Fishing Report 01-20-2023
Winter Steelhead fishing has been fair throughout most of the Northwest. We have had reports of decent fishing from the Willamette Valley, Southwest Washington and the Oregon Coast. Many rivers are still a bit on the high side but look to be dropping over the next week. As the rivers continue to drop, look for fresh fish to be entering them daily. Steelhead move upriver after a large rain and jump in water height. Target the fast water seams, large flat tailouts and “walking speed” water when searching for fresh fish. Bobber fishing jigs, worms, beads and bait are all good options. Bobber fishing is a great way to cover lots of water effectively as is drift fishing eggs, shrimp, yarn or corkies. For boat anglers, bobberdogging bait, yarn, beads or worms have been working well. Backtrolling plugs is another fun way to target fresh Winter Steelhead.K11 Kwikfish, Wiggle Warts, Hotshots, small Maglips and Flatfish are all great plug options.
Catch and release Sturgeon fishing in the Willamette has continued to be a good option for anglers looking to spend a relaxing day on the water. Probing the deep water of the lower Willamette has proven productive. Squid, herring, sand shrimp and strips of shad have all worked as of late.
Bottom fishing remains an option for folks as well. Now, winter weather can be quite harsh at times.This inclement weather can make for rough seas and impossible bar crossings. However, when we have stretches of nice weather and more forgiving wind and wave predictions, the fishing can be good. Bringing home a brace of quality bottomfish is always an enticing option. Nobody can turn down some fresh fish and chips! Large curly tail grubs, shrimp flies, Farallon Feathers and vertical jigs have all been working well.
Winter Crabbing is going on and will continue to be a good option for many folks. Yes the weather can be cold, rainy and windy at times. But, the Crab cakes are worth it!
Winter Trout fishing can be a tough one as many waterways get closed during the winter months. And the ones that are open have Trout in almost hibernation mode. Now, it’s not all doom and gloom. Trout do still need to feed and sometimes, especially if we get a little warm spell, they will start cruising shorelines looking for an easy meal. Nightcrawlers, Powerbait, salad shrimp and Salmon eggs will all produce well. Even small sand shrimp tails can be extremely effective.
Waterfowl hunters have been doing well. The rain and wind have kept birds on the move and supplied many low-lying areas with the water they need to create small ponds for Ducks to land on.
Spring Chinook? We haven’t heard a report yet, but it’s a usually the end of January or beginning of February when the first couple get caught. Will you be the one to catch the first this year?
