Outdoor Report 1/16
Winter steelhead fishing has continued to improve and with this last big jump in water there should be Steelhead in every river system that has a run. More hatchery fish have been showing up which has really balanced out the wild to hatchery catch ratio. These fish will be flying up river as soon as each river starts to drop back into shape. Look at targeting the soft edges of the fast water and areas that will give fish a reprieve from the heavy current. Pink worms, eggs, shrimp or large soft beads will be great options when thinking about how to approach these traveling fish. Folks that are bobberdoggin’ or side drifting should also look to target the soft edges. Dragging eggs, large yarn balls or large beads will all work well. Fishermen wanting to backtroll plugs will also find the best success in the soft water just outside the main current seams. K11’s, 3.5 Mag Lips and Wiggle Warts will all produce fish.
Catch and release sturgeon fishing has been going well for anglers in the lower Willamette. This is a fishery that is close to home for most folks and provides great action for anglers of all ages. Above Bonneville Dam there is a keeper sturgeon fishery that started at the beginning of the month and will continue until the quota is reached. Be sure to check the ODFW website before you head out because once the quota is reached the keeper fishery will shut down immediately. Sand shrimp, herring and squid have all been very productive baits lately.
Locally, Merwin Lake has been putting out plenty of nice size Kokanee. These delicious land locked salmon tend to school up, especially during the winter months. With that being said, it may take a little time to nail down exactly where they are in the lake. But once you find them the action is typically fast paced. They will be higher in the water column, due to the cold temperatures we have been having. Trolling dodgers with small spinner blades, small Spin-n-Glo’s or small hoochies will all entice bites. Bring along a few different scents to try and you are set for a day of fun!
Trout fishing is always an option, even during these cold winter months. Trout may not be as active right as they would be in the spring or summer but that doesn’t mean that they still aren’t an option. One of your best bets will be to still fish bait under a bobber or fish it off the bottom. Powerbait, nightcrawlers , single salmon eggs or shrimp are all great bait choices.
Duck hunting has been good for those that have been braving the elements. The nasty weather and dropping temperatures keep the birds moving and looking for food and shelter. There are tons of divers in the lower Columbia but it will take some significant wind and weather conditions to get the large rafts moving and decoying.
New Razor Clam digs have been approved in Washington for the month of January.
• January 21, Tuesday, 4:23 pm -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• January 22, Wednesday, 5:10 pm -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• January 23, Thursday, 5:53 pm -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• January 24, Friday, 6:32 pm -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• January 25, Saturday, 7:08 pm -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• January 26, Sunday, 7:42 pm -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
For more information visit: WDFW
Razor clamming remains closed along the Oregon coast but keep a look out for that to change any time. The clamming should pick up right where it left off with large and plentiful clams.
Always be sure to check local regulations at ODFW and WDFW before heading out. Find reports and two most widely used baits, information on the Fisherman's Community page.