Fishing Report 10-22-2021
It’s raining and rivers are on the rise, signaling the start of drift boat season on coastal streams as anglers anticipate having a shot at a chrome Chinook like the one Pro Staffer Eric Baird is holding here, caught on 10-21-19.
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Fishing Report - October 22nd, 2021
Coho fishing is still happening down in Astoria reports long-time Fisherman’s Pro, Chris Vertopoulos. Chris reported that the fishing does seem to be slowing down some but he was still averaging near 10 hook-ups a day last week. Trolling 360 flashers or triangle flashers have been proving well. Bait and spinners are both working with fresh anchovies and spinners being the most popular options. Keeping your gear suspended in the water column and making sure you are there for the incoming tide will get you pointed in the right direction for success.
Tillamook and Nehalem are both kicking out Fall Chinook and this weeks rain should really get them moving into the rivers. Once these fish move into the river, that is when the drift boats come out and the associated techniques get put into play. You will see anglers back trolling Kwikfish, backtrolling diver and bait, backbouncing bait, bobber fishing bait and even twitching jigs. All of these techniques are deadly under the right conditions, so having multiple options on board is a good idea.
Tributary Coho are still being caught and in some Washington rivers, right now is when the bigger, more aggressive B Run fish start showing up. These are a special run of fish that will keep trickling in throughout November and into December; sometimes into January! Twitching jigs, casting plugs and throwing spinners or spoons are all great choices for when you are searching for fish. Once you find them, you can start targeting them with eggs, coon shrimp, beads and even spoons. Again, these fish can be very picky at times, so make sure you have multiple techniques with you. Be sure to check the regulations/open season for the water you intent to fish.
Razor clamming is another great option this time of year. WDFW currently has several beaches open this week for evening low tide digs. Tuesday through Monday the 25th, Long Beach will be the place to dig up some fresh Razor Clams.
Bay Crabbing has been stellar for many folks lately and should continue to be good for the next few months. Weather can definitely play a factor, and timing your trip to dry periods with less run-off is typically preferable.
Bottom fishing continues to be a great option that few anglers take advantage of this time of year. Yes, the ocean and weather can be harder to forecast but the fishing can be incredible. Fall is one of Andy Martin’s favorite times of the year to target Lingcod and bottomfish. Limits are common and the pressure is typically light.
Even though the weather is starting to turn wet and getting colder, the Trout don’t mind and ODFW is still stocking many local lakes. This week a couple of well known lakes that got stocked were Henry Hagg Lake and St. Louis Ponds. Hagg Lake got over 5,000 Trout, with 1,100 of them being trophy Trout! These freshly stocked Trout are super fun to target, and, with inclement weather, the crowds are sure to be light. Trolling is a fun way to catch them, especially if you have a covered boat and heater. Small Mag Lips, Flatfish and wedding rings tipped with a nightcrawler are all deadly choices when trolling for these Trout. Fishing bait off of the bottom or under a bobber always is a good choice. Casting Kastmasters and Thomas Buoyant spoons is another good technique to try and coax some of the larger Trout into making a decision to bite.
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.
