Fishing report 2-28
Fishing & Outdoor Report
Winter Steelhead
Winter Steelhead fishermen have been patiently waiting for rivers to drop, and as they do, the fish are beginning to show. Pro guide Pat Abel recently took a boat full of clients out and found success.
When rivers are clearing up, bright-colored baits with larger profiles tend to work best—giving fish a chance to see and react. Spin-n-Glos, corkies, rags, and pink worms are all great choices. Back-trolling a small K11 Kwikfish or MagLip is another solid option for murky water. Be sure to bring multiple scent options and at least one or two bait choices—off-color water means scent will play a crucial role in success.
Spring Chinook
Spring Chinook are starting to show up, though few are talking about it. March 1st typically marks the unofficial start of “springer season,” meaning a real chance at landing a coveted Spring Chinook.
Dedicated springer anglers know that February is a grind, often requiring hours on the water for just a shot at success. But March is different. Trolling a green-label herring behind a triangle flasher is a proven method, while anchor fishermen deploy their prized “swimmer” Kwikfish and MagLips wrapped with herring, sardine, or tuna. A perfectly tuned K14 Kwikfish is hard for a Columbia River springer to pass up!
Catch & Release Sturgeon
While many anglers are focused on hatchery Spring Chinook, catch-and-release Sturgeon fishing is heating up. As the water warms, this fishery can be fast and furious, with some anglers experiencing over 20 hookups a day!
Springtime Sturgeon respond well to baits like squid, herring, smelt, anchovies, and sand shrimp—so be sure to have a variety on hand.
Bottom Fishing
Recent wet and wild weather may have slowed Steelhead fishing for some, but ocean anglers knew exactly what to do—gear up with vertical jigs, shrimp flies, or swimbaits and fill the cooler with bottom fish.
Bottom fishing is not only productive but exciting, as you never know what you might pull up from the depths. Pro guide Andy Martin has been switching between Steelhead and bottom fishing to maximize his clients’ chances of success.
Razor Clamming
Razor Clamming reopened on February 24th and runs through March 1st on many Washington beaches. With more tentative digs on the calendar, stay tuned for updates from Fisherman’s Marine or WDFW for official dates.
Kokanee at Lake Merwin
Kokanee fishing at Lake Merwin remains strong. Though this fishery doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, the Kokanee have been plentiful—and surprisingly big for this time of year.
Trolling high in the water column has been effective, giving all anglers a chance at limits, even without downriggers. Shoepeg corn tipped on a small Spin-n-Glo, Kokanee Cutplug, Hootail, Baby Simon, or a bright-colored hoochie has been producing well. Bringing a variety of scents will only increase your chances of success.
Trout Season is Near
Trout anglers can feel it—spring is just around the corner! As temperatures rise, so do water temps, and hungry trout will be looking to replenish their energy after a long winter.
With ODFW and WDFW ramping up their stocking programs, now is the time to get ready. Fishing bait under a bobber or off the bottom is a classic technique, while casting spinners or Kastmasters provides an interactive way to fish. Trolling small Flatfish, Mag Lips, Hootails, Kokanee Cutplugs, or Wedding Rings is another great option for boat anglers.
And right on cue—ODFW just stocked 12,000 legal trout at Henry Hagg Lake (not a typo!). Many other lakes and reservoirs have also been loaded up with 3,000–5,000 trout. Check the ODFW Trout Stocking website to see when your favorite lake is getting stocked.
Spring Hunting & Shed Season
March is a big month for hunters, as they begin prepping for Spring Turkey and Bear hunting—finalizing packing lists, sighting in rifles, and checking off the essentials.
It also marks the start of shed hunting season! Many hunters look for ways to “extend their season,” and shed hunting fills that niche. Blacktail deer have already started dropping their sheds, and the biggest elk on the mountain will be shedding their antlers throughout March.