Outdoor Report 7/20

Summer steelhead are being caught in decent numbers on the Columbia River, as well as summer chinook. Just last week, in the lower river, a few more summer steelhead showed up in the catch rate. Folks plunking from the bank or boats that were anchored relatively shallow, found some keeper steelhead. Most reports were of people catching fish on coon-stripe shrimp with Spin-n-Glos. Although, as you transitioned up the river, getting closer to Bonneville, it seemed like small spinners and small orange plugs started to level out the playing field. We had reports of success with small 2.5 - 3.5 Mag Lips, u-20 Flatfish, k-11's and some people, fishing really shallow, caught fish on hot orange Wiggle Warts. Those targeting summer chinook haven't been doing to shabby either. We have had steady reports of fresh fish entering the river daily with some of the best bites being at the beginning and end of the outgoing tide. Kwikfish, Mag Lips, flatfish and spinners have been taking most of the catch. However, a few persistent anglers have been doing well fishing wobblers. The chinook fishery will only continue to get better as we head into August, which is when the masses head to Astoria. It will be the right time to cash in on some of the best chinook and coho fishing the west coast has to offer. The Buoy 10 fishery opens on the 1st of August. With reports of decent numbers of chinook in the ocean already, this year should be another very productive year down there. Small mouth and Walleye are still biting very well in the gorge. Soft plastics as well as searching type baits, such as lipless crankbaits, have been what most folks are catching the bass with. Those fishing for Walleye have been finding the most success with trolling a worm harness. Kokanee and trout fishing have remained consistent fisheries this year. Check your local stocking schedules and you should be able to find loads of willing trout, especially from the lakes that have been stocked most recently. Power bait or worms plunked on the bottom will be your best bet this time of year. Always check local regulations before heading out, good luck and be safe!