Fishing Report 01-27-2023
Evie and Cathy recently fished with Fisherman’s Pro Guide, Taylor Knight, to catch this limit of delicious Kokanee at Lake Merwin. Pink hoochies trolled behind a dodger 140-150 feet back of the boat on a flat line (no weight) was the key. Nice job, team! (Fishability Northwest: 503-917-4450.)
Fishing Report:
The Winter Steelhead fishing has been pretty good this past week.We have had reports from multiple Pro Staff members of consistent fishing up and down the coast.Chris Vertopoulos has been finding success using B n R Softbeads.He has been spending his time on the North Oregon Coast.Pro, Andy Martin, has been focusing his efforts on the Southern Oregon rivers and finding success sidedrifting cured eggs and Yakima Bait Corkies.These have been their favorite baits, however nearly all techniques have been producing for folks.Back trolling Mag Lips, K11 Kwikfish, Wiggle Warts and Hotshots has been working for anglers hoping to watch a good plug takedown.Bobber fishermen have been doing well using traditional floats with pink worms, jigs and beads while the Bobberdoggin folks have been using beads, yarnies, eggs and corkies.
Catch and release Sturgeon fishing has been a great option for anglers.This fishery doesn’t get very much pressure and the fish are typically great biters during the winter months.The lower Willamette is one of the best places to find them.Squid, herring, sand shrimp and strips of Shad all have been working well.Bring along multiple scents to give the fish a couple of different options.This is a simple addition that can often be the difference in a big number day or just a few fish.
Spring Chinook are coming soon!There is more than likely a couple already kicking around in the lower Willamette.Typically, we have a Spring Chinook brought in to get weighed around the first week of February every year.Well, that is next week!Trolling cut plug in the Portland Harbor or Multnomah Channel is usually where these fish get caught.The further into February we get the farther up the river fish will start to get caught.Backtrolling sand shrimp or small plugs are usually a go-to technique as you will catch both Steelhead and Spring Chinook this way.
Kokanee fishing at Lake Merwin is getting going and anglers are starting to find success high in the water column.These fish tend to be up near the surface so it allows anglers to use light gear, and at times, no extra weight.Dodgers with a Wiggle Hoochie, Wedding Ring, small spinner blade or Brad’s Kokanee Cutplug are all good bait options.Tip your gear with a kernel of Shoepeg corn and you are in business!
Crabbing is still going on in many Oregon coastal estuaries.Winter typically means inclement weather but as long as you dress for it, everyone will have a fun time.One big plus is that the Crab are usually very full which means a higher yield of meat at the end of the day.
In Washington, WDFW opened up one of its northern beaches to take Razor Clams, so be on the lookout for a press release regarding some of the southern beaches very soon.We have not been able to Clam for quite awhile due to domoic acid levels, so upon reopening the Clamming should be lights out.
