Fishing Report 03-12-2021
Angler Larry Goodroe fished recently with Fisherman’s Pro Guide, Dan Dieter, and caught this gorgeous broodstock Steelhead from a north coast river. Great fish, gentlemen! (Deet’s Guide Service: 503-842-1440.)
Fishing report 3-12
Winter Steelhead fishing is still going on and March is considered by many as the best month to target these prized Northwest fish. This time of year there is a great diversity of fish in virtually every river system that gets a run of Steelhead. Hatchery fish and wild fish are mixed together nicely, giving anglers an opportunity to bring something home for dinner and have a great wall hanging photo of a beautiful wild Steelhead. This is also the time of year when you typically see the largest concentration of big Steelhead. Typically, those large-shouldered, hard-fighting, 20lb. Steelhead are hooked using a wide variety of techniques, from backtrolling plugs to swinging spoons or spinners through a promising run.
Spring Chinook are definitely on the menu. We have had confirmed reports of beautiful Spring Chinook caught in Oregon City, just below the falls, all the way down through the Multnomah Channel. As the Willamette continues to clear this week, we expect the catch rates to rise. Trolling cut-plug herring or prawn spinners are two of the most widely used techniques. Anglers up near Oregon City are typically backtrolling or anchor fishing with prawns, sand shrimp, eggs or plugs.
Early Spring Walleye fishing is on and anglers have been taking advantage of the nice weather. Columbia Gorge Walleye fishing has started to gain a strong following, and for good reason. Revered for their amazing meat quality, Walleye are readily available in the Columbia River and some say the next state or even world record will come from it. Trolling worm harnesses and bottom walkers are the typical go-to method.
Catch and release Sturgeon fishing has been good and will likely get even better as the Willamette continues to drop and warm up. These hard-fighting, great biting fish are readily available throughout the whole river, however, many anglers spend their time in the Portland Harbor area. This area allows you to fish light weight and makes fighting these prehistoric beasts that much more fun. Squid, sand shrimp, herring and anchovies are all great choices right now.
Early Spring Trout fishing is going on and will continue to improve as ODFW plants more Trout in local lakes. These freshly stocked Trout make for great sport and create a great opportunity to get your whole family out for a day on the lake. Couple that with some of this nice weather we have been having and you are in for a recipe for success.
Fishing bobbers and bait, or bait off of the bottom, is the most widely used technique, however, casting spinners or spoons can be deadly effective as well. Boat anglers will find success trolling small Mag Lips, Flatfish or Wedding Rings tipped with a nightcrawler.
Kokanee fishing up on lake Merwin has been really good for anglers wanting a chance at these delicious landlocked Salmon. The fish seem to be really high in the water column still, with most anglers finding great success in flatlining their presentations so that they are only a few feet below the surface. Wedding Rings, Super Dupers, Brad’s Kokanee Cutplugs and Wiggle Hoochies have all proven effective lately.
Surf Perch fishing is another great opportunity right now and when you time your trip with some nice early spring coastal weather, you are in for a treat. These aggressive fish are targeted on incoming tides, for the most part. And anglers do well using sand shrimp, clam necks and Berkley Gulp Sand Worms.
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.
