Fishing Report – 5/1

Spring Chinook

Spring Chinook is the name of the game right now, and for good reason. The Willamette has fish spread throughout the entire system. Pro Staff down in the Multnomah Channel have been finding success trolling 360 flashers with spinners, prawn spinners, and other hard spinning baits.

Up near Oregon City, Pro Staff like David Johnson have been getting it done backtrolling divers with eggs, sand shrimp, prawns, small plugs, and prawn spinners. Tim Juarez has also been putting in time in the Oregon City stretch, running 360 flashers paired with spinners and prawn spinners to consistently hook fish for clients. No matter which route you take right now, multiple techniques are producing.

Up in Drano Lake and at the mouth of the Wind River, the bite continues to heat up. These fisheries are unique in that you’ll see fish caught daily on just about everything. Trolling flashers, plugs, herring, prawns, anchovies, and hard baits are all effective. You’ll also see anglers anchored up bobber fishing bait, as well as bank anglers casting spinners or magnum Wiggle Warts. Expect tight quarters, but also expect action—these spots are known for those days where it feels like fish are getting caught everywhere you look.

Techniques & Gear: 360 flashers, prawn spinners, hard spinners, backtrolling divers with eggs/sand shrimp/prawns, small plugs, herring, anchovies, bobber fishing bait, casting spinners, magnum Wiggle Warts

Sturgeon

Sturgeon fishing in the Willamette continues to quietly be one of the better opportunities around. While it remains catch-and-release, it more than makes up for it with the sheer power of these fish and the kind of battles they put up.

A wide range of baits are producing right now, and having a mix on hand can really help dial things in depending on the day.

Techniques & Gear: Squid, herring, anchovies, sand shrimp, smelt, shad

Shad (Upcoming)

It’s almost that time. Shad season is right around the corner and is one of the most anticipated fisheries of the year. These aggressive, hard-fighting fish typically start showing up in the Willamette by the second or third week of May, with the Columbia River really getting going by early June.

Whether you’re targeting them for fun, food, or bait, there’s usually no shortage once they arrive.

Techniques & Gear: Shad darts, small spoons, flashy rigs, light tackle setups

Bottomfishing

Bottom fishing remains an excellent option for anyone looking to get out on the ocean. Spring can offer some of the best fishing of the year, and reports have been strong.

Pro Staff like Ted Teufel have been finding quick limits, with some days producing fast action once on the grounds.

Techniques & Gear: Shrimp flies, Farallon feathers, vertical jigs

Smallmouth Bass

With warmer weather on the way, anglers are starting to shift focus toward the outstanding smallmouth bass fisheries in the Willamette and Columbia. As water temps rise, bass will begin moving out of deeper water and becoming more active.

Look for the bite to really start building heading into mid-May.

Techniques & Gear: Soft plastics, crankbaits, jigs, spinnerbaits

Trout

Trout fishing is picking up across the board. From coastal lakes to valley fisheries and even early mountain lake access, there are plenty of opportunities right now.

Henry Hagg Lake recently received a strong plant, including thousands of legal fish and a solid number of trophy trout, making it a great local option.

Trolling continues to be one of the most effective methods, especially when covering water and targeting active fish.

Techniques & Gear: Trolling Mag Lips, FlatFish, wedding rings tipped with nightcrawlers