Fishing Report 3-12
Winter Steelhead fishermen had been finding success this past week, up until the weekend when many rivers bumped up in height after some serious precipitation. As rivers are starting to drop back into shape look for there to be plenty of fish around. These March Steelhead can be some of the largest fish of the year so don’t be surprised if you hook a giant on your next trip. Bobberdoggin eggs, yarn, beads or worms have been kicking out fish for many folks. In Southwest Washington, the Lewis, Kalama and Cowlitz have all been producing Steelhead. Fisherman’s Pro, Brian Campbell, has been spending his time Bobberdoggin eggs and yarn to find his success!
Spring Chinook are starting to trickle in and we have a whole gang of Pro Staff guides that are chomping at the bit to get on the water and start catching springers. There have been several springers caught and more will get caught as soon as turbidity levels come down in the Willamette and when some of the smelt finally leave the Columbia. If you head into the Columbia bring along both trolling and anchor fishing rods incase there are still tons of smelt and the herring bite is slow. That way you can drop the hook on a good ledge, pinch point or wingdam and send out a kwikfish, Mag lip or Brad’s Killerfish.
Bottom fishing has stayed a consistent option for folks and the fishing has been great! Fisherman’s Pro, Andy Martin, has continued his hot streak in the ocean with clients limiting out on both Lingcod as well as a plethora of other bottomfish. Shrimp flies, farallon feathers, vertical jigs and swimbaits have all been producing well for folks.
Razor Clamming at Long Beach this past week has been good and even though the weather has been temperamental, limits are being taken home daily.
Crabbing remains a stellar option for folks that are looking to take home a cooler of delicious seafood. Now we had a pile of rain come through last week, so many bays have filled up with freshwater which temporarily pushed Crab back into the ocean. However as rivers drop and the freshwater clears out, look for the Crabbing to pick right back.
Kokanee fishermen are having a great time trolling Lake Merwin and Yale reservoir. The reports have come in that folks have been finding limits of healthy size Kokanee. Many fisherman are finding them up near the surface still, but as the water warms expect these delicious land locked Salmon to start heading for deeper water. Trolling dodgers and small bright colored spin-n-glos has been a fan favorite
lately as have Brad’s Kokanee Cut plugs. Tipping them with a Kernal of Shoepeg corn has been a key to success as well.
Trout fishing is steadily getting better as ODFW has definitely ramped up their stocking efforts. This past week it seems that they really heavily stocked the Northwest/Newport area. Devils lake, Mercer Lake and Big Creek reservoir all received over 2,000 legal Trout giving anglers ample opportunity at some great Trout fishing. Bait fished off the bottom or under a bobber is always a great option as is casting spinners, spoons, kastmasters or bubble and fly. Boat anglers will do well trolling small Mag Lips, flatfish or hotshots. Slow trolling flies is another often overlooked technique as well.
