Fishing Report 07-09-2021
Bill Matthews recently fished with Fisherman’s Pro Guide, Josh Putman, in his dory out of Pacific City and had a great time catching limits of Rockfish, some Ling Cod and a bunch of delicious Crab. Bottom fishing continues to be very good out of most ports when ocean conditions are favorable, and more Coho continue to arrive daily to North Coast waters. (Josh Putman Guide Service: 503-708-1141.)
Fishing Report 07-09-2021
Summer Chinook fishing came to a close this past week and anglers reported that the fishing was quite good. As soon as the Columbia opens back up on August 1st, we expect that the good fishing will continue.
Summer Steelhead are being caught locally and on the Columbia. These chrome-bright aerial acrobats are so much fun to catch and are great table fare as well. Spinners, spoons, plugs and bait are some of the most popular options when picking out terminal tackle. Focus on deeper riffles and pocket water. These areas offer good, oxygenated water and cover for these fish to feel a bit more comfortable.
Ocean Salmon fishing has been pretty good, however, the ocean conditions have been very unpredictable. Some days it’s absolutely beautiful and flat while other days the wind kicks up and the bar gets closed. When the fleet has been able to get out, trolling flashers and herring or anchovies has been one of the best options. Folks have also been using Brad’s Superbaits and Super cutplugs with good success. There has been a nice mix of Chinook and hatchery Coho, and with this year's large Coho forecast, Coho fishing continues to get better each day.
Catch and release Sturgeon fishing has been stellar in Astoria. And, even though you won’t be taking home a fish for the table, the action is typically non stop. It’s hard to beat a sunny day in Astoria with a bunch of 6’ fish to the boat. Squid, herring, anchovies and sand shrimp have all been great bait choices.
Bottom fishing has also been very good. Anglers are reporting great success out of nearly every port on the Oregon Coast. Shrimp flies, curly tail grubs and rock cod rigs have all been good baits. The ChaseBaits Ultimate Squid has been an awesome choice for those trying to focus on big Lingcod. Something about their action in deep water makes Lingcod go nuts!
Surf Perch fishing is always an option for coast-bound anglers, and when you add beautifully warm weather to the equation you have a winning combination. Berkley Gulp Sand Worms, sand shrimp and clam necks are all good bait choices right now. Focus your efforts on an incoming tide and constantly keep moving up and down the shoreline until you land on one of the big schools of Surf Perch that inhabit our coastline.
Trout fishing has been good for many anglers and lakes are starting to get a nice amount of fish in them, thanks to odfw’s planting schedule. This last week, Paulina Lake had 2,500 trout stocked in it and Detroit Reservoir had 4,200 trophy Trout stocked in it. That’s right, trophy size Trout! Fishing for Trout this time of year you are better off trying to focus your efforts on the early morning and late evening hours. This is when the lake is coolest and the Trout are the most active. Fishing bait in the deepest parts of the lake is usually a great option as is casting spinners and trolling small Mag Lips.
Kokanee fishing is another great option right now and especially if you have access to downriggers. These fish are steadily going deeper in the water column so make sure you stagger your depths to try and dial in the exact depth the schools are sitting at that day.
Walleye fishing is a fishery that is widely overlooked and underrated. These delicious fish are quite plentiful in the Columbia and those that have figured that out often have the river to themselves. Trolling bottom walkers with worm harness rigs is a very popular option and for good reason: It flat out works!
Although the run is tailing off, anglers are still catching Shad up near Bonneville Dam. Small, bright-colored jig heads and curly tail grubs are very popular choices as is small flicker spinners and small spoons.