news

By Bob Rees
The Guide’s Forecast

It’s a new year and that means new regulations, new fishing licenses and new challenges ahead. I can’t help but be excited however that the snow just keeps piling up in the mountains, nearly guaranteeing a strong spring run-off that should send baby salmon and steelhead downstream in quick fashion in just a few months from now. And maybe, just maybe, we won’t have to worry about such lethal summer temperatures for a change.

It’s been a welcome change; turbulent seas that may stir up the North Pacific, hopefully putting an end to the devastating warm water blob that’s certainly compromised most species of cold water fish on the west coast, not to mention the rippling effect of the loss of ecosystem function. A great start to the snowpack for 2017, and the reopening of the Dungeness crab fishery, the most economically valuable fishery in the state of Oregon. I’m not sure all the news is good news for 2017 however.

Following the extreme presence of the warm water blob, a large El Nino event and the devastating drought effects and freshwater mortality that effected several different species of salmonids, we’re already seeing the effects in this year’s predicted returns of spring and summer Chinook. The fall Chinook and coho predictions often come later in the spring, but not many are holding out hope for a banner year, such as the several we’ve been experiencing in recent years.

But that’s what makes these fisheries so productive, the volatility and resilience of our ecosystems. From feast to famine, they too serve a purpose. We, as humans, have always tried to control our ecosystem services so that they offer us, humans, the greatest returns on our investment. We may still be generations away from learning this, but one day, we will learn to work in concert with what mother nature deals us, instead of the best way to manipulate it for our own benefit. In the meantime, we haven’t recovered the 13 stocks of Columbia Basin salmon and steelhead, the Oregon Coastal coho and the plethora of other species that remain threatened under our “rule.” Learning is a slow process however, especially when we are asked to change the way we’ve historically utilized our natural resources.

I just had a good conversation with a friend that recently came back from Cuba. Although I’ve never been there, with the lack of an “industrial revolution,” a modernized form of commerce and no easy path for big industry to mine their natural resources, my friend noted that one outstanding and somewhat puzzling feature of the island is the lack of biodiversity that exists in the country. One would think, with this type of culture, that fish and wildlife would thrive here. I asked about the fishing opportunities (of course) and he replied that he observed only one outfitter that offered catch and release fishing at 1st World prices. It appeared as if the outfitter was some sort of government concessionaire. I wonder how that will change with United States relations in the future. I don’t know what the lessons to be learned here are, but I hope someone gets a chance to do it.

By the time we get to the end of 2016, most seem pretty anxious to close it out. For whatever reason, the New Year offers us a chance to shed our skin and start over again, in hopes of a better outcome in the next year. We won’t get that outcome if we don’t change our strategy however, no matter how dedicated we feel in the last week of December. How many times have you heard that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results?

We’ll deal with the cards that were handed to us, we’ve even seen worse, but you’ve often heard me say that we have to manage our resources more conservatively than before since it seems we have a poor track record of keeping our fish and wildlife in healthy abundance. I’m not sure that will change in the near future, but the first step in conservation is actually recognizing that there is a problem.

It’s highly likely that we’ll continue to operate the Columbia River hydropower system like we have for the last 5 decades, continue to harvest timber off of private and public forests at a rate that will continue to harm water quality, and spray compromising chemicals on our landscape that change animal behavior and contribute to the bioaccumulation of pesticides in our ecosystems. Substantial changes in the way we do business rarely happen when destruction is slow. All I ask of our collective, consuming community is that we start to look at other ways of doing business in the New Year. Maybe you attend in informative meeting that you’d like more information on, or come together with other like-minded folks and ask harder questions to your state or federal legislators. There are better ways for us to get engaged and make change, but mostly, we hope your 2017 is filled with change and a happy, healthy and sustainable harvest of all gifts given to us by Mother Nature.

Paul Curran with a Trask River steelhead December 2016

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

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

By Bob Rees
The Guide’s Forecast

It’s a new year and that means new regulations, new fishing licenses and new challenges ahead. I can’t help but be excited however that the snow just keeps piling up in the mountains, nearly guaranteeing a strong spring run-off that should send baby salmon and steelhead downstream in quick fashion in just a few months from now. And maybe, just maybe, we won’t have to worry about such lethal summer temperatures for a change.

It’s been a welcome change; turbulent seas that may stir up the North Pacific, hopefully putting an end to the devastating warm water blob that’s certainly compromised most species of cold water fish on the west coast, not to mention the rippling effect of the loss of ecosystem function. A great start to the snowpack for 2017, and the reopening of the Dungeness crab fishery, the most economically valuable fishery in the state of Oregon. I’m not sure all the news is good news for 2017 however.

Following the extreme presence of the warm water blob, a large El Nino event and the devastating drought effects and freshwater mortality that effected several different species of salmonids, we’re already seeing the effects in this year’s predicted returns of spring and summer Chinook. The fall Chinook and coho predictions often come later in the spring, but not many are holding out hope for a banner year, such as the several we’ve been experiencing in recent years.

But that’s what makes these fisheries so productive, the volatility and resilience of our ecosystems. From feast to famine, they too serve a purpose. We, as humans, have always tried to control our ecosystem services so that they offer us, humans, the greatest returns on our investment. We may still be generations away from learning this, but one day, we will learn to work in concert with what mother nature deals us, instead of the best way to manipulate it for our own benefit. In the meantime, we haven’t recovered the 13 stocks of Columbia Basin salmon and steelhead, the Oregon Coastal coho and the plethora of other species that remain threatened under our “rule.” Learning is a slow process however, especially when we are asked to change the way we’ve historically utilized our natural resources.

I just had a good conversation with a friend that recently came back from Cuba. Although I’ve never been there, with the lack of an “industrial revolution,” a modernized form of commerce and no easy path for big industry to mine their natural resources, my friend noted that one outstanding and somewhat puzzling feature of the island is the lack of biodiversity that exists in the country. One would think, with this type of culture, that fish and wildlife would thrive here. I asked about the fishing opportunities (of course) and he replied that he observed only one outfitter that offered catch and release fishing at 1st World prices. It appeared as if the outfitter was some sort of government concessionaire. I wonder how that will change with United States relations in the future. I don’t know what the lessons to be learned here are, but I hope someone gets a chance to do it.

By the time we get to the end of 2016, most seem pretty anxious to close it out. For whatever reason, the New Year offers us a chance to shed our skin and start over again, in hopes of a better outcome in the next year. We won’t get that outcome if we don’t change our strategy however, no matter how dedicated we feel in the last week of December. How many times have you heard that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results?

We’ll deal with the cards that were handed to us, we’ve even seen worse, but you’ve often heard me say that we have to manage our resources more conservatively than before since it seems we have a poor track record of keeping our fish and wildlife in healthy abundance. I’m not sure that will change in the near future, but the first step in conservation is actually recognizing that there is a problem.

It’s highly likely that we’ll continue to operate the Columbia River hydropower system like we have for the last 5 decades, continue to harvest timber off of private and public forests at a rate that will continue to harm water quality, and spray compromising chemicals on our landscape that change animal behavior and contribute to the bioaccumulation of pesticides in our ecosystems. Substantial changes in the way we do business rarely happen when destruction is slow. All I ask of our collective, consuming community is that we start to look at other ways of doing business in the New Year. Maybe you attend in informative meeting that you’d like more information on, or come together with other like-minded folks and ask harder questions to your state or federal legislators. There are better ways for us to get engaged and make change, but mostly, we hope your 2017 is filled with change and a happy, healthy and sustainable harvest of all gifts given to us by Mother Nature.

Paul Curran with a Trask River steelhead December 2016

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

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 – Willamette flows increased dramatically this week – from about 48,000 cfs to over 68,000 cfs from December 20 to December 21st which is the latest data available. Sturgeon fishing has been good on the lower Willamette and they like this kind of water. Be extremely cautious in any watercraft for the next several days.

McKenzie River water flow and conditions are conducive to winter fly fishing although results are reported as slow.

The Santiam system is high but dropping and should be fishable in the coming week. Winter steelhead are available here.

While the Clackamas got walloped in the ice/snow/rain recently, it is recovering quite nicely and should be in good shape for the holiday weekend.

Our Man on the Sandy, Pro fishing guide Jeff Stoeger of O2BFISHN Guide Service (503-704-7920) informs us that Oxbow Park is closed due to downed trees but should be open by the January 1, 2017. Water levels have been up and down but there are winters in the river.

Northwest – Another storm battered NW district streams, putting steelheading out of reach at mid-week. By Thursday however, smaller streams were still high, but fishable. Updated reports were hard to come by but anglers versed in high-water tactics likely scored fair-at-best results. The North Fork Nehalem, Three Rivers and the Highway 30 streams will likely fish good by Friday and through the weekend.

Larger streams will remain out until Saturday at the earliest, the Wilson had been putting out a few hatchery, and some wild steelhead prior to the high water.

The Trask also booted out a few hatchery strays and a rare wild fish, Chinook have been rare on most Tillamook area streams but there are a few still around, most are ready to spawn.

The Nestucca might be a fair at best option by the weekend, but target your effort downstream of Three Rivers.

This will be the last full week to retain Chinook on the north coast. The season closes on January 1st.

Ocean and bay crabbing is wide open along the Oregon Coast now. Tides are right for good crabbing this weekend but weather, both offshore and in, doesn’t look to be all that friendly until Saturday, when winds calm down. The ocean swell may remain too high to safely crab the ocean however. It’s rumored that the commercial season may open by January 1st.

Southwest – Saturday and Sunday, December 31st and January 1, 2017 is a Free Fishing Weekend. No licenses or tags are required.

Oregon Beaches are still producing pinkfin surf perch on rare winter days when both the wind and wave action calm down.

Reports from the Siuslaw are of winter steelhead being hooked occasionally but that the peak of the run is yet to come.

Author, publisher and prolific blogger, Pete Heley (peteheley.com) updates us this week on the bottomfishing regulations, stressing that every boat angling for rockfish or ling cod must have a descending device.

Following heavy rainfall that pushed the lower Rogue to flows of 100,000 cfs, the river has been falling. It’s still quite high but should produce steelhead in the next few days.

Winter steelhead had been productive prior to the latest freshet and the river is expected to fish well again when it’s in shape.

There has been ice forming on the surface of Diamond Lake but rain has also fallen here. No ice fishing for a while.

Eastern – Reports from central and Eastern Oregon seem to dry up at this time of year. Please Email TGF if you have any information on any of these fisheries. We thank you and wish you the happiest of holidays!

SW Washington – District streams remain largely void of early run steelhead. The Kalama may be the best early season bet with just a few fish showing.

The Lewis may still be producing a few winter Chinook, but it’s clear the run is depressed this year.

The Washougal is another early season option and has been producing fairly.

There are fair trout opportunities in the district this time of year.

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

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 – While there’s nothing too remarkable going on with Willamette flows, the water is muddy from recent rain. There has been no movement of fish to speak of through the first couple of weeks of December.

Fly fishers may want to try the McKenzie River which appeals by proximity if not productiveness, Target trout here as the Mack pretty much a steelhead-free zone.

According the National Weather Service forecast, the entire Santiam system should be at fishable levels this coming weekend.

The Clackamas River rose into December 12th but has been dropping since that date. There are reports of some steelhead taken here. Dave Neels of Oregon City Fishermans Marine (503-557-3313) told TGF by phone on Thursday morning that he’s heard of a few steelhead taken earlier this week.

Our man on the Sandy, Pro fishing guide Jeff Stoeger of O2BFISHN Guide Service (503-704-7920) reports there are steelhead available here. Stoeger also warns drift-boaters that Oxbow park is closed until further notice due to trees and other hazards that have the main road closed. The only boat ramp open for hard boats is Dabney Park.

Northwest – Catches of winter steelhead on the north coast has improved. Reports from the North Fork Nehalem indicate an up-tick in success rates, but that is to be expected no matter how many fish are coming back to the system. It’s peak season time for north coast, early run steelhead.

The Necanicum, Big Creek, Gnat Creek and Three Rivers should all be harboring catchable numbers of fish for bank anglers. The North Fork Nehalem will likely remain the best option however, given the amount of public land there is to fish. The Necanicum and Three Rivers, a close second. Don’t overlook the Klaskanine out of Astoria either.

Tillamook area streams remain open for another two weeks for Chinook. Catches have not been good during the late season however. Steelhead fishing is improving however with the Wilson and Nestucca good options this weekend. Dropping flows should make these bigger river systems the better option. The Wilson and Kilchis will offer up the best opportunity for a bright Chinook.

Crabbing has opened up in the northern estuaries, but success has been difficult with the more extreme tide series. Razor clam digging remains closed on Oregon beaches.

Flat seas opened up some bottomfishing opportunities for north coast saltwater anglers. It was likely good, but we have no confirmed reports.

Crabbing in the Columbia is slowing.

Southwest – There are a few charter boats which have been able to get out this week and, as expected, bottom fishing was excellent.

There have been a few hearty anglers who have recently chosen of their own volition to stand on a frozen winter beach to cast for surf perch. Some of those caught fish.

Bottom fishing regulations for offshore anglers were finalized this week. Among other things, while the rockfish limit remains seven, only six of those can be Black Rockfish. While there was an abundance when the bag limit rule was written, Blacks have been fished hard and with success.

Author, publisher and prolific blogger, Pete Heley (peteheley.com) writes from Reedsport remarking about those rare opportunities in wintertime when it’s possible to launch a boat out to the ocean. He also reminds us hoe great bottom fishing and crabbing can be at this time of year. He’s not wrong!

The Rogue River has been at the influence of the weather – and plenty of it – for several weeks. Most recently, the lower Rogue got smacked with a rise of nearly 20 feet with water continuing to come up as this report is being written. Once the Rogue recovers, there will be winter steelhead to catch.

Reports from over the past week indicate that the Chetco River was producing winter steelhead and we expect it to do the same once it drops back into shape.

Good News – We got word that Diamond Lake is icing up. Bad News – It’ll be weeks before there’s enough for ice fishing – if then.

Eastern – Reports from the east side of Oregon slow in wintertime. We welcome fishing reports from readers now and at any time of year. We don’t hotspot or name names.

The lower Deschutes has been producing trout for fly anglers but this week we suggest you forget there may be one or two steelhead here.

Winter trout fishers often head for the Metolius as it is spring fed and maintains fairly moderate water temperatures. Trout fishing will be better in the spring but is fair now. This river is catch-and-release only.

SW Washington – The district remains fairly quiet for winter steelhead although the Kalama is putting out a few fish. The Cowlitz is slow for steelhead, but there are still some coho around, but they are severely degraded.

The Lewis is now an option for winter Chinook. Although some years can be good, this won’t likely be one of them.

WDF&W planted some fair numbers of rainbow trout in Klineline and Battle Ground Lakes. The bite should pick up when the weather warms.

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

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 – Don’t let the dropping levels of the lower Willamette lull you into thinking it won’t rise again for rise it shall, just more slowly than smaller rivers. Sturgeon fishing has been good but must wait until the water drops.

As with many rivers, the McKenzie River has been on a dropping trend over the past two weeks but will be effected by precipitation over the next several days. Trout fishing is available here.

The Santiam system, reported as high for several weeks here and elsewhere, will blow out with rain and will be too high to fish.

Water level and flow at the Clackamas River, dropping since December 5th, have just started to rise with precipitation. Expect the river to be too high to fish this weekend but there may be a few winter steelhead around as it drops and clears.

Pro fishing guide Jeff Stoeger of O2BFISHN Guide Service (503-704-7920), our man on the Sandy, reports this week that the river has winter steelhead scattered throughout the entire river and says the lower river is producing some real nice size fish.

Northwest – North coast anglers are still struggling for consistent results. A drop in air and water temperatures didn’t help much, but the fact remains, it’s still early in the season to be expecting great results. Early season steelhead should start to pick up with more consistent results, but anymore, the serious steelheaders concentrate more on later returning broodstock and wild fish. Regardless, interest will remain high if there’s fish to catch.

The north coast barometer, the North Fork Nehalem is still only producing mediocre results. The hatchery hotline reports only a few fish a day being caught and pressure remains light. If the NF Nehalem is mediocre at best, then so is the other systems on the north coast. The Necanicum, the Highway 30 streams and Three Rivers should all have fish in them, maybe not so many however. That can all change as we enter high season for early winter fish, and a warming trend along with it.

Larger systems, such as the Wilson and Trask should be coming on line this weekend. Chinook remains an option through the end of this month lawfully, but realistically, fresh fish will become more difficult to come by after mid-month. Steelhead will be an option on the Wilson and a few strays will find their way into the Trask River. Action should pick up when temperatures moderate.

High winds and swell remains in a familiar forecast but an east wind influence seems to be on the horizon, maybe early next week. We might finally get a chance to recreate on big blue for rockfish in the near future.

Crabbing is dropping off in the lower Columbia, there goes the best prospects for Christmas crab. Other areas south of Tillamook Head remain closed due to domoic acid.

Southwest – The ODFW held a meeting on December 2nd to discuss new regulations for rockfish in the ocean off the Oregon coast. We’ll let readers know what they are when the new regs are finalized.

Harvest of razor clams is closed coast wide in both beaches and bays due to a naturally-occurring biotoxin.

Author, publisher and prolific blogger, Pete Heley (peteheley.com) writes again this week from Reedsport to remind us, “The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the opening of the ocean and bay recreational crab fishery along the southern Oregon coast from Floras Creek (just north of Port Orford) to the California border.” (ODA Posting)

Steelhead have been caught on every part of the Rogue River recently. A few winters near Agness while those fishing the middle and upper Rogue report catching summer steelhead. With the storm hitting today, fishing will be delayed here for a while.

Winter steelheaders fishing the Chetco River report catching a few just prior to the water starting to rise early Thursday, December 8th.

When water conditions have been good, fishing at Elk River has been productive. It will drop and clear rapidly following a freshet.

Snow on the ground at Diamond Lake does not mean ice fishing and won’t for a while. When the water hardens, we’ll write about it here.

Eastern – Fishing for trout on the lower Deschutes has been slow but not as slow a results for summer steelhead here.

One of the challenges facing anglers who want to fish east of the Cascades is weather so be certain to check it, particularly wind and temperature which can combine to send anglers scurrying.

Steelheaders are advised to try elsewhere than the Grande Ronde River at this time of year as it does not fish its best.

The water is low at Detroit Lake, making the lower Mongold Ramp the only option for boaters until the Corps of Engineers starts to fill it again in February.

SW Washington – Steelhead have yet to make a strong showing in district rivers, but salmon anglers are still finding a few Chinook in the North Fork Lewis. Bright Chinook can often be found here through mid-December.

The Cowlitz is still showing a few coho to folks, but like other systems, steelhead returns come in greater abundance during late winter. Angler effort reflects that.

The Washougal is often an early season favorite. Action should ramp up here through the first week of January.

Razor clams may be an option this weekend. Dig information can be found here.

The Guide’s Forecast

from Oregon Fishing http://ift.tt/2gJ9gFP

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 – Don’t let the dropping levels of the lower Willamette lull you into thinking it won’t rise again for rise it shall, just more slowly than smaller rivers. Sturgeon fishing has been good but must wait until the water drops.

As with many rivers, the McKenzie River has been on a dropping trend over the past two weeks but will be effected by precipitation over the next several days. Trout fishing is available here.

The Santiam system, reported as high for several weeks here and elsewhere, will blow out with rain and will be too high to fish.

Water level and flow at the Clackamas River, dropping since December 5th, have just started to rise with precipitation. Expect the river to be too high to fish this weekend but there may be a few winter steelhead around as it drops and clears.

Pro fishing guide Jeff Stoeger of O2BFISHN Guide Service (503-704-7920), our man on the Sandy, reports this week that the river has winter steelhead scattered throughout the entire river and says the lower river is producing some real nice size fish.

Northwest – North coast anglers are still struggling for consistent results. A drop in air and water temperatures didn’t help much, but the fact remains, it’s still early in the season to be expecting great results. Early season steelhead should start to pick up with more consistent results, but anymore, the serious steelheaders concentrate more on later returning broodstock and wild fish. Regardless, interest will remain high if there’s fish to catch.

The north coast barometer, the North Fork Nehalem is still only producing mediocre results. The hatchery hotline reports only a few fish a day being caught and pressure remains light. If the NF Nehalem is mediocre at best, then so is the other systems on the north coast. The Necanicum, the Highway 30 streams and Three Rivers should all have fish in them, maybe not so many however. That can all change as we enter high season for early winter fish, and a warming trend along with it.

Larger systems, such as the Wilson and Trask should be coming on line this weekend. Chinook remains an option through the end of this month lawfully, but realistically, fresh fish will become more difficult to come by after mid-month. Steelhead will be an option on the Wilson and a few strays will find their way into the Trask River. Action should pick up when temperatures moderate.

High winds and swell remains in a familiar forecast but an east wind influence seems to be on the horizon, maybe early next week. We might finally get a chance to recreate on big blue for rockfish in the near future.

Crabbing is dropping off in the lower Columbia, there goes the best prospects for Christmas crab. Other areas south of Tillamook Head remain closed due to domoic acid.

Southwest – The ODFW held a meeting on December 2nd to discuss new regulations for rockfish in the ocean off the Oregon coast. We’ll let readers know what they are when the new regs are finalized.

Harvest of razor clams is closed coast wide in both beaches and bays due to a naturally-occurring biotoxin.

Author, publisher and prolific blogger, Pete Heley (peteheley.com) writes again this week from Reedsport to remind us, “The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the opening of the ocean and bay recreational crab fishery along the southern Oregon coast from Floras Creek (just north of Port Orford) to the California border.” (ODA Posting)

Steelhead have been caught on every part of the Rogue River recently. A few winters near Agness while those fishing the middle and upper Rogue report catching summer steelhead. With the storm hitting today, fishing will be delayed here for a while.

Winter steelheaders fishing the Chetco River report catching a few just prior to the water starting to rise early Thursday, December 8th.

When water conditions have been good, fishing at Elk River has been productive. It will drop and clear rapidly following a freshet.

Snow on the ground at Diamond Lake does not mean ice fishing and won’t for a while. When the water hardens, we’ll write about it here.

Eastern – Fishing for trout on the lower Deschutes has been slow but not as slow a results for summer steelhead here.

One of the challenges facing anglers who want to fish east of the Cascades is weather so be certain to check it, particularly wind and temperature which can combine to send anglers scurrying.

Steelheaders are advised to try elsewhere than the Grande Ronde River at this time of year as it does not fish its best.

The water is low at Detroit Lake, making the lower Mongold Ramp the only option for boaters until the Corps of Engineers starts to fill it again in February.

SW Washington – Steelhead have yet to make a strong showing in district rivers, but salmon anglers are still finding a few Chinook in the North Fork Lewis. Bright Chinook can often be found here through mid-December.

The Cowlitz is still showing a few coho to folks, but like other systems, steelhead returns come in greater abundance during late winter. Angler effort reflects that.

The Washougal is often an early season favorite. Action should ramp up here through the first week of January.

Razor clams may be an option this weekend. Dig information can be found here.

The Guide’s Forecast

from Oregon Fishing http://ift.tt/2gJ9gFP

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 – Not much on the Columbia River to fish for, anglers will focus their catch and release sturgeon efforts on the Willamette throughout the rest of the fall and winter months.

Biggest news is Free Fishing Weekend which allows all to calm or fish for any species without license or ‘tags’ Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25th and 26th. Crabbing is included but south coast bays are closed for now.

Expect to find high, muddy water on the lower Willamette and with it, debris washing down from upriver. This can be a hazardous time for boaters so exercise extreme caution until the waters start to drop. When conditions allow, catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is expected to be good.

Clackamas levels are on the rise and won’t be fishable until late in the coming week. With a couple of winters reported, this one is a possibility but these fish run later in the year than they once did.

Sandy River conditions are fairly challenging and deteriorating rapidly. Our man on the river, Pro fishing guide Jeff Stoeger of O2BFISHN Guide Service (503-704-7920), advises shopping (of all things) on Black Friday. Scarf up some tackle bargains to use when the river drops.

Fly anglers can’t catch a break this week as the McKenzie is currently getting clobbered by the storm and may not fish in the coming week. We’ll keep an eye on it and advise anglers the same.

Once again, there’s no doubt about the Santiams as the entire system, barely recovered from the last freshet, has blown out and is forecast to remain in that state, at least until we report on it again.

Northwest – With anglers still struggling to find late season Chinook, steelhead will soon draw hoards of anglers to district rivers. The run is just getting underway.

The Wilson and Kilchis Rivers remain the best bets, but if recent success is any indication, you’ll have to put in many hours if you expect results. The Kilchis remains choked with chum salmon, but anglers may no longer target them. The predicted rain storm starting Thursday, will likely put the area’s rivers out of reach for most of the holiday weekend.

Steelhead have been trapped at the North Fork Nehalem hatchery, but there are no reports of anglers catching them just yet. Steelhead have reportedly been taken in the lower Wilson River however, along with some Chinook by side-drifting small baits and colorful yarnies.

Tillamook Bay is slow for Chinook trollers and likely won’t pick back up again.

Bay crabbing is closed but clamming remains open although we won’t see productive clam tides until the following weekend.

Don’t even think about recreating on the ocean.

Southwest – Crabbing is closed in south coast bays due to a naturally-occurring bio-toxin. Unless there’s a reversal, the option is to wait for the ocean opener on December 1.

The ODFW announced this week, “The traditional Dec. 1 opening of the commercial Dungeness crab season along the entire Oregon coast will be delayed due to concerns about domoic acid levels in some areas. During recent testing, domoic acid in crab viscera from the Garibaldi area was above the alert level that normally triggers action. In addition, the overall trend indicates domoic acid in other areas may be increasing as well.”

From Reedsport, author, publisher and prolific blogger, Pete Heley (peteheley.com) recommends for anglers to head for the ponds, enjoy Free Fishing weekend, entertain the kids and have some family fun!

Rogue River levels are rising rapidly but anglers may catch a break midweek as the level and flow is predicted to drop and should be fishable Wednesday and/or Thursday this week. Keep an eye on it and get out there if you can.

Local Chetco Chinook anglers are lamenting the heavy rain this week, said to be due to El Nino. This may mark the end of the season here.

Eastern – Trout fishing (for redsides, of course) has been fairly productive on the Deschutes River which is a good thing because fishing for summer steelhead remains slow.

Trolling Crescent Lake with large plugs of herring will produce large lake trout (called Mackinaw locally) in the winter but is recommended for hearty anglers.

John Day steelheading has been poor recently but is expected to improve in December and fish into the first month or two of 2017.

SW Washington – District rivers started to show signs of a hopeful winter steelhead season. The upcoming storm however will blow out prospects for the weekend and beyond however. When rivers drop, look for the Washougal, Lewis, Kalama and Cowlitz to start producing a few winter steelhead.

Coho and Chinook seasons are on the brink of blinking out for the year.

Look to the WDF&W web site for updated trout stocking information. Area lakes will receive generous plants of trout to counter Black Friday, where kids should NOT be. It’s been a great tradition for several years now.

From The Guide’s Forecast

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

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 – On the Columbia, anglers working the John Day Pool are finding steelhead as this is peak season for this reach. Trollers are taking mostly wild fish but a few hatchery fish persist. The John Day Pool appears to be more productive than the John Day Arm.

Fish passage at Willamette Falls hasn’t risen above single digits since November 1st. Would that we could say that about the rivers! Sturgeon and bass are available on the lower Willamette.

The McKenzie River was fishing well before the storm front hit this week. High water will be a challenge in the coming week.

Once again, the Santiams, North and South, will move as one as rainfall combines with increased outflow from upriver impoundments. This will put more water in the river than any angler wants to see.

Clackamas River levels are dropping after rainfall caused a freshet earlier this week. Dave Neel of Fishermen’s Marine in Oregon City (503-5573313) tells TGF that fishing has been slow.

Pro fishing guide Jeff Stoeger of O2BFISHN Guide Service (503-704-7920) floated the Sandy River this week, hooking into steelhead as well as Chinook.

Northwest – Anglers are still in pursuit of fall Chinook, but with recent rains, the Kilchis just became an option on Thursday. There were Chinook caught and chum salmon still remain in large numbers but anglers are no longer allowed to target them. The Wilson will come in by Friday and should fish fair through the weekend.

Most other systems are quickly phasing out although the Trask and to a lesser degree, the Nestucca may still produce a late season Chinook. Most north coast anglers are awaiting winter steelhead, but only 1 has been reported to date.

The Necanicum and North Fork Nehalem are typically the first to produce winter steelhead but none have been reported here. There are impediments to navigation on the Necanicum, which isn’t unusual. The Kilchis remains clear for drifting.

There may be some small windows of opportunity for ocean recreation through early next week. Given that bottomfish is the only species open for targeting, it just isn’t worth it. If we get a cold front, coupled with an east wind, seas will get friendly again. That doesn’t look to be happening anytime soon.

Bay crabbing should be fair to good on many estuaries this weekend, but the lower Columbia and to a lesser degree, Netarts Bay, will produce the best catches for a Thanksgiving Day appetizer.

Southwest – With conditions milder than many of us have seen in a while, boaters may be able to get out on the ocean Monday, November 21st. Do not take our word. Check at the last minute for accuracy. Any doubt, call the Coast Guard – they’ll know.

A prediction this week by climatologists that we are due for a La Nina winter has the staff at TGF World Headquarters breaking out their rain gear and sou’westers.

Pete Heley, author, publisher, writer and blogger out of Reedsport (peetheley.com), reports this week that while no one is fishing the lower Umpqua River at Winchester Bay, that Chinook are still entering.

There are very few Chinook remaining in Rogue Bay and little interest in the lower river which has been running too high to fish. Steelhead are getting hooked on the Grants Pass stretch, just not very many or with any significant frequency. The upper Rogue has been producing summer steelhead with most pressure above Shady Cove Boat Ramp.

Those fortunate enough to catch the Chetco in good condition, at a reasonable level and color are as likely to catch a Chinook as anywhere on the coast.

Fishing for trout at Diamond Lake has been slow to fair with best catches from the south end.

Eastern – Steelheading remains slow but steady on the Deschutes. Fishing for redsides has been good for fly anglers.

Due to its spring-fed origin, the Metolius will often fish every moth of the year. Most every angler who fishes it says it’s a special kind of challenge.

Fishing reports from the central and eastern Oregon are getting a little challenging as well. This is often the case at this time of year, so if you go, let us know. We never hotspot!

SW Washington – Hatchery winter steelhead have already been trapped on the Cowlitz River although none have shown in the sport creel surveys just yet. Coho remain an option on the Cowlitz as well as the Lewis River.

The Washougal River hatchery has counted over 20 steelhead to date, a good sign for this years return.

Gear up for trout in SW Washington, WDF&W plants several lakes with quality rainbow so parents can take their kids on Black Friday. Go to the WDF&W web site for planting information.

The Guide’s Forecast
http://ift.tt/1RKEtsf

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

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 – On the Columbia, anglers working the John Day Pool are finding steelhead as this is peak season for this reach. Trollers are taking mostly wild fish but a few hatchery fish persist. The John Day Pool appears to be more productive than the John Day Arm.

Fish passage at Willamette Falls hasn’t risen above single digits since November 1st. Would that we could say that about the rivers! Sturgeon and bass are available on the lower Willamette.

The McKenzie River was fishing well before the storm front hit this week. High water will be a challenge in the coming week.

Once again, the Santiams, North and South, will move as one as rainfall combines with increased outflow from upriver impoundments. This will put more water in the river than any angler wants to see.

Clackamas River levels are dropping after rainfall caused a freshet earlier this week. Dave Neel of Fishermen’s Marine in Oregon City (503-5573313) tells TGF that fishing has been slow.

Pro fishing guide Jeff Stoeger of O2BFISHN Guide Service (503-704-7920) floated the Sandy River this week, hooking into steelhead as well as Chinook.

Northwest – Anglers are still in pursuit of fall Chinook, but with recent rains, the Kilchis just became an option on Thursday. There were Chinook caught and chum salmon still remain in large numbers but anglers are no longer allowed to target them. The Wilson will come in by Friday and should fish fair through the weekend.

Most other systems are quickly phasing out although the Trask and to a lesser degree, the Nestucca may still produce a late season Chinook. Most north coast anglers are awaiting winter steelhead, but only 1 has been reported to date.

The Necanicum and North Fork Nehalem are typically the first to produce winter steelhead but none have been reported here. There are impediments to navigation on the Necanicum, which isn’t unusual. The Kilchis remains clear for drifting.

There may be some small windows of opportunity for ocean recreation through early next week. Given that bottomfish is the only species open for targeting, it just isn’t worth it. If we get a cold front, coupled with an east wind, seas will get friendly again. That doesn’t look to be happening anytime soon.

Bay crabbing should be fair to good on many estuaries this weekend, but the lower Columbia and to a lesser degree, Netarts Bay, will produce the best catches for a Thanksgiving Day appetizer.

Southwest – With conditions milder than many of us have seen in a while, boaters may be able to get out on the ocean Monday, November 21st. Do not take our word. Check at the last minute for accuracy. Any doubt, call the Coast Guard – they’ll know.

A prediction this week by climatologists that we are due for a La Nina winter has the staff at TGF World Headquarters breaking out their rain gear and sou’westers.

Pete Heley, author, publisher, writer and blogger out of Reedsport (peetheley.com), reports this week that while no one is fishing the lower Umpqua River at Winchester Bay, that Chinook are still entering.

There are very few Chinook remaining in Rogue Bay and little interest in the lower river which has been running too high to fish. Steelhead are getting hooked on the Grants Pass stretch, just not very many or with any significant frequency. The upper Rogue has been producing summer steelhead with most pressure above Shady Cove Boat Ramp.

Those fortunate enough to catch the Chetco in good condition, at a reasonable level and color are as likely to catch a Chinook as anywhere on the coast.

Fishing for trout at Diamond Lake has been slow to fair with best catches from the south end.

Eastern – Steelheading remains slow but steady on the Deschutes. Fishing for redsides has been good for fly anglers.

Due to its spring-fed origin, the Metolius will often fish every moth of the year. Most every angler who fishes it says it’s a special kind of challenge.

Fishing reports from the central and eastern Oregon are getting a little challenging as well. This is often the case at this time of year, so if you go, let us know. We never hotspot!

SW Washington – Hatchery winter steelhead have already been trapped on the Cowlitz River although none have shown in the sport creel surveys just yet. Coho remain an option on the Cowlitz as well as the Lewis River.

The Washougal River hatchery has counted over 20 steelhead to date, a good sign for this years return.

Gear up for trout in SW Washington, WDF&W plants several lakes with quality rainbow so parents can take their kids on Black Friday. Go to the WDF&W web site for planting information.

The Guide’s Forecast
http://ift.tt/1RKEtsf

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

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 – On the Columbia, anglers working the John Day Pool are finding steelhead as this is peak season for this reach. Trollers are taking mostly wild fish but a few hatchery fish persist. The John Day Pool appears to be more productive than the John Day Arm.

Fish passage at Willamette Falls hasn’t risen above single digits since November 1st. Would that we could say that about the rivers! Sturgeon and bass are available on the lower Willamette.

The McKenzie River was fishing well before the storm front hit this week. High water will be a challenge in the coming week.

Once again, the Santiams, North and South, will move as one as rainfall combines with increased outflow from upriver impoundments. This will put more water in the river than any angler wants to see.

Clackamas River levels are dropping after rainfall caused a freshet earlier this week. Dave Neel of Fishermen’s Marine in Oregon City (503-5573313) tells TGF that fishing has been slow.

Pro fishing guide Jeff Stoeger of O2BFISHN Guide Service (503-704-7920) floated the Sandy River this week, hooking into steelhead as well as Chinook.

Northwest – Anglers are still in pursuit of fall Chinook, but with recent rains, the Kilchis just became an option on Thursday. There were Chinook caught and chum salmon still remain in large numbers but anglers are no longer allowed to target them. The Wilson will come in by Friday and should fish fair through the weekend.

Most other systems are quickly phasing out although the Trask and to a lesser degree, the Nestucca may still produce a late season Chinook. Most north coast anglers are awaiting winter steelhead, but only 1 has been reported to date.

The Necanicum and North Fork Nehalem are typically the first to produce winter steelhead but none have been reported here. There are impediments to navigation on the Necanicum, which isn’t unusual. The Kilchis remains clear for drifting.

There may be some small windows of opportunity for ocean recreation through early next week. Given that bottomfish is the only species open for targeting, it just isn’t worth it. If we get a cold front, coupled with an east wind, seas will get friendly again. That doesn’t look to be happening anytime soon.

Bay crabbing should be fair to good on many estuaries this weekend, but the lower Columbia and to a lesser degree, Netarts Bay, will produce the best catches for a Thanksgiving Day appetizer.

Southwest – With conditions milder than many of us have seen in a while, boaters may be able to get out on the ocean Monday, November 21st. Do not take our word. Check at the last minute for accuracy. Any doubt, call the Coast Guard – they’ll know.

A prediction this week by climatologists that we are due for a La Nina winter has the staff at TGF World Headquarters breaking out their rain gear and sou’westers.

Pete Heley, author, publisher, writer and blogger out of Reedsport (peetheley.com), reports this week that while no one is fishing the lower Umpqua River at Winchester Bay, that Chinook are still entering.

There are very few Chinook remaining in Rogue Bay and little interest in the lower river which has been running too high to fish. Steelhead are getting hooked on the Grants Pass stretch, just not very many or with any significant frequency. The upper Rogue has been producing summer steelhead with most pressure above Shady Cove Boat Ramp.

Those fortunate enough to catch the Chetco in good condition, at a reasonable level and color are as likely to catch a Chinook as anywhere on the coast.

Fishing for trout at Diamond Lake has been slow to fair with best catches from the south end.

Eastern – Steelheading remains slow but steady on the Deschutes. Fishing for redsides has been good for fly anglers.

Due to its spring-fed origin, the Metolius will often fish every moth of the year. Most every angler who fishes it says it’s a special kind of challenge.

Fishing reports from the central and eastern Oregon are getting a little challenging as well. This is often the case at this time of year, so if you go, let us know. We never hotspot!

SW Washington – Hatchery winter steelhead have already been trapped on the Cowlitz River although none have shown in the sport creel surveys just yet. Coho remain an option on the Cowlitz as well as the Lewis River.

The Washougal River hatchery has counted over 20 steelhead to date, a good sign for this years return.

Gear up for trout in SW Washington, WDF&W plants several lakes with quality rainbow so parents can take their kids on Black Friday. Go to the WDF&W web site for planting information.

The Guide’s Forecast
http://ift.tt/1RKEtsf

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

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