Fishing report 1-24

Winter Steelhead fishing has started to pick up, even with the crazy water fluctuations. We’ve had reports of good fishing in rivers like the Wilson, Clackamas, and Sandy, in between huge fluctuations in river height. Focus on clean water influences, inside seams, and areas that are less effected by high river levels. These places will be where fish head to when trying to get a reprieve from the hard charging current. Fisherman’s Pro, Josiah Darr, has been finding his success Bobber-doggin Beads and Bait in the soft-water areas, poking into every nook and cranny to find the biters. Running Plugs is another great way to find these fish, especially if the water condition is a bit murky.

Catch-and-Release Sturgeon fishing in the Portland harbor area has been an option for anglers lately. Cold water temps keep the sturgeon hanging out in the deep pools of the lower Willamette. Squid, Sand Shrimp, Herring and Smelt have all been working well. 

Bottom-fishing along the coast has been getting good and Fisherman’s Pro, Andy Martin, has been capitalizing on the quality fishing. He’s found limits of Rockfish, as well as quality Lingcod, on every trip! Fishing Twin-tail Soft Plastics on Jig heads and Farallon feathers have been helped his crew find limits. 

Crabbing continues to be great along the coast. Fisherman’s Pro, Bill Monroe Jr., has been doing extremely well in Astoria. His customers load up on quality Crab meat every trip. 

Razor Clamming has been open several times over the past couple of months and it is opening up yet again. January 23rd-January 28th are the dates for the most recent Razor Clam opener. 

Kokanee fishing at Merwin lake continues to produce, and anglers are still finding success fishing high in the water column. These fish love to school up, often when you find one biter, you find many biters. Trolling Dodgers with Weddings Rings, Wiggle Hoochies, bright-colored Hoochies, and even small Spinner Blades have all been producing well. Shoepeg corn is a must-have, bringing several different scent options to try can be extremely beneficial. 

Waterfowl hunters are yet again finding great success with all the crazy weather we have been having. The cold, rainy and windy conditions can make for some fantastic duck or goose hunting.