Outdoor Report 1/30
Winter Steelhead fishing has been up and down this last week. We had torrential rain that blew most rivers out and after several days we had a window of good fishing before they blew out again. Once rivers drop back into fishable shape, look for steelhead to be in any river system that gets a run of steelhead. Lots of rivers have been seeing a bigger influx of hatchery fish, with some really nice Steelhead in the mix. Most boat anglers have been either side drifting or Bobberdoggin’, but those aren’t the only techniques that produce well, especially during high flows. Back trolling divers and bait or small steelhead size plugs work extremely well when backed down an inside current seam or through some "walking speed" traveling water. Often, anglers will catch some of the biggest steelhead of the year using plugs, as the profile is larger and can be a good irritant to large steelhead.
It’s getting to be the time of year that a few fishermen start to break out the trolling rods and try to catch one of the first few springers of the year. The first springers are usually caught by someone dragging around a herring and flasher in the lower Willamette or an angler anchor fishing Kwikfish on the lower Columbia. Both rivers are currently running high and pushy, so keep an eye out for debris and be safe!
Catch and release sturgeon fishing has continued to be a great choice for anglers that want to have some fun on the water. The Willamette is really high and dirty right now but that hasn’t stopped anglers from targeting sturgeon as they will bite regardless of how high or dirty the water is. As always, be mindful of debris that may be coming down river as you look for your anchor spots.
Crabbing remains a constant option up and down the coast. Rivers may be high and bays may be swollen with water but crabbing is always an option this time of year. Netarts Bay remains the best option on the North Coast as it gets less runoff than other locations.
Kokanee fishing has been good this last week up on Merwin Lake, with anglers reporting that they have been finding a nice grade of fish. Kokanee have been caught on a multitude of baits, such as small Spin-N-Glos, Wiggle Hoochies, wedding rings and small spinners. Kokanee absolutely love to eat Shoepeg corn and it makes for an awesome additive to your lure. Bring along several different scents to try if the Kokanee suddenly go off of the bite. Sometimes, a switch in scent can be all the difference you need to get the bite going again.
Trout fishing has been a good option, even with all of the harsh weather we have been having. Sheridan Pond, Huddleston Pond and Mt. Hood Pond have all been stocked this week and provide good opportunity for anglers in the local area. Bait will be one of your best options with the cold water. However, spinners can also be just what you need to get the trout to snap when they have been seeing a lot of the same bait floating around.
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.