Fishing report 2-28
Winter Steelhead fishing has continued to be a great option for folks across the region. Along the coast, Southwest Washington and throughout the Willamette valley there have been folks doing quite well chasing Steelhead. Fisherman’s Pro, Chris Vertopoulos, has been finding fish every trip using a multitude of techniques. Bobber fishing jigs, bobberdogging bait and pulling some custom colored plugs have been accounting for the majority of his success. Pro, Josiah Darr, has also been doing quite well. Bobberdogging has been his key to his success using bait or beads. As we enter into March we will start to see a very nice mix of fish in the river. You will have brand new, sealice covered fish, super colored up fish that have been around for awhile and even the possibility of a blinding chrome Summer Steelhead. This diversity is just one the many reasons folks love March Steelhead fishing.
Spring Chinook are becoming a more realistic option by the day. Many folks will start dedicating some serious time on the water as we get into the middle of March. But that’s not to say there aren’t a few around right now. Trolling in the Portland Harbor is always a good safe bet to get your gear in front of some Springers. These fish love the deep, slow current to kill around in as they wait for river temps to increase. Trolling either 360 or triangle flashers with prawns, herring or hard plastic spinning baits can entice a bite.
Catch and release fishing for Sturgeon is still a great option. Putting the top on the boat, cranking up the little buddy heater and a thermos full of coffee can make for a great day. Especially when you can have multiple hook ups in a day. And often times well over 10! Squid, sand shrimp, herring and smelt will all get the job done when selecting what bait to choose.
Bottom fishing has continued to be a great option and often times flys under the radar of most fishermen during the winter months. However, this fishery can be phenomenal, especially if the ocean conditions calm down. Fisherman’s Pro, Andy Martin, has always been one of the guides that tries to stay very versatile and that’s has always included some bottomfishing. Has been doing well recently for both Lingcod and Bottom fish. Curly tail grubs, shrimp flies, farallon feathers and plastic scampis have been accounting for the majority of his success.
Razor clamming at Long Beach was good during last weeks opener. We had reports of quality Clams and quick limits. We have quite a few more tentative dig dates coming up in the next few weeks. Be on the look out for upcoming notifications.Clamming remains a great option as well. We have had reports of full Crab lots at Nehalem, a Tillamook and Astoria.
Kokanee fishing up at Lake Merwin, Yale and Swift reservoirs has been pretty good. Anglers have been finding success at multiple depths in the water column which means that it’s a good idea to be staggering your rods at multiple depth until you narrow down exactly where they are at on that day.
Trolling dodgers and small bright colored hoochies has been working well. Small spinner blades is the other lure that has been helping fill fish boxs. Tipping your offering with Shoepeg corn is always a must as well as bringing along several different scent options. Shrimp, krill, sand shrimp and prawn are all good scent options.
Trout fishing is picking up and stocking efforts are picking up as well. As we start to get some warmer weather the water temps will warm up as well. This past week there were dozens of lakes across Oregon that received Trout plants including Henry Hagg Lake that received 12,000 legal Trout. Yes…12,000! These freshly planted Trout make for a super fun way to spend a family day at the lake. Fishing bait off the bottom or under a bobber is always a great option for bank anglers. Boat fishermen will do well trolling small flatfish, Maglips, wedding rings and even slow trolling a fly.
