Outdoor Report 1/11

Rain is in the forecast and locally it will be a welcomed occurrence. With this next high-water event, there should be a new push of wild and hatchery steelhead entering our river systems and at the coast as well. The rivers will likely get high enough to blow out, but as soon as they come back into shape look for most of the river systems to get good shots of broodstock steelhead. As soon as the water drops using large profile baits are going to be your best bet. When the water first comes into shape clusters of eggs, yarnies, corkies, larger size beads, sand shrimp tails and worms are all great choices. Fishing clear water seams, soft current edges and slow flats are going to be great first choices for high water steelhead. For the coastal rivers keeping an eye on the tide can be greatly beneficial. If you’re towing a drift boat to Tillamook and planning on drifting multiple rivers, checking the tide tables will give you a good idea of where to launch first. Locally, when the rivers come back into shape the Sandy and Clackamas will both be high and green. The same techniques apply as mentioned above, however, with both rivers having power boat access side drifting will be a great technique to employ. Side drifting seams and slow flats with yarnies, eggs and beads will all produce fish. Another great option is to back troll plugs. Often overlooked as an “old school” technique, pulling plugs is a great way to target high water steelhead. Finding a walking speed seam and deploying some trusty K11’s or Hot Shots® will drive any fresh steelhead nuts. Winter sturgeon fishing has been very consistent lately. Squid, sand shrimp, smelt and herring have been great baits. A quick reminder, when anchoring for sturgeon be mindful of debris coming down the river. This time of year, high flow can dislodge woody debris so be cautious of what’s coming down river.