Outdoor Report 1/24
Winter steelhead fishing this last week seemed to pick up a little bit with good reports coming from up and down the coast, as well as the Sandy and Clackamas Rivers. We have been getting reports of some very large steelhead caught lately, some hatchery and some wild. This is a great reason to constantly check your terminal gear to make sure your leaders are fresh, hooks are sharp, and knots are tight. You never know when you may hook that steelhead of your dreams. In southwest Washington, the Kalama, North Fork Lewis and Washougal all have had fish in them, with anglers reporting fair success throughout each system. Again, with a good number of large fish being hooked. Bobber Doggin’ has been the most popular technique for the boat anglers, as it allows you to effectively cover lots of water. For the bank fishermen, float fishing worms, beads or jigs have all worked well, with hardware and drift-gear accounting for the rest of the fish. In the last few weeks, ODFW has planted the last of the brooder trout in St. Louis Ponds and Henry Hagg Lake. These fish weigh on average between 5 and 15 pounds, so there is a real possibility of hooking a monster or two. That, coupled with the fact that both these lakes are close to town, make for great options when looking for places to take your kids or new anglers. Crabbing has been good for those that are wanting a chance at fresh seafood in January. We have had reports of quick limits in Tillamook Bay recently, especially if you can find a break in the weather. It Is recommended to check your pots often and move to a new location if you’re not having any luck. Surf perch fishing is a great option for anglers wanting to get down to the coast and catch some delicious salt water fish. These aggressive fish inhabit the surf and jetties all along the Oregon and Washington coastline. We have had recent reports that there are surf perch being caught in Seaside as well as Lincoln City. Fishing sand shrimp, clam necks and Berkley Gulp Sandworms are some of the most popular baits to use when targeting surf perch. Catch and release sturgeon fishing remains a viable option this time of year. It’s an especially attractive option when we have back-to-back rain storms that may keep some of the steelhead rivers blown out for consecutive days. Finding deep, slow water holes in the Portland Harbor and Milwaukie areas are a great place to start. Just be aware of what’s coming down river when you are anchored up. The high water can dislodge trees and logs along the shoreline, which could find their way into your anchor rope.
Always be sure to check local regulations at ODFW and WDFW before heading out. Find reports and information on the Fisherman's Community page.
