Fishing Report 12-23

Winter Steelhead

The name of the game lately has been wait and see. Rivers have shot up, dropped, barely become fishable, and now many are heading right back toward flood stage. Winter Steelhead is fully taking center stage, and once conditions finally stabilize, the fish will be there.

Fisherman’s Pro Staffer Brian Campbell has already kicked off his Winter Steelhead season. During a short break in river conditions last weekend, he found success bobberdogging eggs through any soft seam he could locate. With very few anglers getting a true shot at good conditions yet, expect some pressure once rivers settle into shape.

Drift boat anglers will primarily be bobberdogging, which allows you to efficiently cover a ton of water. In higher flows, backtrolling remains extremely effective. Bank anglers still have plenty of options, especially as you move upriver and water sizes shrink. Casting spoons through wide sweeping tailouts or carefully floating a single bead through a promising riffle can pay off big. Don’t overlook drift fishing eggs, sand shrimp, or yarn balls either. Corkie and yarn combinations with scent continue to be reliable producers, especially when you adjust weight and color based on depth and water clarity.

As rivers begin to drop, smaller systems like Big Creek are worth keeping an eye on.

Techniques & Baits: Bobberdogging eggs, yarnies, pink worms, beads, backtrolling Kwikfish, Wiggle Warts, Hot Shots, Tadpollys, casting spoons, drift fishing eggs, sand shrimp, corkie and yarn with scent

Bottom Fishing (Lingcod & Rockfish)

Before the recent stretch of heavy rain, bottom fishing had been very productive, with solid numbers of Lingcod and rockfish being caught. Winter bottom fishing can still be excellent, but it is far more weather dependent this time of year. Ocean conditions, wind, and swell forecasts can be tricky, and flexibility is key.

When a weather window opens, anglers who take advantage of it are often rewarded with quick limits and fresh fish for the table. Presentation and staying vertical remain important when conditions allow.

Techniques & Baits: Shrimp flies, vertical jigs, Farallon feathers, large swimbaits

Crabbing

December and January are often prime months for crabbing, but rainfall plays a huge role in success. Heavy rain pushes freshwater into the bays, which slows crab activity. The good news is that once the rain eases, bays often clear within a day or two and crabs move right back in.

Timing your soak around weather breaks can make all the difference.

Techniques & Baits: Standard baited crab pots, checking after rain breaks

Razor Clams

The most recent set of Razor Clam digs at Long Beach has closed, but another opener begins December 18 and runs through December 23. Weather could make things a little sporty, but the clams will be there and digging opportunities remain solid for those willing to brave the conditions.

Techniques & Gear: Clam guns, shovels, timing low tides