Outdoor Report 3/28
Winter Steelhead fishing, even though getting late in the season, has continued to be productive for those fishing all along the coast as well as the valley rivers. With quite a few rivers running hatchery broodstock programs, there will be chrome hatchery Steelhead coming in for another week or two. Bobber, drift and plug fishing all work great this time of the year. Covering water can really help your chances with moving fish. If you are bank fishing and bouncing up and down the river, don’t be afraid to visit some of your go-to spots more than once in a day to encounter these fast-moving Steelhead. Spring Chinook fishing has now become a very viable option for Northwest fishermen. This week there were Spring Chinook caught in both the Willamette and Columbia, as well as the Multnomah Channel. There have been reports of fish caught on herring, prawn spinners, plugs and spinners. Herring has been the most popular option. Throughout the Lower Willamette and a good portion of the Multnomah Channel, fishermen are finding success targeting Springers that are suspended in the water column. Many anglers are starting around the 20’ mark and watching their electronics to dial-in exactly where the fish are. This last week, ODFW STOCKED 47 bodies of water with approximately 89,559 legal-size Trout. As we have had warmer weather, Trout fishing has definitely picked up. The warming water has gotten the recently stocked fish as well as the hold over trout in a more active, biting mood. As the water continues to warm, the fish will become increasingly active and will start to roam the shorelines in search of an easy meal. Fishing worms, Powerbait and single eggs are always a great option. However, casting spinners, Kastmasters and spoons can really get active Trout on the bite. Walleye fishing up the Columbia River Gorge has continued to be productive with a good grade of fish being caught. Trolling bottom walkers and worm harness rigs has still been one of the best bets when trying to find these delicious fish. Spring time fishing means one thing for coastal fishermen: It’s Lingcod time! Between chasing Lingcod and Rockfish, any anglers wanting a chance at some delicious fish tacos will have their hands full while reeling in these typically aggressive fish. Large curly tail grubs, vertical jigs and Rock Cod rigs have all been producing fish. Once you find the depth and location of these fish, have everyone on board drop their gear to the exact same spot. Typically, once you find one, there will be lots more with it. Surf Perch fishing is another favorite for anglers headed to the coast. Typically, the incoming tide is the most productive and can make it an easy fishery for those that are only able to get out for a few hours. Therefore, if you are headed to the beach with the family for the weekend and want to do some fishing but don’t want to be gone all day, Surf Perch fishing is worth checking out. Casting a 2-3 ounce pyramid or sand dollar weight with either Sandshrimp or Berkley Gulp Sandworms just above it is the basic set up that can be productive where ever Surf Perch live. Catch and release Sturgeon fishing has been good and is a great alternative for those that have been chasing Springers all morning and want a fun way to use the rest of their bait before heading home. With all the Spring Chinook fishermen cut plugging Herring on the Willamette and throwing out their unused bait, Herring is a great bait choice for catching these prehistoric creatures as they have grown accustomed to eating them. REGULATION UPDATE ON STURGEON RETENTION SEASON COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Buoy 10 to Wauna Powerlines Always be sure to check local regulations at ODFW and WDFW before heading out. Find reports and information on the Fisherman's Community page.
