Outdoor Report 7/27

Locally, salmon fishing has continued to be productive for those that are willing to put in the time and find the traveling lanes. Spinners, wobblers, Kwikfish and Mag Lips have been among the top producing baits. As the water temperature continues to rise in the next few weeks, look for the hardware bite to really take off. Wobblers and spinners will soon be the go-to baits. Up towards Bonneville however, where the water is running a lot harder and the temperatures stay at a little more manageable, most fishermen will stick with Kwikfish and Mag Lips. Buoy 10 is just about here! The first week Astoria is open we have a great tide set, below the bridge. Be sure to get down there when you can as we have more coho predicted than last year and plenty of fall chinook to go around. Herring, anchovies, spinners and Super Baits are among the top producing baits in Astoria. It really pays to have a few options with you, as the fish can seem to key in on different baits at any given time. Flashers are a huge plus to have in Astoria. The fish will be moving fast and having something with flash can really help draw fish to your bait. Anymore it is split about 50/50 between the guys fishing lead and the guys fishing divers. Again, having both can be an advantage. Especially on a ripping incoming tide, and you want to keep your baits down in the zone, divers will work wonders in scenarios like that. Something else to make sure you have with you, are weed guards for your bead chain swivels. There are times when the tide will bring in lots of seaweed and ensuring your bead chains are turning will help you save lots of tangles. Another great tip is to keep a cooler with ice on your boat for your catch. These fish come in and the water is quite warm, so it's best to bleed your fish and then get it cooled down as soon as possible, ensuring the best meat quality. Crabbing at the beach has been great for those that have been able to make it out. Lots of folks like to use shad or chicken as bait and have been doing quite well. Bottom fishing has stayed consistent with most folks being able get their limits with ease. Always check the ocean forecast before you head out, but when the water has permitted, it's been fast action. Tuna fishing has been good for most of those that have been able to make it out. Lots of boats are still trolling clones or X-raps to find their fish. However, there are also some boats that have been jigging and fishing live bait, and they have been doing well also. Catch and release sturgeon fishing has also been amazing. Even though there isn't currently an open season for retention on these prehistoric creatures, they are still tons of fun to catch. Sandshrimp, herring and anchovies have all been working well lately, especially if you can get fresh bait! Before heading out, be sure to check local regulations. Good luck, have fun and be safe!