Fishing

Willamette Valley/Metro – With the Columbia now closed, effort will shift to the Willamette River, when it fishes again after the current river rise comes back down. Anglers came within about 350 spring Chinook from attaining the nearly 7,000 fish quota. Nobody can say it will be a season for the record books, but we may never be able to say again, that we got to fish until April 23rd for spring Chinook on the Columbia.

Prior to the river rise, Willamette River anglers were faring ok for spring Chinook. Anglers remain optimistic that the run may come in better than anticipated given the fair results we’ve seen from the river so far. “So far” being the operative word, there’s still a lot of season to go.

Trollers remain the most effective, from Milwaukie downstream to St. Helens, working the Multnomah Channel. It may be early next week before the river returns to fishable form.

Sandy and Clackamas fishers also had high water to contend with. The upper reaches of the Sandy has put out some steelhead recently reports pro guide Jeff Stoeger (503-704-7920). Jeff also stated springers are due in the Sandy, there will likely be fishable numbers available in the coming weeks.

An upper basin report is unavailable this week, due to writer Michael Teague on medical leave for a short period of time.

Northwest – Although steelhead season on the north coast is over, reports of spring Chinook in the Trask and upper Tillamook Bay are reliable. It’s far from consistent or peak season, but it appears that a fair showing is underway. The run timing on this system seems to vary wildly in recent years. It’s possible that an early showing is a sign of a robust run, or as robust as a Tillamook run can be.

For freshwater anglers, there aren’t many options, but don’t overlook the trout opportunities as well. Here is the north coast stocking schedule if you want to know how many trout were planted in what body of water.

The ocean swell seems to finally be tempering. This could spell a nice window of opportunity for bottomfishers and crabbers that wish to ply the waters of the Pacific; a rare occurrence for most of the winter and early spring. Sea bass and lingcod should be ready and willing.

Domoic Acid levels are trending downward, but that doesn’t mean that the season will open anytime soon. We often think of good razor clam digging this time of year, but we’ll have to wait a bit longer.

Southwest – A SW region report is unavailable this week, due to writer Michael Teague on medical leave for a short period of time.

Eastern – An Eastern Oregon report is unavailable this week, due to writer Michael Teague on medical leave for a short period of time.

SW Washington – Directly from the WDF&W web site:

Cowlitz River – 29 bank anglers kept 3 adult, 2 jack spring Chinook and 2 steelhead. 23 boat anglers kept 2 adult
spring Chinook, 4 steelhead and released 1 steelhead. River flows at Mayfield Dam are approximately 13,300 cubic feet per second on Monday, April 24. Water visibility is five feet and water temperature is 44.6 F.
Wind River – 4 boat anglers had no catch.
Drano Lake – 6 bank anglers had no catch. 18 boat anglers kept 1 adult spring Chinook. ~ 25 boats here last Saturday morning.
Klickitat River – 2 bank anglers had no catch.

from Oregon Fishing http://ift.tt/2qeD8za

NOTE: This content is automatically by NewsBot1600. If there are any inaccuracies or issues, please let us no through the contact link.

Willamette Valley/Metro – With the Columbia now closed, effort will shift to the Willamette River, when it fishes again after the current river rise comes back down. Anglers came within about 350 spring Chinook from attaining the nearly 7,000 fish quota. Nobody can say it will be a season for the record books, but we may never be able to say again, that we got to fish until April 23rd for spring Chinook on the Columbia.

Prior to the river rise, Willamette River anglers were faring ok for spring Chinook. Anglers remain optimistic that the run may come in better than anticipated given the fair results we’ve seen from the river so far. “So far” being the operative word, there’s still a lot of season to go.

Trollers remain the most effective, from Milwaukie downstream to St. Helens, working the Multnomah Channel. It may be early next week before the river returns to fishable form.

Sandy and Clackamas fishers also had high water to contend with. The upper reaches of the Sandy has put out some steelhead recently reports pro guide Jeff Stoeger (503-704-7920). Jeff also stated springers are due in the Sandy, there will likely be fishable numbers available in the coming weeks.

An upper basin report is unavailable this week, due to writer Michael Teague on medical leave for a short period of time.

Northwest – Although steelhead season on the north coast is over, reports of spring Chinook in the Trask and upper Tillamook Bay are reliable. It’s far from consistent or peak season, but it appears that a fair showing is underway. The run timing on this system seems to vary wildly in recent years. It’s possible that an early showing is a sign of a robust run, or as robust as a Tillamook run can be.

For freshwater anglers, there aren’t many options, but don’t overlook the trout opportunities as well. Here is the north coast stocking schedule if you want to know how many trout were planted in what body of water.

The ocean swell seems to finally be tempering. This could spell a nice window of opportunity for bottomfishers and crabbers that wish to ply the waters of the Pacific; a rare occurrence for most of the winter and early spring. Sea bass and lingcod should be ready and willing.

Domoic Acid levels are trending downward, but that doesn’t mean that the season will open anytime soon. We often think of good razor clam digging this time of year, but we’ll have to wait a bit longer.

Southwest – A SW region report is unavailable this week, due to writer Michael Teague on medical leave for a short period of time.

Eastern – An Eastern Oregon report is unavailable this week, due to writer Michael Teague on medical leave for a short period of time.

SW Washington – Directly from the WDF&W web site:

Cowlitz River – 29 bank anglers kept 3 adult, 2 jack spring Chinook and 2 steelhead. 23 boat anglers kept 2 adult
spring Chinook, 4 steelhead and released 1 steelhead. River flows at Mayfield Dam are approximately 13,300 cubic feet per second on Monday, April 24. Water visibility is five feet and water temperature is 44.6 F.
Wind River – 4 boat anglers had no catch.
Drano Lake – 6 bank anglers had no catch. 18 boat anglers kept 1 adult spring Chinook. ~ 25 boats here last Saturday morning.
Klickitat River – 2 bank anglers had no catch.

from Oregon Fishing http://ift.tt/2qeD8za

NOTE: This content is automatically by NewsBot1600. If there are any inaccuracies or issues, please let us no through the contact link.

Willamette Valley/Metro – Portland area anglers are also seeing improving catches as of Thursday. The water was on the drop however, but slated to rise again by Friday. That could stymie catches. Both anchor anglers and hover trollers working flashers and herring were doing well around Hayden Island and in the gorge. The season is slated to run through Sunday, but catch rates through the weekend will dictate further opportunity. We’re teetering near the quota however. I know, that seemed to go quick for as slow as it’s been this year, but when is the last time you were fishing on April 21st? Pretty cool, huh?

Willamette flows are currently rising but will level off. Spring Chinook fishing has been fair for the most part with trollers hoping the bulk of the run is yet to come. At this time of year, they’re probably right! Trolling herring has been most effective, from Cedar Oaks through the Multnomah Channel.

Trout fishing has been fair to good on the McKenzie River with more bugs on the wing which gets fish excited so they hit better which makes anglers giddy. This is a good time to fish the Mack.

Counts at Willamette Falls indicate summer steelhead upstream in low double digits and even an couple of spring Chinook but that’s not enough to feed upstream tributaries such as the Santiams.

Winter steelheading has been slow to fair on the Clackamas River although there should be some summer steelhead to catch here as well. It’s going to be a nice weekend to try it!

Our man on the Sandy River, pro fishing guide Jeff Stoeger (O2B Fishing) tells us that spring Chinook heading up the Columbia should make themselves known in the Sandy. If water conditions remain good, steelheading is certainly an option.

Northwest – Spring Chinook anglers working the lower Columbia have found favorable results on open days. Both trollers and anchor anglers have an unprecedented opportunity to fish the peak migration on the lower Columbia, only because turbid water conditions have kept catch rates from being explosive. The Portland to Longview stretch was productive again on the Thursday opener, but another rise in river levels could put fish back off again too. There’s no doubt however, there are plenty of fish present.

Southwest – This coming weekend, April 22nd & 23rd, is ‘bonus’ Free Fishing Weekend, during which no licenses or harvest cards are required to fish, clam, crab or shrimp. (You do know you need a shellfish permit to dig sand shrimp, right? Not this weekend!) Have fun and enjoy the bounty.

Ocean crabbers are taking only two or three Dungeness per pot but as storms ease off, crabbing will continue to improve in bays and estuaries, getting better and better. Then they molt.

When we say the Alsea is a popular fishery, you can count on it but no reason to take our word for it. Travel there yourself for Free Fishing Weekend. We hear there are some getting caught, although you may find mostly down-runners in the catch.

How about a never-ending place where we can catch large, tasty fish? That’d be surf fishing for barred and pinkfin (also called red-tail) surf perch. Limits are generous at 15 fish and not uncommon.

This week, author, publisher and prolific blogger, Pete Heley (peteheley.com) reports on trout, of course. Free Fishing Weekend calls for some of the heaviest and most wide-spread trout plantings of the year. Heley tells us where and how.

Speaking of spring Chinook (as we are a lot this week), the lower Rogue is a world-famous fishery which hasn’t produced much this season due to crummy water conditions far too often thanks to frequent storms. This weekend looks somewhat better with the middle and upper Rogue providing winter steelhead prospects. Good ol’ Pete, though, tells us where Chinook are being caught regularly on the Umpqua.

Following a five-year study of spring Chinook in the Rogue River system to make a reasonably good estimate of the number of fish that will return. This is a first for the Rogue. God bless technology!

Don’t count on ice fishing anytime soon at Diamond Lake as the ice is melting quickly this week and is far from safe. Trout fishing usually improves following ice-out.

Eastern – Redsides are responding to various patterns on the Deschutes. The Salmonfly Hatch is a much-anticipated event on the Deschutes and is due to begin in May.

Trout fishing has been a little up and down on the Metolius River this week, but it has been quite good when it’s ‘up’ and hatches are ongoing.

Trollers have been doing well at Detroit Lake, popular due that it’s closer to the metro area than many other lakes offering similar fishing.

Despite the fact that there are no spring Chinook within many miles of the river, The Snake opens for springer fishing on Saturday, April 23rd.

The ODFW reversed it decision to mess with kokanee limits at Wickiup, so the Reservoir will open on April 22nd, as planned, with no change in regulations. Big limits, go get ‘em.

SW Washington – For mid-April, catches of spring Chinook on the Cowlitz are not impressive. Steelhead catches are waning as well. There is still a lot of season to go, and water conditions have been less than ideal, and biologists remain hopeful a robust return is in order.

Passage at Bonneville is ramping up, but effort and catch isn’t quite yet matching at Wind and Drano Lake. That could change in the coming weeks however.

Other district tributaries are producing expectedly poorly. That’s not likely to change anytime soon either.

Recent SW Washington razor clam digs have been rescinded due to rising levels of toxins. Check out the press release

from Oregon Fishing http://ift.tt/2pKMClm

NOTE: This content is automatically by NewsBot1600. If there are any inaccuracies or issues, please let us no through the contact link.

Willamette Valley/Metro – Portland area anglers are also seeing improving catches as of Thursday. The water was on the drop however, but slated to rise again by Friday. That could stymie catches. Both anchor anglers and hover trollers working flashers and herring were doing well around Hayden Island and in the gorge. The season is slated to run through Sunday, but catch rates through the weekend will dictate further opportunity. We’re teetering near the quota however. I know, that seemed to go quick for as slow as it’s been this year, but when is the last time you were fishing on April 21st? Pretty cool, huh?

Willamette flows are currently rising but will level off. Spring Chinook fishing has been fair for the most part with trollers hoping the bulk of the run is yet to come. At this time of year, they’re probably right! Trolling herring has been most effective, from Cedar Oaks through the Multnomah Channel.

Trout fishing has been fair to good on the McKenzie River with more bugs on the wing which gets fish excited so they hit better which makes anglers giddy. This is a good time to fish the Mack.

Counts at Willamette Falls indicate summer steelhead upstream in low double digits and even an couple of spring Chinook but that’s not enough to feed upstream tributaries such as the Santiams.

Winter steelheading has been slow to fair on the Clackamas River although there should be some summer steelhead to catch here as well. It’s going to be a nice weekend to try it!

Our man on the Sandy River, pro fishing guide Jeff Stoeger (O2B Fishing) tells us that spring Chinook heading up the Columbia should make themselves known in the Sandy. If water conditions remain good, steelheading is certainly an option.

Northwest – Spring Chinook anglers working the lower Columbia have found favorable results on open days. Both trollers and anchor anglers have an unprecedented opportunity to fish the peak migration on the lower Columbia, only because turbid water conditions have kept catch rates from being explosive. The Portland to Longview stretch was productive again on the Thursday opener, but another rise in river levels could put fish back off again too. There’s no doubt however, there are plenty of fish present.

Southwest – This coming weekend, April 22nd & 23rd, is ‘bonus’ Free Fishing Weekend, during which no licenses or harvest cards are required to fish, clam, crab or shrimp. (You do know you need a shellfish permit to dig sand shrimp, right? Not this weekend!) Have fun and enjoy the bounty.

Ocean crabbers are taking only two or three Dungeness per pot but as storms ease off, crabbing will continue to improve in bays and estuaries, getting better and better. Then they molt.

When we say the Alsea is a popular fishery, you can count on it but no reason to take our word for it. Travel there yourself for Free Fishing Weekend. We hear there are some getting caught, although you may find mostly down-runners in the catch.

How about a never-ending place where we can catch large, tasty fish? That’d be surf fishing for barred and pinkfin (also called red-tail) surf perch. Limits are generous at 15 fish and not uncommon.

This week, author, publisher and prolific blogger, Pete Heley (peteheley.com) reports on trout, of course. Free Fishing Weekend calls for some of the heaviest and most wide-spread trout plantings of the year. Heley tells us where and how.

Speaking of spring Chinook (as we are a lot this week), the lower Rogue is a world-famous fishery which hasn’t produced much this season due to crummy water conditions far too often thanks to frequent storms. This weekend looks somewhat better with the middle and upper Rogue providing winter steelhead prospects. Good ol’ Pete, though, tells us where Chinook are being caught regularly on the Umpqua.

Following a five-year study of spring Chinook in the Rogue River system to make a reasonably good estimate of the number of fish that will return. This is a first for the Rogue. God bless technology!

Don’t count on ice fishing anytime soon at Diamond Lake as the ice is melting quickly this week and is far from safe. Trout fishing usually improves following ice-out.

Eastern – Redsides are responding to various patterns on the Deschutes. The Salmonfly Hatch is a much-anticipated event on the Deschutes and is due to begin in May.

Trout fishing has been a little up and down on the Metolius River this week, but it has been quite good when it’s ‘up’ and hatches are ongoing.

Trollers have been doing well at Detroit Lake, popular due that it’s closer to the metro area than many other lakes offering similar fishing.

Despite the fact that there are no spring Chinook within many miles of the river, The Snake opens for springer fishing on Saturday, April 23rd.

The ODFW reversed it decision to mess with kokanee limits at Wickiup, so the Reservoir will open on April 22nd, as planned, with no change in regulations. Big limits, go get ‘em.

SW Washington – For mid-April, catches of spring Chinook on the Cowlitz are not impressive. Steelhead catches are waning as well. There is still a lot of season to go, and water conditions have been less than ideal, and biologists remain hopeful a robust return is in order.

Passage at Bonneville is ramping up, but effort and catch isn’t quite yet matching at Wind and Drano Lake. That could change in the coming weeks however.

Other district tributaries are producing expectedly poorly. That’s not likely to change anytime soon either.

Recent SW Washington razor clam digs have been rescinded due to rising levels of toxins. Check out the press release

from Oregon Fishing http://ift.tt/2pKMClm

NOTE: This content is automatically by NewsBot1600. If there are any inaccuracies or issues, please let us no through the contact link.

Willamette Valley/Metro – Portland area anglers are also seeing improving catches as of Thursday. The water was on the drop however, but slated to rise again by Friday. That could stymie catches. Both anchor anglers and hover trollers working flashers and herring were doing well around Hayden Island and in the gorge. The season is slated to run through Sunday, but catch rates through the weekend will dictate further opportunity. We’re teetering near the quota however. I know, that seemed to go quick for as slow as it’s been this year, but when is the last time you were fishing on April 21st? Pretty cool, huh?

Willamette flows are currently rising but will level off. Spring Chinook fishing has been fair for the most part with trollers hoping the bulk of the run is yet to come. At this time of year, they’re probably right! Trolling herring has been most effective, from Cedar Oaks through the Multnomah Channel.

Trout fishing has been fair to good on the McKenzie River with more bugs on the wing which gets fish excited so they hit better which makes anglers giddy. This is a good time to fish the Mack.

Counts at Willamette Falls indicate summer steelhead upstream in low double digits and even an couple of spring Chinook but that’s not enough to feed upstream tributaries such as the Santiams.

Winter steelheading has been slow to fair on the Clackamas River although there should be some summer steelhead to catch here as well. It’s going to be a nice weekend to try it!

Our man on the Sandy River, pro fishing guide Jeff Stoeger (O2B Fishing) tells us that spring Chinook heading up the Columbia should make themselves known in the Sandy. If water conditions remain good, steelheading is certainly an option.

Northwest – Spring Chinook anglers working the lower Columbia have found favorable results on open days. Both trollers and anchor anglers have an unprecedented opportunity to fish the peak migration on the lower Columbia, only because turbid water conditions have kept catch rates from being explosive. The Portland to Longview stretch was productive again on the Thursday opener, but another rise in river levels could put fish back off again too. There’s no doubt however, there are plenty of fish present.

Southwest – This coming weekend, April 22nd & 23rd, is ‘bonus’ Free Fishing Weekend, during which no licenses or harvest cards are required to fish, clam, crab or shrimp. (You do know you need a shellfish permit to dig sand shrimp, right? Not this weekend!) Have fun and enjoy the bounty.

Ocean crabbers are taking only two or three Dungeness per pot but as storms ease off, crabbing will continue to improve in bays and estuaries, getting better and better. Then they molt.

When we say the Alsea is a popular fishery, you can count on it but no reason to take our word for it. Travel there yourself for Free Fishing Weekend. We hear there are some getting caught, although you may find mostly down-runners in the catch.

How about a never-ending place where we can catch large, tasty fish? That’d be surf fishing for barred and pinkfin (also called red-tail) surf perch. Limits are generous at 15 fish and not uncommon.

This week, author, publisher and prolific blogger, Pete Heley (peteheley.com) reports on trout, of course. Free Fishing Weekend calls for some of the heaviest and most wide-spread trout plantings of the year. Heley tells us where and how.

Speaking of spring Chinook (as we are a lot this week), the lower Rogue is a world-famous fishery which hasn’t produced much this season due to crummy water conditions far too often thanks to frequent storms. This weekend looks somewhat better with the middle and upper Rogue providing winter steelhead prospects. Good ol’ Pete, though, tells us where Chinook are being caught regularly on the Umpqua.

Following a five-year study of spring Chinook in the Rogue River system to make a reasonably good estimate of the number of fish that will return. This is a first for the Rogue. God bless technology!

Don’t count on ice fishing anytime soon at Diamond Lake as the ice is melting quickly this week and is far from safe. Trout fishing usually improves following ice-out.

Eastern – Redsides are responding to various patterns on the Deschutes. The Salmonfly Hatch is a much-anticipated event on the Deschutes and is due to begin in May.

Trout fishing has been a little up and down on the Metolius River this week, but it has been quite good when it’s ‘up’ and hatches are ongoing.

Trollers have been doing well at Detroit Lake, popular due that it’s closer to the metro area than many other lakes offering similar fishing.

Despite the fact that there are no spring Chinook within many miles of the river, The Snake opens for springer fishing on Saturday, April 23rd.

The ODFW reversed it decision to mess with kokanee limits at Wickiup, so the Reservoir will open on April 22nd, as planned, with no change in regulations. Big limits, go get ‘em.

SW Washington – For mid-April, catches of spring Chinook on the Cowlitz are not impressive. Steelhead catches are waning as well. There is still a lot of season to go, and water conditions have been less than ideal, and biologists remain hopeful a robust return is in order.

Passage at Bonneville is ramping up, but effort and catch isn’t quite yet matching at Wind and Drano Lake. That could change in the coming weeks however.

Other district tributaries are producing expectedly poorly. That’s not likely to change anytime soon either.

Recent SW Washington razor clam digs have been rescinded due to rising levels of toxins. Check out the press release

from Oregon Fishing http://ift.tt/2pKMClm

NOTE: This content is automatically by NewsBot1600. If there are any inaccuracies or issues, please let us no through the contact link.

Willamette Valley/Metro – Spring Chinook are starting to make a better showing in the Columbia and Willamette systems. With the season extension (See press release here), ample opportunity exists, good water conditions do not (kinda like winter steelhead season). Prior to the season extension, catch rates were pathetic, averaging 22 anglers days of effort for each spring Chinook landed on the Columbia. I know, hard to stay motivated. Another surge in flow will likely keep the bite subdued.

The Willamette is showing signs of improvement, but action is sporadic at best. Trollers working the Multnomah Channel, Portland Harbor and Sellwood Bridge are catching some fish and like any kind of fishing, some days are better than others. There is effort at Oregon City, but the bite has yet to take off in any real fashion in this reach.

The Sandy still has some steelhead in it. Pro guide Chris Vertopoulos (503-349-1377) found some steelhead last week. HIs group landed one large wild buck, a spawned out fish, and had another hit on a plug. It’s getting to be scratch fishing over there, and springers are still a few weeks away.

Much the same on the Clackamas, with a few steelhead present, no spring Chinook just yet and little pressure during this shoulder season. There was one gentlemen that was seen trolling the lower reach around Clackamette Park. After landing a fish (I presume a spring Chinook), he stated he had lost 2 others (or was that just the bottom?). Seems pretty lucky as this is not a common place to see a fisherman, let along a successful one. High flows on the Willamette often draw fish into the clearer Clackamas however.

Writer Michael Teague is on what we hope is a brief medical hiatus. He would say however that the upper Willamette Basin is void of fish, still running a bit high and somewhat fruitless. There are a few spring Chinook over the falls, but what can you expect for this early in the season?

Northwest – Guides working the north coast are hoping to wind down the season soon. With so much focus on Willamette Valley spring Chinook, the rivers have become more user friendly and the fishing has been respectable. That has changed in recent days however as catches have dropped off and more spawned out fish are showing in the catch.

The Nestucca and Wilson remain favorites, but catches will continue to taper and summer steelhead are even a rarity this year. Many smaller streams are now closed to avoid conflict with spawning wild steelhead. Check local regulations before embarking.

And speaking of embarking, it’s been another week of little ocean effort as storm after storm roll ashore. There may be a window coming up soon however, so if you pay attention to that type of stuff, keep a watchful eye. Halibut season is less than a month away, you’ll want to be prepared for it.

Spring Chinook are also a month away, but it’s likely that there are some in the Trask or Tillamook area system. You’d have to be pretty motivated to try it, or have a lot of extra time on your hands.

Southwest – No Southwest report this week as writer Michael Teague is on what we hope is a brief medical hiatus. Paid members however should go to the paid subscriber section and read Pete Heley’s report. There’s great detail in there!

Eastern – No Eastern OR report this week as writer Michael Teague is on what we hope is a brief medical hiatus.

SW Washington – Although spring Chinook action should be picking up on the Cowlitz River, it isn’t. Steelhead action remains fair however, it appears there is a decent return this year. Here is the stats right from the horse’s mouth:

Cowlitz River – 128 bank anglers kept 3 adult spring Chinook, 19 steelhead and released 3 steelhead, 1 cutthroat. 37 boat anglers kept 4 adult spring Chinook, 20 steelhead and released 1 adult spring Chinook. River flows at Mayfield Dam are approximately 9,680 cubic feet per second on Monday, April 10. Water visibility is five feet and water temperature is 43.7 F.

East Fork Lewis from mouth to top boat ramp at Lewisville Park and Washougal River from mouth to Mt. Norway Bridge – Open to fishing for hatchery steelhead Sunday April 16. Through the first Friday in June, selective gear rules are in effect; no bait may be used.

Wind, White Salmon, and Klickitat rivers and Drano Lake – No effort including the bank only area outside the mouth of Drano Lake.

Drano Lake – April 12 is the first of the scheduled Wednesday closures that run through June. Effective April 16 through June 30, bank fishing only west of a line projected from the easternmost pillar of the Hwy. 14 Bridge to a posted marker on the north shore.

More fishing information can be found here.

from Oregon Fishing http://ift.tt/2pd7KDC

NOTE: This content is automatically by NewsBot1600. If there are any inaccuracies or issues, please let us no through the contact link.

Willamette Valley/Metro – Columbia River spring Chinook seekers got some relief recently, with the extension of the spring Chinook season at least through April 10th, Given the poor performance of the fishery, unless something changes, we’d have to anticipate even more time, but only time itself, will tell. Here is the official press release.

So you might guess where this paragraph is going; we’re entering peak season now and catches remain dismal for a fair amount of effort afoot. High, cold water continues to hamper success and that doesn’t look like it will change anytime soon. Estimated catch through March 26th was only 53 fish, so we have a long way to go to achieve our quota. We need favorable water conditions to get both fish and fishermen excited however.

Willamette Level and flow remain high but without rain in the forecast for this coming weekend and beyond, it’s a safe bet that interest in lower Willamette Spring Chinook fishing will skyrocket. We predict less pressure on sturgeon.

As the McKenzie River comes back in to shape and the water clarity improves, trout fishers should expect to find some action.

Many winter steelheaders, perhaps without historical knowledge of the Santiams, ask about fishing here. Not for a while as too few are available.

Although the Clackamas River is currently (evening of March 30th) at its highest level this week, conditions will start to change, improving in the coming weekend. It remains to be seen what the winter steelhead run may hold in store but it’s certainly too early to target springers here.

According to our man on the Sandy River, pro fishing guide Jeff Stoeger (http://guideoregon.com), the Sandy rose this week, hitting 12 feet but, as with other Oregon waterways, will be dropping as the rain stops. This will be reason for optimism with winter steelheaders.

Northwest – Steelheaders on the north coast endured another weather system that put the majority of late season steelhead options again on hold. The Kilchis has had the bulk of the pressure, largely due to it being the only game in town. Reports from the Kilchis indicate anglers are having to work hard for their catch. Guide boats are getting 1 – 3 chances for an all-day excursion and some of the fish being tallied are already spawned out.

The Wilson, Nestucca and to some degree, the Trask have had negligible pressure due to high, off-colored water. Reports are scarce when the fish are, and when the water conditions are unfavorable. And the Nehalem? Forget about it.

Ocean fishing hasn’t been an option either, Rough seas have put the bottomfishing fleet on hold but there may be some reprieve this weekend. Commercial crabbers are still doing fair, but as is usually the case, catches taper after a booming January.

Same story, different week, not a great bunch of opportunity for spring break. Hopefully we’re in for a drying and clearing trend.

Southwest – South coast rivers will be dropping, clearing and improving with no rain forecast for the next several days.

As a bonus in this very temporary (and even unusual during this crazy weather year), crabbing in bays and estuaries will be improving.

Author, publisher and prolific blogger, Pete Heley (peteheley.com) is kind enough to send us weekly reports from the area of his home town, Reedsport. Among many other topics, he tells us that, despite commercial crabbers slowing recreational crabbing, it’s still fair to good with the average take four or five Dungeness for each person.

A subject about which Mr. Heley often talks is one about which little is said. That would be the striped bass fishery on the southern Oregon Coast. This weeks, he tells us where and when.

While we cover warmwater fisheries occasionally, Pete Heley is an enthusiast and shares his enthusiasm about springtime sunshine warming local lakes sufficiently to move bass and panfish into the shallows. He always shares some favorite spots.

High water, persistent at the Rogue River, has not completely shut down the spring Chinook fishery on the lower river, but optimism will be higher when the water drops and clears. Winter steelhead are available upstream.

Although the Chetco is past due for a break from rainstorms, winter steelheaders are wondering, with improved conditions over the coming days, will there still be bright fish available. We know of only two sure ways to find out: First (and best – go fish. Second, not nearly so much fun but a sure thing: Read about it in TGF next week.

Eastern – Write off the Deschutes as a weekend destination – at least for the coming weekend as the river is high and muddy.

It’s still too early to expect rapid catches at Green Peter Reservoir which still seems to be suffering from the ‘little fish syndrome’ although it is showing improvement.

Cold water is said to be the culprit slowing action at Lake Billy Chinook.

At this writing on Thursday, March 30th, the road to Wickiup remains closed.

With east-side lakes still chilled from winter weather, many, such as Odell, while accessible, has offered only slow fishing.

SW Washington – Cowlitz anglers continue to be the shining star in the district. Winter steelhead are making up the bulk of the catch on the Cowlitz, with an occasional spring Chinook being taken as well.

Boat anglers are out-producing bank anglers almost 2 to 1 for steelhead, but that’s no surprise to anyone.

Other rivers are not faring so well. The Kalama is a second option for steelhead, but closed for spring Chinook. There are a few steelhead in the Lewis as well.

WDFW News – Razor Clam Dig Alternates Between Two Beaches Beginning March 30.
Posted on 03/28/2017 by Pete Heley

“State shellfish managers have approved a morning razor clam dig starting March 30 with openings alternating between Mocrocks and Copalis beaches through April 2.

‘The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the four-day dig – the first dig of the season on morning tides – after marine toxin tests showed that clams on those two beaches are safe to eat.

‘Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, said diggers should be aware that only one beach – either Mocrocks or Copalis – will be open each day of the upcoming dig.

‘Ayres also reminds diggers that all state fishing licenses expire March 31, so they will need to purchase a 2017-18 fishing license if they plan to participate in the digs approved for Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2.

‘Licenses applicable to digging razor clams include an annual razor clam license, a shellfish license or a combination fishing license. A three-day razor clam license is also available, although it is restricted to digging days in a single licensing year.

‘All licenses are available online at http://ift.tt/1czn9Tv and from sporting goods stores and other licensing outlets throughout the state.

‘The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates and morning low tides:

March 30, Thursday, 8:58 a.m.; -0.6 feet, Mocrocks
March 31, Friday, 9:47 a.m.; -0.6 feet, Copalis
April 1, Saturday, 10:40 a.m.; -0.5 feet, Mocrocks
April 2, Sunday; 11:39 a.m., -0.1 feet, Copalis

Long Beach and Twin Harbors remain closed to digging, because they have not yet met state testing requirements for marine toxins, Ayres said.

“Copalis Beach extends from the Grays Harbor north jetty to the Copalis River and includes the Copalis, Ocean Shores, Oyhut, Ocean City and Copalis areas.

“Mocrocks Beach extends from the Copalis River to the southern boundary of the Quinault Reservation near the Moclips River, including Iron Springs, Roosevelt Beach, Seabrook, Pacific Beach and Moclips.

Maps of those beaches and information about razor clam digs proposed in the future are available on WDFW’s website at http://ift.tt/16ZKK9N

Always more Oregon fishing information at The Guide’s Forecast.

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The Nestucca finally came into fishable shape recently, but another system will put it high again until the weekend. This river is a bit larger, requiring more time to clear. There are fish available however.

The smaller systems such as the Kilchis, Necanicum and upper Trask have also been putting out fish. It is peak season after all. Anglers are already starting to see some down-runners, but there will be fresh fish for another week or so, at least in fishable numbers.

More gale warnings and high seas for offshore anglers. Everyone’s supply of bottomfish is on the low side. How will we ever get through Lent without Skippers?

Crabbing is tapering as well, especially in the freshwater-laden estuaries.

Southwest – OK, here’s your Tip o’ the Week: Ling cod fishing is as good as it gets all year. Whether fishing offshore or from shore, now is the time. Go get ‘em!

This week, Author and Reedsport resident, Pete Heley gives us details about ocean Chinook season which opened March 15th but tells us it may not las ‘til May this year, shares south coast trout planting details and where the big ones will get planted with Spring Break coming up and shares his opinions (as always) with the ODFW and WDFW, er, disagreement in his sites this week.

Pete Heley works weekends at the Stockade Market & Tackle in Winchester Bay where he is more than happy to swap fishing info with anyone.

Our Rogue River writer complains this week about running out of was to describe Rushing, heaving, unfishable torrents where a river used to be with seemingly no end in sight. We suggested: Rogue River.

There have certainly been some “wow!” days on the Chetco this season. Too few thanks to crummy weather and high water during far too much of the winter steelheading season, which closes on March 31st.

There have been no reliable reports regarding the stability of the surface of Diamond Lake nor reports of fishing over the past week.

Eastern – In addition to flowing high and swift, the Metolius adds daily fluctuations to its fly fisher frustration menu. This, too, shall pass.

This time of year, we generally start hearing about smallmouth bass fishing on the John Day but with the water running high and cold here, not so far in 2017.

Although the water level allows launching a boat without problem, visibility has been poor and the water cold.

High Lakes in the Cascades were inaccessible earlier this week but the Cascade Lakes Highway has historically opened in May.

Fern Ridge reservoir has warmed sufficiently to get trout up and active in the shallows. Later in the year, kokanee are available here.

SW Washington – Steelhead catches on the Cowlitz ticked upward this week. Boats tallied 41 steelhead and 2 spring Chinook for 199 boats on the weekend creel check. Flows remain high but late season steelheading is peaking and catches are proving it.

The Cowlitz should remain strong for steelhead, but spring Chinook should start to bump up as well. Once flows begin to subside, action should pick up, especially as we enter April.

Several lakes received healthy trout plants this week, in anticipation of spring break. Check out the WDF&W web site for trout plant details.

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Willamette Valley/Metro – Although far from impressive fishing, spring Chinook are more than a dream! Of course only a handful have been caught, but trollers working upstream of Davis Bar have been netting a rare, but nice sized spring Chinook. Catches are still too sparse to call the fishery viable, that’s how slow it remains, but there is hope on the horizon! Cold, high water will persist, and that won’t help anglers boat any better numbers of salmon, but there’s no better tasting fish than a March spring Chinook, and you won’t catch one on the couch!

Lower Willamette anglers should steer clear for a while as the water is too high, muddy and swift to fish. Debris washing downstream can and will take down a boat. Conditions will be improving and spring Chinook fishing will improve, eventually.

While the McKenzie River can be a fly fishers heaven, there’s gonna be nothing heavenly about the Mack over the next several days.

As has been the case with the Santiams lately, there’s too much water and not enough fish.

As the Clackamas River will be too high to fish for a while, Dave Neels of Oregon City Fisherman’s Marine (503-557-3313), sagely advises steelheaders to wait it out. Once conditions improve and springer fishing starts up again, it’ll thin out the competition on the Clack.

Sandy River levels are high and murky, but pro fishing guide Jeff Stoeger (http://guideoregon.com/) tells TGF that once conditions improve, winter steelhead will be scattered throughout.

Northwest – Two significant storm systems kept Tillamook area steelheaders largely off the water, especially in the larger, hatchery steelhead streams this week. That looks to be changing for the upcoming week.

Small stream steelheaders have been yielding mediocre results, with the Kilchis remaining one of the better options, but largely only for wild fish.

Bank anglers working the Necanicum are catching a few, and even fewer on the North Fork Nehalem and Three Rivers.

If dropping river trends continue as predicted, the weekend should fish fairly and only fairly, despite being in peak season.

East winds are predicted for early next week. That’s a long ways off for an ocean prediction however. When seas do calm, bottomfishing will be terrific.

Southwest – Author, publisher and prolific blogger, Pete Heley (peteheley.com) sends us some pretty cool information. Like where and how to catch the next record-breaking yellow perch, inside info about springers on the Umpqua, all that stuff. We don’t usually quote him here, but this week he seemed eminently quotable.

Mr. Heley wrote, “I find it reprehensible that the commissioners have not only reneged on the CRE Plan, but are attempting to convince the WDFW commissioners to do likewise. It seems that the entire amount of money collected on Columbia River Enhancement fishing license surcharges is at risk of being refunded via a class action suit.

There is a ODFW Commission meeting in Salem this week that will address the controversy – and hopefully do something about it.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet Friday, March 17 at the Benton County Fairgrounds (Guerber Hall, 110 SE 53rd Street, Corvallis) to reconsider their rules on Columbia River Fisheries Reform adopted Jan. 20. Friday’s meeting starts at 8 a.m. and follows this agenda http://ift.tt/2mU2dhD”

Ocean crabbing remains open but has slowed. Crab may also be taken in bays and estuaries but results are poor following rain.

Bottom fishing has been good whenever boats can get out. Rockfish and ling cod limits are common in winter.

Oh, what a shame, the springer season hasn’t amounted to much on the lower Rogue but it’s blown out with more high water in the forecast. It’s the same for the middle and upper Rogue, unfortunately.

Chetco River levels are high (no surprise) and rising with the levels yo-yo-ing through the coming week. Plunkers should watch for opportunity windows.

Eastern – With Deschutes flows rising as they assume a muddy hue, we kindly recommend fly anglers look elsewhere for a few days.

A common situation, rising water, has been evident on the Metolius River for over a week. Runoff will make it muddy. Not the best fishing destination this weekend.

Fly fishers fond of the Fall River may soon be able to fish it as improving weather has brought warmer temperatures, which is just about keeping ahead of the snowfall.

Due to a new-ish regulation for Detroit Lake which dropped the ‘under 24 in Chinook are trout’ rule, there will no longer be a landlocked Chinook fishery. No flames; we know.

SW Washington – SW Washington anglers are starting to pick up some spring Chinook. Although lower Columbia anglers tallied just one springer for every 70 rods, by comparison, Cowlitz River anglers caught one springer for every 23 rods. Steelhead are falling in fair numbers on the Cowlitz as well.

The Kalama is still putting out some steelhead, and should continue to improve when water conditions do, but the Lewis remains exceptionally slow, and that likely won’t change until water conditions do.

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Willamette Valley/Metro – Another week of high water and low probability for spring Chinook in the Portland metro area. A lone Chinook remains the sole celebrity on the Columbia River system at Bonneville to date. Water forecasts on the Willamette, where the bulk of the early running springers tend to return to, is calling for another rise this weekend.

At two feet of visibility, the lower Willamette may just be as clear as it’s been all winter. Still, this has done little to boost fish counts and no harvest cards were defaced with lower Willamette springers.

McKenzie River conditions are fair but levels will increase with rain over the next several days.

The Santiam system will be increasing in level and flow over the weekend. A rising river is the least productive, generally.

While this has not been a banner year for Clackamas winter steelhead, the water has been high much of the time.

Sandy River level, flow and even clarity are less subject to change from rainfall and far more effected by the freezing level, which is high and forecast to remain that way. The Sandy should fish and there are fish in the Sandy.

Northwest – The Hook, Line and Sinker tournament happens this weekend in Tillamook. There’s still time to sign up by calling the Hook, Line and Sinker Tavern in Tillamook at (503) 322-2020. You can register through Friday night (3/3). More info can be found here.

Tillamook fishing itself has been fair. With good water conditions and peak season upon us, it’s time to fish! Boaters that fished the Wilson, Trask and Nestucca have been producing results and big fish are fairly common this winter. There have been several fish in the high teens and a handful over 20 pounds, including one that tipped the scales at an estimated 26 pounds! The other item of interest that anglers are talking about is that there are a lot of people working the water. Interest is running high these days, must be peak season for winter steelhead!

Smaller systems have been low and clear, and not producing all that well, but not surprisingly, there are fish present and willing if you approach stealthily. The Kilchis, Necanicum and North Fork Nehalem are fair options this time of year, especially if you catch one of these systems on a moderate rise, or just after a high water event.

Bottom line, it’s peak steelhead season, you won’t have much more of a chance than now, through the 3rd week of March.

Other, more salty options will remain limited this weekend. Rough seas and strong early morning run-outs won’t make for good bay crabbing or bar crossings. Desperate crabbers do have a nice soft incoming tide in the afternoons that they can explore however.

Still no sign of a razor clam opener. You can check the toxicity status by clicking here.

Southwest – The entire Oregon coast is closed to harvesting razor clams. Oceans and bays coast-wide are open for crabbing.

Living in Roseburg, Pete Heley has first-hand knowledge of the Umpqua and tells us the entire river below Roseburg and the South Umpqua to above Canyonville have been high and muddy and fishing has been terrible. A few spring Chinook should be entering the river, but there will be no way to know for certain until the river drops into shape and people start fishing it.

Heley also tells a story about three people from Eugene who dealt with muddy water in the Lower Umpqua by dragging their small boat into the “Triangle”. When they quit an hour later, they had 22 legal crabs and said the only reason they quit was the wind.

When you’re in Winchester Bay on a weekend, stop in at Stockade Market and Tackle where Pete Heley will be delighted to swap fishing stories.

Rogue River winter steelheaders have been challenged. It’s difficult enough to figure out which part of the river will be most productive (but not for TGF readers, of course) but high water has been a problem much of the season. And it ain’t over as the next storm front will hit over the coming weekend.

Winter steelheaders have been reporting decent action on the Chetco this season although the report is academic as the water level will start to rise on Friday this week.

According to late reports this week, the surface at Diamond Lake is safe for ice fishers but don’t take our word – call the resort to be certain!

The Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Expo will be held on March 10th and 11th at the Linn County Expo Center in Reedsport. It bills itself as the largest fly tying event west of the Mississippi. Admission is free for adults and for youngsters accompanied by an adult.

Eastern – When heading to Oregon, even in March, it’s common to run into snow. Check the road conditions before you launch, er, drive.

Conditions are such on the Deschutes River that the trout fishing is expected to be quite good over the weekend to come and beyond.

Winter rivers are those which fish well in what might be considered the ‘off season.’ So it is with the Metolius, a spring-fed stream providing habitat for both fish and abundant insect life.

Another of the Rivers which will continue to fish well through cold weather is the Fall River. Fishing here has been decent for fly anglers.

SW Washington – Winter steelhead are starting to show with more regularity. The Cowlitz is putting out a few more fish, and of quality size. We’re still a few weeks away from peak period, but this system is finally worthy of putting some effort into it. Some spring Chinook are also falling, albeit a bit of a rare catch still. That too should change, as the Cowlitz is expecting a good return this year.

The Kalama is closed to spring Chinook fishing, but anglers can still pursue and retain hatchery steelhead. It’s go so bad here, that there is an extensive safe zone at the mouth of the Kalama for mainstem Columbia trollers. You can find the closed river section at the bottom of this web page.

As most people have heard by now, the smelt dipping season was a bust. It’s unknown if there will be another sport opportunity in the near future. Much of it depends on how the commercial catch fares. Does anyone else NOT get that?

Always more fishing information on The Guide’s Forecast‘s site.

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