Fishing Report – 4/8

Winter Steelhead

Winter Steelhead fishing is still hanging on, but it is definitely winding down. There are still some solid reports coming from the coast, with fish being caught consistently. Pro Staff member James Skaar got out last week and found success, landing several chrome fish and even contributing one to the local broodstock program. This time of year, a wide range of techniques will produce. Whether you're fishing spinners, spoons, plugs, or bait, it all has a chance to get bit. Bobberdogging bait, yarn, or beads continues to be one of the most effective ways to cover water and find active fish. When backtrolling plugs, don’t be surprised if you run into a Spring Chinook or even an early Summer Steelhead. Depending on the system, hooking into all three in a single day is absolutely possible.

Techniques & Gear: Bobberdogging bait, beads, yarn; backtrolling plugs; casting spinners and spoons; side drifting bait

Spring Chinook

Spring Chinook fishing is improving by the day. The Columbia River recently dirtied up, which has slowed the bite, but conditions should bounce back as things settle. Keep an eye out for potential updates from fisheries managers regarding season extensions. Meanwhile, the Willamette has really started to turn on. Pro Staff member Ted Teufel reported multiple hookups early in the morning, which is a great sign of things to come. Trolling herring has been leading the way, with prawn spinners close behind. As water temperatures continue to rise, the Oregon City stretch will begin to shine. This fishery can be extremely productive when the timing lines up. Backtrolling jumbo divers with sand shrimp, eggs, or small plugs remains the go-to approach, especially with fish stacking below the falls waiting for warmer water.

Techniques & Gear: Trolling herring; prawn spinners; backtrolling jumbo divers; sand shrimp, eggs, and small plugs

Sturgeon

Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing on the Willamette has been very productive. Anglers are finding success using a variety of baits, including herring, anchovies, smelt, squid, and sand shrimp. A common approach right now is to troll for Chinook in the morning, then switch over and use leftover bait for sturgeon in the afternoon. If you can locate one of the deeper holes in the lower Willamette, action can be fast-paced, with anglers sometimes hooking into 20 or more fish in a single outing.

Techniques & Gear: Herring, anchovies, smelt, squid, sand shrimp; fishing deep holes; anchoring and soaking bait

Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing has been excellent lately. Pro Staff member Andy Martin has been consistently finding success on lingcod, reporting wide-open bites on many trips. With saltwater seasons ramping up, we’ll soon start seeing more regular reports from both the north and south coast as more anglers get offshore.

Techniques & Gear: Jigging for lingcod; bait fishing with large plastics and swimbaits; fishing rocky structure

Surf Perch

Surf perch fishing has been solid, and improving weather is making it much more enjoyable to spend time in the surf. Anglers are finding success using natural baits like sand shrimp and clam necks, as well as artificial options like Berkley Gulp Sandworms.

Techniques & Gear: Sand shrimp; clam necks; Berkley Gulp Sandworms; fishing troughs and seams in the surf

Trout

Spring trout fishing is in full swing. ODFW continues to stock lakes heavily, including both legal and trophy-sized fish. Henry Hagg Lake and Harriet Lake both received trophy trout this past week, with Hagg getting a significant number of large fish. This is a great time to target bigger trout using both casting and trolling methods. Spinners and Kastmasters are great for covering water, while trolling small plugs like Mag Lips and FlatFish can be very effective for targeting larger fish.

Techniques & Gear: Casting spinners and Kastmasters; trolling Mag Lips and FlatFish; targeting recently stocked lakes