Fishing Report 07-16-2021
Coho are currently massing off Oregon’s North Coast and are gorging on baitfish in preparation for their migration to fresh water. Limits of bright hatchery Coho have been fairly common out of most ports when ocean conditions allow.
Fishing Report - July 16th, 2021
Ocean Salmon fishing is underway and anglers are finding success when chasing hatchery Coho.This fishery can be as fast-paced as any fishery out there, especially if you stumble into a huge school of hungry Coho.They will attack a lot of different offerings such as herring, anchovies, Brad’s Cut Plugs and Yakima Bait Spinfish.In talking with our Pro Staff, it sounds as though the fishing has been really good when the cool water is in close, but as soon as we see some warm water move in, the fish disperse.Make sure to be constantly checking your water temp and move as necessary.
Bottom fishing has also been really good lately.This is a fishery that is becoming more popular, and for good reason.At times, this is another one of those productive fisheries that enables you to fill a fish box really fast.Our reports have shown that there are still some really nice Lingcod being caught and near-shore Halibut as well.With a lot of these fish hanging out in the same territory, you really don’t know what you have hooked until you get it close to the boat.
Anglers that have been fishing off of the many jetties along the coast have been reporting decent success for various species of Rockfish.Specifically, Kelp Greenling, Rockbass and Pile Perch.This is another one of those fisheries that can drastically change throughout the course of the day.As tides fluctuate in and out, new fish will filter in, picking through the large boulders that make up the jetty.Sand shrimp and Berkley Gulp Sandworms are great baits to use if you are choosing to fish your bait on the bottom.Try to keep your gear right at the edge of the sand where it meets the jetty underwater.For those looking to use an active technique where you are constantly casting and retrieving, then large curly tail grubs on a jig head or small swimbaits are baits to consider.Another option, not widely used but effective, is a #4 or #5 Blue Fox Spinner.
Surf Perch fishing is another favorite fishery among coastal fishermen.This active, fishery is one that anyone can enjoy.Berkley Gulp Sand Worms, sand shrimp or clam necks are all baits that surf fishermen will deploy.Keep moving up and down the beach looking for the schools of Perch.They move in and out of the waves looking for food, so at times you may go awhile without a bite.But once you find them, the action can be fast and furious.
Crabbing has been decent lately and anglers are taking advantage of being able to drop their pots while on their way out for Salmon or bottom fish,creating a great opportunity for some shellfish and fish to take home.
Bay Clamming has been good and when we get a few sets of minus low tides, folks gain access to parts of bays that are usually underwater.Butter Clams, Cockle Clams and Gaper Clams are all on the menu.
Walleye fishing on the Columbia River has been another good option for anglers.These delicious fish are amazing table fare and are quite plentiful throughout the Columbia Gorge.Now, with the summer heat, it’s best to get on the water early and do some trolling to find your fish fast.Trolling bottom walkers and Worm harnesses is a go-to technique and it will also land you multiple other species throughout the day.
Kokanee fishing has been a good option for folks headed for the mountains versus heading for the coast.These landlocked Salmon occupy many high mountain lakes and are easily targeted while trolling with downriggers.Again, the day time heat can make for tough fishing, so an early start is best.Shoepeg corn is an absolute must when chasing Kokanee; curing your corn is a good bet but at the very least, adding scent to it can drastically change your odds.
Trout fishing has been going well and the early morning starts are again a definite advantage in targeting the most active fish.These active fish will be cruising the shoreline looking for an easy meal.They can be easily targeted by casting spinners, Kastmasters, bubble and fly and even a bobber and nightcrawler.If you can’t get an early start, fishing bait off of the bottom is always a good option.Trout will be hunkered down trying to beat the heat.A few places that recently have been stocked with large number of fish have been Detroit Lake, with 7,600 trophy size Trout; Wallowa Lake with 6,300 trophy and legal Trout; North Fork Reservoir with 2,300; and Fish Lake with 2,500.
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.
