Erica Johnson and her dad Steve went on a trip with Fisherman’s Pro, Josiah Darr, where they landed this perfect pair of Springers. They caught them at the head of the Multnomah Channel trolling herring and flashers.
JDarr Fishing Guide: (206-660-1490)
Fishing Report:
Spring Chinook fishing is starting to heat up all across the Northwest. The Willamette has been kicking out fish daily all up and down the river. Near the Multnomah Channel, anglers have found success trolling 360 flashers and small spinners. Triangle flashers and plug-cut herring have also proven effective. Fisherman’s Pro, Josiah Darr has been successfully trolling plug-cut herring with different scents tailored to what the fish want. Up near Oregon City, Fisherman’s Pro, David Johnson has been doing well backtrolling eggs and sand shrimp, adjusting scents daily based on what the fish are biting. Fishery managers have opened up a Spring Chinook retention fishing window for the Columbia River from Friday the 19th through May 24th.The Columbia is experiencing high water levels due to snowmelt from the surrounding mountains, extending from Portland to Canada. Considering this, fish are likely to push up near the shoreline, choosing the path of least resistance. Anchor fishing with plugs, prawn spinners, or cut-plug herring will all be great options .Anglers should be mindful of debris that may be coming downstream, as the strong flow can dislodge various objects from the shore. Kwikfish, Mag Lips, Killer fish, Flatfish, Spinfish, Spindawgs and Superbaits will all work well for anchor fishing.
Summer Steelhead are being caught sporadically throughout the Northwest. In Southwest Washington, the Cowlitz and Kalama have seen a a few Summer Steelhead caught, for the most part by anglers targeting Spring Chinook. A mix of Divers, bait and bobber, and jigs have all contributed to successful catches of Summer Steelhead.
Catch and release Sturgeon fishing has been great on the lower Willamette. However, the Columbia's significant increase in water levels has slowed down the Sturgeon bite. On the Willamette, squid, herring, sand shrimp, and smelt have all been effective bait choices.
Bottom fishing has been really good along the northern Oregon coast. Fisherman’s Pro Ted Teufel has been running a few trips out in the ocean lately and he has been putting the smack down on the Lingcod and Bass. They have also managed to catch a few Halibut near the shore as well!
Kokanee fishing continues to be a great option for anglers that are wanting a peaceful day on the lake while still taking home some delicious Salmon. Trolling has still been the best option for most anglers. Dodgers and small bright-colored hoochies, Brad’s Kokanee Cutplugs, as well as some small spinner blades have been accounting for most of the limits caught.
Trout fishing around the region is really heating up. Many of the lakes across the Northwest are being planted. Timothy Lake and Henry Hagg Lake are some of the big-name lakes that both received over 2,000 Trout each this past week. Bait fishing has still been very effective as well as casting spinners and Kastmasters. Bubble and fly have been effective especially for early morning and late evening.
Walleye fishing on the upper Columbia has been rewarding for those who enjoy this fishery. Fisherman’s Pro Steve Leonard has been keeping his clients busy reeling in quality Walleye. Trolling worm harnesses has been the winning ticket to success as of late.
Smallmouth Bass fishing in the Willamette and Columbia is also thriving. While heavy snowmelt can briefly cool down the Columbia, the temperature usually stabilizes after a few days, reigniting the bite. Tube baits, Senkos, spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, and jigs have all been great choices when probing shallow coves or rocky outcroppings.
