efforts and this last week it looked like they were heavily focused on coastal lakes. Hebo Lake, Mercer Lake and Cleowox Lake are just a few of the lakes that got generously planted. With lakes still being cold and the weather yet to really warm up, bait is still going to be one your best options. Still fishing Power Bait, nightcrawlers or Salmon eggs is a great choice as well as fishing them under a float.
Razor Clamming has opened back up at Long Beach. WDFW set dates from April 19th through April 25th for AM digs. And with the nice weather on the way the Clamming should be excellent!
