Fishing Report 11-11-2021
Jared and Trevor recently took advantage of a “weather window” to find this Oregon Coast River in fishable shape, then tempted these fine Chinook into biting. With the current heavy rain anglers can expect Northwest rivers to be unfishable for at least a few days, but as they fall back into shape, anglers will get another shot at some fresh Salmon. Good luck!
Fishing Report - November 12th, 2021
Fall Chinook fishing in the Tillamook area has been pretty good when the water has cooperated. These fish are fresh out of the salt and on a one-way mission up the river. Typically, Coastal Fall Chinook will wait until we get a good amount of rain and the rivers jump up before they decide to head upstream. So, at times the window of prime activity is only a few days, but those days can be stellar! Thankfully, we have been having quite a bit of rain which has kept rivers up and high, meaning ample opportunity for Chinook anglers. This past week anglers found success on many of the coastal river including the Wilson, Trask, Nestucca, Siletz and Alsea. However, we are in for an atmospheric river in the next few days which means torrential downpours and raging rivers. Things look to be blown out for several days all across the North Coast, meaning rivers will likely be unfishable, however, that just means you will have extra days to be prepared for your next trip. The days that rivers are blown out give you the opportunity to spool up reels, tie up leaders, clean plugs and wash egg covered rain gear.
Tributary Coho fishing remains a good option for anglers and B-Run Coho are present in many Southwest Washington rivers as well as Coastal Washington rivers. These hard-fighting, big shouldered Coho are good biters and make for excellent table fare. Again, we are expecting torrential rains this week so rivers will more than likely be blown out. But be ready when they come back into shape. B-Run Coho are notorious for flooding into rivers when we get huge bumps in river levels like this. Twitching, eggs, casting plugs, spinners and spoons are all great ways to target these fish.
Winter Trout fishing is a good option for anglers that just can’t wait on get on the water or only have a few hours to kill and want in on the action. Lakes are still getting sporadically stocked including Henry Hagg Lake which is about to receive another shot of 4,000 Trout this coming week. Casting spinners, Kastmasters, Thomas Buoyant spoons and trolling plugs are all great ways to actively target Trout that are looking for an easy meal.
Crabbing has been great in both Tillamook and Nehalem bays, however, all of this nasty weather will make the crabbing a bit treacherous. Make sure to check the weather before heading out.
Razor clamming has been absolutely stellar at Long Beach for this last round of open days. We had reports of folks getting limits in as quick as 15 minutes once hitting the beach. Look for the next set of retention days to be announced by WDFW coming soon. In Oregon, the beaches from Seaside north to Astoria are all open for razor clamming and although you may not find 15 minute limits, you most definitely have the ability to find limits during the lowest tides of the month.
General firearm season Elk hunting is starting this weekend and with all of this nasty weather it could bode well for Elk hunters. This weather has a tendency to get animals up and moving around more during the day, which may give hunters an edge this season.
Foraging for mushrooms has been a time tested outdoor activity that is a lot of fun and is also very productive. Chanterelle mushrooms in particular have been popping up everywhere and reports are that now is the time to find them. So even if you don’t have an elk tag, you can still spend some time in the woods scouring the ground for delicious Chanterelle mushrooms.
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.
