Paige Webber of Forest Grove with a hefty Chinook that she caught last year at Astoria fishing the famed “Buoy Ten” fishery with Fisherman’s Pro Guide, Chris Vertopoulos. Are you ready?
Fishing Report:
Buoy 10 is right around the corner and this world famous fishery should be nothing short of phenomenal, as usual. The ocean has been brimming with Coho and Chinook, giving anglers hope for a good push of fish in the lower Columbia River when it opens August 1st.This is a troll fishery, with divers or lead being the main means of getting your gear in front of fish. From there it’s either a triangle flasher or 360 flasher with a herring, anchovy, small spinner, large spinner or a spinning hard bait. Whatever you prefer, you are likely to find success as long as you can find the schools of fish that come in and out on every tide set.
The ocean has been producing bottom fish and Halibut. Fisherman’s Pro, Ted Teufel, continues to bring in limits of all sorts of bottom fish, with many large Lingcod and Halibut in the mix. Vertical jigs, shrimp flies, large curly tail grubs and swimbaits have all been bringing fish over the rail.
Surf Perch fishing along the Oregon and Washington Coasts is a fishery that can be utilized year-round but is typically a bit more enjoyable in the summer months. These tasty creatures dart in and out of the surf searching for a quick meal, so being on the move can help you find these constantly moving schools. Many anglers use the “take a cast, take a step” method, meaning you work your way along the beach until you locate some biters. Berkley Gulp Sand Worms, sand shrimp and clam necks are all baits that will consistently catch Surf Perch.
Summer Steelhead fishing is another fishery that will fall onto the back burner as more Salmon start showing up. However, many anglers know just how good the Steelhead fishing can be. Fisherman’s Pro, Brian Campbell, is one of those anglers that you will find fishing the upper Cowlitz probing the clear water for high-flying Summer Steelhead. Side drifting and bobber dogging eggs or Coon Stripe Shrimp are two of the most popular bait choices.
In the Columbia, the Walleye fishing has been pretty good and will stay good for quite awhile. Again, most folks will be switching gears towards Salmon, but the Walleye fishing should remain good. Trolling bottom walkers and worm harnesses has still been the best technique.
Kokanee fishing in Lake Merwin, Yale and Swift Reservoirs has been good. Lots of the fish are deep in the water column searching for colder water temps. Down-riggers are almost a must to reach the depths where the fish are located. Dodgers and a wide variety of lures will work. Wedding rings, small spinner blades, small Spin-N-Glos, bright-colored hoochies and Brad’s Kokanee Cutplugs have all been putting fish in the net. As always, tipping your offering with a kernel of Shoepeg corn is a must and bringing along several scent options will only increase your odds for success.
Trout fishing is a great summer fishery for the entire family! Many lakes are still being stocked, and it gives anglers a great opportunity to take the family camping for a weekend and a chance to reel in a few tasty Trout. Bank fishing is always an option, with still fishing bait being the most popular technique. Bring along several different Powerbait options as well as nightcrawlers or even some salad shrimp and you will be in business. Try to focus your efforts on deep water drop offs or shaded areas. Coldwater inlets are also great places to spend your time as Trout will often be drawn to cooler water during the warm summer months.
