Fishing Report 4/3/26
Winter Steelhead
Winter Steelhead fishing has remained good, and with the recent shot of rain, river levels have come up and fresh fish are still pushing in. Many river systems now utilize broodstock programs, so chrome-bright hatchery fish will continue entering rivers through the second or even third week of April. Backtrolling plugs continues to be a go-to method and gives anglers a solid chance at encountering an early Spring Chinook as well. Side drifting or bobberdogging remains one of the most effective ways to cover water efficiently. As water temperatures begin to rise, fishing hardware becomes increasingly productive, with spoons and spinners triggering aggressive strikes, especially if early Summer Steelhead are present.
Techniques & Gear: Backtrolling plugs (Mag Lips, Kwikfish, Wiggle Warts, Hot Shots), bobberdogging beads/yarn/bait, side drifting, casting spoons and spinners
Spring Chinook
Spring Chinook are here in good numbers and are being caught throughout the lower Columbia and Willamette systems. Trolling herring or prawn spinners paired with flashers has been one of the most productive approaches, while anglers fishing on anchor are finding success running Kwikfish. The lower Willamette and Multnomah Channel have been standout areas recently. Pro Staff member Eric Baird has been consistently putting fish in the boat trolling herring and prawn spinners. Conditions can change day to day, so itâs important to bring a variety of baits and scents to dial in what the fish want.
Techniques & Gear: Trolling herring, prawn spinners with flashers, anchoring with Kwikfish, scent rotation
Sturgeon
Catch-and-release Sturgeon fishing on the lower Willamette has been excellent. Fish are actively feeding, and as water temperatures increase, they tend to school up, leading to fast-paced action when you find them.
Techniques & Gear:Â Bait fishing with squid, herring, smelt, sand shrimp
Bottomfishing
Bottomfishing has been strong and should remain consistent in the coming weeks. Anglers are targeting a variety of species, with Lingcod being a primary focus. Pro Staff member Andy Martin has been finding consistent success, with many anglers limiting out and reporting steady action when weather allows boats to get offshore.
Techniques & Gear: Farallon Feathers, vertical jigs, shrimp flies, twin-tail scampis
Surf Perch
Surf Perch fishing can be excellent this time of year. With favorable low tides lining up with razor clamming, anglers are seeing strong action, especially during the incoming tide when perch push in tight and feed aggressively in the wash.
Techniques & Gear:Â Clam necks, Berkley Gulp sand worms, sand shrimp
Trout
Trout fishing is starting to ramp up alongside increased stocking efforts from ODFW. Lakes across the coast range and Cascade regions are being regularly stocked, giving anglers plenty of opportunities to get out and find success. Recent plants include over 2,000 trout in Rock Creek Reservoir, Junction City Pond, Foster Reservoir, and Bill Creek Reservoir, along with many additional waters.
Techniques & Gear: PowerBait, spinners, spoons, bait under a bobber
Razor Clamming
Razor clamming has been excellent along Washington beaches, with openings running through Tuesday, April 7th. Digging conditions have been favorable, and limits have been common for those getting out on the right tides. If you canât make this set, there are plenty of additional tentative dates coming up.
Techniques & Gear: Clam guns, shovels, headlamps for low light digs