Fishing Report 7-3-26
Spring Chinook
Spring Chinook season is nearing the finish line, but there are still opportunities for anglers willing to put in the time. The lower Willamette River, especially around the head of the Multnomah Channel, continues to produce a handful of fish each day. Trolling 360 flashers paired with compact 3.5 spinners has remained the most productive setup. Along the coast, Pro Staff member Tim Juarez is still finding success in Tillamook Bay by mixing both 360 flashers with small spinners and traditional triangle flashers with whole herring. Having both presentations rigged and ready has been making the difference on days when fish become selective.
Top Techniques & Baits: 360 Flashers, 3.5 Spinners, Triangle Flashers, Whole Herring, Slow Troll, Lower Willamette, Tillamook Bay
Bottomfish & Lingcod
Bottom fishing continues to be one of the hottest saltwater opportunities on the Oregon Coast. Both the northern and southern coast have been producing excellent catches of lingcod and a variety of rockfish species. Pro Staff member Andy Martin has been consistently finding limits using Farallon Feathers, shrimp flies, twin tail scampi, and vertical jigs. Pro Staff member Ted Teufel has also been putting together impressive catches of lingcod, rockfish, and the occasional ocean Chinook when conditions allow. This fishery should remain very consistent throughout the summer and offers anglers an excellent opportunity to fill the freezer.
Top Techniques & Baits: Farallon Feathers, Shrimp Flies, Twin Tail Scampi, Curly Tail Grubs, Vertical Jigs, Soft Swimbaits
Sturgeon
The Astoria catch-and-release sturgeon fishery continues to provide incredible action. Large numbers of oversized fish are feeding aggressively in shallow water, giving anglers the rare opportunity to sight fish for some of the biggest freshwater fish in North America. Watching these fish track down a bait before making explosive runs and airborne jumps is an experience unlike any other.
Top Techniques & Baits: Sand Shrimp, Anchovies, Herring, Smelt, Shallow Water, Moving Tides
Tuna
Tuna season is right around the corner, and the first offshore reports should begin rolling in soon. Historically, the first fish of the season are caught by anglers trolling while searching offshore. Tuna Clones, Cedar Plugs, and diving plugs like X-Raps remain excellent search baits. As schools move closer to shore and become more concentrated, anglers can expect live bait, swimbaits, and vertical jigging to quickly become the most productive methods. Having a variety of tackle on board allows anglers to adapt to changing conditions throughout the day.
Top Techniques & Baits: Tuna Clones, Cedar Plugs, Rapala X-Raps, Vertical Jigs, Swimbaits, Live Bait
Shad
The Columbia River shad run is beginning to slow down, but there are still thousands of fish moving over Bonneville Dam each day. Anglers targeting the area immediately below the dam continue to find steady action, especially during peak current periods.
Top Techniques & Baits: Shad Darts, Flicker Spinners, Dick Nite Spoons, Baby Simon Spoons, Triple Teazers
Summer Steelhead
Summer steelhead fishing on the Columbia River has remained steady and offers opportunities for both boat anglers and bank fishermen. Plunking remains one of the most popular methods, whether casting from shore or using a kayak to position baits. Anglers trolling smaller plugs are also finding success in several sections of the river.
Top Techniques & Baits: Coon Stripe Shrimp, Prawns, Sand Shrimp, Spin-N-Glows, Small Spinners, Mag Lips, Wiggle Warts, K11 Kwikfish
Bass
Bass fishing continues to be excellent throughout the Columbia River, Willamette River, and many lakes across the region. Early mornings continue to provide the best topwater action before fish transition deeper later in the day.
Top Techniques & Baits: Topwater Frogs, Walking Baits, Lipless Crankbaits, Shallow Diving Crankbaits, Tube Baits, Football Jigs, Texas Rigged Soft Plastics
Trout
Recent cooler temperatures have helped extend the trout bite across many lakes and reservoirs. Fish have remained active longer into the morning and are beginning to feed earlier during the evening as water temperatures stay lower. Bank anglers continue to find success with casting lures, while boat anglers are putting together solid catches by trolling traditional trout presentations.
Top Techniques & Baits: Bubble & Fly, Rooster Tails, Kastmasters, Thomas Buoyant Spoons, Wedding Rings, Simon Hoochie Tails, FlatFish, Small Mag Lips