Fishing report 5/30
Spring Chinook
Fishing has been solid across the region. Anglers are finding success trolling 360 flashers and small spinners in the Multnomah Channel, and others are anchoring with Kwikfish in the Columbia River. Pro Josiah Darr has been putting on a clinic lately—frequently limiting the boat by mid-morning. His go-to setup has been KF14 Brad’s Killerfish wrapped with tuna or sardines, occasionally mixing in Spin-N-Glo rigs for variety—and they’re working.
Don’t overlook the Tillamook Bay Spring Chinook fishery either. Pro Staffer Russ Morrow has been consistently on fish, reporting a boat limit and even a double hookup just days ago. This bite should remain strong for several more weeks—now’s the time to get after some of the hardest-fighting Springers in the region.
Top techniques:
Kwikfish (KF14) wrapped with tuna/sardines, Spin-N-Glo, 360 flashers with small spinners
Sturgeon (Catch & Release)
The Willamette and Columbia Rivers are producing fantastic catch-and-release Sturgeon action. While these fish can’t be retained, anglers are getting worked by prehistoric giants on nearly every trip. The Astoria estuary season is right around the corner, and seasoned pro Chris Vertopoulos is already dialed in after 20+ years on that fishery.
Top baits:
Squid, herring, anchovies, sand shrimp
Shad
Shad are in thick around Oregon City and throughout the lower Columbia River. Expect Bonneville Dam counts to spike any day. These fish are a great option for fast-paced action, especially for beginners and kids.
Top techniques:
Small bright jig heads, Dick Nites, Baby Simons, bright curly tail grubs
Walleye
The Columbia River Gorge is lighting up with excellent Walleye fishing right now. Pro Phil Mattson is getting into them in big numbers—singles, doubles, big and small. The hot setup has been bottom walkers paired with worm harness rigs.
Top technique:
Trolling bottom walkers with worm harnesses
Trout
Stocked lakes are delivering steady action across Oregon. Harriet Lake, Clear Lake, and Timothy Lake were all recently stocked with over 2,000 legal-sized trout each. Bank and boat anglers are both finding success.
Top baits:
PowerBait, PowerEggs, Gulp, nightcrawlers
Top trolling setups:
Wedding rings tipped with nightcrawler, wiggle hoochies, small MagLips