Outdoor Report 1/9
Winter Steelhead fishing has been getting better with decent reports coming from the valley as well as the coast. Seems to be a decent mixture of hatchery and wild fish around with reports of a few big hatchery fish being caught. There has been a trend of most boats bobberdoggin’ bait or beads. While this technique can be deadly, it can also pay to stand out from the crowd. Doing a little “old school” drift fishing or bobber and jig fishing can really make the difference on days when the bite is tough. Being able to thoroughly cover water can be paramount. Bobber fishing beads, bait, jigs, pink worms or Steelhead Scampi have all been productive. Backtrolling 3.5 Mag Lips, Wiggle Warts, Hot Shots or Wigglers have all worked for those willing to put in the time. Finding" walking speed" runs and backing down some plugs can be a very exciting way to spend an afternoon.
Catch and release Sturgeon fishing has continued to be good, even with the high flows in the Willamette. Fishing will stay good regardless of water flow, however be mindful of where you drop your anchor so you're not in the way of debris coming down river. Squid, Sand Shrimp, Herring and Smelt have all been working. Don’t forget to bring along a few different scents to try when the bite gets slow.
Kokanee fishing continues to be great in Southwest Washington, with reports coming from Merwin Lake that the Kokanee are on the bite. These delicious fish provide a great opportunity for folks to catch land locked Salmon all year long! The water is on the colder side, so the Kokanee are up near the surface. Fishermen have been finding success trolling Brad’s Mini Cut Plugs, small spinner blades or wedding rings. Make sure you bring along a few different scents as that can be the difference between a good day or bad day on the water.
Trout fishing has been steady around the region. The larger bodies of water have been producing better with trout being a bit less active as the weather gets colder. Bait will be one of the best options with the cooler water temps. Still fishing bait under a bobber or bait on the bottom will be one of your best options as these fish are slowing down and looking for an easy meal.
Clamming is reopening in Long Beach and it should be stellar. The weather will be a bit on the cold side, but fast limits will keep everyone warm.
Crabbing is still a viable option all along the coast. The stormy weather may put a damper on your trip, but the crab this time of year are fat and delicious!
Duck hunting has been better for those that are willing to battle the elements. With lowland areas finally getting some water, the ducks have gained more areas to be in which has given hunters more areas to hunt.
DIGS APPROVED!
The following digs are approved in Washington:
JANUARY • January 8, Wednesday, 5:05 pm -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks • January 9, Thursday, 5:47 pm -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis • January 10, Friday, 6:29 pm -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks • January 11, Saturday, 7:11 pm -1.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis • January 12, Sunday, 7:53 pm -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks • January 13, Monday, 8:36 pm -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis • January 14, Tuesday, 9:20 pm -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
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.