Fishing report 1-9
Winter Steelhead fishing is going well all along the coast. This past week multiple Pro Staff guides found success in the Tillamook area, and Pro Guide, Andy Martin, had similar success on the South coast. Andy has been finding fish everyday by Side-drifting small clusters of Salmon Eggs and bright-colored Corkies. Anglers across the region have been doing well with Bobber-doggin bait, yarn and beads. Other techniques, like Back-trolling Plugs and Float-fishing with Pink Worms, have also yielded good catches. There was a lot of precipitation this week and rivers are reflecting that; many systems just crested and will begin to fall back into shape over the next few days. However, the possibility of even more rain and snow could mean another spike in river height--only time will tell. If this happens look at the smaller tributaries along the coast to drop into shape first. Find slow-moving water, or inside current seams, to locate fish looking for a reprieve from the high rivers and turbid waters.
The keeper Sturgeon fishery went off with a bang this year, but unfortunately, closed very quickly. With a high number of people participating and a small quota, sport fishermen got their limit quickly. On a positive note, this means the catch-and-release fishery is going well! Fisherman’s Pro, Steve Leonard, has been having a great time showing his customers the catch-and-release Sturgeon fishery above Bonneville. Fast and furious action has been the name of the game!
Though the nasty weather has made crossing the Bar a dicey endeavor, bottom-fishing along the coast has been good. Always check with the Coast Guard, as well as look at wind and wave predictions, before making the trip. Large Curly-Tail Grubs, Shrimp flys and Farallon Feathers have been working well recently.
Crabbing continues to be productive along the Coast. Fisherman’s Pro, David Johnson, has been spending quite a bit of time in Tillamook Bay recently, chasing delicious Dungeness Crab. If you make sure to dress for the weather, it can be quite a fun time for everyone on board!
WDFW opened several more days of Razor Clamming at Long Beach, with more tentative dates to come. The last set of digs went very great, and with large negative tides the clamming should be phenomenal!
Kokanee fishing at Lake Merwin and Yale has been worthwhile for the anglers making the drive. This time of year, the weather can be a factor in just getting to the lake, but once you get there the Kokanee are plentiful, and high in the water column. Trolling is the name of the game with Dodgers and small Spin-n-Glos, Spinner Blades, bright-colored Hoochies, and Brad’s Kokanee Cut Plugs being top-producing baits.
