Fishing Report 7/11

Fishing Report 7/11

Columbia River – Chinook Reopening 

Chinook fishing on the Columbia is back! ODFW and WDFW just announced a reopening for Chinook, Steelhead, and Sockeye starting Saturday, July 12th. Keep in mind that different areas have different rules and open dates—check the official release before heading out. Many anglers have been catching and releasing Chinook while targeting Steelhead and Sockeye, so this change is a welcome surprise. Fishing from anchor has been productive with traditional techniques, while trolling is effective on slack or incoming tides. This fishery should stay solid through the end of the month as fall Chinook begin to show.
Top techniques: Kwikfish, prawn spinners, hard spinning baits (anchor); 360 flashers, spinners, Spin-N-Fish, Spindawgs, superbaits (trolling) 

 Tributaries – Summer Steelhead 

Summer Steelhead fishing in the tributaries is heating up fast. Pro Brian Campbell has been on a tear lately using classic bait techniques. This fishery typically peaks mid-summer and should continue to produce. If bait and bobbers aren't your style, there are still productive methods that keep rods bent.
Top techniques: Bobbers with eggs or coonstripe shrimp, backtrolling plugs or divers with shrimp, sidedrifting eggs 

 Columbia River – Summer Steelhead 

This is one of the most underrated fisheries of the season. Summer Steelhead on the Columbia offer fast action and hard-fighting fish that often go airborne. With lighter pressure between salmon runs, this can be a prime time to target them.
Top techniques: Anchor fishing with small plugs, coonstripe shrimp, prawns, sand shrimp, small spinners 

 Astoria – Catch and Release Sturgeon 

Catch-and-release Sturgeon fishing in the Astoria area is red hot. Our Pro Staff have been putting clients on fish daily, with guide Jim Nicol reporting 30+ hookups per day, and frequent double or triple hook-ups. This is an action-packed fishery that offers a ton of fun.
Top techniques: Shrimp, anchovies, herring, smelt 

 Ocean – Bottom Fish & Nearshore Halibut 

Bottom fishing continues to be excellent with a strong mix of species. Nearshore Halibut have also been showing up in good numbers. Pro Ted Teufel has been dialing in shallow-water Halibut and loading up on quality Lingcod and Rockfish.
Top techniques: Curly tail grubs, shrimp flies, chunks of herring, swimbaits 

 Columbia Gorge – Walleye 

Walleye fishing has remained consistent and productive. Pro Steve Leonard reports that he's been filling coolers regularly with quality eater-size fish. A great option for anglers looking for tasty table fare and steady action.
Top techniques: Trolling bottom walkers with worm harness rigs 

 Statewide – Trout 

Trout fishing remains excellent across Oregon. The midday heat can slow things down, but fishing early or late in the day can be phenomenal. Stocked lakes and natural fisheries alike are providing great opportunities for anglers of all ages.
Top techniques: PowerBait, Power Eggs, nightcrawlers (bait); trolling with small Mag Lips, Flatfish, wedding rings