Fishing Report 1/23

Steelhead (Rivers)

Rivers have finally dropped after a long stretch without rain, and conditions are shaping up differently depending on where you’re fishing. Larger systems are still fishing well, holding that ideal green water, while many smaller rivers have dropped into low and clear conditions. Adjusting your approach based on river size and clarity has been key.

On bigger, greener rivers, float fishing continues to be very productive. Jigs, pink worms, and egg presentations are all getting bites, and hardware anglers are still finding success with brighter spinner and spoon colors like gold and silver. Bobberdogging remains a strong option, especially with yarn and eggs, beads, or pink worms.

On low and clear rivers, stealth and downsizing matter. Softer, muted jig colors such as peach, red, black, or nightmare patterns have been producing, while hardware anglers are doing better with copper and black finishes. Smaller beads, lighter baits, and downsized jigs are often the difference in clear or cold water. Fluorocarbon leaders can be critical in these conditions and often make or break the day.

Techniques & Gear:
Bobber & jig • Pink worms • Beads • Yarn & eggs • Bobberdogging • Spinners & spoons (gold, silver, copper, black) • Smaller baits & jigs • Fluorocarbon leaders

Bottom Fishing (Ocean)

Coastal bottom fishing has been excellent. Calm seas and great weather made for ideal conditions, and many anglers returned to the dock with full totes. Lingcod action was strong, with large curly tail grubs doing much of the damage. Rockfish catches were rounded out with vertical jigs and shrimp fly setups, which accounted for the majority of the rest of the catch.

Techniques & Gear:
Curly tail grubs • Vertical jigs • Shrimp flies

Sturgeon (Willamette River – Catch & Release)

Catch and release sturgeon fishing on the Willamette continues to be a solid winter option for anglers looking to stay on the water. This low-stress fishery is accessible for anglers of all skill levels and makes for a comfortable day when paired with a heater. Squid, herring, sand shrimp, and smelt have all been effective baits for these fish.

Techniques & Gear:
Squid • Herring • Sand shrimp • Smelt

Razor Clams

Razor clamming at Ling Beach and along sections of the Oregon coast has been very good during recent openings. There are still several tentative dates on the calendar for Washington beaches, so keep an eye out for official approvals as they’re announced.

Techniques & Gear:
Razor clam shovels • Clam tubes • Mesh bags

Crabbing (Tillamook & Nehalem Bays)

Crabbing has been decent in Tillamook and Nehalem Bays. Crabs are plentiful, with some anglers finding easy limits, while others are sorting through more females to get their keepers. With the recent stretch of nice coastal weather, it’s been a great time to spend a day on the bay and bring home some fresh crab.

Techniques & Gear:
Crab pots • Rings • Bait jars

Trout (Stocking Updates)

ODFW has begun its annual trout stocking, with coastal lakes scheduled to receive fish first. Carter Lake, Alder Lake, and Munsel Lake are expected to be stocked during the first week of February. Freshly planted trout are aggressive biters and respond well to a variety of presentations. PowerBait, nightcrawlers, and salmon eggs fished off the bottom have all been effective. Casting spinners and Kastmasters continues to produce, while boat anglers are finding success trolling small Mag Lips, Flatfish, or wedding rings tipped with nightcrawlers or Berkley Gulp maggots.

Techniques & Gear:
PowerBait • Nightcrawlers • Salmon eggs • Spinners • Kastmasters • Trolling Mag Lips • Flatfish • Wedding rings