Fishing Report 9-30-2022
The Columbia has been steadily kicking out fish for folks, especially around Bonneville and above. These upriver brights are going to still be around for several more weeks as the back end of the run continues it’s push upriver. Trolling 360 flashers around the cold water inlets above Bonneville is a sure fire way to be where the fish are. Hover fishing eggs and shrimp is the other popular technique. It’s always a good idea to have both options on board as some days one technique will outperform the other. Fisheries managers have decided to reopen the lower Columbia on October 1st. This will open up lots of water and allow folks to spread out the angling pressure.
Coho fishing is going on all around Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. Casting spinners and twitching jigs has been a great way to find fish as they enter the rivers. Once you find where the schools of fish are located, you can try eggs, prawns, jigs and beads. Early season Coho can be finicky at times, so having multiple bait options can make all the difference.
At the coast, many of our Pro Staff have been spending their time on the ocean, as well as in Tillamook and Nehalem Bays. Both of these fisheries are getting good pushes of fresh Coho daily as well as Chinook. Here you will see the fleet of boats vary between triangle flashers and 360 Flashers. Again, having both can really keep your options open if the fish are being finicky.
Bottom fishing has been good for those making the trip onto the ocean when conditions allow. Vertical jigging, shrimp flies and curly tail grubs have all been producing fish.
Crabbing remains stellar as many of our Pro Staff and customers have reported fast limits of nice keeper Crab. Reports are that some really large-over 8” Crab are in the mix.
Tuna fishing also remains excellent. There are lots of Albacore around and some really big ones also. Tuna Guru, Dave Phillips, reported that on his last trip they boated several fish over 30lbs; and one over 35lbs. He also noted that they hooked one Tuna that was well over 50 lbs. and more than likely a Bluefin Tuna. Trolling has been good, especially when the ocean has been a little rougher. Live bait, vertical jigging and swimbaits have all been great options as well.
Trout fishing is still a good option at the moment. Especially now that we are getting a little bit of rain which should continue to cool down the water. These fish are continuing to build up their fat stores for the winter. Spinners, Kastmasters, bubble and fly and bait are all great bait choices. Bring several options so that you can match the hatch.
