Outdoor Report 3/21
Winter Steelhead are still around and many of the rivers that run Broodstock programs will have chrome bright hatchery fish entering them through the end of the month. This time of year can be some of the most fun, because when you hook up you never know if it’s going to be a nice Winter Steelhead, brand new Summer Steelhead or even a fresh Springer. Bobber fishing jigs and casting spinners are two of the most popular techniques to use as all three species will bite them. Spring Chinook fishing has been improving daily. There have been fish caught in the Columbia, Willamette and Multnomah Channel this past week. From most of the reports we are getting, it sounds like trolling Herring with a flasher has been the most productive technique. With water conditions being great on both the big rivers, the fishing will continue to get better. However, with the rain in the forecast, look for rivers to rise. With rivers coming up a little, the fishermen anchoring up with Kwikfish, Mag Lips or Flatfish will start to see some better action. For those that target Springers and don’t have much luck, a great way to burn the rest of your brined Herring is to catch-and-release Sturgeon. The catch-and-release Sturgeon fishing can be phenomenal this time of year, especially in the Portland Harbor area. Along with Anchovies, Sandshrimp and Squid are other bait options that Sturgeon love. Trout fishing has picked up locally as the lake temperatures have started to slowly rise. This rise in temperature will really get the bite going as it’s been cold for a very long time. Bait is always a great option, but don’t discount casting spinners, spoons or Kastmasters. With water temps rising, casting hardware can be exactly what these hungry Trout are wanting. Kokanee fishing on Merwin Lake has been great for those making their way up there. The Kokanee still seem to be high in the water column and appear to be in large schools. If you are trolling in a part of the lake and haven’t gotten a bite in 30 minutes to an hour, change locations to try and find one of those schools. Once you find them, the action can be good and might mean limits for everyone. Bottom fishing remains a great option this time of year with reports of nice fish being caught. Lots of quality Lingcod have been caught along with plenty of Rockfish. Before heading out into the ocean, dropping your crab pots in the bay can be a good idea. Crabbing has been great with lots of reports of limits and nice size crab. Surf perch fishing has also been good with lots of anglers reporting success from the Seaside shores all the way down past Lincoln City. Berkley Gulp Sandworms have been the most productive plastic bait and Sandshrimp has been a great live bait option. Always be sure to check local regulations at ODFW and WDFW before heading out. Find reports and information on the Fisherman's Community page.
