Fishing Report 9-09-2022
Despite the disappointing closure of the lower Columbia River to Salmon fishing, there are still plenty of options open for anglers looking to put some quality food on the table. Pictured here is Fisherman's Pro Guide, Jim Nicol, who recently caught this outstanding Chinook while fishing the incredibly scenic Columbia River Gorge. Nice catch Jim!
Fishing Report:
Fall Chinook are still around and available to be caught if you are willing to head to different places other than the lower Columbia. Many folks have headed to the ocean, where the fishing has continued to be great for Chinook and Coho! Fisherman’s Pro, Eric Baird, has been fishing out of Garibaldi and finding limits of Salmon and Crab for his clients on nearly every trip out! Although, if you don't want to head to the coast there are still plenty of options locally. Heading east above Bonneville Dam is what many folks are doing and finding great success. In fact, Fisherman’s Pro, Josiah Darr, sent us a photo just this morning of a full boat limit of beautiful Fall Chinook from above Bonneville. There are also tributaries like the Lewis and Cowlitz that have healthy populations of Chinook that can be fished for as well.
In the ocean there are tons of other fisheries going on besides the hot Salmon Fishing. Bottom fishing remains a fantastic choice as the pressure is not as heavy as it is during other times of the year. This means less competition and better biting fish. Try using Curly tail grubs, shrimp flies, and vertical jigs which have all been working well as of late.
Fall time is a time of year where Surf Perch get very little attention. However, these delicious fish are still available. With the lack of pressure many fishermen find that the fish can be more aggressive and not as picky compared to other times of the year.
Tuna fishing remains stellar. Long-time Fisherman’s customer, Dave Phillips, reports that on his last few trips there was no shortage of action! Fish are being caught on many different techniques including vertical jigging, swimbaits, live bait, and trolling.
Crabbing has been getting steadily better for many folks. Look for Tillamook and Nehalem Bays to really begin to load up with Crab as we near October.
Keeper Sturgeon fishing will be opening up for three days in September from Bonneville Dam down to Wauna Power Lines. It will be open on the 10th, 14th and 17th giving anglers a shot to bring home some delicious Sturgeon! Squid, herring, sand shrimp, and anchovies will all be good baits to use.
Trout fishing in the fall can be some of the best Trout fishing you can experience! When we start to get cooler evening temps, and daytime temps start to drop as well, the Trout can feel the onset of winter and will begin to aggressively feed to build up their fat stores. Trolling small Mag Lips or Flatfish is a killer way to hook some of the larger hold-over Trout as they become aggressive towards smaller fish. Bank fishermen will still find success fishing Powerbait, nightcrawlers, or Salmon eggs, as well as casting spinners, spoons, or Kastmasters.
