Outdoor Report 3/7
Winter Steelhead fishing has remained steady this week with good reports from the valley rivers and coastal rivers. The big fish theme has continued and we have been seeing quite a few photos of trophy-size Steelhead being caught. Many of these fish have been caught on beads, either Bobberdoggin’ them or rigging them more traditionally under a float. However, don’t count out worms, jigs, bait and hardware. All those techniques are tried and true and can produce fish year in and year out. Springer fishing is still in the early stages, but we have had reports of fish being caught down along Caterpillar Island, lower Multnomah Channel and just above the Lewis. With these early fish we typically see a higher percentage of five-year-old fish, meaning that some of the biggest Springers of the year are caught in early March. Trolling herring has still been the go-to technique as the Columbia is still relatively low. With most of the Columbia River still having snow, ice and low temperatures, we still haven’t seen increasing water levels. Which means trolling will typically be one of your best choices. ODFW just confirmed that they planted 12,000 Trout in Henry Hagg Lake this week! That means a whole lot of fish are now eager and willing to bite. Yes, the water is still relatively cold, but that just means you may have to search a little bit to find that big school of fish. Once you find them, it usually means quick limits for all. Trolling with flatfish, wedding rings or even flies is a great way to find fish. And once you find them, good old-fashioned powerbait, nightcrawlers or single eggs are always an excellent choice. Catch and release sturgeon fishing is a great option this time of year. The Sturgeon still bite, even in this cold weather, and while you fish for them on anchor you can start up that Mr. Heater and stay warm while catching fish. Squid, Sandshrimp and herring are all great baits this time of year. Bottom fishing, when the weather and ocean has allowed, has been good all up and down the coast. Lots of nice quality Rock Bass and Lingcod have been caught by those getting out after them. Shrimp flies, Rock Cod Jigs and vertical jigs have all been working well. Crabbing has continued to be great in most all of the bays on the North Coast. Especially following a few days of decent weather, getting out early in the day has worked well for those wanting to taste that sweet Dungeness crab. We have had quite a few reports of quick limits. Always be sure to check local regulations at ODFW and WDFW before heading out. Find reports and information on the Fisherman's Community page..
