Outdoor Report 1/2
Winter Steelhead fishing has continued to improve this past week with most local rivers having Winter Steelhead in them. All along the coast, rivers have come up and down with a few different shots of rain and fish have entered the rivers on each rise. These early fish are usually aggressive and willing biters. Bobber and jig, pink worms, beads or bait are all great choices when chasing them. Hardware is another, often-overlooked, technique that can work very well. Little Cleo, P-Line and Gibbs are great spoon choices, and Blue Fox or Mepps are always solid choices when choosing spinners. Those who will be fishing from a boat can find great success bobberdoggin’ or side-drifting to cover water. Backtrolling plugs is another great option, especially when the water comes up.
Catch and release sturgeon fishing has continued to be a great choice for anglers wanting to spend a fun day on the water catching fish. The prehistoric fish provide great sport throughout the winter months and especially in the calm, slow waters of the lower Willamette. Squid, Sand Shrimp, Herring and Anchovies are all good bait choices. January 1st the Columbia River above Bonneville Dam opened to Sturgeon retention under Columbia River zone permanent regulations. This fishery will remain open until the quota is reached. Be sure to check the regs before heading out.
Crabbing has been a consistent option for those that are looking to bring home some tasty meat. Crabbing is also a great winter time outdoor activity as the meat quality is superb and baiting, pulling and re-baiting pots is a fun time for everyone on board.
Throughout the region there are still lakes that are open for trout fishing and anglers can experience great success as the pressure is usually less than spring or summer. A lot of these fish will start to hunker down a little bit and not be quite as active, due to the cold water temps. With that being said, the fishing can still be killer! Bait fished under a bobber or along the bottom can entice bites all day long. Spinners and plugs are also great choices, especially for boat fishermen that can troll along rocky shorelines where hungry trout may be hanging out.
Kokanee fishing has been great for anglers that have been fishing Merwin Lake. Kokanee have pulled up higher in the water column making it easier for anglers to target them. Small spinner blades and small Spin-N-Glo’s have been the ticket lately. Of course tipping your lure with Shoepeg Corn and trolling it behind your favorite dodger is a must. Bring along a few different scent options and you are ready for a fun day of catching delicious Kokanee.
Duck hunters have been having some good success with the recent weather we have been having. Low-land areas have started to fill up with water giving ducks more areas to flock to. Look for the hunting to get better with the forecast of more rain on its way.
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.