Fishing report 5-23
Fishing report 5-23
Columbia River – Spring Chinook & Steelhead
The Columbia is reopening! That’s right—fisheries managers met earlier this week and have decided to keep the lower Columbia open from May 21 through June 12. We’ve been receiving solid reports of success, including from several of our Pro Staff. Guide Josiah Darr has been quietly tracking Spring Chinook and Summer Steelhead in the Columbia. Anchoring with Kwikfish and Killerfish has been producing, along with Spin-N-Fish stuffed with baitfish and coated in scent.
Techniques: Kwikfish, Killerfish, Spin-N-Fish with baitfish and scent
Willamette River – Spring Chinook
There are still plenty of Spring Chinook to be caught in the Willamette. As water temperatures rise, these fish often become less responsive to traditional bait presentations. Trolling remains effective, particularly with smaller profiles. Adjusting the depth of your presentation is key, as Chinook may be running at different levels depending on the day. Scent selection can also make a major difference in success.
Techniques: 360 flashers, small spinners, Spin-N-Fish, Superbaits, Kokanee Cutplugs
Shad – Willamette & Columbia
Shad are beginning to show up in both the Willamette and Columbia rivers, signaling that the main part of the run is not far behind. This fishery offers excellent action and is a perfect opportunity to introduce young or new anglers to fishing. A wide variety of small, bright lures can be successful.
Techniques: Bright-colored jig heads, Baby Simon wobblers, Dick Nite spoons, flicker spinners, curly tail grubs
Willamette River – Catch and Release Sturgeon
Catch-and-release Sturgeon fishing continues to provide fantastic action in the lower Willamette. While you can’t retain these fish, the experience of hooking into a powerful, prehistoric fish makes it well worth the effort.
Techniques: Squid, herring, sand shrimp, smelt
Astoria Estuary – Sturgeon Preview
The Astoria estuary Sturgeon season is right around the corner. This world-class fishery consistently produces double-digit hook-ups per trip, with fish often leaping out of the water when hooked. Sand shrimp and anchovies are the staples, but other baits can be just as effective.
Techniques: Sand shrimp, anchovies, herring, squid
Ocean – Bottom Fish
When the ocean bar conditions allow for safe passage, bottom fishing has been outstanding. Pro Andy Martin, fishing out of Brookings, reports a strong Lingcod bite along with a variety of rockfish. Vertical jigs and soft plastics have been especially productive.
Techniques: P-Line Laser Minnows (vertical jigging), shrimp flies, curly tail grubs
Columbia River Gorge – Walleye
Walleye fishing in the Columbia Gorge has been nothing short of fantastic. Pro Phil Mattson has been finding consistent success trolling the edges of the river using worm rigs behind bottom walkers.
Techniques: Bottom walkers with worm harness rigs
Stocked Lakes & Reservoirs – Trout
Trout fishing remains a dependable option for anglers looking to get out on the water. Stocking efforts continue across the region, including recent plants at Clear Lake, Faraday Lake, and Foster Reservoir. Detroit Lake alone received over 9,000 trout this week. Shore and boat anglers alike are seeing success.
Techniques: Berkley Gulp on bottom, trolling small Mag Lips, Flatfish, Hotshots, wedding rings tipped with nightcrawlers