Fishing Report 12-2

Chinook

Times are changing, and a lot of anglers are starting to slide from Chinook into early Steelhead mode. Even so, there are still plenty of Chinook around, and several coastal rivers will see fresh chrome fish pushing in over the next two weeks. These late-season Chinook respond well to natural scents and slower presentations. Focus on the heads of deeper holes, or—when water drops—the darkest parts of the run where fish stack and catch a break.

Techniques: eggs, shrimp, backbouncing bait, bobber-and-bait in deep slots

Coho

Coho are still part of the picture and will stay that way for a bit longer. They’ll settle into deep, slow pools as the season winds down, but you can still find them in walking-speed water as they stage and transition. A wide mix of hardware and bait will move fish. Don’t be surprised if an early Winter Steelhead shows up in the same water; they’ve already been caught across several systems.

Techniques: twitching jigs, spinners, spoons, eggs, plugs

Winter Steelhead

It’s officially that time. Our Pro Staff are already reporting Winter Steelhead from the coast and the Willamette Valley. Both the Sandy and Clackamas systems have fish in them, and things will improve steadily as December rolls on. Early fish tend to be aggressive, which rewards anglers who cover water and don’t stay too long in one slot. Bobberdogging remains one of the most efficient ways to travel through a river this time of year, but hardware and jig setups are catching early fish as well.

After twenty minutes in a spot, assume the fish either aren’t home or aren’t interested and keep moving.

Techniques: bobberdogging with beads, eggs, yarn balls; spoons; spinners; bobber-and-jig; pink worms; beads

Sturgeon (Willamette)

Winter Sturgeon fishing has settled into a great groove on the Willamette. The slower winter current in the Portland Harbor creates perfect holding water, but pay attention to river conditions on heavy rain or snowmelt days before anchoring. When the river is stable, it’s a fun, steady fishery with lots of action.

Techniques: squid, herring, sand shrimp, smelt, anchovies

Razor Clams

Washington’s beaches opened December 2nd and will remain open through December 8th. The digging has started strong and should stay solid through the remainder of the opener.

Techniques: standard razor clam gear, low-tide morning tides

Crabbing

Crabbing is hot. Pro David Johnson has been finding easy limits in Tillamook Bay, while Pro Bill Monroe Jr. has been stacking full pots in Astoria. Many coastal areas are seeing similar results, especially on clean tides with good bait.

Techniques: fish carcasses, chicken, turkey legs; soak pots on clean tide windows

Duck Hunting

Duck hunting has been strong for many folks. Pro Ted Teufel has been finding good success on the coast, and recent rains have birds moving into timber and marsh edges with more consistency.

Techniques: mixed decoy spreads, calling lightly in timber, focusing on weather-driven flight patterns