Fishing Report 5-22-26

Spring Chinook

Spring Chinook continues to be the main attraction around the Pacific Northwest and anglers across the Columbia system and its tributaries are still finding success. Fish continue pushing through daily and there are plenty of opportunities available throughout the system. The Lower Columbia opener last weekend treated many anglers well, with higher water levels making anchor fishing one of the more productive methods. Pro Staff member Josiah Darr was putting clients on fish while anchoring and running Brad's Killerfish wrapped with tuna and paired with his own scent blend. Additional Lower Columbia fishing days from May 22nd through May 25th should provide solid opportunities for anglers looking to get in on the action.

Techniques: Anchor fishing, Brad's Killerfish wrapped with tuna, scent applications, trolling 360 flashers, spinners, prawns, anchovies, herring.

Drano Lake / Wind River

Drano Lake and the mouth of the Wind River continue producing good numbers of fish and have been among the more consistent fisheries recently. This has been a versatile fishery all season and anglers are finding success with nearly every technique imaginable. As more fish continue pushing into the system and begin staging, expect the bobber and egg bite to continue improving. Having multiple scent options available can make a huge difference and help determine what fish are keyed in on during a given day.

Techniques: Bobber and eggs, scent variations, plugs, trolling flashers, anchovies, prawns, hard spinning baits.

Sturgeon

Catch-and-release Sturgeon fishing on the Willamette remains productive and should continue for a few more weeks. After that, many anglers begin shifting focus toward Astoria where June and July often provide some of the best Sturgeon fishing of the year. Fresh fish moving in from the salt tend to be aggressive and extremely powerful, with many being found in relatively shallow water where they can become surprisingly acrobatic.

Techniques: Squid, herring, anchovies, sand shrimp.

Bottomfish

Bottomfishing remains one of the best options currently available whenever ocean conditions cooperate. Pro Staff member Ted Teufel continues reporting excellent fishing on days when bar conditions allow safe access. Anglers have been seeing consistent action and a variety of artificial presentations continue producing well.

Techniques: Vertical jigs, Farallon feathers, shrimp flies, curly tail grubs.

Trout

Trout fishing across the state continues to be excellent and ODFW has remained aggressive with stocking efforts. Local lakes and reservoirs have continued receiving significant plants, with some locations receiving especially large numbers of fish. Anglers should expect strong stocking activity through the remainder of the month and there are plenty of opportunities for both boat and bank anglers. Bringing multiple presentations remains important since trout can quickly change preferences throughout the day, especially on pressured waters.

Techniques: Wedding rings tipped with nightcrawlers, Mag Lips, PowerBait, nightcrawlers, single salmon eggs.