Outdoor Report 12/26
Winter Steelhead fishing is just getting going locally with reports of fresh fish being caught in the Sandy and Clackamas. These fish will start to filter in on every wave of rain we get. When searching for these early Steelhead, folks will target them in several different ways. Bobberdoggin or side-drifting are two very popular methods for covering water this time of year. Another method that sometimes gets forgotten about is backtrolling plugs. Big, angry steelhead have a hard time resisting a well-presented K11 Kwikfish, 3.5 Mag Lip or Wiggle Wart. Along the coast, most rivers have already seen their first Winter Steelhead and some rivers will have new fish after this last batch of rain. Drift-fishing bait, bobber-fishing beads or jigs and casting hardware are all great choices when targeting fish in some of the smaller tributaries.
Catch and release Sturgeon fishing has been killer in the Portland Harbor area of the Willamette River. These fish have been feeding well and reports are that even the smaller “shaker” size fish have been packing on the pounds. Sand Shrimp, Smelt, Herring and Squid have all been producing.
Crabbing continues to be productive all along the coast, with Tillamook and Nehalem being two bright spots for crabbers. Nice, full Dungeness crab have been the norm, with lots of boats catching their limits.
Kokanee fishing has also been really good with a lot of anglers spending their time up on Merwin Lake. Fish have risen in the water column, which makes targeting them easier for everyone, not just those with downriggers. Wiggle Hoochies, small Spin-n-Glos, Wedding Rings and Brad's Kokanee Cut Plugs have all been producing fish. Fish any one of these lures behind your favorite dodger and you are well on your way to a limit of delicious Kokanee.
Trout fishing is still an option with anglers reporting decent success from Hagg Lake. Good-size hold over Trout are prime for the taking this time of year. Trolling small plugs or a wedding ring and nightcrawler combo can be just the ticket. Bank anglers will find success by fishing a bobber and bait, bait fished off of the bottom or by casting Rooster Tails or Kastmasters.
Washington Razor Clamming continues to be great with folks reporting quick limits out of Long Beach earlier this week. Razor Clamming in Oregon remains closed at this time, but bay Clamming and Crabbing remains open.
Duck hunting got better this past week with the ducks responding well to the last storm system. Look for the hunting to get even better as the lowland areas fill up with water and give birds more options to move.
DIGS APPROVED!
The following digs are approved:
DECEMBER •December 27, Friday, 7:26 pm, -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
•December 28, Saturday, 8:05 pm, -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• December 28, Saturday, 8:05 pm, -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
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.
