Fishing report 6-13
Chinook Salmon
The Columbia River continues to produce strong Chinook action. Pro guide Josiah Darr has been absolutely hammering fish while sitting on anchor with Brad’s Killerfish. Meanwhile, Pro KC Talaro has been having success trolling deep with 360 flashers and small spinners, especially during slack tide windows.
Tillamook Bay is also showing consistent springer catches. Anglers trolling herring behind triangle flashers or using 360 flashers with small spinners are finding success. Pro James Skaar has been dialed in using the new Brad’s “Skinny Minis” while trolling.
Techniques & Baits:
Brad’s Killerfish (anchored), 360 flashers with small spinners (trolling), triangle flashers with herring, Brad’s Skinny Minis
Bottomfish & Halibut
Coastal bottom fishing is on fire! Pro Ted Teufel has been limiting out on massive Lingcod in under an hour most days and rounding it out with Rockfish and Halibut. Fast fishing and full coolers are the norm.
Vertical jigs and shrimp flies are the ticket for most bottomfish anglers right now.
Techniques & Baits:
Vertical jigs, shrimp flies, bait rigs for Halibut
Sturgeon (Catch & Release – Astoria)
The catch-and-release Sturgeon fishery in Astoria is starting to heat up. These prehistoric giants often range from 6–8 feet and can be seen tail-walking in the shallows. Sight fishing for them in skinny water is part of what makes this a world-class experience right in our backyard.
Best baits are sand shrimp, anchovies, herring, and smelt.
Techniques & Baits:
Shallow water anchoring, sight fishing, baits: sand shrimp, anchovies, herring, smelt
Shad
Both the Willamette and Columbia Rivers are producing great numbers of Shad. While the Willamette may begin to slow, the Columbia is still firing with fish stacking at Bonneville. Bank anglers and boaters on anchor are catching limits.
Go bright: jig heads, beads, Dick Nites, Baby Simon spoons, grubs—as long as it’s flashy and small, it’ll likely work.
Techniques & Baits:
Small bright-colored jig heads, beads, Dick Nites, Baby Simon spoons, bright grubs
Walleye
The Columbia Gorge Walleye bite is red hot! Pro Phil Mattson has been consistently boating quality fish by trolling bottom walkers paired with worm harness rigs. Bright Spin-N-Glo blades are making a difference.
Techniques & Baits:
Bottom walkers, worm harnesses, bright Spin-N-Glo blades
Kokanee
Kokanee fishing is holding strong at Lake Merwin, Swift, and Yale. Early mornings remain key before boat traffic picks up. Anglers are finding steady action trolling small gear behind dodgers.
Top producers include bright colored hoochies, spinner blades, wiggle hoochies, and Spin-N-Glo’s, all tipped with corn and enhanced with scent.
Techniques & Baits:
Trolling hoochies, wiggle hoochies, spinner blades, Spin-N-Glo’s—tip with corn, add scent
Trout
Stocking trucks are rolling! ODFW planted over 3,000 Trout at lakes like Lemolo Reservoir, Trillium Lake, and North Fork Reservoir just this week. Anglers from boat and bank are catching limits.
Effective baits include PowerBait, nightcrawlers, salmon eggs, and shrimp. For active fish, try kastmasters, spinners, or troll wedding rings, Maglips, or Flatfish tipped with worms.
Techniques & Baits:
PowerBait, nightcrawlers, salmon/salad shrimp, kastmasters, spinners, wedding rings, Maglips, Flatfish