Fishing report 12-13

Rivers around the northwest are just finally dropping into shape and just in time for a few Winter Steelhead to start coming in.  Some rivers have already had fish in them like the North Fork Nehalem, Big Creek and Necanicum.  These small rivers, at times creeks, are almost always the ones to get the first few Steelhead of the year.  Drift fishing yarnies, eggs, shrimp beads and even spinners will all produce well for anglers looking to try their hand at some early December Steelhead fishing.  As we head into the middle of the month we expect to start seeing a few fish get caught in rivers like the Wilson, Trask, Sandy and Clackamas.  Most of the rivers now run broodstock Steelhead programs which means we can start seeing fish in December and really be effectively targeting them through the middle of April.  This means we don’t really get a “bulk of the run” during any one time but more of a consistent trickle all winter long.  Sidedrifting, bobberdogging, traditional drift fishing and float fishing will all produce well as we start to see fish get caught.  Backtrolling plugs is another “old school” technique that is widely underutilized.  A well presented Maglip, Flatfish, Hotshot or Wigglewart will definitely draw the attention of any near by Steelhead. 

Catch and release Sturgeon is always a fan favorite during the winter months.  Yea, it’s catch and release, but for young or new angler the constant action is just what they need to stay entertained throughout the day.  Herring, smelt, sand shrimp, roll-mop and Shad will all produce bites.  

Crabbing during December can be amazing!  Showing up to a family function with a bushel of Crab will make you the life of the party as everyone appreciates a pile of fresh seafood.    

Razor Clamming has been good at Long Beach and this next set of tides are large negative tides so we should definitely see the Clamming stay good!   

Trout fishing in early December can actually be deceivingly good.  Both ODFW and WDFW plant Trout at many lakes during the Thanksgiving week. In order to give anglers and opportunity to get outside vs Black Friday shopping.  What this means is that there are an Abu dent amount of fish at many lakes that just recently got stocked!  Fishing bait is always a go-to option with Berkley Power air and Berkley Power Eggs being top notch bait choices, along with Nightcrawlers, Salad Shrimp and Salmon eggs.  Casting spinners or Kastmasters is a great way to g er mid day fish active, especially if you see them cruising a shoreline.