Fishing Report 02-17-2023
Don Newman, Vice President of Sales for P Line/Pucci and Sons/Beckman Nets recently came to town to get a taste of Oregon’s excellent winter steelhead fishing and caught and released this big wild Steelhead from a coastal river. The brute fell for a Mad River Steelhead worm fished on a jig head under a float. Nice fish, Don!
Fishing Report:
Congratulations to Mike McMahon for catching the first confirmed Spring Chinook of the season on Saturday, February 11th from the Multnomah Channel while fishing with guide Todd Findlay! With the Willamette currently in great shape to fish, we expect more reports of Spring Chinook catches as more fish show up in the coming weeks. The Multnomah Channel, Sellwood area of the Willamette, Meldrum Bar and Oregon City reach are all favorite early season locations. Most anglers targeting Spring Chinook in the cold water of late winter/early spring use either herring or prawns, and anchor-fishing with plugs can be effective as well. Good luck!
Winter Steelhead fishing continues to be somewhat challenging, with the reward being that there have been an unusually high number of larger fish in the mix this year. As rivers continue to drop and clear, anglers will be wise to employee stealth tactics like bobber and jig, or backtrolling plugs, where the presentation can be made far downstream of the angler, a definite advantage in low, clear water with spooky fish. Look for a decent wave of fish on the next rain and rise in river levels, and be ready to go as rivers are on the drop during what many consider the peak of Winter Steelhead season.
Trout stocking has resumed at many Willamette Valley and Coastal stillwaters. Expect your favorite lake or pond to receive some Trout sometime over the next couple of weeks. For a detailed listing, visit the Weekly Trout Stocking Schedule on the ODFW website. Powerbait, nightcrawlers and Zeke’s are all good baits to try in the typically cold water this time of year, but trout can also be lured by casting spinners and small spoons from the bank, or, trolling them from a boat. It’s hard to beat a Roostertail Spinner for Trout, and the Acme Kastmaster is another great lure that takes a lot fish.
Kokanee fishing continues to be good at Lake Merwin, with fish still being caught fairly shallow. Experiment with depth until you find the right zone, then run all your baits at that level for some hot action! Pink hoochies fished behind an Arrow Flash Dodger are a favorite at Merwin, as are Luhr Jensen Needlefish spoons in either “Firetiger” or “Hot Banana” colors.
Fish on!
