Outdoor Report 10/5
The Columbia remains consistent with fish being caught throughout the system. Some of our Pro-Staff guides are reporting that there are still sea lice covered chinook coming up the lower river daily, that is a good sign for the next few weeks of fishing on the Columbia. As the water temperatures start to drop look for more fish to be caught with Super Baits rather than with spinners. Pick your favorite type of bait to put into the Super Bait and Super Cut-Plug. Another good option is to have multiple scents with you as these fish can get finicky. Bonneville Dam has also been very consistent, with fish being caught on Kwikfish as well as trolling 360° flashers with spinners or Super Baits. Some people will fish eggs and shrimp up there this time of year. However, the bait fish can be annoying when they pick at your bait so again having a variety of techniques on hand can pay dividends. Tillamook has also been consistent these last few weeks. The fishing has been a little tougher than in previous years, but the grade of fish this year has been above average. Herring continues to be the most popular bait, but as these fish move into the upper bay spinners will begin to be a productive technique. Mulkey and Toman spinners are among the most popular blades in Tillamook, these big fish love the thump of a large blade so don't be afraid to fish bigger size spinners. Once fish start to come through the bay and enter the rivers many will park the power boats and clean off the drift boats. These fish will enter the rivers when the water is just coming back into shape after a big deluge of rain. The first few fish will be hot and in a hurry to get upriver, backtrolling Kwikfish or back bouncing eggs and shrimp are popular ways to attract these fish. Some will backtroll Kwikfish in larger sizes such as 15 or 16, while others will use a size 5 Mag Lip or the Hawgnose. Once the water gets clear and lower in flow people will switch over to smaller plugs or anchor up to bobber fish eggs and shrimp. Keeping a variety of scent on hand is a good idea as being able to switch your scent can get stubborn fish to bite especially in heavy fished areas. Check the local regulations as a lot of coastal systems have different regulations regarding chinook retention. Trout fishing has been getting better by the week, as the evening temperatures are dropping the lake temperatures are cooling off nicely. Fishing bait has been productive as usual, however, those choosing to switch things up and troll the shorelines are finding a very nice grade of fish especially early and late in the day. These fish are packing on weight for the winter months and are often very willing biters. The proposed razor clam digs, have been approved by Washington. Oregon’s Clatsop Spit is also open and with the low tides this weekend, diggers should be successful. Be sure to check local regulations before heading out. Good luck and most of all be safe!
