Fishing report 4-10

Winter Steelhead fishing has definitely slowed down on many rivers. But, that doesn’t mean it’s over. With the implementation of Broodstock programs we are starting to see hatchery Winter Steelhead returns through the end of April now. Bobberdogging eggs, beads or yarn has been working well for most folks. Back trolling K11 kwikfish, Mag Lips and hotshots has been another technique that Fisherman’s Pro, KC Talaro, has been using and finding great success. There have been a few Summer Steelhead as well as Spring Chinook getting caught while chasing Winter Steelhead. So you just never know what you might hook. 

Spring Chinook have finally arrived in good numbers and with the multiple day extensions we have been having on the Columbia, the fishing is getting better by the day. Trolling herring and triangle flashers has been one of the most popular techniques while sitting on anchor with kwikfish, Mag lips, Flatfish or Brad’s Killerfish has been making up the rest of catch. We have had numerous Pro Staff out chasing Columbia springers and will soon be switching over to the Willamette as soon as the Columbia closes. The Willamette has been definitely kicking out fish, especially in the Portland Harbor and Multnomah Channel. Trolling herring or Prawn Spinners have been among the most popular techniques being used. These fish will slowly be making their way up towards Oregon City where the fishery will change. Here, backbouncing bait or back trolling bait is the name of the game. These fish will start to stack up below the falls and wait for a certain water temperature before they feel comfortable to push over the falls in numbers. This is when having quality bait and a well presented bait will make all the difference in the world. Bring a long a pile of different scents to mix things up. That can be a difference maker. 

Catch and release Sturgeon fishing has been good and will only get better as the weeks go on. Squid, smelt, herring, Salmon eggs and sand shrimp are all Sturgeon favorites. Look for deep pools with a quick drop off that sturgeon will use as a filter for bait to tumble down into. 

Bottom fishing remains a constant option for folks. This fishery goes on all up and down the coast line which gives anglers plenty of opportunity. These are, in some circles, revered as some of the best eating fish in the Northwest. Lingcod fish tacos are one thing that almost anyone can enjoy.

Vertical jigs, swimbaits, farallon feathers and curly tail grubs have all been working. 

Kokanee fishing up at Lake Merwin has been good. The angling pressure has been hit or miss because the Columbia and Willamette both have spring chinook in them. So that tends to spread out the pressure. These delicious little buggers have been putting on weight all winter and reports are that there have been some really nice size Kokanee in the mix. Trolling is still the name of the game with small spin-n-glos, small spinner blades and small

Bright colored hoochies making up the majority of the produce tackle options. 

Trout fishing is steadily getting better by the week. Both ODFW and WDFW are busy planting lakes and rivers with plump legal Trout for the taking. Last week ODFW planted over 4,000 legal Trout at Henry Hagg Lake which means this week they are ready to bite! Bait on the bottom or under a bobber is always a very productive way to target these fish. Boat anglers will do well trolling as well as bobber fishing jigs and bait in areas with lots of woody structure. 

Razor Clamming has been going very well for folks and we are currently in an open week for Razor Clamming at Long Beach. The tides are am tides and nice size minus tides as well