Outdoor Report 8/17

Astoria is rocking and rolling, lots of chinook have started to pour into the river over the last few days. Fishermen are making the most of it; both below and above the bridge have been producing fish. We are still waiting on the first big push of silvers to enter the river. When that happens, things could get hectic down there. So far, it sounds like people are catching fish on spinners, herring, anchovies and Super Baits. With herring and anchovies being the top producers. Most people are reporting catching fish close to the bottom, if not dragging the bottom. Both triangle flashers and 360° flashers have been producing fish. It can pay big time to have both, as the fish can change their mind at the drop of a hat. Always remember to check your tides and watch the wind forecasts. Astoria’s weather can rear its ugly head at a moment’s notice; you want to be prepared. We had reports that the Cowlitz area started to produce some fish this week. In that area of the river most folks either anchor on an outgoing tide and fish wobblers, or troll spinners on the slack and incoming tide. Either way it is a very productive section of the river, and it really starts going by the third or fourth week of August. Bottom fishing has still been good out of virtually all the ports up and down the coast line. Most fishermen have been using shrimp flies and or curly tail grubs to target a wide variety of bottom fish. Tuna fishing has also been good out of many of the ports. The weather has been an issue at times but when the ocean has laid down, folks have been catching them trolling, jigging and fishing live bait. This is also a great time of year to target tributary summer steelhead. The water will be starting to cool down, due to overnight lows getting cooler, and the steelhead will be there snapping. Spinners, spoons, drift gear, or bobber and jig are all productive this time of year. Early morning and late evening are still some of the better times to target these late run summer fish. Check local regulations before heading out. Good luck and be safe!