Fishing Report – September 2

Fishing Report – September 2

Astoria Coho Fishing

While Astoria has closed for Chinook retention, the coho fishing has ramped up. This fishery truly does not get the attention it deserves because most anglers start chasing Chinook upriver, causing angling pressure around Astoria to drop significantly.

However, the coho rodeo that takes place over the next few weeks can be downright epic! Several members of our Pro Staff have reported that coho fishing has already kicked off, with most anglers finding boat limits early in the day.

Small spinners and bait have been producing well, along with a wide variety of hard-spinning baits.

As the fish move upriver, you will see anglers using several different techniques. Some anglers prefer to anchor and fish wobblers during the strong outgoing tide. During slack and incoming tides, expect to see more anglers trolling 360 flashers with 3.5 spinners or hard-spinning baits.

Either way, considering the number of Chinook that have been around Astoria, the fishing should be excellent.

Above Bonneville Chinook Fishing

As you move above Bonneville, the Chinook fisheries are also starting to take off. Anglers are using a wide variety of techniques, including:

  • Hover fishing with eggs
  • Bobber fishing with eggs
  • Trolling Mag Lips or Wiggle Warts
  • Trolling 360 flashers

These fisheries should remain productive for the foreseeable future. However, make sure to bring equipment for several techniques because, on some days, the fish simply will not respond to one presentation or another.

Southwest Washington Tributaries

Coho have started entering tributaries in Southwest Washington. These early-returning A-run coho are notoriously difficult to get to bite, but knowledgeable anglers are targeting walking-speed water with small baits or beads, as well as spinners and spoons early in the morning.

Be ready—you never know when a 30-pound fall Chinook might grab your bait!

Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing remains amazing. With salmon fisheries taking place across the state, bottom fishing often takes a backseat. However, this fishery is just as productive as it was last month.

Anglers are reporting mixed bags of rockfish and lingcod, with most boats finding limits relatively quickly. Productive tackle includes:

  • Shrimp flies
  • Large curly-tail grubs
  • Vertical jigs
  • Twin-tail scampi

Tuna Fishing

Tuna anglers have recently been finding success on the tuna grounds, with fish holding approximately 30 to 50 miles offshore.

Trolling continues to be one of the most productive techniques. Top-producing lures include tuna clones, cedar plugs, and X-Wrap plugs.

Once you locate a large concentration of tuna, make sure everyone aboard has access to vertical jigging or live-bait equipment. That is when you can fill the fish box in short order.

Columbia Gorge Walleye

Walleye fishing in the Columbia Gorge also remains excellent. Like many fisheries around the Northwest, however, it often takes a backseat to the iconic fall Chinook fishery.

Anglers visiting the walleye grounds may find themselves among only a few boats searching for these delicious fish. Trolling bottom walkers with worm-harness rigs remains the most productive technique.