Fishing report 5-2

Fishing report 5-2

Spring Chinook – Willamette River 

Spring Chinook fishermen have been having a heyday on the Willamette. From the bottom of the Multnomah Channel all the way up to Oregon City, the fishing has been great. Pro Josiah Darr continues his Multnomah Channel success streak by trolling triangle flashers and cutplug herring, while Pro Terry Mulkey has been tearing it up in Oregon City backtrolling divers and eggs. These fish are spread throughout the system, and whichever direction you go, you’ve got a great shot at putting some of the best-tasting fish in the world in your fish box. 

Top Techniques: 

  • Trolling triangle flashers with cutplug herring 

  • Backtrolling divers and eggs 

 

Columbia Gorge – Wind River Bubble & Drano Lake 

The Wind River bubble and Drano Lake are kicking out fish for those making the trek up the Gorge. These are unique fisheries, as the fish have made their way up the Columbia without seeing so much as one Kwikfish or cutplug herring — so they’re typically great biters. You’ll see folks trolling magnum Wiggle Warts, flashers and herring, prawn spinners, Spin-N-Glo, Brad’s Superbaits, Spindawgs, and more. When we say you can use any technique, we mean it. Folks troll with a lead dropper, flat-line plugs, anchor and fish bobbers and eggs, or even cast spinners — and all of it can be effective in these truly unique salmon fisheries. 

Top Techniques: 

  • Trolling Wiggle Warts, Spin-N-Glo, Superbaits, and prawn spinners 

  • Flat-lining plugs 

  • Bobber and eggs 

  • Casting spinners 

  • Trolling with lead droppers 

 

Sturgeon (Catch & Release) – Willamette River 

Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing on the Willamette continues to quietly be one of the best underused fisheries in the Northwest. Where else can you drop anchor in relatively slow current, toss out one of the many bait options that sturgeon devour, and hook up over and over again with these prehistoric creatures? Sure, you can’t keep them right now, but after a day reeling in 6-foot fish one after another, the memories will last much longer than any fillet would. 

Top Techniques: 

  • Anchoring and bait fishing with smelt, squid, shad, or nightcrawlers 

 

Walleye – Columbia River Gorge 

Walleye fishing in the Columbia River Gorge continues to impress. Pro Steve Leonard has been putting in serious time chasing these yellow-eyed beauties. Trolling bottom walkers with worm harness rigs has been his go-to — and based on the photos he’s been sending, the fishing has been very good. 

Top Techniques: 

  • Trolling bottom walkers with worm harnesses 

 

Razor Clams – Washington Coast 

Razor clamming along the coast has been killer! And with the season winding down, the next few digs may be your last opportunity to score some fresh razor clams. Currently, multiple Washington beaches are open through May 3rd. 

Top Techniques: 

  • Clam guns or shovels on low tides — watch for shows! 

 

Bottom Fishing – Oregon Coast 

Bottom fishing along the Oregon Coast has been solid, and Pro Ted Teufel has been capitalizing on the opportunity. Curly tail grubs, shrimp flies, and P-Line Laser Minnows have all been producing fish for him and his crew. 

Top Techniques: 

  • Jigging with curly tail grubs 

  • Fishing shrimp flies or Laser Minnows 

 

Kokanee – Lake Merwin 

Kokanee fishing at Lake Merwin has quietly remained really good. Trolling high in the water column is still working, and as the water warms up, the fish will start to drop deeper. Trolling will continue to be effective for now, and once the fish go deep, vertical jigging will become very productive. 

Top Techniques: 

  • Trolling high in the water column 

  • Vertical jigging (as temps increase) 

 

Trout – Stocked Lakes & Ponds 

ODFW has stocked legal-size trout in over 40 bodies of water in just the past 7 days! This time of year is definitely trout season. Water temps are still cool, and lake vegetation hasn’t taken over the shoreline yet. Bobber fishing with nightcrawlers, PowerBait, salmon eggs, or salad shrimp will all get it done. Boat anglers are seeing great success trolling wedding rings tipped with worms or flat-lining small MagLips — the takedowns can be vicious and plentiful! 

Top Techniques: 

  • Bobber fishing with worms, PowerBait, salmon eggs, or shrimp 

  • Trolling wedding rings with worm 

  • Flat-lining small MagLips