Outdoor Report 1/23
put together some great days of steelhead fishing on the Coast. Expect rivers to have another fresh batch of steelhead as they drop into shape after this rain.
Winter Steelhead fishing has continued to get better throughout the region. More hatchery fish have been showing up lately with some really nice fish around. The vast majority of fishermen have been bobberdoggin’, with a few folks sidedrifting. Fish have been caught on eggs, shrimp, yarnies, soft and hard beads. We are in for a lot of rain this week but as soon as the rivers start to drop back into shape, look for there to be quite a few fish around. When rivers have just dropped into shape, backtrolling plugs can be extremely effective. Hot Shots, K11’s, Wiggle Warts and Mag Lips all have been working well. If you end up finding a section of river with some fish holding in it, try bobber and jig or bobber and pink worm. These techniques work wonders under almost any water condition.
Kokanee fishing still has been good at Merwin Lake this last week. The fish that are being caught are actually a fairly good size for this time of year. Recently, small spinner blades and Spin-N-Glo’s tipped with shoepeg corn have been the go-to technique. Troll them high in the water column behind one of your favorite flashers and you have a winning combo.
Trout fishing is still an option and folks that have been putting their time in are being rewarded for their efforts. With cold water and cold weather, the trout have been slowing down and haven’t been as active. This means that fishing bait on or near the bottom will be one of your best options.
Catch and release sturgeon fishing is still a viable option and folks that have been chasing these prehistoric creatures are having some fun. Squid, sandshrimp, herring and nightcrawlers have all been producing well.
Razor Clamming has reopened on the Oregon coast from the Columbia river south to Tillamook Head. Look for good clamming to be had on the next set of low or negative tides.
Crabbing is always an option in all of the bays and estuaries that line the Oregon Coast. This time of year, the weather can be the hardest part to deal with but when you plan your trip around the weather you can have a very fun and productive time. Effective Jan. 1, 2020, recreational crabbers will need to mark all floating surface buoys with the owner’s full name or business name and at least one of the following: phone number, permanent address, ODFW Angler ID number, or vessel identification number. Mark your information in a clear, legible, and permanent manner. While this rule does not apply to gear tied to docks, piers, jetties, or beaches, we recommend marking buoys on any gear that could become derelict or lost.
Always be sure to check local regulations at ODFW and WDFW before heading out. Find reports and two most widely used baits, information on the Fisherman's Community page.
