Outdoor Report 2/8
This past week in most rivers, the water levels dropped and were in optimal shape. It also seemed that the steelhead decided to make a good push up river. At the coast most all the rivers had a good push of brand new steelhead, both hatchery and wild fish. If you have a favorite technique now is the time to use it, the water conditions have gotten to the point that pretty much everything will be productive. Bobber and jigs, worms, beads and bait are all great choices, especially if you want to cover a lot of water. Spoons and spinners are another great option if you want to cover a lot of water quickly. Blue Fox, Mepps and Rooster Tails are a few to consider when swinging spinners. As for spoons, little Cleo’s, P-Line Pro Steel and Gibbs Koho are among some of your better options. If you would rather drift fish, using worms, yarnies, corkies, cheaters or beads are all great options with or without bait. Bobberdoggin’ or side drifting are both solid choices when fishing out of a drift boat or sled. These techniques give you the ability to move and find fish, especially when the water is a nice steelhead green. Look for the fishing to continue to get better as the month progresses and more and more fish fill the rivers. Springers? We haven’t had any confirmed catches yet, but any day now we are sure one or two will get caught. With very little rain in the forecast the Columbia and Willamette will continue to clear and drop and the first few springers of the year will start to enter the rivers. Cut-plug herring and flashers will be the go-to for the Willamette and either anchor fishing plugs or trolling herring will be your best bet on the Columbia. Oregon has announced another free fishing weekend this month. It will be February 17th and 18th. ODFW is offering Oregon residents and visitors the opportunity to explore and experience fishing, crabbing and clamming without the need for a license or tags. For more information go to https://myodfw.com/workshops-and-events/free-fishing-weekend. Always be sure to check local regulations before heading out. Tight lines, shoot straight and most of all be safe out there.
