Fishing Report – 7/23

Fishing Report – 7/23

Chinook – Columbia River:
Chinook fishing on the Columbia has stayed steady and will only get better as we move into August and Fall Chinook begin to arrive. Anchor fishing with wobblers on the outgoing tide continues to be a reliable method. As the tide shifts to slack and incoming, most anglers switch tactics. Trolling 360 flashers with small spinners, hard spinning baits, or prawn spinners has been highly effective. Both Chinook and Coho are showing aggressive strikes on this presentation.
Techniques: Wobblers (outgoing tide), 360 flashers, small spinners, hard spinning baits, prawn spinners (incoming tide) 

 

Steelhead – Columbia River:
Summer Steelhead fishing remains consistent all along the Columbia. These fish tend to stay tight to the bank, making shallow anchor spots productive for boat anglers. Bank fishermen are also getting into fish using coon-stripe shrimp, prawns, sandshrimp, and small spinners. Having a variety of scents on hand is a smart move—what works one day may not the next.
Techniques: Coon-stripe shrimp, prawns, sandshrimp, small spinners, scent rotation 

 

Salmon – Ocean (Out of Columbia):
Ocean Salmon fishing is heating up right on schedule. Chinook are stacking up in front of the Columbia waiting to make their push upriver. Reports from up north indicate a strong migration heading this way. Trolling fresh herring or anchovies continues to be a top bait, with Spin-n-Fish, Superbaits, and Spindawgs also producing well.
Techniques: Trolling fresh herring, anchovies, Spin-n-Fish, Superbaits, Spindawgs 

 

Tuna – Offshore Pacific:
The offshore Tuna bite is firing up across the Pacific. Pro, Ted Teufel, has been putting clients on fish using Tuna Clones, Cedar Plugs, and swimbaits. Expect this fishery to get even better as we push deeper into summer.
Techniques: Trolling Tuna Clones, Cedar Plugs, swimbaits 

 

Sturgeon – Astoria (Catch & Release):
The catch and release Sturgeon fishery near Astoria is red hot. This is truly a world-class fishery, with many anglers reporting 20+ hookups a day, including fish over 5 feet long.
Top Baits: Anchovies, herring, squid, sandshrimp 

 

Walleye – Columbia Gorge:
Walleye fishing in the gorge continues to be rock solid. Pro, Steve Leonard, is finding success trolling worm harnesses with small Spin-n-Glos. This under-the-radar fishery holds incredible numbers of both eater-sized and trophy-class Walleye.
Techniques: Trolling worm harness rigs, small Spin-n-Glos 

 

Trout – Statewide:
Trout fishing remains productive statewide—from urban ponds to remote alpine lakes. It’s a great time for a family camping trip and some evening Trout action. Trollers are doing well with Mag Lips, Flatfish, and Wedding Rings, while bank anglers are seeing success with spinners and Kastmasters. Evening fly hatches can offer exceptional fly fishing when matched correctly.
Techniques: Trolling Mag Lips, Flatfish, Wedding Rings; casting spinners, Kastmasters; matching evening fly hatches