Outdoor Report 7/6
The Columbia reopens Friday 7/7 with strong numbers of Summer Chinook to catch through July 31st.
For the time that the Columbia was closed for chinook retention, the angler effort was quite a bit lighter, but that doesn't mean the fishing wasn't good. We have gotten great reports from people fishing from below Longview, all the way to Bonneville Dam. Folks have been doing quite well catching summer run steelhead and sockeye as well. Coon-stripe shrimp have been the best bet with Mag Lips and U-20's also taking fish. The folks that are plunking from the bank have been running shrimp with small Spin-n-Glos when targeting summer steelhead. Most of the fish have been in 8-20 feet of water. As the water drops and warms up the summers will venture out a little deeper, but not much. Find a good 20' flat that climbs out of some deep water and you are in business. The same goes for guys fishing out of the boat. Find yourself a nice flat or shelf that comes out of some deep water and the steelhead will be waiting! You can fish either a diver and bait or fish lead with a bait. The same goes for fishing small plugs or small spinners. You can fish them flat lined or with lead. A lot of what makes you choose one over the other is the water depth you are targeting the fish in. The shallower you get, the easier it will be to use a diver and get away from fishing heavier lead.
There are still shad to be caught, however the run is starting to tail off. Again, small bright colored jig heads and small spinners or wobblers will be your best option.
Sturgeon fishing has still been amazing down in the estuary. Lots of nice quality fish to be caught. Although it is a catch and release only fishery, right now, it is still an awesome way to go spend a day reeling in fish after fish.
The ocean, when fishable, has been starting to produce impressive numbers of chinook and bottom fish lately. A few coho are starting to show up, but it is still going to be a chinook dominant fishery for a few more weeks. Herring, anchovies or hoochies have all been producing fish. Even mixing in a Brad’s Cut Plug or Super Bait wouldn't be a bad idea. The bottom fishing has also been off the charts. Sea bass by the bucket full and angry lingcod have been the norm. Also, those that are putting down crab pots for crab have been reaping the benefits.
Before heading out, always check the local regulations. Have a great time and as always, be safe.
