Fishing Report 01-29-2021
Longtime Fisherman’s customer, Trey Carskadon, fished with Fisherman’s Pro Staffer Josiah Darr earlier this week and landed this behemoth Winter Steelhead from an Oregon Coast river! These guys suffered through some of the worst weather the Pacific Northwest has to offer—34-degrees, howling wind and sleet—to earn a single bite on this day. But what a bite it was! Congratulations, Trey and Josiah, on the fish of a lifetime! (JDarr Guided Fishing: 206-660-1490.)
Fishing report 1-29
Winter Steelhead fishing has been going fairly well with most anglers finding a very nice grade of fish so far this season. We have had reports by quite a few folks that anglers are already finding 20lb class Steelhead. With these large fish around, it can be beneficial to always have a few tactics with you that big Steelhead like. Fishing Spoons or Spinners, back trolling plugs or fishing large, bright-colored drift bobbers will all entice large Steelhead. With that said, all techniques will produce fish with Bobberdoggin and sidedrifting being the most popular options.
Sturgeon fishing in the Willamette has slowed down some due to the cold weather and high water. As soon as we get a shift in weather and a drop in river levels, look for the bite to improve. Squid, sand shrimp, herring and sardines are all great bait choices.
Kokanee fishing remains a great option, especially at Merwin Lake. These fish have been aggressive and anglers are reporting a really nice grade of fish. Most fish are still relatively high in the water column so those anglers that don’t have downriggers can still do really well. Shoepeg corn is a must and adding different scents can really mix it up. Again, small spinner blades, Wiggle
Hoochies and small Spin-N-Glos have all been performing well.
Trout fishing is always an option even during these cold winter months. Now, Trout may not be as active right now as they would be in the spring or summer, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t an option. One of your best bets will be to still fish bait under a bobber or fish it off of the bottom. Powerbait, nightcrawlers , single salmon eggs or shrimp are all great bait choices.
Crabbing is still an option and look for it to get better once this cold weather pattern leaves.
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.
