Fishing Report – 8/16

Salmon – Ocean 

Salmon fishing in the ocean has been absolutely lights out. Many of our Pro Staff have been out in the salt chasing salmon, and often it’s taking them longer to drive out than it is to find a boat limit. This season, hard-spinning baits such as Spin-N-Fish, Spindawgs, and Superbaits have been the top producers, with fresh anchovies or herring being the second most popular option. 

Techniques & Baits: Spin-N-Fish, Spindawgs, Superbaits, fresh anchovies, fresh herring 

 Salmon – Astoria / Buoy 10 

Fishing in Astoria has steadily improved week after week. Chinook fishing remains strong, with more Coho arriving on each tide. The primary approach is trolling with lead or divers, paired with triangle or 360 flashers. Small 3.5 spinners behind 360 flashers have been deadly, while larger 6.5 spinners behind triangle flashers still have a loyal following. Fresh anchovies and herring are always worth having as the bite can turn picky. Successful anglers keep multiple bait and lure options ready to match changing conditions. 

Techniques & Baits: Trolling with lead/divers, triangle flashers, 360 flashers, 3.5 & 6.5 spinners, hard-spinning baits, fresh anchovies, fresh herring 

 Salmon – Columbia River (Upriver) 

Moving upriver, anglers are shifting tactics between tides — anchoring with wobblers or spinners on the outgoing tide, then trolling as the tide turns incoming. Pro Robert Kratzer knows this fishery well and will be filling fish boxes in the weeks to come. 

Techniques & Baits: Anchoring with wobblers, spinners, trolling during incoming tide 

 Salmon – Tributaries 

Tributaries are just starting to see early Chinook and Coho push in. Warm water temps can make them harder to coax into biting, but eggs remain a go-to choice. Running plugs in faster water can also trigger bites. Bringing multiple scent options is key to figuring out what they’ll respond to. 

Techniques & Baits: Eggs, plugs in fast water, varied scent applications 

 Steelhead – Summer Run 

Summer Steelhead in the tributaries can be a sleeper opportunity this time of year. The Deschutes is producing, with fish holding in faster water and striking a well-placed spinner. Casting plugs or running them behind a side planer are also productive. 

Techniques & Baits: Spinners, plugs, side planers 

 Walleye – Columbia River 

Walleye fishing remains excellent in the Columbia. Bottom walkers with worm harness rigs continue to dominate, with long-lined plugs behind the boat also putting fish in the net. 

Techniques & Baits: Bottom walkers with worm harnesses, long-lining plugs 

 Bottom Fish – Oregon Coast 

Bottom fishing along the Oregon coast has been on fire. Pro Ted Teufel has been splitting time between Tuna, Salmon, and bottom fish — all producing well. Vertical jigs, shrimp flies, farallon feathers, and scampi tails are top choices right now. 

Techniques & Baits: Vertical jigs, shrimp flies, farallon feathers, scampi tails 

 Trout – Lakes 

Summer heat slows trout during the day, pushing them deep. Savvy anglers target them in the evening when they move up to cruise shorelines for an easy meal. Casting spinners or Kastmasters is highly effective, as is fly fishing to match the hatch. Fishing PowerBait or nightcrawlers near underwater shelves or drop-offs is also a reliable way to bring home dinner. 

Techniques & Baits: Spinners, Kastmasters, fly fishing (match hatch), PowerBait, nightcrawlers