Outdoor Report 12/19
We are finally getting some rain and the rivers around the local area have definitely needed it. Winter Steelhead have been slowly filtering into rivers all around the Northwest and this rain will help pump those numbers up. Reports from this past week have been that folks are having success with pink worms, beads, bait and hardware. Of course, all types of techniques can and will produce fish, however, picking your technique based on current river conditions will definitely get you pointed in the right direction. With rivers on the rise and some of them going to blow out, there are going to be techniques that out-produce others. Backtrolling plugs is a great way to find high water Steelhead. Hot Shots, K11 Kwikfish, Mag Lips and Wiggle Warts are all great options. Sidedrifting and Bobberdoggin are both great options for those wanting to cover a lot of water productively. Yarnies, Beads, Eggs and Prawns are all sound bait offerings when using these techniques. Catch and release Sturgeon fishing has continued to be a great option around the local area with folks finding good success in the lower Willamette. The slow, deep water of the Portland Harbor is a great place for Sturgeon to congregate and feed throughout the cold winter months as they don’t have to work hard to find their food. Squid, Herring, Sand Shrimp and Smelt have all been good baits to use. If the Willamette continues to rise, anchor with caution and watch out for logs! Crabbing has been good all along the coast with fishermen reporting good success from Astoria and Tillamook. Always be mindful of the weather this time of year as it is always changing and can be very temperamental. Bay crabbing typically slows for a short period following high water, but typically rebounds quickly once the bays have flushed. This week's wet weather should help out duck hunters as it more than likely will bring in new flocks of birds. The heavy rains will help flood fields that have dried out. This should hopefully give birds more areas to congregate giving hunters increased opportunity. Trout fishing is always a great option and has been good for those that have been putting in the time. Large bodies of water such as Henry Hagg Lake are great places to spend your time as they get heavily stocked throughout the year and will have larger numbers of hold-over fish. Casting spinners, Spoons and Kastmasters are all good options when searching for fish. Fishing bait either on the bottom or under a float are both good choices as well. Those fishing from a boat will find good success trolling small Flatfish or Mag Lips as well as wedding rings with Nightcrawlers. Remember that most rivers are closed to trout fishing at this time, so lowland lakes will be your best bet. When in doubt, check the regs. Kokanee fishing is another good option for those wanting to get their boat out on the water chasing some fish. As the lakes have cooled down substantially, the Kokanee have moved up in the water column, and even those without downriggers are having good success at catching these delicious little landlocked salmon. Small Spin-N-Glos, Wiggle Hoochies, small spinners or wedding rings-all tipped with corn-will entice these fish. Of course, having them on a short leader behind a dodger will drive these fish crazy! Bring along your favorite box of scents and you will have the recipe for success. DIGS APPROVED! The following digs are approved: DECEMBER •December 23, Monday, 4:35 pm, -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks •December 26, Thursday, 6:47 pm, -1.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis •December 27, Friday, 7:26 pm, -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks •December 28, Saturday, 8:05 pm, -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis •December 29, Sunday, 8:43 pm, -0.2 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.