Fishing report 6-6
Chinook Salmon
Chinook fishing continues to impress across the Pacific Northwest! On the Columbia River, we were gifted another extension thanks to solid fish numbers—and the bite hasn't slowed. Pro Staffer KC Talaro has been on fish every outing, opting to troll 360 flashers paired with small spinners and Spin-N-Fish. Meanwhile, Josiah Darr has been sitting in anchor and working Brad’s Killerfish, consistently turning double-digit bites per day into full fish boxes!
Top Techniques: Kwikfish, Maglips, Brad’s Killerfish, 360 Flashers with Small Spinners or Spin-N-Fish
Drano Lake remains a hot spot. As we shift into early June and see warmer water, anglers have been diversifying their approaches. This is the time of year you’ll start to see success bobber fishing eggs, or casting spinners and wiggle warts early in the morning. Bringing a variety of scents can make a big difference—these fish hang out and cruise around, so making your presentation stand out can be the key to success.
Top Techniques: Bobber and Eggs, Spinners, Wiggle Warts, Scent Additives
The Willamette River has warmed considerably, which means the lower river, Portland Harbor, and Multnomah Channel are all beginning to fire for trollers. Small 360 flashers matched with size 3, 3.5, or 4 spinners are top producers right now. Watch for a bite window right at first light, and again near tide changes—timing it right can make or break your trip.
Top Techniques: 360 Flashers, Size 3–4 Spinners, Tide Timing
Sturgeon (Catch and Release)
Catch and release Sturgeon fishing has remained excellent on both the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Pro Steve Leonard continues to target oversized Sturgeon with great success, and his clients are definitely feeling it in their arms afterward! The Astoria catch-and-release Sturgeon fishery is also heating up—it’s a world-class opportunity to experience salt air and prehistoric acrobatics.
Top Techniques: Heavy Gear for Oversize Sturgeon, Anchoring with Smelly Baits, Columbia & Astoria Hotspots
Bottom Fish
Bottom fishing is steady when ocean conditions allow. The weather has been a bit inconsistent, but when boats are able to safely cross the bar, limits of bottomfish have been common. Pro Mitch Brooks has been capitalizing on the good days, putting his clients on full coolers of fresh fillets.
Top Techniques: Jigs, Shrimp Flies, Vertical Drop Rigs, Look for Calm Bar Conditions
Surf Perch
Surf Perch action is heating up with better beach weather. The warmer coastal temps are making surf wading more comfortable, and sand shrimp, clam necks, and Berkley Gulp Sandworms remain go-to baits.
Top Techniques: Sand Shrimp, Clam Necks, Berkley Gulp Sandworms on Carolina Rigs
Trout
Trout fishing across the I-5 corridor is excellent. ODFW has continued its heavy stocking schedule—this week alone, Henry Hagg Lake, Coffenbury Lake, North Fork Reservoir, and Benson Lake all received 4,000+ trout each! Whether you’re dunking bait, casting spinners, or working a Kastmaster, it’s a great time to chase limits with the family.
Top Techniques: PowerBait, Nightcrawlers, Spinners, Kastmasters, Stocked Lake Focus