Outdoor Report 2/9
Outdoor Report for 2/9 With all of the recent low level snow accumulation as well as the monsoon we had mid-week, most rivers have gone just above optimal fishing levels. As the rivers start coming back into shape, focus on the upper stretches first, as they will be the first to get clear and fishable. Choose large profile baits such as B-N-R Shrimp Scampis, Mad River Pink Worm's and hardware. As the lower stretches of the rivers start to clear up, around the beginning of next week, Look for traditional baits such as yarn balls, eggs, shrimp or beads to become more effective. Once the river starts clearing up is a great time for the plug pulling crowd to slide their drift boats down their favorite boat launch. Maglip 3.5, Wiggle Warts and k11 kwikfish will all produce well. For the North Coast, look for the Wilson and Nestucca to be the best bet for hard fighting, fresh from the ocean hatchery steelhead. And as you move South the Alsea and Siletz should be great options as well. Closer to Portland, the Sandy and Clackamas will both have ample opportunity for Brood stock hatchery steelhead. Float fishing jigs, side drifting eggs/beads and traditional drift fishing, are all great ways to target these elusive creatures. Tip : If you’re having trouble getting steelhead to snap, remember adding some shrimp Smelly Jelly or your favorite Pro-Cure scent can turn your day around in a hurry! Also, a few reports of some early spring chinook have been making their rounds in the social media world. It's been reported that a few Cowlitz River anglers, while targeting winter steelhead, have been lucky enough to harvest a couple of purple backed springers. There have also been a couple reports of some lower Columbia River springers, that were caught last week by some anchor fisherman. We know it's early, but be thinking about your spring chinook tackle needs as the season is rapidly approaching. And with over 220,000 spring chinook returning to the Columbia this year there will definitely be some early ones picked off. Portland area sturgeon fishing has been great so far this year. Although this is a catch and release fishery, it is a great way to get today's youth outside, enjoying our resources. Shrimp, squid, roll mop, or smelt have all been great baits. With smelt taking the cake as the number one bait of choice. This week and next, there will be a number of North Coast lakes stocked with thousands of legal sized trout as well as hundreds of trophy sized fish. The 3rd and final period of the NW permit Goose season is open now until March 10th and there are piles of (wary) geese in the valley. As always check your local regulations before heading into the field Tight lines, shoot straight and be safe.
