Fishing Report 06-18-2021
This satisfied group of anglers from Advanced Air Company fished earlier in the week with Fisherman’s Pro Guide, Dan Dieter, and enjoyed great success on this awesome late-season push of Willamette River Spring Chinook that we’ve been seeing! Two of the gorgeous fish came on 3.5 Simon Spinners fished behind Pro Troll Flashers, and another came on an orange label herring fished with a Trinidad Helmet behind and Pro Troll, while the other came on a cut-plug anchovy fished on a Sure-Spin Helmet. Talk about covering your bases!
(Deet’s Guide Service: 503-842-1440.)
Fishing Report - June 18th, 2021
Spring Chinook are still being caught in the Willamette, especially down near Fred’s Marina and the head of the Multnomah Channel. These fish really seem to react to tide changes, so being able to focus your efforts near those time frames can really pay off. It has become predominantly a 360 flasher show with fishermen using small 3.5 size spinners or Brad’s Super Baits or cut plugs behind their flasher.
Anglers fishing below Bonneville have been finding success chasing spring and summer Chinook. This fishery is dominated by anchor fishermen who are fishing either plugs or spinners. Mag Lips, Kwikfish or Killerfish are all great plug choices, and spinners ranging in sizes from 3-6 get used as well. Finding a good traveling lane and spending some time on anchor is a fun way to spend a day and has been productive for quite a few anglers.
Sturgeon retention has closed in Astoria, however, the catch and release fishery is world class this time of year. Fishing shallow water with light lead and catching fresh-off-the-tide Sturgeon is a fishery everyone can appreciate. These high flying, line burning fish like to eat anchovies, sand shrimp, herring and squid.
The Willamette River has another Sturgeon retention day on Saturday June 19th, giving anglers another shot at finding a keeper Sturgeon to take home. Again, anchovies, squid, sand shrimp and herring have all been good bait choices.
Shad fishing has been great for anglers, especially up near Bonneville Dam. These aggressive and plentiful fish are a blast to fish for. Many anglers keep them for crab bait, sturgeon bait and even for canning. Small spoons, jig heads, curly tail grubs and even flies all work well.
Bottom fishing has been very good along the Oregon Coast. Anglers are finding success out of virtually every port, and some very nice size Lingcod in the mix. Shrimp flies, swim baits, curly tail grubs and vertical jigs have all been responsible for recent boat limits.
Trout fishing has been great around the region and folks have been taking advantage of the many opportunities that ODFW has given anglers with all of the Trout planting they do. Estacada Lake, Trillium Lake and Green Peter Reservoir are just a few of the lakes that were stocked this past week. Small spinners, plugs, bubble and fly are all great choices when looking for a more interactive technique.
Kokanee fishing has been good and the higher altitude lakes are starting to get better everyday. As we get warmer temps and the lakes start to warm up, look for Kokanee to get deeper in the water column. This is where downriggers become very helpful. Dodgers with wedding rings, Wiggle Hoochies, small Spin-N-Glos and small, bright-colored hoochies are all good bait choices.
Bass fishing in the Willamette and Columbia Rivers has been another solid option for folks. Smallmouth Bass are prevalent and are at times very easy to catch. Soft plastics, lipless crankbaits, swim baits and spinner baits are all good options when picking out lures to try.
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.
