Fishing Report 7-24
Salmon
Salmon fishing is heating up all along the Oregon Coast, and anglers have definitely figured out the bite. Pro Staff member Josiah Darr has been finding excellent numbers of fish near Astoria, while Pro Staff member Andy Martin continues to keep clients busy with consistent salmon action out of Brookings. These are primarily trolling fisheries, with anglers finding success using a variety of presentations.
Fresh anchovies and herring remain the top choices, as both Chinook and Coho are actively feeding on baitfish in the ocean. Other productive options include Spin-N-Fish, Stuffer Baits, cut plug herring, and Super Baits. One trick many successful anglers are using is adding a brightly colored hoochie over their bait. For whatever reason, both Chinook and Coho have been responding extremely well to the added attraction.
Top Techniques & Baits: Fresh Anchovies, Herring, Spin-N-Fish, Stuffer Baits, Cut Plug Herring, Super Baits, Bright Colored Hoochies
Bottomfish & Nearshore Halibut
If you're looking to target rockfish or nearshore halibut, fishing continues to be outstanding with no signs of slowing down. Pro Staff member Ted Teufel has been spending time targeting bottomfish, halibut, and salmon, and all three fisheries have been producing excellent catches. With favorable ocean conditions and strong fishing reports, now is an excellent time to get on the water.
Top Techniques & Baits: Shrimp Flies, Farallon Feathers, Vertical Jigs, Twin Tail Scampi, Pipe Jigs
Sturgeon
Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing in Astoria continues to provide great action. However, anglers should expect the quiet fishery to change quickly as the Buoy 10 salmon season gets underway. What has recently been just a handful of boats each day will soon become one of the busiest fisheries on the Columbia River almost overnight.
Top Techniques & Baits: Sand Shrimp, Squid, Smelt, Herring, Anchovies
Surf Perch
Surf perch fishing has been very productive, especially during the lowest tides of the month. These hard-fighting fish spend their time feeding in the surf zone, making timing and tide selection important. Anglers fishing the beaches with natural baits or soft plastics continue to find consistent success.
Top Techniques & Baits: Berkley Gulp! Sandworms, Sand Shrimp, Clam Necks
Tuna
Offshore tuna fishing has also been producing while salmon season continues to ramp up. Many anglers are finding success trolling until they locate schools of tuna before switching to more aggressive techniques. Cedar plugs, tuna clones, X-Wraps, and slow-trolled swimbaits have all been effective for locating fish. Once schools are found, live bait, vertical jigs, and swimbaits can all produce fast action, making it worthwhile to have multiple setups ready.
Top Techniques & Baits: Tuna Clones, Cedar Plugs, X-Wraps, Swimbaits, Live Bait, Vertical Jigs
Walleye
Walleye fishing throughout the Columbia Gorge continues to gain popularity, and for good reason. Several Fisherman's Pro Staff members have been finding consistent success, including Steve Leonard and David Johnson, who spent time trolling bottom walkers paired with worm harnesses to put quality fish in the boat.
Top Techniques & Baits: Bottom Walkers, Worm Harnesses
Trout
Summer trout fishing remains excellent, especially in the high mountain lakes where cooler water temperatures keep fish active. Early mornings and the last few hours before dark continue to be the most productive times to fish. PowerBait fished on the bottom remains a reliable producer throughout the day, while anglers fishing around sunrise often find success casting spinners, Taskmasters, spoons, or fishing a bubble-and-fly setup.
Boat anglers continue to do well trolling Mag Lips, FlatFish, wedding rings tipped with nightcrawlers, or slowly trolling flies. Bringing a variety of lures and baits is always recommended, as trout can change their feeding preferences from day to day.
Top Techniques & Baits: PowerBait, Spinners, Taskmasters, Spoons, Bubble & Fly Rigs, Mag Lips, FlatFish, Wedding Rings with Nightcrawlers, Trolled Flies
As we head into one of the biggest fishing seasons of the year, now is the perfect time to get geared up before hitting the water. Whether you're chasing salmon on the coast, tuna offshore, sturgeon in the Columbia, or trout in the mountains, Fisherman's has everything you need to make the most of your next trip. Stop by any of our locations to stock up on tackle, bait, and gear, and don't forget to take advantage of our Buoy 10 Sale before it ends on July 31st!