Oregon fishing updates 2022

[The Guides Forecast]

Portland/Metro Fishing Report – With Willamette River spring Chinook and lots of other options on tap for the weekend, for once in a long time, anglers will have to wonder what fishery will be best for them.

Just yesterday (Wednesday), fishery managers once again extended the mainstem sportfishery, while also allowing a 1-day mainstem gillnet fishery, the first since 2016. The gillnets will fish on Monday, sport anglers will fish into the summer Chinook opener. It’s nice to see this fishery turn around! See the press release HERE.

Columbia River catches are good, but it’s likely success will start fading by next week. High water is more conducive to anchor fishing and bank fishing, giving those versed in high water tactics a strong advantage. Plugs produce good catches downstream of Bonneville, but those with a Washington fishing license should explore the Hamilton Island fishery as bank anglers fishing there, do very well under these current conditions. Paid subscribers, see Buzz Ramsey’s article on this fishery HERE.

Willamette River spring Chinook anglers will see catches explode this week, particularly in the Oregon City area, where springers have been staging, waiting to ascend Willamette Falls after a prolonged period of high water. Fishing will be excellent this weekend, and into next week. Downstream trollers should also enjoy improved catches, but Oregon City will be the hot spot.

Willamette River spring chinook Tony Meyers

Shad will be showing soon.

It’s still early and the river remains high, but the Clackamas is due to pop off with both spring Chinook and summer steelhead. Both species have been depressed in recent years, but anglers are hopeful for a rebound in action this season.

The Sandy looks promising as avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports, “This week’s report is very promising for there were fish caught throughout the entire river. A buddy caught three very nice late winters in the lower river on diver and fresh shrimp and they were nickel bright. He also lost a nice sized springer at the boat fishing shrimp. He was fishing all the deep holes using bait and then pulled plugs in normal plug water.”

Check out the upcoming stocking schedule HERE.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.

And we want you to be safe! That’s why The Guide’s Forecast has produced this fine ocean bar and safety video for your viewing FREE! Check it out and pass it along, let’s pray for a safe and prosperous boating season this year!

North Coast Fishing Report – We are still largely in transition period for North Coast anglers. The new kid on the block is Pacific halibut, which anglers got a crack at earlier this week. Calm seas and an unmolested fishery produced good catches for many anglers fishing out of Newport particularly. Spring Chinook are yet to show in any great number.


Mid May is typically when we start to see better spring Chinook catches in Tillamook. We are just now entering peak period, and fishing should improve from here. There have already been some fair catches in the West channel but early morning tides this week are more conducive to upper Bay trollers working the Memaloose Boat Ramp area, using spinners or herring for bait.

Local area rivers have been in good shape for those interested in the unique opportunity for drift boating in pursuit of spring Chinook. The Trask River in particular has the best return of adults in the basin, particularly because no other river systems receive hatchery plants.

Summer steelhead should also be making their way back to the Wilson, Nestucca and Siletz Rivers. there have been a few reportedly caught. the Wilson and Siletz will be the two best North Coast options.

As is commonly the case, many North Coast anglers look to the salt this time of year. Between the halibut opener, ample opportunities for bottomfish, crab, and this year, a good opportunity for saltwater Chinook, there is reason to keep a watchful eye on ocean weather.

The catch and keep sturgeon fishery was far from good, unless you consider 1 keeper for every 136 rods “good.”

See the full report and forecast for Members right here.

Central Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

Lower Deschutes River:

The Lower Deschutes bumped up earlier this week, on May 15 and 16, but is dropping – currently right around 4080 CFS in Madras and 6390 CFS at Moody. Water access is good, with summer-like flows along the Warm Springs stretch.

Salmon flies are now prevalent everywhere from Maupin to Warm Springs, it’s prime time and happening now. The bugs are flying around and active on the warmer, sunny days. Anglers are into fish. When the air is cooler and it’s overcast, nymphs are still a way to go.

Middle Deschutes River: River level is just right. When I was last there, there is now a lot of stonefly activity – golden stones and stone flies. The Middle Deschutes is starting to fish well now. Our friend Josh Pardee reports that the Deschutes is fishing well in and around Bend for browns during April.

In addition, there is a mix of PEDs, PMDs, and some caddis on the river from Bend to Steelhead Falls.

Haystack Reservoir: ODFW stocked Haystack with several hundred big rainbows (broodstock) in January, and several hundred more went in again during February. Haystack was stocked with 75 brood stock trout this past week, so there are some big ones there.

Our friend from Central Oregon Fishing Report, Josh Pardee says that Haystack has been fantastic for rainbows. Haystack is at 84% full today. Josh reports that the rainbows are moving out of the canals and into the Reservoir.

Jeff Perin at The Flyfishers Place suggest wade fishing is good near the dam or launch a boat or pontoon and fish drop-offs. Black, red and olive chironomids are great right now, as well as black, olive and maroon leech patterns.

Lake Billy Chinook: Kokes, from all the reports, are being caught. Effective colors include purple, pink, orange and brass.

There has been some exceptional bull trout fishing in LBC in recent days, look to the Metolius Arm.

Crooked River: Crooked River fishing has improved through April and these first two weeks of May. Flows are good at 125 CFS, but the water is still a bit dirty. Josh Pardee estimates the visibility is 4 to 5 feet.

Fall River: The weather over the past week at Fall River has been cold this midweek, slowing down the surface activity including PMDs and caddis. With a bit of a temperature bump this weekend, insect activity will pickup. Jeff Perin says “bring your green drakes to Fall River”.

Fall River was stocked during the week of April 11th with 1000 trophy trout, and just stocked last week with the same.

Check out Glenn’s detailed reports and forecasts right here for Chinook and Steelhead Members both!

SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:

This weekend’s weather outlook for most of SW Oregon looks to be promising for a lot of variety of fishing options….. well, all except for getting on the ocean. Trout fishing opens back up for the Rogue and most other rivers and streams on Sunday the 22nd!

It’s going to be around 80+ around the Rogue valley so some springer fishing from Gold Hill on up or below Hog Creek on the Rogue could be a good option.

Not feeling that, well then hit the lower Rogue that is continuing to see fresh fish with a guide or take the boat out and get in on the springer fishing there where river conditions are improving into the weekend.

Not into that, well how about hitting the plethora of coastal and inland lakes and ponds for some great spring time trout and bass fishing. Many are well stocked and conditions great. If the surf isn’t too bad, surf perch fishing along the sandy beaches and jettys could find some good dinner fare.

Crabbing and surf perch out of Winchester Bay is also good. South jetty at Newport is popular for perch and rockfish

Into fly fishing? The upper Rogue is still producing some steelhead and the Mayflies are hatching. Try the Holy water.

Whatever type of fishing you want…. with the exception of offshore (for now), there’s good fishing to be had all over, so get out and enjoy it!Jeff’s detailed report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week’s version for Members!

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Find out more about becoming an Oregon Member here!

 

[The Guides Forecast]

This week’s Oregon and SW Washington Fishing Report​

Portland/Metro Fishing Report – Spring Chinook fishing on the lower Columbia is finally starting to slow down. Passage at Bonneville is tailing off, but there are certainly catchable numbers of spring Chinook still around. The upper river, from Bonneville to the Oregon/Washington border, opened up today, as well as the 28th for two additional days of opportunity. Catches are likely good. More details can be found HERE.

Summer steelhead numbers on the Columbia are trending north of last year, which may be a nice surprise for managers. There was some (relatively) robust catches of steelhead in last week’s creel check from the mainstem.

As predicted, the Willamette took off for Oregon City anglers last weekend, but warming waters and dropping flows has tapered the bite there. Fish are pouring over Willamette Falls to the tune of 1,000+ adults per day. Passage conditions are ideal and fish are headed towards upriver tributaries.

Fishing guide Terry Mulkey shows off a spring chinook he caught this year from the Willamette River near Oregon City

Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports, “I hope that you had a chance to get out and fish this last week. The report was that there was a lot of boat traffic from Oxbow downriver. There was fish to be had and I heard that there was fish on the move the entire river. Springers are being caught from the mouth to Cedar Creek. Most of the springers are in Oxbow to Dodge reach and the lower river is holding springers in the deep holes. There was good numbers of steelhead caught from Dabney to hatchery with a good mix of summers and natives.

The Clackamas River has come into fine shape but effort remains low for “peak” season on spring Chinook and steelhead. Steelhead anglers scored the best results with 3 keepers tallied for 11 bank rods. Most of the effort has taken place around Dog Creek. Anglers have largely lost confidence in the Clackamas fishery, but with a wild broodstock program on the horizon, hopefully it can return to its once great opportunity.

Check out the upcoming stocking schedule HERE.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.

North Coast Fishing Report – Spring Chinook are starting to show in better numbers on Tillamook Bay. It’s off to a much better start than we’ve seen in recent years. The west channel as well as the jaws have been producing best as of late.

Maybe the surprise of the season is the robust ocean Chinook fishing many are experiencing on the north coast this year. These Chinook are likely from California systems, but action is good off of Newport and Garibaldi for 10 to 13 pound “feeder” Chinook. More details in the full-length report.

Trask River anglers are finding some good springer fishing at the Hatchery Hole at first light. It’s a bobber-only reach of the river, but if you’re an early bird, there are quality fish to be caught.

Summer steelhead should be starting to show in fair numbers on the Wilson, Nestucca and Siletz systems, especially if water conditions remain favorable over the weekend.

Halibut fishing out of Newport and Garibaldi is productive too, as well as bottomfishing. Crabbing seems to have slowed a bit this week, but when the ocean is right, there is an abundance of opportunity.

Lower Columbia River keeper sturgeon fishing is off to a mediocre-at-best start, but there are some quality keepers being tagged.

See the full report and forecast for Members right here.

We just kicked off a Facebook group for The Guide’s Forecast. We believe that folks helping folks, asking questions, and sharing stories can help us catch even more fish! The group is growing swiftly, request access here.

Central Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

The Memorial Day weekend looks to have below normal temperatures through the long weekend and showers/rain through Sunday. High temperatures through the high desert will be 60 degrees on Friday, and in the low to mid 50s through Monday. Sunday will be the coolest day, with temperatures struggling to make 50 degrees, cooler in the high country.

Deschutes River: ODFW just announced, “With another low run of summer steelhead forecast, angling closures for steelhead, bass and salmon will be in effect for parts of the Deschutes River this summer starting as early as June 1.

The closures are in keeping with the Deschutes River steelhead fishery framework that fishery managers presented earlier this year due to continued low forecasts for Threatened summer steelhead runs to areas upriver of Bonneville Dam in the Columbia and Snake River Basins.

Salmon flies are on and off. Yesterday was a great day in Warm Springs. They’ve been active and flying around during the last couple of warm days, but hunkering down in the vegetation during the frequent cool, cloudy and sometimes wet days during this salmon fly season. When the air is cooler and it’s overcast, nymphs are still a way to go.

Fall River: Caddis have been active, as well as some PMD, midge, and Green Drake activity. Jeff Perin says “bring your green drakes to Fall River”. But, also bring your terrestrial box to Fall River.

Fall River was stocked during the week of May 9 with 1000 trophy trout, and will be stocked again in June.

Prineville Reservoir: Josh Pardee report that Prineville reservoir is fishing well for rainbows, and the bass are starting to get active during late April. It is not possible to launch a large boat, but a kayak or pontoon will work well. Josh also says the fish are aggressive – hard hitting.
SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:

For the Rogue valley, it looks to be a better opportunity for anglers needing to wet a line to hit the mid to upper Rogue for Springers or even better, take some left over BBQ and take the boat up to Lost Creek for some excellent trout fishing.

Weather is going to put a hamper on getting out on the ocean after Friday… maybe Monday If you’re at the coast, then try any of the coastal lakes that have been stocked with lots of trout or find a nice spot on the beach and try for surf perch. Lower Rogue springer fishing is an option too but take your rain gear. Winchester and Charleston has been good for crabbing and surf perch fishing as well.

If you’re inland, any of the lakes and ponds will provide a good time to enjoy friends and family while able to catch a fish with the kids.

The marine forecast for the long Memorial weekend is good for Friday and then gonna be blustery until at least Sunday or Monday. Out of Brookings, the early part of the week saw limits of bottom fish and excellent Ling cod catches as well as a few halibut. From Brookings up to Winchester bay, the bottom fishing has been nothing short of “great” especially when the ocean is calm. Next week after the upcoming front leaves, it should be good again.

Ocean salmon fishing out of Brookings-Harbor is set!! It opens June 18th with hatchery coho only and Chinook “Kings” June 25th and will run through Aug. 21. Limit will be 2 salmon a person (coho-hatchery only and Chinook (wild or hatchery).

Andy mentioned that the Chetco is now open for trout fishing….. Sea run Cutthroat that is. They do get some in there and can be caught tossing cast masters or Rooster tails in the deeper pools and reeling in across a faster seam.

Rogue River, above Lost Creek Reservoir– Trout fishing has been sporadic as the weather has been. There will be lots of stocked trout available and many, if not all campsites will be open for Memorial weekend. Expect it to be cooler with possible rain. The flow is strong and cold and anglers working the pocket water with fly’s, small spinners and spoons should catch fish as it will get better when it warms up more later next week.

Significantly abbreviated report - see the full summary here - https://wp.me/p6Jd7i-12EZ

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on Thursday nights by signing up here.

Find out more about becoming an Oregon Member here! SW Washington Membership information can be found here.

 

[The Guides Forecast]

Portland/Metro Fishing Report – Despite many more springers yet to come, the Willamette River has slowed down as water temperatures have warmed up. It’s getting time for the Portland Harbor fishery to kick off, with sporadic success likely to happen around Willamette Falls in the coming weeks. We’re entering summer doldrums, but it’s been a cool, wet spring, prolonging the springer bite in the lower Willamette.

Columbia River springers continue to impress biologists as the 3rd run size upgrade triggered managers to further liberalize the mainstem sport season. Managers expanded the limit to 2 hatchery springers/day and opened up the river to boat anglers upstream of Beacon Rock. Some of the best catch rates remain for bank anglers however, largely fishing the lower end of Hamilton Island on the Washington side of the river. The river upstream of Bonneville Dam also re-opened for sportfishing. Read the full press release HERE.

Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports, “Well, this week we saw that the river held its course and stayed just over 10.5 ft for most of the week. The forecast is for the river to stay at 10.5 and then head up to almost 11ft before we see the river drop back down to 10 ft. The river is ideal in color and is running around 47 degrees which is ideal to keep fish on the bite. The river will bump because rain is forecasted for the next 4 days. Fish were caught the entire river from the mouth to Cedar Creek. Spinners seemed to be the ticket for both steelhead and springers. There was a mix of both hatchery and native springers caught from Dodge to the mouth.”

Clackamas River anglers have yet to tally a spring Chinook, but there seems to be fair numbers of summer steelhead available, mostly to bank anglers in recent weeks. With rain and warm temperatures in the forecast, both metro rivers are expected to go out on Sunday.

Check out the upcoming stocking schedule HERE.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.

North Coast Fishing Report – Spring Chinook are hitting fairly good in the Tillamook district. Tillamook Bay and the Trask River have catchable numbers available. The Hatchery Hole is producing consistent results for early birds and the Nestucca River has some springers as well. Three Rivers is a good bank fishing spot as well, but be cognizant of gear restrictions to reduce the chances of snagging. Of course you should be reporting any poachers in these areas.

Offshore Chinook fishing continues to produce impressive numbers of fish. It’s a rich ocean out there, hopefully Chinook fishing will hold up.

Bottomfishing remains good and crabbing has improved since last week. Halibut fishing seemed to under-perform this week, but action can be sporadic after intensive pressure when ocean weather cooperates.

Fishery managers gave sport anglers another 2 sturgeon days (June 8 and 11) as catch rates have under-performed as of late. The best fishing remains above Tongue Point and with the water still high and on the cold side, catch rates aren’t likely to explode in the coming days.

See the full report and forecast for Members right here.

A young Mr. Giles from Tennessee caught this 15-pound snow-belly springer along Jim Crow sands upstream of Tongue Point on Thursday, June 2nd. The fish took a pink K-13X with a fresh anchovy fillet in about 5 foot of water on the outgoing tide. He was fishing with pro guide Bob Rees.

Central Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

Paulina and East Lakes. Last Hurrah For The Salmonflies. Metolius Hatches Have Been On and Off



Salmon flies continue, like they have been all May and now June, to be on and off. They are active and flying on the rarer warm days, but hunkering down in the vegetation during the frequent cool, cloudy and sometimes wet days during this salmon fly season. When the air is cooler and it’s overcast, nymphs are still a way to go.

Lake Billy Chinook:

Kokes, from all the reports, are being caught. Effective colors include purple, pink, orange and brass.

There has been some exceptional bull trout fishing in LBC in recent days, look to the Metolius Arm.

Crooked River: The Crooked River continues to be colored up, but fishing well.

The Mother’s Day caddis has been going this month but is now past it’s peak and fading. That said there continues to be caddis hatches.

Metolius River:

The entire stretch up the Metolius, including the section above Allingham Bridge is open and this is prime time on the Metolius.

PMDs continue to hatch in spurts because of on and off cold weather in this region which continues to this day. Green drakes are going also in spurts– and the overcast days help the hatch. The fish will come up for the drakes under most conditions. Be on the river during the afternoons for possible PMD and green drake hatches, but be ready for anything. If there are no hatches, be prepared for nymphing.

And yet there is a lot more for Members. Check out Glenn’s detailed reports and forecasts right here for Chinook and Steelhead Members both!

SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:

Free Fishing Weekend is coming up June 4 & 5 – two days when you don’t need a license, tag or endorsement to fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon that’s open. It’s a great time of year with many types of fishing to be had- salmon, trout, bass & panfish, halibut, offshore rock fish, jetty, steelhead, crabbing and clamming…. you name it, there’s somewhere in Oregon that will provide your pleasure.

As for the Rogue valley, Springers are being caught on a regular basis both by boaters and bank anglers from Dodge Bridge to McGregor Park. The warmer weather has gotten the bass and panfish bite back on at Lake Selmac and other Rogue valley ponds. Trout fishing continues to be good at Lost Creek and Applegate lake where there’s lots of hold over and recently stocked fish to be caught and both lakes are at peak high water. On the mid Rogue, some anglers are hooking into some Summer Steelhead already.

The lower Rogue springer fishing seems to be on the “down hill slide” as the numbers of fish caught are dwindling even despite being able to keep both wild and hatchery fish.

Getting out on the ocean after Friday looks to be not so promising as yet another weekend storm approaches. Friday is the best opportunity to get out and get some good catches of rock fish, ling cod, and halibut. The coastal lakes have been stocked with lots of trout and will fish well until the water gets too warm and sprouts up the weeds. Surf perch fishing is still going good especially around Charleston and Winchester Bays. Jetty fishing is also a good option although maybe not this weekend depending on weather.

Good flow and cool water on the North Umpqua, catches of Spring Chinook has been “surprisingly good”. The main Umpqua has seen fair catches of Chinook and the shad are in!

Upper Rogue- Spring Chinook fishing has picked up well for both bank and boat anglers. Angling pressure has increased along with catches of Chinook ranging 15-25 pounds. The condition of these fish has been very good too as the river flow has been good enough to allow the fish to swim hard and fast up to their spawning grounds. Anglers are picking up fish around the Casey Park and McGregor fishing access areas to a bit further downstream. Drift boat anglers are using sardine/ anchovy and or tuna wrapped Mag Lips or Kwikfish, or back bounding roe in the deeper holes. Almost 1000 spring Chinook have been counted thus far

UMPQUA RIVER Main– Spring Chinook catches are sporadic. Again weather and water conditions have kept Springer catches “fair” at best. No wild harvest of spring Chinook is allowed in 2022 (jacks or adults). Weather conditions for the upcoming long weekend looks better for trout fishing in the many lakes and ponds that have been stocked well.

Summer steelhead are entering the river now and anglers targeting strippers are finding increased numbers and will get better as the weather gets warmer.

North Umpqua – Summer run steelhead and increased numbers of spring Chinook have been caught in the lower part of the river. Weather and water conditions have been sporadic and catches have only been fair. Another shot of water flow coming up should improve both salmon and steelhead catches.

Only one wild spring Chinook adult per day and ten per season may be kept on the North in 2022. Anglers may still retain one additional Chinook if it’s a hatchery fish.

Jeff’s detailed report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week’s version for Members!

Receive these Oregon and SW Washington fishing reports in your email
on Thursday nights by signing up here.​

 

[The Guides Forecast]

Portland/Metro Fishing Report - Bonneville salmon counts are on the bump again. We're still weeks away from the summer Chinook run, and things are already looking up. Over 2,000 adults/day are passing Bonneville and anglers versed in high water strategies are faring quite well, especially bank anglers in the Columbia River Gorge.

The Willamette is slowing for springers, but will likely pick right back up again, as upper Columbia bound Chinook stray into the Willamette as mainstem spill and flow has the lower river backed up into the Portland Harbor. Shad are thick in the Oregon City area.

Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports, "This week we saw the river blow out on Friday due to rain and snow melting over the weekend. The river came back into shape by Sunday and has stayed ideal color and height. The river shows another day of going up to 11ft and should clear quickly and drop back down to 10ft and should be very productive.

The Clackamas has yet to yield a spring Chinook, but there are fair numbers of summer steelhead around, bank anglers have been doing good. Both the Sandy and Clackamas are scheduled to take a significant bump over the weekend as rainfall is slated to be strong in the coming days.

Check out the upcoming stocking schedule HERE.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.

North Coast Fishing Report - Saltwater anglers are really liking what they are seeing offshore, ample Chinook catches with halibut and bottomfishing action good as well. Ocean crabbing has even picked up as well, it's a veritable bounty out there.

Spring Chinook in the Tillamook district is going well too. A better than average (at least when compared to the last few years) is looking good. The soft tides this weekend and into next week should produce the best catches in the lower reaches of Tillamook and Nestucca Bays.

A bump in the district's rivers should also put driftboats within reach of good spring Chinook action on the Nestucca and Trask Rivers. The hatchery hole remains a popular destination for early and motivated risers.

Summer steelhead are starting to show in better numbers on the Nestucca, Wilson and Siletz Rivers. It appears to be a better return than the previous few, but you'll still have to work for them.

Saturday is the last day for estuary sturgeon anglers to catch and keep one for the season. The action has been picking up, but overall, the fishery has dramatically under-performed manager's expectations.

See the full report and forecast for Members right here.

Central Oregon Fishing Report - Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

Paulina and East Lakes. Metolius Hatch Mixed Bag.

ODFW News – Angling Restrictions

Lower Deschutes River:

The Lower Deschutes is steady at 4020 CFS in Madras and 5410 CFS at Moody. Water access is good, with summer-like flows along the Warm Springs stretch.
Temperatures on the lower portions of the river are in the 53 to 55 range at Madras and 59 to 63 degree range near Moody.

Haystack Reservoir: No recent reports. Was stocked earlier in the year and dropping now.

Lake Billy Chinook: Kokes, from all the reports, are being caught. Effective colors include purple, pink, orange and brass.

There has been some exceptional bull trout fishing in LBC in recent days, look to the Metolius Arm.

Crooked River: The Crooked River is fishing well. It is kind of low, with flows in and around 140 CFS.

Metolius River: The entire stretch up the Metolius, including the section above Allingham Bridge is open and this is prime time on the Metolius.

Prineville Reservoir: Josh Pardee report that Prineville reservoir is fishing well for rainbows, and the bass are starting to get active during late April. It is not possible to launch a large boat, but a kayak or pontoon will work well. Josh also says the fish are aggressive – hard hitting.

North Central Oregon/Mid-Columbia Waters:

This week’s report from Gorge Outfitters Supply (541-739-2222) in Rufus, between the John Day and Deschutes Rivers are that the walleye fishing is good above the John Day dam. Because of on and off snowmelt, the water temperatures are variable.

Bass fishing has slowed down.

And yet there is a lot more for Members. Check out Glenn's detailed reports and forecasts right here for Chinook and Steelhead Members both!

SW Oregon Fishing Report - Contributor Jeff Rome reports:

There’s plenty of fishin action to be had right now….. the ocean (when calm) is producing nice limits of rock fish along with some halibut (which is now open), and surf perch. Cutthroat trout and stocked trout are still in abundance in the coastal lakes. The Rogue is maintaining Spring Chinook action above Shady Cove as well as on the Lower Rogue from Agness on down. Most all Southern Oregon lakes and streams are getting the attention of trout, salmon, steelhead and bass anglers alike…. there’s a good variety to fish for right now!

The Rogue valley action is primarily for Springers that are being caught mostly up river from Dodge Bridge to McGregor Park. Some Summer run steelhead are in and with trout season open, more will be caught. The flow has increased to over 4000 cfs at Grants Pass so trying to anchor and or back troll for salmon or steelhead is a bit of a chore for drift boats. Warm/ hot weather has gotten the bass and panfish bite back on at Lake Selmac and other Rogue valley ponds. Trout fishing continues to be good at Lost Creek and Applegate lake where there’s lots of hold over and recently stocked fish to be caught and both lakes are at peak high water.

The lower Rogue springer fishing had a good bite on late Saturday as the recent rain deluge got the river flow and turbidity higher. It’s now waned as of Wednesday, but hopes are for a last “hurrah bite” before the Fall run start in July.

The ocean looks to be conducive for weekend (finally) for bottom fish and halibut. Anglers earlier this week have been scoring excellent catches of rock fish and halibut. The coastal lakes have been stocked with lots of trout and will fish well until the water gets too warm and sprouts up the weeds. Surf perch fishing and crabbing is still going good especially around Charleston and Winchester Bays. Jetty fishing is also a good option although maybe not this weekend depending on weather.

Good flow and cool water on the North Umpqua, catches of Spring Chinook has been “surprisingly good”. Shad are in the main Umpqua now in good numbers and Chinook catches are fair.

I will be up in Canada at Winter Harbour next week for a rescheduled male bonding fishing trip, so I’ll be too busy catching Chinook, halibut and bottom fish to get out next week’s report. Wish me luck

Jeff's detailed report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week's version for Members!

Receive these Oregon and SW Washington fishing reports in your email on Thursday nights by signing up here.

 

[The Guides Forecast]

Portland/Metro Orgon Fishing Report – With the recent high water event, anglers on both the Columbia and Willamette Rivers will be challenged for success for what’s shaping up to be a robust return of spring and summer Chinook. The Willamette is on the drop and may fish early next week, but weekend fishing is likely to be challenging. Shad fishing too, despite being in peak season.

The Columbia has now transitioned to summer Chinook, with the last day of the season being June 22nd. If you’re versed in high water strategies, you have the advantage. Bank anglers tend to do best in high water conditions as well.

Clackamas River anglers posted a good (last) week for summer steelhead. Bank anglers did particularly well and with the high water over the weekend, they stand the best chance under these water conditions too. The season’s first spring Chinook were tallied last week, it should be another fair week for springers despite a likely poor return again this season.

Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports, “Hello All, what a week we’ve had. The weather is about to set a record for one of the wettest months on record. As for this time we are 5th wettest and could go higher on the list with more rain forecasted. Over the weekend we saw the river go up over 14 ft. on Saturday and is currently running at 11.65ft. The river was light chocolate brown and will take a couple more days before it turns steelhead green. The river has lots of trees and other various debris and at the writing of this report, there was a tree blocking three quarters of the river at the Troutdale Bridge. The river will slowly clear and if you plan on fishing, I would fish close to the river banks for fish will hold and move in clearer water. I also recommend that you wear your floatation devices when floating the river to protect yourself and friends.”

Check out the upcoming stocking schedule HERE.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.

North Coast Oregon Fishing Report – It is a good time of the year to be fishing on the Oregon coast. Typically there are lots of options, with the ocean salmon fishery going gangbusters, it’s a pretty special place to be right now.

Most people are highly focused on the spring Chinook return back to Tillamook Bay this time of year. And although that’s nothing to shake a stick at, the ocean salmon fishery, largely targeting California stocks of fish offshore, is flat out awesome. Once in a while we get these dense populations of feeding Chinook off the North Coast, a clear indication there is a lot of forage fish available for these fast growing adults.

Pro guide Rob Gerlitz (503-812-4950) has been scoring good results. He had out a father/son combo the other day, netting this whopper in the offshore fishery:

See the full report and forecast for Members right here.

Meanwhile, back in spring Chinook land (Tillamook Bay), action has been fair but with all the high water in the district, fish aren’t holding all that long in the bay or tidewater reaches of the Trask River. It’s also hard to get around with the magnitude of minus tides happening at this given point.

And speaking of river fishing, it’s been pretty good. It’s unusual (if you haven’t heard that before) to have such good river conditions for anglers to fish this system this time of year. Catches, although not consistent, have been good on the Trask River from Cedar Creek downstream.

Nestucca and Three Rivers anglers are also sharing happy stories. Both systems have good numbers of springers available.

There are also summer steelhead available on the north coast, and again, good water conditions are playing a factor in success. Three Rivers, the mainstem Nestucca, the Wilson and Siletz Rivers are all peaking for fresh-run summer steelhead right now.

Halibut fishing is fair, best out of Newport, and bottomfishing remain excellent out of most ports. Ocean crabbing is good, bay crabbing was challenging during this week’s magnum tide exchanges. That made for good clam digging however.

Central Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

Crane Prairie Picking Up. Metolius and Fall Rivers

The Lower Deschutes dropped after a weekend spike and is now running at 3960 CFS in Madras and 5520 CFS at Moody. The White River spiked up and introduced a lot of muddy water on the weekend, and is somewhat receding now. Water access is good.

Temperatures on the lower portions of the river are in the 55 to 57 range at Madras and 58 to 63 degree range near Moody.

Caddis are active on the warm days and becoming the dominant insect anglers should focus on. But, the PMDs and PEDs are becoming important, so there is dry fly-topwater action on the Deschutes with PMDs, PEDs and caddis.

Middle Deschutes River: The middle Deschutes did spike up last weekend and was off color, but flows have receded back to where they were and is clearing. There is a mix of PEDs, PMDs, and some caddis on the river from Bend to Steelhead Falls.

Upper Deschutes River: The upper Deschutes is now open with increasingly better reports of quality fish through the upper D from Little Lava to Crane Prairie.

Lake Billy Chinook: Latest from LBC is that kokes have been scattered, and down deep. Effective colors include purple, pink, orange and brass.

Some anglers are reporting the start of smallmouth activity.

Crooked River: The Crooked River is fishing well. It is kind of low, with flows in and around 140 CFS.

Good and consistent caddis hatches are happening now on the Crooked. Reports are that the smaller trout are taking flies on top, and the larger trout are being caught with nymphs.

Fall River: Fishing well from the hatchery to the headwaters.

Caddis have been active, as well as some PMD and midge activity. In addition, terrestrials like ants and beetles are taking trout. There has been an occasional green drake hatch.

Fall River was stocked during the week of May 9 with 1000 trophy trout, and was stocked again this past week.

And yet there is a lot more for Members. Check out Glenn’s detailed reports and forecasts right here for Chinook and Steelhead Members both!

SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:

There’s plenty of fishin action to be had right now….. the ocean (when calm) is producing nice limits of rock fish along with some halibut (which is now open), and surf perch. Cutthroat trout and stocked trout are still in abundance in the coastal lakes. The Rogue is maintaining Spring Chinook action above Shady Cove as well as on the Lower Rogue from Agness on down. Most all Southern Oregon lakes and streams are getting the attention of trout, salmon, steelhead and bass anglers alike…. there’s a good variety to fish for right now!

The Rogue valley action is primarily for Springers that are being caught mostly up river from Dodge Bridge to McGregor Park. Some Summer run steelhead are in and with trout season open, more will be caught. The flow has increased to over 4000 cfs at Grants Pass so trying to anchor and or back troll for salmon or steelhead is a bit of a chore for drift boats. Warm/ hot weather has gotten the bass and panfish bite back on at Lake Selmac and other Rogue valley ponds. Trout fishing continues to be good at Lost Creek and Applegate lake where there’s lots of hold over and recently stocked fish to be caught and both lakes are at peak high water.

The lower Rogue springer fishing had a good bite on late Saturday as the recent rain deluge got the river flow and turbidity higher. It’s now waned as of Wednesday, but hopes are for a last “hurrah bite” before the Fall run start in July.

The ocean looks to be conducive for weekend (finally) for bottom fish and halibut. Anglers earlier this week have been scoring excellent catches of rock fish and halibut. The coastal lakes have been stocked with lots of trout and will fish well until the water gets too warm and sprouts up the weeds. Surf perch fishing and crabbing is still going good especially around Charleston and Winchester Bays. Jetty fishing is also a good option although maybe not this weekend depending on weather.

Good flow and cool water on the North Umpqua, catches of Spring Chinook has been “surprisingly good”. Shad are in the main Umpqua now in good numbers and Chinook catches are fair.

I will be up in Canada at Winter Harbour next week for a rescheduled male bonding fishing trip, so I’ll be too busy catching Chinook, halibut and bottom fish to get out next week’s report. Wish me luck.

Jeff’s detailed report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week’s version for Members!

Receive these Oregon and SW Washington fishing reports in your email on Thursday nights by signing up here.​

Find out more about becoming an Oregon Member here! SW Washington Membership information can be found here.​

 

[The Guides Forecast]

Portland/Metro Fishing Update – Following the last high water, anglers are now back on the Willamette, with several more weeks of good spring Chinook action expected. Anglers will be targeting the lower and upper reaches of the Willamette, both likely to produce good catches over the weekend.

Shad fishing remains excellent in Oregon City and should stay that way for several more weeks too.

The mainstem Columbia is now closed to salmon fishing, but remains open for steelhead. Steelhead catches this week tapered, but there’s more Skamania stock yet to come.

The Clackamas is in peak season right now, with more steelhead than springers being caught. It’s been a good year and water conditions are excellent for weekend anglers, but with the warm temperatures in the forecast, the splash and giggle crowd is soon to follow.

The Sandy is a better metro prospect for spring Chinook anglers. Summer steelhead catches are better than in previous years too. Same applied here however, residents will be seeking respite from hot weather over the weekend.

Check out the upcoming stocking schedule HERE.

Trout Fishing Update
Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.

North Coast Fishing Update – The south of Cape Falcon ocean fishery for coho (and Chinook) is off to a great start. Coho catches were excellent north of Garibaldi although winds has hampered success as of late. Chinook catches are still robust, but the focus will be on the easy-to-catch coho that should be in abundance for the next several months. Catches weren’t as productive out of Newport for a change.

Nearshore halibut has been fair to good out of Pacific City, fair out of Garibaldi. Rockfish action remains excellent. Lingcod are falling fairly easily too.

Spring Chinook is still a strong option although many have blown through north coast estuaries and are now staging in the Trask and Nestucca systems. Be cognizant of the anti-snagging rules if you fish close to the hatcheries on the Trask and Three Rivers systems.

Summer steelhead are available on the Nestucca, Wilson, Three Rivers and Siletz systems. It’s peak season now, but waters are dropping and clearing so stealth strategies are recommended.

Sea run cutthroat should be abundant in most north coast systems for those wishing for a challenge. There are quality fish around however; these are a great gateway drug into larger species of our PNW gamefish. It worked for me!

See the full report and forecast for Members right here.

Central Oregon Fishing Update – Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

Lower Deschutes River:

The Lower Deschutes is steady near the dam, with flows of 3940 CFS in Madras and dropping near the mouth, with flows of 49800 CFS at Moody. Water access is good.

Temperatures on the lower portions of the river are in the 54 to 56 range at Madras and 62 to 68 degree range near Moody.

Middle Deschutes River: Flows are back to normal. There is a mix of PEDs, PMDs, and some caddis on the river from Bend to Steelhead Falls.

Upper Deschutes River: The upper Deschutes is now open with increasingly better reports of quality fish through the upper D from Little Lava to Crane Prairie.

Better and better dry fly opportunities.

Haystack Reservoir: No recent reports. Was stocked earlier in the year and dropping now.

Lake Billy Chinook: No new end of June reports. The earlier reports from LBC is that kokes have been scattered, and down deep. Effective colors include purple, pink, orange and brass.

Some anglers are reporting the start of smallmouth activity.

Crooked River: The Crooked River is fishing well. It is kind of low, with flows in and around 100 CFS.

PMDs, BWOs, midges and caddis are all active right now. Reports are that the smaller trout are taking flies on top, and the larger trout are being caught with nymphs.

North and South Twin Lakes: North and South Twin Lakes were stocked with 2500 legal size trout in each lake during April, again early in May and late in May. Scheduled to be stocked again during the week of June 27th.

South Twin continues going strong, with leeches and damsel flies all working.

Jeff Perin says that North Twin has some big fish, going for olive balanced leeches or stripped olive wooly buggers.

Crescent Lake: Crescent is low, but we have reports of good fishing for lake trout at Crescent over the past week. Josh Pardee reports good fishing for Mackinaw and kokes.

Some anglers have been catching big browns again on Wickiup.

Lava Lake/Little Lava Lake: Both Lava and Little Lava have been stocked this past week. These lakes should start improving now. Look for the callibaetis hatches with the coming warm weather.

However, there are early reports of some slow fishing from Lava Lake, with no other reports in yet. Checking in with some regular Cascade Lakes anglers who have been at other nearby lakes.

Three Creek Lake: Three Creek Lake is now open and accessible. Early reports are good, and the lake is due to be stocked next week with 4000 legal trout and 200 trophy trout.

Paulina Lake: Paulina Lake has been fishing well. Fly fishers using chironomids and mayfly nymphs are into fish.

North Central Oregon/Mid-Columbia Waters:

This week’s report from Gorge Outfitters Supply (541-739-2222) in Rufus, is that walleye fishing is super hot right now, especially very early in the morning. Worm harnesses and bottom walkers are all working well, with pink being the hot color. Anything shiny and bright is preferred this week.

Bass fishing has been great – many bass are being taken on night crawlers or grubs.

Shad fishing is also hot – lots of anglers are now picking up shad. Shad killers in blue or chartreuse are working great.

Bass fishing has just okay, heavily effected this past week from a muddier John Day.

No real walleye reports – anglers have been off the water.

And yet there is a lot more for Members. Check out Glenn’s detailed reports and forecasts right here for Chinook and Steelhead Members both!

SW Oregon Fishing Update – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:

Summer has come in with high temperatures and good options for your fishing pleasure! There’s lots of stocked trout in many of the lakes and ponds with Lost creek

and Applegate among my favorites around Medford area. Coastal lakes and streams have plenty of fish that have been stocked earlier this year and typically don’t get too much pressure.

Coho Salmon season out of Brookings opened up with good numbers of fish being caught when the winds cooperated and appears to be a good year so far. Chinook salmon opens this Saturday and is expected to be good as well but might be a bit wind choppy.

Bottom fishing is still excellent from Brookings on up to Winchester bay!

Spring Chinook on the lower Rogue is dwindling as the fall run is just starting to show as more and more boaters are working the bay now and should progress. The Upper Rogue is seeing some Springer action as well as some summer run steelhead. Good steady flow of 3000+ cfs has kept the water flow good and cool for these fish to get up to their spawning grounds. The salmon fly hatch is also under way and fly fishers are having a good time.

The warm and soon to be HOT weather with usually taper the trout bite but enhance the bass and pan fish bite so don’t forget the small ponds to take the kids out for a fun time.

I just came back from a “trip of a lifetime” with some fishing buddy’s up in a remote area of Vancouver Island BC……. it was amazing and my 3 freezers are completely full! I’ll try and do a pictorial story in next week’s report.

Jeff’s detailed report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week’s version for Members!

Receive these Oregon and SW Washington fishing reports in your email
on Thursday nights by signing up here.

Find out more about becoming an Oregon Member here! SW Washington Membership information can be found here.

 

[The Guides Forecast]

Portland/Metro Fishing Report – Willamette River anglers witnessed a better week than the previous few, with fair to good catches in the lower Multnomah Channel and Oregon City reaches. Catches should start to slow, but trollers can expect another good week in both of the previously mentioned river reaches with trollers working flashers and spinners or Spinfish likely to score the best results.

Shad fishing is still going strong at Oregon City and will remain that way for a few more weeks.

The Columbia re-opens for summer Chinook and now sockeye too. Both returns have surpassed biologists expectations, affording sport anglers the additional opportunity. Anglers are reminded that even though sockeye are excellent eating, they are small in stature, often only 3 to 4 pounds and DO count as adults on your harvest card. If you’re a sockeye enthusiast, be cognizant that you may want to save some space for what’s likely to be a robust fall Chinook return if our later returning fish make a surprise showing like our spring and summer Chinook have this year. The season for summer Chinook runs through the 13th of July. Check the press release HERE.

The Clackamas River, despite being in good shape, is producing poorly for spring Chinook and fair-at-best for summer steelhead. It remains a disappointment, but summer steelhead are still making a stronger showing than we’ve seen in recent years.

Sandy River Fishing Report – Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports from the Sandy River – What week of weather we had, going from the mid 60’s to jumping up to 100 degrees and the swimmers came out in force. The current condition of the river is that the river is on slow drop and glacial melt is accruing and the river is off color green. The next couple of days the river should clear because of cooler temperatures.

The lower river is still backed up due to the Columbia running at or near flood stage due to release of water from the upper river. Fishing has been good in the lower river trolling spinners and other assorted items. There have been some decent size springers caught and some pushing the low 20’s with most weighing in around 12 to 15lbs.

Check out the upcoming stocking schedule HERE.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.

North Coast Fishing Report – It’s a good time of year to be on the Oregon coast, especially fishing conditions permit offshore excursions. Between inland spring Chinook, ocean coho and Chinook, halibut, crab and bottomfish, most days, anglers don’t know which way to turn.

Starting with spring Chinook, anglers are in peak freshwater season still but action will start to taper in the coming weeks. Most of the spring Chinook are in freshwater now with the Trask and Nestucca being the two best north coast options.

The lower Nestucca has also been consistent for anglers in the know. Driftboaters working the water downstream of Three Rivers continue to find tide fish.

Those seeking summer steelhead have the Wilson, Nestucca and the Siletz as options. Each river is experiencing a better return when compared to the previous few years but anglers are still finding challenging conditions.

And following up on my favorite gateway drug, sea-run cutthroat remain a strong option for bank anglers in the tidewater reaches of all North Coast systems as well as rocky shorelines in the estuaries. There are some quality fish around with few anglers in pursuit.

Shifting to saltwater, when conditions allow, catches have been good. Anglers this previous week however did witness tapered success from previous weeks. The south wind influence from the last couple of days likely won’t help matters. The ocean was too rough on Monday and Tuesday but a few boats did venture out.

Additional halibut days were added to the spring all-depth fishery starting July 7th, Thursdays through Saturdays. Ninety-seven percent of the nearshore quota remains, a 7 day/week season.

The deep-reef bottomfish fishery closes July 1, but cabezon retention opens up for a while. Nearshore bottomfishing action remains good but lingcod have become challenging.

Lower Columbia River sturgeon fishing is excellent for oversized fish right now. Fish the shallow water for best success, using sand shrimp for bait.

See the full report and forecast for Members right here.

Central Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

Lower Deschutes River:

The Lower Deschutes is steady near the dam, with flows of 3940 CFS in Madras and dropping near the mouth, with flows of 49800 CFS at Moody. Water access is good.

Temperatures on the lower portions of the river are in the 54 to 56 range at Madras and 62 to 68 degree range near Moody.

Middle Deschutes River: Flows are back to normal. There is a mix of PEDs, PMDs, and some caddis on the river from Bend to Steelhead Falls.

Upper Deschutes River: The upper Deschutes is now open with increasingly better reports of quality fish through the upper D from Little Lava to Crane Prairie.

Better and better dry fly opportunities.

Haystack Reservoir: No recent reports. Was stocked earlier in the year and dropping now.

Lake Billy Chinook: No new end of June reports. The earlier reports from LBC is that kokes have been scattered, and down deep. Effective colors include purple, pink, orange and brass.

Some anglers are reporting the start of smallmouth activity.

Crooked River: The Crooked River is fishing well. It is kind of low, with flows in and around 100 CFS.

PMDs, BWOs, midges and caddis are all active right now. Reports are that the smaller trout are taking flies on top, and the larger trout are being caught with nymphs.

North and South Twin Lakes: North and South Twin Lakes were stocked with 2500 legal size trout in each lake during April, again early in May and late in May. Scheduled to be stocked again during the week of June 27th.

South Twin continues going strong, with leeches and damsel flies all working.

Jeff Perin says that North Twin has some big fish, going for olive balanced leeches or stripped olive wooly buggers.

Crescent Lake: Crescent is low, but we have reports of good fishing for lake trout at Crescent over the past week. Josh Pardee reports good fishing for Mackinaw and kokes.

Some anglers have been catching big browns again on Wickiup.

North Central Oregon/Mid-Columbia Waters:

This week’s report from Gorge Outfitters Supply (541-739-2222) in Rufus, is that walleye fishing is super hot right now, especially very early in the morning. Worm harnesses and bottom walkers are all working well, with pink being the hot color. Anything shiny and bright is preferred this week.

Bass fishing has been great – many bass are being taken on night crawlers or grubs.

Shad fishing is also hot – lots of anglers are now picking up shad. Shad killers in blue or chartreuse are working great.

Bass fishing has just okay, heavily effected this past week from a muddier John Day.

No real walleye reports – anglers have been off the water.

And yet there is a lot more for Members. Check out Glenn’s detailed reports and forecasts right here for Chinook and Steelhead Members both!

SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:

Summer has come in with high temperatures and good options for your fishing pleasure! There’s lots of stocked trout in many of the lakes and ponds with Lost creek

and Applegate among my favorites around Medford area. Coastal lakes and streams have plenty of fish that have been stocked earlier this year and typically don’t get too much pressure.

Coho Salmon season out of Brookings opened up with good numbers of fish being caught when the winds cooperated and appears to be a good year so far. Chinook salmon opens this Saturday and is expected to be good as well but might be a bit wind choppy.

Bottom fishing is still excellent from Brookings on up to Winchester bay!

Spring Chinook on the lower Rogue is dwindling as the fall run is just starting to show as more and more boaters are working the bay now and should progress. The Upper Rogue is seeing some Springer action as well as some summer run steelhead. Good steady flow of 3000+ cfs has kept the water flow good and cool for these fish to get up to their spawning grounds. The salmon fly hatch is also under way and fly fishers are having a good time.

The warm and soon to be HOT weather with usually taper the trout bite but enhance the bass and pan fish bite so don’t forget the small ponds to take the kids out for a fun time.

I just came back from a “trip of a lifetime” with some fishing buddy’s up in a remote area of Vancouver Island BC……. it was amazing and my 3 freezers are completely full! I’ll try and do a pictorial story in next week’s report.

Jeff’s detailed report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week’s version for Members!

 

[The Guides Forecast]

Portland/Metro Fishing Report – The Willamette fishery is still going but will fade fast after this week. Anglers are still focusing on the extreme lower reaches of the Multnomah Channel, the head of the channel and the puddle just upstream of the West Linn Bridge near Willamette Falls. It’s Pro Troll and spinner or Spinfish time, early morning is best.

Shad fishing is still excellent in the Oregon City area and should remain that way for another week or two.

Summer steelhead numbers are over 3X stronger this year than last, passing over Willamette Falls. That makes the Santiam and McKenzie systems more attractive than in previous years.

Sandy River Fishing Report – Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports that last week was productive depending on where you were fishing. I floated the river on Friday and saw a couple of fish caught at the boat ramp at Oxbow. The springers were cookie cutters, all about 10 to 12 lbs. and all on spinners. Saw fish in most holding water and we had one good take down on bait and lost it a minute into the fight. Cedar Creek has fish and jigs and beads were productive and as you head downriver, spinners were the ticket.

The Clackamas continues to disappoint for spring Chinook and remains slow for summer steelhead although a few are around.

Check out the upcoming stocking schedule HERE.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.

North Coast Fishing Report – Ocean salmon season is well underway and coho catches are good from Newport to Astoria. The coho are still somewhat small in stature, but often put on weight swiftly this time of year. Chinook catches have tapered, but some ports are still reporting fair catches, but in sporadic fashion.

Spring Chinook action is winding up on the Tillamook and Nestucca systems, but catchable numbers are still around. Most anglers are switching to saltwater for their salmon fix, but summer steelhead season is off to a good start on the Wilson and Siletz systems, with the Nestucca and Three Rivers also an option.

Don’t overlook sea-run cutthroat trout in nearly any north coast system. There should be fair to good numbers on most north coast systems, primarily in the tidewater reaches as well as the estuaries.

Nearshore halibut catches picked up out of Garibaldi and Newport last week. There remains just one more opener for the all-depth option before the summer season kicks off in early August, July 7 – 9. The commercial deep-water halibut fleet didn’t impress many last week.

Sturgeon fishing is excellent in the lower Columbia, but tides aren’t great for waning numbers of summer Chinook or growing numbers of summer steelhead this week.

Ocean crabs are nearing the molt, but plenty of hard-shelled keepers can still be found.

See the full report and forecast for Members right here.

Central Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

ODFW News – Angling Restrictions

Deschutes River: ODFW announced, “With another low run of summer steelhead forecast, angling closures for steelhead, bass and salmon will be in effect for parts of the Deschutes River this summer starting as early as June 1.

The closures are in keeping with the Deschutes River steelhead fishery framework that fishery managers presented earlier this year due to continued low forecasts for Threatened summer steelhead runs to areas upriver of Bonneville Dam in the Columbia and Snake River Basins.

Last year’s upriver steelhead run to Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River was the lowest since records began in 1938, resulting in the first steelhead fishing closure on the Deschutes since 1978. Encounter rates from sport anglers that catch and release wild summer steelhead are typically high in mid-Columbia tributaries like the Deschutes, where fish stage before migrating to spawning areas throughout the Deschutes and Columbia Basin.

Pre-season forecasts for 2022 are similar to last year’s returns, so closures are necessary in these mixed stock fisheries even though anglers may be targeting hatchery steelhead.”

The good news amongst the bad is that the trout fishery will remain open.

At the time of this writing on 7/7, there have been 5,705 unclipped steelhead over Bonneville, raising some hope that we may surpass the 9,900 minimum required by July 31 to reopen the Deschutes to steelhead. I won’t go so far as to speculate on whether we will approach the 23,100 fish needed to reopen steelhead on the Deschutes for the entire season. Stay tuned!

And yet there is a lot more for Members. Check out Glenn’s detailed reports and forecasts right here for Chinook and Steelhead Members both!

SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:

The weather is finally heating up (again) after putting a damper for anglers with numerous weekend rains, but there’s still plenty of fishing going on. The ocean salmon season has been very good so far for both coho and Chinook as well as bottom fish out of most all SW Oregon ports.

Bass anglers are happy since the late Spring like weather is turning into Summer and warming up the water in various ponds and lakes spurring on a bite such as Eel, Empire, Tenmile lakes and the Coquille.

Chinook anglers are picking up a few in the Rogue Bay as well as the upper Rogue above Shady cove. The Summer steelhead action is still a bit slow, but should improve with the continued flow of around 3000 cfs at Grants Pass.

Winchester bay has been producing some nice Chinook and good crabbing

Surf perch action is still good on lots of the deeper indents on the beaches and the South jetty in Brookings and up by Winchester bay.

Cutthroat trout are in both the Elk (upper) and Winchuck rivers near Brookings. RV’ers and campers over at the coast should try for these with worms and spinners for a great trout meal.

Good to excellent trout fishing is still happening at Lost Creek, Diamond, Galesville, Applegate, and Lemolo lakes. Left over and recently stocked fish abound!

Best bets for the weekend since it’s supposed to be hot in the Rogue valley would be to hit the lakes (as mentioned above), head to the coast for some great bottom fish and salmon action and maybe try for some cutthroat, head up above Lost Creek dam where plenty of trout have been planted, or even the Umpqua hike in lakes which also have lots of trout in them.

Be safe, be nice and enjoy!

Jeff’s detailed report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week’s version for Members!

 

[The Guides Forecast]

North Coast – Coho fishing is only improving by the week. All central and north coast ports are producing consistent catches and action should remain excellent if the coho prediction is accurate.

Photo: Pro guide Rob Gerlitz (503-812-4950) has been finding the halibut out of Garibaldi. Nearshore catches have been pretty consistent. Give him a call and get your ‘butt today!

Portland/Metro Fishing Report – With summer Chinook and sockeye numbers tapering at Bonneville, so slows the action. Recent run-size updates however are keeping anglers happy, especially with all the favorable weather. The Bonneville reach remains the best place to intercept a quality Chinook and beach plunkers downstream of Portland (Sauvies Island) stand a chance at a quality summer steelhead or sockeye with the strong minus tide series we’re currently under.

The Willamette is still putting out spring Chinook, especially for anglers fishing the head of the Multnomah Channel. Action on spinners and flashers remains fair at first light, but this fishery is fading fast.

A few shad remain around Oregon City, but other watersports are taking over this area of the Willamette.

Check out the upcoming stocking schedule HERE.

Sandy River anglers are still in good shape for early morning spring Chinook and summer steelhead. The upper reaches, Oxbow Park and above, hold the most promise for bank anglers. Driftboaters downstream of Oxbow are still coming across a few too.

The Clackamas has good numbers of summer steelhead available, but the majority of spring Chinook are wild, requiring release. Early mornings remain best for bank anglers working the upper reaches, action should stay good for the next several weeks.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.

Coho Fishing – John Strohecker of Portland with a quality ocean coho from Garibaldi (7/29/18)
North Coast Fishing Report – Coho fishing is only improving by the week. All central and north coast ports are producing consistent catches and action should remain excellent if the coho prediction is accurate. After a few days of a rough ocean, the weekend weather looks excellent for ocean fishing. The minus tide series may rough up the bar however so check BAR CONDITIONS before exiting the port.

Anglers fishing out of Astoria got a reality check when the nearshore Chinook fishery got stripped away starting on Saturday. Chinook catches have been good along the Long Beach Peninsula, prompting the emergency closure to ensure the coho fishery remains open and viable. It was a good run while it lasted.

Nearshore halibut is becoming more consistent, but managers liberalized the all-depth even more, keeping the fishery open every Thursday – Saturday through the end of this month. Catches are fair in the all-depth and better than fair in the nearshore, at least out of Garibaldi and Newport.

Bottomfishing remains good, but lingcod are a bit harder to find during the dog-days of summer.

Ocean crabbing remains good, but more softshells are showing in the catches.

Razor clam digging is CLOSED from Tillamook Head north to the mouth of the Columbia, there will likely be a bunch of tickets written tomorrow (Friday). Don’t be that guy…

Spring Chinook fishing is largely over along the north coast. It was one of the better seasons in recent history (but it wasn’t a high benchmark in recent years). Summer steelhead action on the Wilson, Siletz and Nestucca/Three Rivers remains fair to good.

See the full report and forecast for Members right here.

Central Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

Weather Outlook Across Central and Eastern Oregon:

Seasonal weather and temperatures look to be with us through the weekend, with another warmup during next week with much of the region going into the low to high 90s. Friday through Sunday will top out in the low to mid-80s through Sunday for much of the region, with a spike into the low to high 90s beginning next Monday and through much of the week. Sunny skies will dominate the region.

Weekend temperatures in the Lower Deschutes canyon will be in the high 80s, and high 90s or 100 next week.

Temperatures at the Cascade lakes will top out in the 80s through the weekend, and high 80s and low 90s next week.

ODFW News – Angling Restrictions

Deschutes River: ODFW announced, “With another low run of summer steelhead forecast, angling closures for steelhead, bass and salmon will be in effect for parts of the Deschutes River this summer starting as early as June 1.

The closures are in keeping with the Deschutes River steelhead fishery framework that fishery managers presented earlier this year due to continued low forecasts for Threatened summer steelhead runs to areas upriver of Bonneville Dam in the Columbia and Snake River Basins.

Last year’s upriver steelhead run to Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River was the lowest since records began in 1938, resulting in the first steelhead fishing closure on the Deschutes since 1978. Encounter rates from sport anglers that catch and release wild summer steelhead are typically high in mid-Columbia tributaries like the Deschutes, where fish stage before migrating to spawning areas throughout the Deschutes and Columbia Basin.

Pre-season forecasts for 2022 are similar to last year’s returns, so closures are necessary in these mixed stock fisheries even though anglers may be targeting hatchery steelhead.”

The good news amongst the bad is that the trout fishery will remain open.

Lower Deschutes River:

The Lower Deschutes is steady near the dam, with flows of 3760 CFS in Madras and 4530 CFS at Moody. Water access is good.

Temperatures on the lower portions of the river are in the 57 to 59 range at Madras and 66 to 71 degree range near Moody.

There is consistent dry fly-topwater action on the Deschutes with PMDs, PEDs and caddis in quiet back eddies and during the “evening bites”. Caddis hatches have been getting better and better.

And yet there is a lot more for Members. Check out Glenn’s detailed reports and forecasts right here for Chinook and Steelhead Members both!

SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:

Summer weather is here with temps into the 100’s in the Rogue Valley as of late. Don’t be fooled that just because it’s hot, the fishing action has cooled!

Lake and pond fishing for stocked trout is still very good at most coastal lakes and the bass have been biting on the Eel, Empire, Tenmile lakes and the Coquille.

Trout fishing still remains great at Applegate, Lost Creek, Galesville, Hemlock, Lake of the Woods and above Lost creek dam. It’s a god reprieve from hotter valley temps.

Spring Chinook action on the upper Rogue has been decent as most of the run has made it up and the river flows have diminished into the mid 1700’s at a result. Maybe another week or two for this better than average run before the quality goes “dark”.

The lower Rogue (bay) saw “best so far” catches of Fall Chinook on Monday with 35 confirmed fish caught!

Summer steelhead throughout the Rogue system are being caught in better numbers now that the flow has decreased. Fly anglers have been doing good up past Shady Cove as well as on the mid section around Ennis Riffle. Side drifting worms and small bits of roe are producing as well.

Ocean salmon fishing for both coho and Chinook is in full swing from Brooking- Harbor on up to Winchester Bay reports Andy Martin of Brookings Charters. The coho are getting bigger by the week (3-5 pound range) and Chinook ranging from 5-20 pounders. Besides salmon, the bottom fishing remains great for rock fish, ling cod, and halibut. Winchester Bay crabbing is going good as well.

Jeff’s detailed report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week’s version for Members!

Receive these Oregon and SW Washington fishing reports in your email on Thursday nights by signing up here.

 

[The Guides Forecast]

Portland/Metro Fishing Report – With Willamette spring Chinook on the wane (but not entirely over) and warm air and water temperatures in the forecast, metro opportunities won’t be outstanding this weekend. Mainstem Columbia salmon are on the slow-down, while steelhead numbers, although still down from previous years, are starting to percolate.

Summer steelhead remains an option for another week but anglers are still struggling for consistent success on the mainstem Columbia and soft tides this week won’t help bank anglers.

Anglers still seeking late-season springers should look to the mouth of the Willamette, where trollers are still getting a few early morning opportunities.

The Sandy has plenty of fish present, just not may motivated enough to bite. The upper reaches, away from the splash and giggle crowd is the better idea.

The Clackamas is better for summer steelhead seekers, but hatchery returns are the best since 2016 according to the district biologist.

Willamette Valley trout options are also slowing in the heat, high lakes offer the better options this time of year.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.

North Coast Fishing Report – Freshwater opportunities are slowing but summer steelhead are still an option for Wilson and Siletz bank anglers. Most anglers are looking to the salt for offshore coho, bottomfish and now albacore.

Ocean coho fishing is excellent, and weekend weather and tides look favorable for an easy take. Weak tides should make for safe bar crossings, but watch late morning winds so you don’t get trapped fighting wind waves back to port.

Ocean crabbing has turned soft, as in a pile of soft-shelled Dungeness crab is out there. Be selective in what you take, there’s very little return on your investment if you take home limits of soft-shelled crab. Remember, razor clam digging is now closed until October 1st.

ODF&W has once again relaxed halibut regulations. With the quota largely under-utilized, more days have been added to the Columbia and central coast sub-areas. Check the press release HERE.

The Buoy 10 fishery is over a week away but lower Columbia catch and release sturgeon fishing remains excellent. Hopefully the fall return mimics the spring and summer Chinook returns; fingers crossed for an under-prediction, which could lead to more sport angling opportunity.

See the full report and forecast for Members right here.

Central Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

Glenn is on fishing hiatus this week so this is a repeat from last week:

Weather Outlook Across Central and Eastern Oregon:

Seasonal weather and temperatures look to be with us through the weekend, with another warmup during next week with much of the region going into the low to high 90s. Friday through Sunday will top out in the low to mid-80s through Sunday for much of the region, with a spike into the low to high 90s beginning next Monday and through much of the week. Sunny skies will dominate the region.

Weekend temperatures in the Lower Deschutes canyon will be in the high 80s, and high 90s or 100 next week.

Temperatures at the Cascade lakes will top out in the 80s through the weekend, and high 80s and low 90s next week.

ODFW News – Angling Restrictions

Deschutes River: ODFW announced, “With another low run of summer steelhead forecast, angling closures for steelhead, bass and salmon will be in effect for parts of the Deschutes River this summer starting as early as June 1.

The closures are in keeping with the Deschutes River steelhead fishery framework that fishery managers presented earlier this year due to continued low forecasts for Threatened summer steelhead runs to areas upriver of Bonneville Dam in the Columbia and Snake River Basins.

Last year’s upriver steelhead run to Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River was the lowest since records began in 1938, resulting in the first steelhead fishing closure on the Deschutes since 1978. Encounter rates from sport anglers that catch and release wild summer steelhead are typically high in mid-Columbia tributaries like the Deschutes, where fish stage before migrating to spawning areas throughout the Deschutes and Columbia Basin.

Pre-season forecasts for 2022 are similar to last year’s returns, so closures are necessary in these mixed stock fisheries even though anglers may be targeting hatchery steelhead.”

The good news amongst the bad is that the trout fishery will remain open.

At the time of this writing on the evening of 7/13, there have been 8,576 unclipped steelhead over Bonneville as of 7/12, raising hope that we may likely surpass the 9,900 minimum required by July 31 to reopen the Deschutes to steelhead. Over the past one week, there is an average of 476 unclipped steelhead passing Bonneville each day.

As I said last week, I won’t go so far as to speculate on whether we will approach the 23,100 fish needed to reopen steelhead on the Deschutes for the entire season. Stay tuned!

Lower Deschutes River:

The Lower Deschutes is steady near the dam, with flows of 3760 CFS in Madras and 4530 CFS at Moody. Water access is good.

Temperatures on the lower portions of the river are in the 57 to 59 range at Madras and 66 to 71 degree range near Moody.

There is consistent dry fly-topwater action on the Deschutes with PMDs, PEDs and caddis in quiet back eddies and during the “evening bites”. Caddis hatches have been getting better and better.

And yet there is a lot more for Members. Check out Glenn’s detailed reports and forecasts right here for Chinook and Steelhead Members both!

SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:

Anglers are looking to find a cool place to fish while Summer temps into the low 100’s in the Rogue Valley make the coast and upper higher lakes the best choices. However, the weekend outlook for the ocean doesn’t look promising due to windy conditions but surf perch or trolling the Rogue bay would also be good options. The upper Rogue above Lost Creek dam would be a good choice as well as Diamond and Lake of the Woods. Good numbers of stocked trout await.

Trout fishing still remains great at Applegate, Lost Creek, Galesville, Hemlock, Lake of the Woods and above Lost creek dam. Other coastal lakes are another cool choice as the bass have been biting on the Eel, Empire, Tenmile lakes and the Coquille.

On the upper Rogue, Springer catches have continued to impress along with best of decade counts at the hatchery. Some fish are on the darker side but some looked like they had just “screeeeeemed” up!

The lower Rogue (bay) saw another “best so far” catches of Fall Chinook last weekend with 36 fish days. The bite tapered off earlier this week, but is expected to improve with water temps rising which keeps fish holding longer in the bay.

Summer steelhead throughout the Rogue system are being caught in better numbers now that the flow has decreased. Side drifting worms and tossing silver spoons or panther martins spinners are producing as well.

Winchester Bay is also producing nice salmon catches as well as bottom fish and crab.

Cutthroat trout are in both the Elk (upper) and Winchuck rivers near Brookings and is another cooler option at the coast.

Surf perch action is still good on lots of the deeper indents on the beaches and the South jetty in Brookings and up by Winchester bay.

Be safe, be nice and enjoy!

Jeff’s detailed report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week’s version for Members!

 

[The Guides Forecast]

Portland/Metro Oregon Fishing Report – Although there are still a few spring Chinook anglers in pursuit of lower river salmon, the fishery is fading fast. Anglers will shift focus to other water bodies, mostly westward, until coho start to show around mid-September. It’s been a good run on the Willamette this spring, it’s time to move on.

Steelhead are still passing Bonneville Dam in better-than-expected numbers. Still, there is little effort targeting this depressed run, but numbers may trigger upstream opportunity, although we’re not aware of any specific announcement.

Clackamas River Oregon Fishing Report – Spring Chinook passage at the North Fork facility has already exceeded last year’s numbers and fishery managers at the Clackamas hatchery are pleased with returns of hatchery fish thus far as well.

Like the Sandy, fishing conditions are challenging however. Low, clear water has fish wary and warm temperatures put most fish in a holding pattern versus having a willingness to bite anyway. Early mornings are yielding some results for mostly steelheaders, springer fishers have largely given up on the river’s returning adults, despite better numbers this year.Sandy River Fishing Report – Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports, “Hello All. Well summer has decided to show up and the weather forecast for the next 10 days is going to be scorcher of a week. It looks like we will hit the hundred degree mark for at least 3 of the next 10 days and the remaining days will be in mid to upper 90’s. I floated part of the river on Tuesday and made a short trip to miss all the rafters and tubers who showed up around noon.

Trout stocking for much of the valley’s lakes and ponds has ceased for the summer season. Waters are simply too warm to support these cold water fish this time of year.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.

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Just calling like it is…

The Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association has been doing the heavy lifting for over 25 years. From being on the front lines for Snake River salmon recovery, to advocating for more days on the water for every fishery imaginable, leadership at NSIA has tallied victory over victory for sportfishers without asking for much help from the general sport angler.

The Guide’s Forecast subscribers are showing up more now than ever and we can’t thank you enough! You stepped up to comment on the Murray/Inslee process, finding solutions for farmers and fishers when it comes to recovering Snake River fish, THANK YOU!

Now, can I ask you to support an organization that has largely been overlooked as a leader in sportfishing issues in the Pacific Northwest?

Please, join us on August 19th, in pursuit of fin-clipped fall Chinook and coho, that should be inundating the lower Columbia River in mid-August? The 22nd annual Buoy 10 Challenge is not only a super-fun event, but it’s a benefit fundraiser that helps NSIA continue to fight for the sport angler in every corner of the ring.

Come join us, celebrate our victories and show support for our future, all while hob-nobbing with your fellow sportfishing friends in our community.

REGISTER HERE, and let’s have a great time while ensuring a future for our love of fish and family! Thank you and hope you can come!

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North Coast Oregon Fishing Report – Ocean salmon fishing remains all the rage this week, as most coastal ports are providing some opportunity. Ocean weather kept anglers at bay for a good part of the week, catch and effort was down for much of the reporting week.

Garibaldi reported some of the better catches and Pacific City turned on for coho and some nearshore Chinook this week. The ocean out of the mouth of the Columbia has largely been consistent, sometimes easy and early limits, other times guides and anglers have to work a bit harder for limits.

Catch and release sturgeon fishing remains good on the lower Columbia, even as the water warms. Fresh anchovies, either for sturgeon or salmon, remain hard to get and are largely only available on the weekends. Ocean salmon fishers are using a variety of gear behind the 360° flashers, with Spinfish a fan favorite these days.

Halibut opportunity is still plentiful with lots of all-depth and nearshore quota remaining.

Ocean crabs are largely in a soft-shell state. It’ll be several weeks before they start to fill out again.

Folks are getting excited about albacore prospects this weekend. If the weather window persists, there will be a small fleet of boats in pursuit. Reliable reports indicate they’re close enough to make the run.

See the full report and forecast for Members right here.

Central Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

Weather Outlook Across Central and Eastern Oregon:

The region is in the middle of a hot spell that has temperatures consistently in the 100s in most places and mid to high 90s at the Cascades Lake Highway locations. A cooldown will come starting Monday to more seasonable temperatures.

Middle Deschutes River: There is a mix of PEDs, PMDs, and some caddis on the river from Bend to Steelhead Falls. Getting a little warm for this river.

Upper Deschutes River: The upper Deschutes from Little Lava to Crane Prairie has been fishing well.

With the hot weather, nymphing and other under the surface methods will take fish. If dry fly fishing, an attractor dry fly pattern will likely raise trout. Think along the lines of a purple haze. Size is likely unimportant during this next week, anything from a #12 to 18. Also traditional renegades and humpies are good.

And yet there is a lot more for Members. Check out Glenn’s detailed reports and forecasts right here for Chinook and Steelhead Members both!

SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:

The ocean outlook for the weekend is a bit windy all over the Oregon coast. If there’s any chance, it would be early in the morning for a quick bottom fish run. Otherwise the ocean has been producing good numbers of bottom/ rock fish, halibut, ling cod, salmon and some crabbages (out of Winchester) .The salmon bite slowed down a bit this week but should pick up again after the weekend winds keep most boats off for a few days. Bottom fish have been good from Brookings to Newport to Winchester Bay. The coho bite continues from Brookings to Winchester Bay. Trolling herring in the top 15′ of water at 90–120-foot depth has been the norm.

COOS RIVER BASIN: As weather and wind permit, jetty fishing from bank and boaters have been doing well for rock fish and ling cod. Fishing the lakes and ponds that have been stocked early this year are fishing fair for stocked trout. As the water is warming with the Summer weather, success will be better in the morning and in the cooler areas of these lakes. Bass fishing has picked up in Tenmile lakes. Chinook and coho salmon catches have been fair between the jetties of lower Coos Bay.

COQUILLE RIVER– small mouth bass fishing has picked up in the lower South fork and upper main stem. Those who target strippers are having luck in the lower main with best success at night. Shad are about done. A temporary regulation started on May 22 allowing anglers in Coquille River system to use spears and spear guns to harvest small mouth bass. Traditional rod and reel anglers can also use bait throughout the river system. Unfortunately, salmon fishing is a no go due to poor returns.

Lower Rogue – Jim at Rogue Outdoor Store – Gold Beach, Oregon 541-247-7142 reports that it’s been on and off again since Tuesday after a really nice bite started on Friday and into Monday where numbers were as high as 36 fish days! The quality of fish has also been good with 20-25 pounders not uncommon. Jim expects the run to pick back up, as it’s still early in the season and that the water temperature is gradually rising that will keep fish holding in the bay longer. The dredge that has been working there has provided an obstacle but also has provided opportunity to hold under it for protection and thus trollers passing by get some action.

Middle Rogue – Flow is back down to “normal” Summertime averages between 1500-1600 cfs. There are a few hopeful salmon angler and even more summer steelhead anglers finding a few fish. Even though a good start of summer steelhead have been counted at the dam, the success has only been fair at best. Hot and hotter day time temps make early mornings the best. Bank anglers side drifting worms and casting spinners and boaters working plugs in the morning are having the best luck. Weekend recreational water traffic is high, so fish early or late.

UMPQUA RIVER Main– Spring Chinook catches are sporadic and fair at best with most of the action has been on the ocean out of Winchester bay. Summer steelhead are throughout the river now and mornings are best before it gets hot and full sun on the river.

Jeff’s detailed report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week’s version for Members!

 

[The Guides Forecast]

Portland/Metro Fishing Report - With little metro opportunity, anglers are largely headed west to take advantage of soon-to-be robust returns of coastal Chinook and coho, still aggressively feeding off of the Oregon Coast. The Willamette spring Chinook run is over, especially with the mainstem hitting 80° hot. Passage over Willamette Falls has slowed dramatically. Next up is fall coho, well over a month away.


It's early for mainstem Chinook on the Columbia, but it won't be long. Steelhead numbers at Bonneville continue to surprise biologists, but anglers are reminded that steelhead retention is closed downstream of Bonneville Dam (and upstream for a ways too = check regulations).


Clackamas River Fishing Report - Summer steelhead remain an early morning option for anglers so motivated. Warm temperatures have more rafters than salmon or steelhead using the lower river these days however. It's definitely an early morning show for the few showing up to "go to work."


Sandy River Fishing Report - Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports, "The river is currently running a light chocolate brown due to glacial melt on Hood and the river should clear up a little with cooler weather at night slowing down the melting.


If you do go out to river and plan on fishing, please make sure you need to know where you're stepping and use a wadding staff for the river color makes it difficult to see where to step.


Now to fishing there has been some really good action on springers the last couple of days. Most of the action has been from Dodge to Oxbow with good numbers of hatchery fish in the mix. The springers have a little color but they are cutting beautifully.

Willamette Steelhead Starting To Show In Upper River. Deep Lakes Like Detroit. Coldwaters of the North Santiam.


Willamette River – From Harrisburg, to Corvallis, to Albany:


The Willamette River is currently at 40200 CFS at Harrisburg. Nice fishable flows right now, and wading the gravel bars is good. Watch for afternoon and evening caddis activity.


The usual impressionistic nymphs, like PTs will take trout. Use jig style flies to prevent hang-ups, and I’m catching more trout on jigged hooks than traditional most recently.


Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Willamette Valley/Metro from this page here.


North Coast Fishing Report - Coho is still king for offshore anglers from Newport to Astoria. Catches are in full swing and action should remain good for several more weeks. Astoria is producing some of the best catches off of the Oregon Coast but Newport, Depoe Bay, Pacific City, Garibaldi and the Nehalem area are all good options as well.


The summer all-depth fishery opened today (8/4) and is expected to produce fair results for each Thursday - Saturday it's open through October 31st (or until quota is met). Lots of halibut remain on the nearshore quota as well.


Albacore are in, with boats from Illwaco to Charleston reporting sporadic success. Anglers were going over 40 miles offshore out of Astoria to find success on Wednesday.


Ocean crabbing is challenging with many of the keeper-sized crab in a softshell state.


District rivers are low and clear, with fair numbers of darkening spring Chinook and spooked summer steelhead around. The Wilson and Siletz remain the best freshwater options for summer steelhead.


See the full report and forecast for Members right here.


Columbia River Fishing Report - Find the Buoy 10 fishing video report here.


With little else to get excited about in the Columbia, we’ll be spending more time talking salmon, particularly in the Buoy 10 fishery, in the coming weeks.


As for other options, steelhead fishing is no longer an option as the fishery is not closed downstream of Bonneville Dam. Check more Columbia River regulations HERE.


That leaves estuary sturgeon. Reports from guides fishing downstream of the Astoria bridge are not encouraging. Besides crab and sculpin robbing you blind, it just seems many of the sturgeon that were in that reach of the river have moved on. It may be that they have just gone deeper into the river as the river temperatures have warmed. Guides fishing upstream of Tongue Point are still reporting good action as we found some good action ourselves up by Rice Island the other day. Sand shrimp are harder to find now since one of the main suppliers has quit pumping. Fresh anchovies are available however.


Central Oregon Fishing Report - Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:


Hot Weather Returns Later In The Weekend, Spring-Fed Metolius & Fall Rivers and the High Lakes Best Options


Weather Outlook Across Central and Eastern Oregon:

The moderate temperatures in the 80s will last through Saturday, and a return to the mid to high 90s takes over starting Sunday. Sunday and Monday are the hot days.


The Lower Deschutes Canyon gets into the 100s for Sunday through Tuesday before backing down into the 90s.


The Cascade Lakes Highway area remains in the 80s through Saturday, and jumps into the mid-90s for Sunday and Monday.


ODFW News – Angling Restrictions

Deschutes River:


The ODFW metric of a minimum of 9,900 wild (unclipped) steelhead through Bonneville was achieved last Sunday, July 24. That means the Lower Deschutes will open to steelhead angling August 15 to September 15.


We will watch to see if the 23,100 wild fish passage by August 31 is achieved that will open the Deschutes for the season.


Lower Deschutes River:


Note that the Miller Fire is active near Maupin, and currently threatens Maupin. Stay out of the Maupin area due to the fire.


The Lower Deschutes is steady near the dam, with flows of 3640 CFS in Madras and 4430 CFS at Moody. Water access is good.


Temperatures on the lower portions of the river are in the 57 to 59 range at Madras, with PGE with continued lower temps from the bottom draw from the dam, and 68 to 73 degree range near Moody. Temperatures in the lower portions of the river will get too hot for afternoon fishing outings by early next week.

Dry fly activity and hatches have been diminishing, but nymphing and any form of angling below the surface remain good.


And yet there is a lot more for Members. Check out Glenn's detailed reports and forecasts right here for Chinook and Steelhead Members both!


SW Oregon Fishing Report - Contributor Jeff Rome reports:


It’s yet another repeat report from the past few weeks (that’s a good thing) in that fishing opportunities abound in the hot valley’s inland on the lakes and streams over to the cool coastal lakes and ocean. Now the main issue is the numerous wild fires going on throughout the state that’s providing smoke and some access restrictions.

The Rogue bay action slowed earlier this week but seems to be improving with a 41 pounder on Wednesday!

Summer steelhead are now throughout the Rogue river, but the 100 degree days have mostly seen more rafters and floaters than anglers.

Brookings- Harbor and Charleston/ Winchester bay is producing nice bottom fish limits, big ling cod and even decent halibut action this week. Crabbing is great out of Winchester bay as is some nice Chinook catches out in the ocean.

Surf perch and sea run cutthroat trout in the Eel and Winchuck are still available and is a cool option.

Small mouth bass action is excellent on the lower south and north Umpqua.

Ocean conditions have been favorable since last weekend into this week to provide stellar bottom fishing from Brookings on up to Charleston and Winchester Bay! Friday might be a bit iffy with wind, but the weekend looks pretty good.

A good variety of bottom fish as well as nice sized ling cod can be caught. Crabbing out of Winchester bay is still good.

Andy Martin- Brookings Fishing Charters 541-813-1082 reports that coho salmon fishing has been slow out of Brookings as the vast majority of the hatchery run has moved up north to make its way back to the Columbia. A few Chinook are being caught though.

DIAMOND LAKE-trout fishing has been giving up some nice trout lately. Smoke from wild fires has not been too bad lately but can change any minute and should call to check for notifications. If you’re not getting bites, then change up your bait or lures. Slow trolling a silver spoon is a good bet. Good quality of fish ranging from 14-20 inches have been the norm where anglers have been targeting the shrimp beds and South end of the lake. Best successes have been for the early bird anglers who get on at dawn.

South Umpqua– bass fishing is going strong especially for small mouth. Any sort of method like bow and arrow, spear, rocks and such are allowed. Tossing spinners and spoons will get em too!

Jeff's detailed report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week's version for Members!

Find out more https://www.TheGuidesForecast.com/

 

[The Guides Forecast]

Portland/Metro Fishing Report – With most metro fisheries on the drop, anglers are heading west to take advantage of the lower Columbia River bounty, or ocean or Nehalem options this time of year. Salmon fishing is entering early peak season right now.

Anchor anglers and trollers will also soon come into the fray, diligently watching fish passage counts as counts climb by the day. It won’t be long before they motivate enough to get out after these quality Chinook. Be very careful however, restrictions are more complex this year. Go HERE to review before you fish the Columbia.

Clackamas River Fishing Report – Summer steelhead remain the best option for anglers on the Clackamas. Although fewer fresh fish are expected to show in the coming weeks. It won’t be long before coho make an appearance. Moderation of temperatures will be a short, but welcome reprieve for metro anglers, but in all honesty, you won’t have much competition.

Sandy River Fishing Report – Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports, “I hope that you were able to get out and beat the heat wave that keeps on giving. There have been some good catches even with the very off-color water conditions we’ve been experiencing. The rest of this week we should see the river clear somewhat, for the temperatures are going to run in the mid 80’s until the start of new week when temperature will climb back into the 90’s.

Also, you need to make sure you don’t have any extra gear, rods, tools, or anything of value. There have been reports that cars and truck break-ins have been on the increase off the beaten path. So be safe out there. Wishing everyone the best of luck and tight lines.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.

North Coast Fishing Report – The Buoy 10 fishery is off and running. Here is our detailed report from today, Thursday, August 11th:


Buoy 10 Fishing Report
As for other north coast hot spots, overall catch rates for most north coast ports remained somewhat similar to the previous weeks. Catches averaged 0.74 retained salmon per angler last week, with Depoe Bay leading the score board and Garibaldi a VERY close 2nd with 1.07 and 1.06 keepers/angler last week. Chinook catches have declined.

Quality Chinook are still being tallied at Nehalem Bay, as we enter the peak season for this fishery, coinciding with the Buoy 10 fishery. Minus tides in the morning haven’t been good for the fishery, but the afternoon flood, and subsequent outgoing tide have been producing the best results.

Be aware of complex fall Chinook seasons on most north coast systems. Tillamook Bay is open for the taking of hatchery fish only. Read all about it HERE.

Tuna is on the minds of many, and for good reason. It’s game on out of many ports. It’s still a run, but a reasonable one, especially with the calm seas forecasted ahead.

Newport by far, produced the best summer all-depth catches. There’s TONS of quota left for both the summer all-depth and nearshore fisheries however, despite ODF&W’s fuzzy math on the summer all-depth quota stating there’s only 67% remaining…

The Siletz and Wilson remain the best freshwater options for summer steelhead seekers. Fish high up in the watershed, where waters are cooler and fish less timid.

Sea-run cutthroat fishing is only going to get better this month and next.

See the full report and forecast for Members right here.

Willamette River System Report – Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

Green Peter Reservoir: Fishing well for kokes up to about 12 inches. Best fishing now in the Quartzville Arm over the past week. Trolling at 50 feet down.

Fishing near the mouth of Quartzville Creek for trout can be effective. Trout have been stocked in Quartzville Creek.

Quartzville Creek: Nice catches of larger hatchery trout from this past weekend. Fish the early mornings.

Quartzville Creek is open all year. Quartzville was stocked in May with 4400 legal size trout, and stocked early July with 2200 trout. Quartzille Creek was just stocked again last week.

North Santiam Trout and Steelhead: The North Santiam received 2,200 legal size trout two weeks ago.

The upper portions are in shape and fishing well…..cool waters that are safe to fish in the heat. Nymphing with perdigons and caddis pupae are producing. Dry fly searches with light cahills and purple haze are resultin in trout. Marion Forks area fishing well.

The North Santiam below Detroit, like other Willamette system rivers, is starting to receive good numbers of steelhead, wild steelhead, higher than recent years. I have a report from the previous week of spey anglers who had one hookup with two angling hours.

Willamette River – Middle Fork:

Cedar Creek Fire is under control, but watch for continued possible road closures.

Various parts of the Middle Fork has been good. The Middle Fork is steady currently at 2140 CFS. These are fishable flow rates. Water temperatures is 57 to 64 degrees.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Willamette Valley/Metro from this page here.

Central Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

Deschutes Steelhead Reopens Next Week. Columbia Gorge Walleye and Bass Are Awesome. Cool Water Locales Still Are Great Options – Metolius River, Fall River, The Upper McKenzie and The Highest Lakes.

Lower Deschutes River:

The Lower Deschutes is steady near the dam, with flows of 3620 CFS in Madras and 4430 CFS at Moody. Water access is good.

Temperatures on the lower portions of the river are in the 56 to 58 range at Madras, with PGE with continued lower temps from the bottom draw from the dam, and 65 to 70 degree range near Moody.

Middle Deschutes River: There is a mix of PEDs, PMDs, and some caddis on the river from Bend to Steelhead Falls. Coolest cooler water temps in the Steelhead Falls area from the Whychus Creek inflow and some springs.

Upper Deschutes River: The upper Deschutes from Little Lava to Crane Prairie has been fishing well with good water levels. This is a good cool water refuge location with the incoming hot weather again.

Lake Billy Chinook: Smallmouth are going strong – but no new reports since the heatwave began.

Crooked River: The Crooked River continues fishing well. Fish up the first few miles below the dam for the best opportunities and cooler water in this heat wave.

And yet there is a lot more for Members. Check out Glenn’s detailed reports and forecasts right here for Chinook and Steelhead Members both!

SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:

Rogue Bay fall Chinook action is in full swing now. Boat traffic trolling around the dredge has increased with anglers scoring some nice fish. There are good numbers of fish, and this past week has been very good with a 42-pounder caught!

Summer steelhead are now throughout the Rogue River, but the 100-degree days have mostly seen more rafters and floaters than anglers.

Crabbing is great out of Winchester Bay as is some nice Chinook catches out in the ocean.

Small mouth bass action is excellent on the lower south and north Umpqua.

The Coquille River is good for smallmouth bass now

Lost creek lake continues to produce nice catches of trout despite warmer water temp and boat traffic. The best time is before noon during weekdays.

Fall like calm ocean conditions since last weekend has brought much enjoyment to those able to be on the ocean for some good fishing action. The outlook for the weekend also looks favorable out of most Southern Oregon ports especially in the mornings.

Andy Martin- Brookings Fishing Charters 541-813-1082 reports that this has been decent for halibut and a 75 pounder was even caught!

Salmon, both Chinook and coho out in the ocean has been very slow and not really worth trying for them right now Andy says. It’s better to join the crowd up at Gold Beach and troll the Rogue Bay where some nice fish have been caught.

Surf perch and crabbing has still been productive.

Coos and Coquille river basins: As weather and wind permit, jetty fishing from bank and boaters have been doing well for rock fish, surf perch and ling cod. Fishing the lakes and ponds that have been stocked early this year are fishing fair for stocked trout. As the water is warming with the summer weather, success will be better in the morning and in the cooler areas of these lakes. Bass fishing has picked up in Tenmile lakes. Chinook and coho salmon catches have been fair between the jettys of lower Coos Bay and the lower estuary.

Jeff’s detailed report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week’s version for Members!

 

[The Guides Forecast]

Portland/Metro Fishing Report – Fall Chinook are starting to stream past Bonneville Dam, with anglers excited about the best opportunities right at their doorstep. The upriver bright run is underway, and trollers as well as anchor anglers are about to score good results.

Pro Trollers working 3.5 spinners will soon inundate the lower Columbia, with fair results already coming from downstream tributary mouths. The mouths of the Cowlitz and Kalama Rivers are producing a nice grade of fall Chinook for both wobbler fishers as well as trollers, and it’s about to get even better Bonneville Dam is passing over 2,000 adults per day.

Managers just inked a 3-day mainstem Columbia catch and keep sturgeon season for September. Check out all the details HERE.

Coho will soon show in the Willamette River, but peak season is well over 6 weeks away.

Clackamas River Fishing Report – There are still summer steelhead to be had for Clackamas River anglers but fish have been scattered with all the river traffic out and about. Coho should start to show in about a week.

Sandy River Fishing Report – Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports – Hello All. I hope that some of you were able to get out and fish. The fishing has started to slow down with more native springers showing up and the summer steelhead have started to slow down as well.

The river has a couple of feet of visibility but could color up with this next heat wave over the next few days. You will find that there will be more river traffic due to the heat and more swimmers and tubers will be on the river. The river is running at 8 ft and should stay at that level until we get our first rain event. The water temp is around 65 degrees and will stay that way until we get rain to help cool it down.

The report is that coho have shown up at the mouth of Clack and Bonneville has counts of coho going over the dam which indicates that there could be a few in the Sandy.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.

North Coast Fishing Report – Salmon anglers Fishing in the South of Cape Falcon fishery only have a few days left to fish. Ocean coho fishing closes after August 21st. The action has been fair, but a large portion of the quota has been unmet.

Halibut and tuna anglers have a nice window of opportunity coming up. Seasons for halibut have liberalized, even with a two fish bag limit. Captain Curtis on the Alaska sunrise reports this from Garibaldi Charters:

Near shore is producing well with constant moving. Lots of fish, few biters per school. Long leader fish not shabby as far as widows and yellowtail go. With the exception of our last trip, the four previous trips had a decent grade of numerous fish around 21 and 22 inches with some yellowtail thrown in.

Albacore tuna will be on the minds of many with a friendly ocean swell forecasted for early next week.

Ocean crabbing remains challenging, with several soft shell crab in the mix.

As for other North Coast hot spots – Buoy 10 anglers are raking in the Chinook, despite the fin-clipped only rule in place through the 24th of August. The current soft tide series is producing abundant catches. Coho have yet to show in any appreciable numbers, but that too will soon happen.

Nehalem Bay trollers are doing well for summer Chinook, but we’re at the peak of the run and action will soon slow.

See the full report and forecast for Members right here.

Willamette River System Report – Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

McKenzie River Trout. Green Peter TroutGreen Peter Trout and Kokes. Detroit Lake Producing Kokes. Middle Fork Willamette Trout and Steelhead. and Kokes.

Detroit Reservoir: This week’s reports are mainly about the kokanee. Reports of some good catches, with angler reports of hot kokanee bites early in the morning before the winds come up.

South Santiam Steelhead and Chinook: Continued steelhead count watch: there were 1515 summer steelhead collected at Foster Dam as of August 17. This continues to be multiple times higher than previous years. But note that this is only about 12 fish in a week – the South Santiam steelhead run seems to be slowing down.

North Santiam Trout and Steelhead: The North Santiam received 2,200 legal size trout late July.

Willamette River – Middle Fork:

Cedar Creek Fire is under control, but watch for continued possible road closures.

Various parts of the Middle Fork has been good. The Middle Fork is steady currently at 2380 CFS. These are fishable flow rates. Water temperatures is 59 to 65 degrees.

Willamette River – From Harrisburg, to Corvallis, to Albany:

The Willamette River is currently at 4380 CFS at Harrisburg. Nice fishable flows right now, and wading the gravel bars is good. Watch this stretch as recent summer heat has warmed the waters and angling is better on the upper stretches, such

Willamette River – Steelhead

With increased numbers of steelhead, anglers are back on the water looking for steelhead. Note that not a lot of anglers are doing this yet. Steelhead runs in the Springfield area starting to produce. I have a report of steelhead caught swinging intruder style flies from the weekend of July 9, so there are steelhead that are players.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Willamette Valley/Metro from this page here.

Central Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

Temperatures on the lower portions of the lower Deschutes River are in the 56 to 58 range at Madras, with PGE with continued lower temps from the bottom draw from the dam, and 66 to 70 degree range near Moody. Temperatures in the lower portions of the river will get too hot for afternoon fishing outings.

Dry fly activity and hatches have been diminishing, but nymphing and any form of angling below the surface remain great. There are some reports of morning caddis activity on the surface.

Middle Deschutes River: There is a mix of PEDs, PMDs, and some caddis on the river from Bend to Steelhead Falls. Coolest cooler water temps in the Steelhead Falls area from the Whychus Creek inflow and some springs.

Upper Deschutes River: The upper Deschutes from Little Lava to Crane Prairie has been fishing well with good water levels. This is a good cool water refuge location with the incoming hot weather again.

Lake Billy Chinook: Smallmouth are going strong – but no new reports since the heatwave began.

Fall River: Fishing well, but highly popular. Fish early mornings before the crowds arrive. Fall River was stocked with 1,000 trophy trout this past week. Nymphing and streamers around Horse Shoe Bend, the Hatchery and the Falls is good.

Crane Prairie Reservoir: Crane Prairie reports have been mixed. Jeff Perin reports that most of the success is coming from Quinn and Cultus channels. The shallow waters of Crane are still susceptible to summer heatups when we have temps that climb into the 90s or 100s for prolonged times.

And yet there is a lot more for Members. Check out Glenn’s detailed reports and forecasts right here for Chinook and Steelhead Members both!

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SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:

Rogue Bay fall Chinook action was hot last Thursday into Sunday with many limits and smiling faces. Sunday into early this week was a bit of a slow down, but still not bad. It seems like guides have been talking to fellow guides throughout Oregon to try the ever popular 360 type flashers with 3.5 spinners along with the standard Rogue spinner bait w/ anchovy to find some good success! Reports of a good number of jacks along with summer steelhead in the lower Rogue are also a good sign. No coho yet, but it shouldn’t be too long.

Summer steelhead catches throughout the mid to upper Rogue River has been fair with the better success on the upper past Shady Cove. It’s been hot hot hot and most anglers are replacing their fishing poles for squirt guns!

Boats out of Brookings last weekend saw a good tuna bite within 40 miles and the halibut and bottom fish were on the bite as well.

Crabbing is great out of Winchester Bay as is some nice Chinook catches out in the ocean.

Small mouth bass action is excellent on the lower south and north Umpqua.

The Coquille River is excellent for smallmouth bass and are encouraged to take as many as you can.

Lost creek lake continues to produce nice catches of trout despite warmer water temp and boat traffic. The best time is before noon during weekdays.

Be safe, be nice and enjoy!

Jeff’s detailed report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week’s version for Members!

Receive these fishing reports in your email on Thursday nights by signing up here.​

 

[The Guides Forecast]

Portland/Metro Fishing Report ​

Chinook passage at Bonneville Dam is starting to explode. Despite a forecast similar to last year, the numbers of returning adults and jacks is outpacing that of last year. It’s early yet, but given anecdotal observations by guides and anglers in the downstream fishery, it seems clear to us that this run too, has been under-predicted. More will be revealed in the coming days however.

The fishery from the mouth of the Lewis to Bonneville Dam is often viewed as a dead zone but there can be explosive catches at times in this reach, especially with the revolution of the 360° flasher and spinner combination. There’s been a few good reports from this reach of river, but for the most part, it’s a challenging fishery so far this year.

The states of Oregon and Washington have announced a 3-day opener for sturgeon, starting about mid-September. Take a look at THIS press release for more information.

Clackamas River Fishing Report​

Anglers are awaiting the return of hatchery coho salmon, due soon to the metro two (Sandy and Clackamas) in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, summer steelhead remain an option in the upper reaches but anglers are a bit burned out on this fishery as the dog days of summer have its impact on the success of this fishery.

Sandy River Fishing Report​

Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports – “Hello All. I hope that you all had a chance to fish this last week. The river cleared up and was running green with a light silty color. I can confirm that the first coho was caught the other day and it was on a spinner. The first good rain will bring more coho into the river as the springers and summers have all but come to a crawl. There are still fish to be caught in the mid to upper river with most of the fish being on the darker side. The weather forecast is for the weather to start cooling down and we hope that we have seen the end of those 90-degree days and back to mid 70’s and low 80’s for the next couple of weeks.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.

Portland/Metro Fishing Report​

Chinook passage at Bonneville Dam is starting to explode. Despite a forecast similar to last year, the numbers of returning adults and jacks is outpacing that of last year. It’s early yet, but given anecdotal observations by guides and anglers in the downstream fishery, it seems clear to us that this run too, has been under-predicted. More will be revealed in the coming days however.

The fishery from the mouth of the Lewis to Bonneville Dam is often viewed as a dead zone but there can be explosive catches at times in this reach, especially with the revolution of the 360° flasher and spinner combination. There’s been a few good reports from this reach of river, but for the most part, it’s a challenging fishery so far this year.

Clackamas River Fishing Report​

Anglers are awaiting the return of hatchery coho salmon, due soon to the metro two (Sandy and Clackamas) in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, summer steelhead remain an option in the upper reaches but anglers are a bit burned out on this fishery as the dog days of summer have its impact on the success of this fishery.

Sandy River Fishing Report​

Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports – “Hello All. I hope that you all had a chance to fish this last week. The river cleared up and was running green with a light silty color. I can confirm that the first coho was caught the other day and it was on a spinner. The first good rain will bring more coho into the river as the springers and summers have all but come to a crawl. There are still fish to be caught in the mid to upper river with most of the fish being on the darker side. The weather forecast is for the weather to start cooling down and we hope that we have seen the end of those 90-degree days and back to mid 70’s and low 80’s for the next couple of weeks. The crowds have started to slow down on the river for school will start next week and the river will have more access and less pressure. The river is running in the mid 60’s and is running at an 8 ft level.”

JG-Chinook-fishing-August-22

North Coast Fishing Report​

The Buoy 10 fishery opened up for any Chinook today (8/25) and although the fishing wasn’t as good as it was the day before, several anglers took their limits of fish (Chinook) if they put forth the effort. Hopefully you’ve been following our YouTube reports, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for almost daily updates. Paid subscribers only have access to today’s report and tomorrow’s FORECAST. Coho have yet to show in any measurable number, but it won’t be long now.

The ocean weather has been rough, too rough to pursue the long offshore coho salmon that are out there in abundance. They’ll certainly be here by Labor Day, likely sooner.

Ocean salmon south of Cape Falcon is closed for coho, but remains open for Chinook. The any 2 salmon season starts in early September and action for large coho ought to be good for those willing to travel a bit further offshore if needed. Pro guide Rob Gerlitz (503-812-4950) reported easy limits (when the season was open) at about 350 feet of water due west of Twin Rocks. Rob has switched over to bottomfish, where limits of rockfish are easy, and he found a special spot for large lingcod too, just outside of Garibaldi.

Willamette River Fishing System Report​

Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

Green Peter Kokes. Detroit Lake Kokes. Middle Fork Willamette Trout and Steelhead. Explore The Upper Forks Of The Middle Willamette

Detroit Reservoir: There are continued good kokanee reports. Kokes about 70 feet down. Reports of some good catches, with angler reports of hot kokanee bites early in the morning before the winds come up.

South Santiam Steelhead and Chinook: Continued steelhead count watch: there were 1515 summer steelhead collected at Foster Dam as of August 17 – this is the latest report as of the 24th.. This continues to be multiple times higher than previous years. But note that this is only about 12 fish in a week – the South Santiam steelhead run seems to be slowing down.

Willamette River – Steelhead

With increased numbers of steelhead, anglers are back on the water looking for steelhead. Note that not a lot of anglers are doing this yet. Steelhead runs in the Springfield area starting to produce. Latest guide reports are that there is typically 1 to 2 per day caught per boat.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Willamette Valley/Metro from this page here.

Central Oregon Fishing Report​

Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

Lower Deschutes River: The Lower Deschutes is steady near the dam, with flows of 3620 CFS in Madras and 4060 CFS at Moody. Water access is good.

Middle Deschutes River: There is a mix of PEDs, PMDs, and some caddis on the river from Bend to Steelhead Falls. Coolest cooler water temps in the Steelhead Falls area from the Whychus Creek inflow and some springs. Evenings have been producing.

Upper Deschutes River: The upper Deschutes from Little Lava to Crane Prairie has been fishing well with good water levels. This is a good cool water refuge location with the incoming hot weather again.

And yet there is a lot more for Members. Check out Glenn’s detailed reports and forecasts right here for Chinook and Steelhead Members both!

SW Oregon Fishing Report​

Contributor Jeff Rome reports:

Monday was “tuna time” out of Brookings with a couple of boats getting into a bunch of fish…..smiling faces and screaming reels! The wind returned mid week to keep the tuna safe until next week when calmer winds hopefully return.

Rogue Bay fall Chinook continues to be steady with lots of fish still in the bay despite increased water flow. A good number of jacks are also getting hooked. Seems that most fish are being caught from the 101 bridge to the bar and around the dredge. The wind picked up mid week making “Googan” watching quite entertaining amonst the crowded bay I hear.

DIAMOND LAKE-trout fishing has been productive for early morning trout anglers. Those targeting browns are getting some nice ones and those targeting rainbows are getting them in the deeper colder water….all mostly in the mornings. Smoke from close by wild fires has not been too bad lately but can change any minute and should call to check for notifications. If you’re not getting bites, then change up your bait or lures. Slow trolling a silver spoon is a good bet. Good quality of fish ranging from 14-20 inches have been the norm where anglers have been targeting the shrimp beds and South end of the lake.

Jeff’s detailed report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week’s version for Members!

 

[The Guides Forecast]

Portland/Metro Fishing Report – With the mainstem still restricted to all fishing downstream of Bonneville Dam, effort is high upstream of Bonneville, where action for Chinook remains excellent with coho just now starting to come on.

A rare opportunity for catch and keep sturgeon fishing starts on Saturday, from the Wauna Powerlines (near Westport, OR) upstream to Bonneville Dam. Catches are commonly subdued, but experienced anglers often score good results. Check further regulations from THIS PRESS RELEASE.

The coho fishery above Willamette Falls is about to get underway. It was a productive fishery last year, and likely to be one again this year. A great fishery for small boats. The fishery really gets cranking towards the end of the month.

Clackamas River Fishing Report – Coho are rolling near the mouth, but reluctant to bite. Fish are making their way upriver, but until we see a cooler weather pattern, fish will remain lock-jawed, even for the most persistent anglers.

Summer steelhead are still available in the upper reaches, but cooler weather will improve this fishery as well.

Sandy River Fishing Report – Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports – “Hello All. I hope that you had a chance to get out and fish this past week. There was a day or two that the river colored up do the heat. The river is running at 7.84 ft and will stay that way until we get our first rain event. The river is running at 63 degrees and will start to cool down with cooler nights and cooler days. We will see a couple more days of 90-degree weather over this next week and then we can hope that we start to see rain.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.

John Maner of Portland, with an exceptional coho, one of his two-fish limit, taken on Labor Day on the ocean off of the mouth of the Columbia River. He was fishing with Pro Guide Bob Rees.
North Coast Fishing Report – With a great offshore opportunity for any coho off of the north coast, anglers took advantage of good fishing last weekend, but have since been dry-docked with a rough ocean preventing any safe bar crossings. Monday may offer up the next offshore opportunity, where all kinds of species should cooperate with anglers for the month.

Halibut, albacore, bottomfish and crab, as well as of course coho and Chinook salmon should all be options for anglers once the ocean comes down in swell and wind waves. Until then, anglers will be looking for estuary opportunities for both Chinook and hatchery coho this week.

Most estuary wild coho fisheries kick off this week, but anglers are more likely to encounter hatchery coho (Nehalem/Tillamook) than wild coho this early in the season. Check regulations HERE for your favorite waterbody by hitting the “Regulation Updates” button from the recreation report. It is expected to be a robust return this year, hence the opportunity.

No rumors of outstanding Chinook fishing just yet, but Chinook and coho remain a fair option on the Nehalem system, mostly from Nehalem to the North Fork of the Nehalem. There are some dark fish in the catches as the system transitions from summer to fall Chinook this month.

Tillamook Bay is living up to expectations so far, slow Chinook fishing, some hatchery coho available.

The Salmon River and Nestucca estuaries are starting to produce early-run fall Chinook. Both systems will peak now through the end of September.

The Siletz system is putting out Chinook and will likely again be one of the better coastal fisheries this year. The Alsea will be a bit more challenging, but catchable numbers will start to show.

Crabbing on the north coast is improving and crab are filling out slowly, but surely.

See the full North Coast Report and Forecast for Members right here.

Willamette River System Report – Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

Green Peter Kokes Going Strong. Leaburg Lake Trout. Middle Fork Willamette Trout and Steelhead McKenzie River Trout.

Alton Baker Canal: Alton Baker Canal was stocked with 900 legal size trout. As always, a great put and take option for anglers and families in the Eugene area. Alton Baker will be stocked weekly through the summer.

Detroit Reservoir: There are continued good kokanee reports. Kokes about 70 feet down. Reports of some good catches, with angler reports of hot kokanee bites early in the morning before the winds come up.

Green Peter Reservoir: Kokanee catch reports are still very good. Kokes are down deep, below 50 feet. Trollers with some weight, more than 100 feet of line and trolling in the 1 to 1.2 mph range are catching kokes.

South Santiam Steelhead: No New Fish Counts. Continued steelhead count watch: there were 1528 summer steelhead collected at Foster Dam as of August 29 – this is the latest report as of the 24th.. This continues to be multiple times higher than previous years.

South Santiam Trout: Flows are dropping and getting a bit low for trout in the upper South Santiam River above Foster Reservoir. If fishing for trout in this system, stay below Trout Creek campground and fish during the early mornings.

North Santiam Trout and Steelhead: The North Santiam received 2,200 legal size trout late July.

The upper portions are in shape and fishing well…..cool waters that are safe to fish in the heat.

Willamette River – From Harrisburg, to Corvallis, to Albany:

The Willamette River is currently at 5310 CFS at Harrisburg. Nice fishable flows right now, and wading the gravel bars is good. Watch this stretch as recent summer heat has warmed the waters and angling is better on the upper stretches, such

Willamette River – Steelhead

With increased numbers of steelhead, anglers are back on the water looking for steelhead. Note that not a lot of anglers are doing this yet. Steelhead runs in the Springfield area starting to produce. Latest guide reports are that there is typically 1 to 2 per day caught per boat.

Can you believe there is MORE? Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Willamette Valley/Metro from this page here.

Central Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

Lower Deschutes River:

The Lower Deschutes is steady near the dam, with flows of 3620 CFS in Madras and 4020 CFS at Moody. Water access is good.

Temperatures on the lower portions of the river are in the 56 to 58 range at Madras, and 62 to 66 degree range near Moody. Temperatures have been trending slightly upward.

Middle Deschutes River: There is a mix of PEDs, PMDs, and some caddis on the river from Bend to Steelhead Falls. Coolest cooler water temps in the Steelhead Falls area from the Whychus Creek inflow and some springs.

Upper Deschutes River: Much of this area is impacted now by the Cedar Creek fire. Best to stay away. The area below Little Lava is under a Level 2 evacuation status.

Metolius River:

Bull trout continue to increase and be active on the Met, they’re coming up from Lake Billy Chinook. If swinging flies for bulls with a trout spey Skagit setup with a white and olive Intruder style streamer with success.

And yet there is a lot more for Members. Check out Glenn’s detailed reports and forecasts right here for Chinook and Steelhead Members both!

SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:

Labor Day weekend provided a nice variety of catches of bottom fish, ling cod and coho out in the ocean as well as Chinook in Rogue, Coos and Winchester bay’s (and estuary). Trout and bass anglers who did fish (before and/or after) cool water activities also caught fish.

The ocean outlook is windy for the weekend for most if not all Southern Oregon ports but knowing that September usually has calm weather, next week should be another good opportunity for some good tuna, halibut and coho fishing.

The Rogue Bay saw a lot of angler pressure as well a fish from 15 to 42 pounds caught over the Labor Day weekend! Earlier in the week, catches were fair but still lots of fish around with lots of jacks. There too, it’s going to be quite a windy weekend and hard to fish until early next week.

The mid and upper Rogue river is producing some nice summer steelhead from Chinook park up through Gold Hill and from Dodge park up through Shady cove. Some Chinook have been also caught at the mouth of the Applegate. The Rum creek fire is still burning so there are day by day restrictions for access below Hog Creek and smoke density varies from day to day.

Jeff’s detailed report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week’s version for Members!

Receive these Oregon and SW Washington fishing reports in your email on Thursday nights by signing up here.​

 

[The Guides Forecast]

Portland/Metro Fishing Report – With anglers now back on the mainstem Columbia for fall Chinook, excitement and opportunity can reign once again for a high quality fishery, that remains somewhat volatile on a day-to-day basis. Counts at Bonneville have peaked, but opportunity will last for another 30+ days. Check regulations HERE for all the details and defined boundaries for this fishery.

Willamette River anglers are also anxiously watching Willamette Falls counts, in anticipation of the troll fishery that takes place upstream of the falls, likely jump-starting next week. It was an excellent small boat opportunity last year, and is expected to be another good one this year as well.

Clackamas River Fishing Report – Coho are entering the Clackamas in fair numbers, but stagnant weather conditions will keep most from aggressively biting. We’re in desperate need of a weather change with none expected in the near future. Until that happens, frustrations abound, despite jumping fish keeping angler’s hopes alive.

Sandy River fishing report – Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports – “Hello All, I hope that you were able to get out and fish this week. We had a small tease with the rain the other morning and the forecast is for more rain to come over the next few days. It will depend on how much rain we get to get the coho on the move.

The river is running at 7.81 ft and will stay that way and the color of the river has a slightly off-color green. The temp has slowly dropped to about 61 degrees and will cool down even more with the temp at night running in the mid to upper 50’s. The daytime temp is cooling as well and are forecasted to run in the low 60’s for all of next week which is like fall time.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.

North Coast Fishing Report – With more limited options than usual, north coast anglers are weighing their options this time of year, oftentimes too much to think about.

Nehalem Bay remains productive for fall Chinook, hatchery coho and some wild coho are also starting to show.

The ocean outside of Tillamook Bay is yielding fair catches of fall Chinook and good catches of wild and some hatchery coho. Most anglers are going deep, as in the 250+ foot line, to find ample biters.

The Nestucca, Salmon, Siletz and Alsea Rivers are all producing catchable numbers of fall Chinook, only to continue to improve into early October.

Tuna are abundant offshore, if you go far enough to find them. Some dorado are even being caught by tuna fishers, even further offshore.

Crabbing, both in the estuaries and offshore is also improving.

Halibut fishing remains under-utilized, with lots of quota remaining, and a daily 2-fish bag limit.

Bottomfishing remains excellent with most effort remaining in the nearshore. Be cognizant of new bag limits and restrictions. Find them HERE.

See the full North Coast Report and Forecast for Members right here.

Willamette River System Report – Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

Middle Fork Willamette Steelhead. GreenPeter – Kokanee Fishing Has Been Great – Get Them Now.

Alton Baker Canal: Alton Baker Canal was stocked with 900 legal size trout. As always, a great put and take option for anglers and families in the Eugene area. Alton Baker will be stocked weekly through the summer.

Detroit Reservoir: Kokanee reports this week indicate a slowdown in the fishing. Fish are down deeper, but anglers are not reporting much catch.

Water is dropping, but Mongold boat ramp is currently usable. See level report below.

Detroit was stocked up through the end of June with trophy trout each week. The deeper, cooler waters of Detroit make this a good trout fishing option, in depths below 20 feet and at times closer to the surface. Most recently trout were in the deeper zones with some nice catches reported.

Green Peter Reservoir: Kokanee catch reports are still very good. Early Kokes are down deep, below 50 feet. Trollers with some weight, more than 100 feet of line and trolling in the 1 to 1.2 mph range are catching kokes.


South Santiam Steelhead: No New Fish Counts. Continued steelhead count watch: there were 1528 summer steelhead collected at Foster Dam as of August 29 – this is the latest report as of the 24th.. This continues to be multiple times higher than previous years. But note that this is only about 12 fish in a week – the South Santiam steelhead run seems to be slowing down.

South Santiam Trout: Flows are dropping and getting a bit low for trout in the upper South Santiam River above Foster Reservoir.

North Santiam Trout and Steelhead: The North Santiam received 2,200 legal size trout late July.

Willamette River – From Harrisburg, to Corvallis, to Albany:

The Willamette River is currently at 5750 CFS at Harrisburg. Nice fishable flows right now, and wading the gravel bars is good. Waters are cooling and autumn patterns are starting up.

The usual impressionistic nymphs, like PTs will take trout. Use jig style flies to prevent hang-ups, and I’m catching more trout on jigged hooks than traditional most recently. Start watching for October caddis in a couple of weeks.

McKenzie River – Trout: The mainstem McKenzie water levels are slowly receding. The river is currently at a 2,720 CFS flowrate at Vida. A nice fishing level – lots of good fly water.

Can you believe there is MORE? Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Willamette Valley/Metro from this page here.

Central Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

Metolius Hatches Going Strong. Mid-Columbia Salmon Picking Up Near Mouth of Deschutes. Deschutes River Temperatures Cooling To Safer Levels For Steelheading.

Weather Outlook Across Central and Eastern Oregon:

There has been some smokey skies and poor air quality in many parts of Central Oregon this week.

A cooling temperature trend has taken hold. Temperatures on Friday will top out in the 60s, 50s on Saturday. There is a 30 to 40 percent chance of rain showers on Saturday. Sunday and next week see a return to the 60s, with a warming trend into the upper 70s by later next week.

The Lower Deschutes is steady near the dam, with flows of 3620 CFS in Madras and 4060 CFS at Moody. Water access is good. These flows have been steady.

Guides are having success in their runs and buckets, with most fish from the mouth up to Macks Canyon. Temperatures are getting better, and the filtered sunlight have the fish on the move.

Crooked River: The Crooked River continues fishing well with flows still at around 175 GPS, but is still scheduled to go to 10 CFS now on September 15. As of right now, on the morning of the 15th, flows have not been changed yet. Until then, fish up the first few miles below the dam for the best opportunities.

And yet there is a lot more for Members. Check out Glenn’s detailed reports and forecasts right here for both Chinook and Steelhead Members!

SW Oregon Fishing Report – Contributor Jeff Rome reports:

Ocean conditions favorable for weekend, Rogue Bay still producing Chinook

The ocean outlook is favorable again for the weekend and should be another good opportunity for some good tuna, halibut and coho fishing out of most ports. Some nice halibut were caught out of Brookings earlier this week

The Chetco estuary is starting to get some attention as a few early Chinook have been caught.

The Rogue Bay is still producing fair to good catches of Chinook- adults and jacks. Some coho have also been caught but is pretty early and most have been wild fish which have to be returned. Half pounder and summer steelhead action up around Agness has picked up and should get better soon.

Winchester bay- main Umpqua estuary has picked up in the lower river and also Chinook catches on the Coos from the Empire boat ramp on up to Chandler bridge.

Small mouth bass action is excellent on the lower south and north Umpqua.

The Coquille River is producing nice catches of stripped bass from Rocky Point on up through Riverton.

Lost creek lake trout fishing is still decent and has very little boat traffic mid week. The main boat ramp may not be usable to most boats as of this publication, but the Takilma ramp will be open.

Jeff’s detailed report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week’s version for Members!

Find out more about The Guide's Forecast

 

[The Guides Forecast]

Portland/Metro Fishing Report

Trollers still interested in fall Chinook are looking to the Columbia River Gorge as a strong option, even as Bonneville counts begin to slide. Action remains good for trollers with a few coho in the mix as well.

A surprise fishery is blossoming just downstream of the mouth of the Clackamas River. With “wild” coho stacking up before ascending Willamette Falls, and a batch of hatchery fish headed up the Clackamas River, trollers working flashers and spinners or spinfish are taking a surprising number of fish out of the mainstem Willamette around Meldrum Bar to the mouth of the Clackamas. Anglers are still legal to retain hatchery fish in this reach, but wild ones must be released until they get upstream of Willamette Falls. That fishery is about to tip off, but we’re still a few weeks away from peak season for this any coho opportunity for metro area anglers.

Clackamas River Fishing Report​

Low, clear water conditions on the Clackamas are leaving coho anglers frustrated. The fish are starting to pour into the system, but more fish are being hooked illegally than legally here. The Bowling Alley hole is productive most mornings.

Sandy River Fishing Report​

Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports – “I know that there have been some fish caught throughout the entire river, both coho and fall chinook. The fall chinook are bright and all will be native fish. So please, if you do hook one of these fish, leave it in the river and remove the hook as gently as possible.

There have been coho caught all the way up to Cedar Creek, but the numbers are still on the low side and will be until we get that first good rain event. There are still some late summer fish that are down river spawners and should be handled with care.

Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.

Brysen Gerlitz pictured here fishing with pro guide (and dad) Rob Gerlitz (503-812-4950) with a 15-lb wild coho from 9/21

North Oregon Coast Fishing Report​

Anglers didn’t have much to write home about, with the ocean largely off-limits due to rough weather most of the week. There remains a fair bit of the any coho quota for south of Cape Falcon fishers, we just need good weather to access these seemingly abundant stocks of fish.

Chinook anglers in Tillamook are not catching many fish and most of the ones they catch in the bay must go back un-harmed. The wild coho fishery is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays and fishing is productive, only to get better.

Sea bass fishing offshore remains excellent, lings are a bit harder to find.

Nehalem Bay has slowed for Chinook but coho remain abundant in the tidewater reaches. It should be a productive Saturday for those seeking the any coho option in tidewater this weekend.

The Nestucca and Salmon Rivers are entering peak season. Both are producing Chinook and should remain productive for another few weeks.

Bottomfishing remains excellent with most effort remaining in the nearshore. Be cognizant of new bag limits and restrictions. Find them HERE.

See the full North Coast Report and Forecast for Members right here.

Willamette River System Fishing Report​

Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

More Middle Fork Willamette Steelhead. Prime Time McKenzie River Trout

Alton Baker Canal: Alton Baker Canal was stocked with 900 legal size trout. As always, a great put and take option for anglers and families in the Eugene area. Alton Baker will be stocked weekly through the summer.

Detroit Reservoir: Kokanee reports this week indicate a slowdown in the fishing. Fish are down deeper, but anglers are not reporting much catch.

At this point, there are more reports of the kokanee turning – losing scales and color in the meat.

Water is dropping, but Mongold boat ramp is currently usable.

Detroit was stocked up through the end of June with trophy trout each week. The deeper, cooler waters of Detroit make this a good trout fishing option.

Green Peter Reservoir: Kokanee reports this week indicate a slowdown in the fishing. Fish are down deeper, but anglers are not reporting much catch.

South Santiam Trout: Flows are dropping and getting a bit low for trout in the upper South Santiam River above Foster Reservoir.

Willamette River – Middle Fork: Various parts of the Middle Fork has been good. The Middle Fork is steady currently at 2450 CFS. These are fishable flow rates. Water temperatures is 60 degrees.

Willamette River – Steelhead

With increased numbers of steelhead, anglers are back on the water looking for steelhead. Note that not a lot of anglers are doing this yet. Steelhead runs in the Springfield area starting to produce. Latest guide reports are that there is typically 1 to 2 per day caught per boat.

Can you believe there is MORE? Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Willamette Valley/Metro from this page here.

Central Oregon Fishing Report​

Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:

Deschutes Steelhead Rolling Along. Metolius River – Some Days Are Epic and Some Are Not.

Crooked River Flows Dropped To 10 CFS– Give The River A Break

John Day River: Angling for, and retention of steelhead will be closed in the mainstem John Day above Tumwater Falls (and tributaries above this boundary) from Sept. 15-Dec. 31, 2022 due to low projected returns.

Lower Deschutes River: The Lower Deschutes is steady near the dam, with flows of 3670 CFS in Madras and 4120 CFS at Moody. Water access is good. These flows have been steady.

Temperatures on the lower portions of the river are in the 53 to 55 range at Madras, and 57 to 61 degree range near Moody. Temperatures have been trending downward with the late summer/early autumn cooling.

Reports of slowing trout fishing over the past week, but on the other hand, euronymphing remains hot, and swinging trout spey has resulted in massive grabs for some angler. The Deschutes Angler shop reports a lot of BWO activity. We continue to expect more dry fly action to improve as we move into September, and we can expect upcoming October caddis action, and mahogany duns . More on this as it starts to happen. Euronymphing for trout is still the hot ticket.

Middle Deschutes River: There is a mix of PEDs, PMDs, and some caddis on the river from Bend to Steelhead Falls. There is evening dry fly fishing with success on a purple haze and X Caddis patterns. Look for some mahogany duns as we are well into September.

Upper Deschutes River: Much of this area is impacted now by the Cedar Creek fire. Best to stay away. The area below Little Lava is under a Level 2 evacuation status.

And so much more for Members. Check out Glenn’s detailed reports and forecasts right here for both Chinook and Steelhead Members!

SW Oregon Fishing Report​

Contributor Jeff Rome reports:

The Chetco estuary is starting to take some attention and angling pressure off the Rogue bay as some nice quality Chinook have been caught including a 42 pounder as of this week. The little bit of rain didn’t hurt either as it’s only estuary retention until big rain gets the river up to level and opens up.

The Rogue Bay is still producing fair numbers of Chinook- adults and jacks. Coho catches have also picked up, but it’s still a bit early for them to be in good numbers. It seems the little bit of rain wasn’t enough to move fish upriver so there’s still plenty lingering around the estuary. Half pounder and summer steelhead action up around Agness has picked up and should get better soon.

A recent slight bump in flow and cooler temps brought the mid-Rogue river anglers some tight lines of summer steelhead from Gold Hill down to Hog Creek. Salmon anglers also hooked a few back trolling plugs at the mouth of the Applegate and at Finley Bend by bank anglers.

Winchester bay- after a little rain, the main Umpqua estuary Chinook catches picked up in the lower river as did it on the Coos from the Empire boat ramp on up to Chandler bridge.

The Coquille River is producing nice catches of stripped bass from Rocky Point on up through Riverton.

SMITH RIVER, Umpqua– Stripers are still in the lower Smith, and anglers are catching decent Chinook. Pressure is relatively low and mostly locals. While under permanent regulations, this year is two Chinook per day and up to 20 wild Chinook per year. No wild coho fishery is planned for the Smith in 2022. Trout fishing can also be good in the mornings during the summer.

Jeff’s expanded report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week’s version for Members!

 

[The Guides Forecast]

Photo above: Pro guide Rob Gerlitz (503-812-4950) with his crew of happy salmon anglers from September 26th fishing out of Garibaldi. The crew trolled at the 300-foot line scoring excellent results for the non-mark select fishery closing after September 30th.


Portland/Metro Fishing Report - Coho are starting to stream past Willamette Falls and the fishery upstream is sounding off. Trollers are taking the lion's share of the catch, with the best action in the early morning hours. The troll fishery downstream of the mouth of the Clackamas is still going, but interest has tapered with improved passage at the falls.


Catch and release sturgeon fishing in the Willamette likely remains a strong option, but few are participating when salmon remain on the "chopping block."


Columbia River anglers will once again gain access to the mainstem's Chinook return from Buoy 10 to the upper reaches of the river starting Saturday (10/1). Although most of the Chinook are now upstream of Bonneville, there are still more to come and action should prove fair at times, for trollers working from Bonneville Dam downstream. Large-mesh gillnets will still be allowed in the Columbia in early October so check the full report for commercial fishing dates, these will be days to avoid.


Clackamas River Fishing Report - Coho are present, but not accounted for. Low, warm water continues to hamper angler success, a weather change is desperately needed.


There's plenty of fish rolling at the mouth and in the lower reaches of the Clackamas, they are just not biting well. Early morning fishers will likely score the best results, but plan on more luck than skill under these conditions.


Sandy River fishing report – Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports - There are a lot of coho stacked up in the river and they are waiting for rain to move upriver. The major problem is that these fish become lock jawed and tend not to bite until they can move. You will find fish holding in all the deep pools and you see them rolling in areas that tend to hold fish.


When the rains do start you can expect the river get crowded with anglers at most of the usual spots. There has been a lot of fall chinook caught that are very bright and should be released for they are all natives. Please keep these fish in the river and not dragging them up on the bank. If you do decide to fish, make sure that you have various offerings to increase your chances.


Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Sandy and the Clackamas from this page here.


North Coast Fishing Report - It's peak season for north coast anglers and there are plenty of fish around. From wild coho and fall Chinook, estuary anglers are finding fair to good results coming from many of the north coast favorites.


As you read from the caption above, the central and north coast fan favorite, the any 2 salmon season south of Cape Falcon, closes after tomorrow (Friday). It's been a productive run for those that were able to participate. Anglers will now have to ply these coastal estuaries for wild coho and Chinook in the coming weeks.


Tillamook Bay is producing some wild coho (retention on Wednesday and Saturdays), along with some wild Chinook, requiring release. The Ghost Hole seems to be the most productive option, eelgrass is reported as problematic in the west channel.


The Nehalem is also a stronghold for wild coho, with the best catches coming from the town of Nehalem upstream. There wasn't enough rain to raise water levels on the NF Nehalem. Zero returning adults have been reported at the hatchery as of yet, the river remains at summer lows.


The Nestucca has fair numbers of Chinook present and we are in peak season here. Weekend tides look good for bobber fishing, but trollers will likely continue to score fair results using flashers and spinners or spinfish.


The Siletz is still booting out good numbers of Chinook and coho are showing in better numbers too. It will likely only get better as we enter October.


The Alsea is producing fair for Chinook and closes after 9/30 for wild coho.


Yaquina Bay has both Chinook and coho available and anglers are finding fish with some regularity.


Bottomfishing remains excellent with most effort remaining in the nearshore. Be cognizant of new bag limits and restrictions. Find them HERE.


Several north coast lakes have been stocked with trophy trout for anglers to enjoy. Check out the ODF&W web site for details on stocking.


See the full North Coast Report and Forecast for Members right here.


Willamette River System Report - Contributor Glenn Zinkus reports:


Alton Baker Canal: Alton Baker Canal was stocked with 900 legal size trout. As always, a great put and take option for anglers and families in the Eugene area. Alton Baker will be stocked weekly into the fall.


Detroit Reservoir: Kokanee reports this week indicate a slowdown in the fishing. Fish are down deeper, but anglers are not reporting much catch.


At this point, there are more reports of the kokanee turning – losing scales and color in the meat.

Water is dropping, but Mongold boat ramp is currently usable. See level report below.

Green Peter Reservoir: Little bit of a pickup in kokanee reports over the past day with good numbers caught by some anglers. Fish have been in the 50 to 90 foot range, with most in and around 60 feet deep.

As a caution, there are some reports of thefts from boat ramps including catalytic converters.


Junction City Pond: JC Pond was stocked the end of May with 1,000 legal size rainbows. Good local option for southern Willamette Valley anglers. Note that Junction City Pond stocking is complete for the season and resumes again in the fall.


Timber Linn Park Pond: Was stocked with 1000 legal size rainbows at the end of May. Note that Timber Linn stocking is complete for the season and resumes again in the fall.

EE Wilson Pond: EE Wilson Pond was stocked with 850 legal size rainbows at the end of May. Note that EE Wilson stocking is complete for the season and resumes again in the fall.


South Santiam Steelhead: No New Fish Counts. Continued steelhead count watch: there were 1528 summer steelhead collected at Foster Dam as of August 29 – this is the latest report as of the 24th..


South Santiam Trout: Flows are dropping and getting a bit low for trout in the upper South Santiam River above Foster Reservoir.

Friends did quite well last week for rainbows and cuttroats on the stretch below Foster dam; but no new reports from anglers this week.

North Santiam Trout and Steelhead: The North Santiam received 2,200 legal size trout late July.

Can you believe there is MORE? Find the full report and forecast for Members on the Willamette Valley/Metro from this page here.

SW Oregon Fishing Report - Contributor Jeff Rome reports:

It was another good week for Chetco estuary Chinook fishing as the "season" is starting with decent numbers of good quality fish in the 20-30 pound range and a good percentage of wild and hatchery fish.

The Rogue Bay is starting to see more coho as the Chinook run is tapering down. There's good numbers of fish in the estuary and bank anglers are targeting the coho with Silver C spinners up river. Half pounder and summer steelhead catches around Agness has picked up.

The mid-Rogue River is flowing at a steady 1100 cfs now which has anglers targeting Chinook back trolling the canyons and the mouth of the Applegate and at Finley Bend by bank anglers. Summer steelhead are throughout the river. Fly anglers are catching them on egg patterns.

Coos basin estuary Chinook catches on the Coos river remain fair from the Empire boat ramp on up to Chandler bridge. Wild coho season is open now a few have been caught from Charleston on up river.

Winchester bay is producing nice crab and anglers are getting fair catches of salmon in the main Umpqua estuary.

The north Umpqua is producing fair catches of summer steelhead

The Coquille River is producing nice catches of stripped bass from Rocky Point on up through Riverton.

SW Oregon Guides Forecast

Marine Forecast: The weekend looks a bit windy and rough until maybe Sunday where boats out of Brookings-Harbor could get out to finish up the halibut quota. Probably a no go further north until early next week.

Good ocean conditions earlier this week brought plenty of action for bottom fish anglers and some nice Ling cod .

Winchester bay is producing good numbers of crab

Bottom fish is open to All-depths starting on Sept. 1. The daily general marine fish bag limit was reduced to 4 fish starting on Sept. 6 with no retention of China, copper, or quillback rockfish along with no retention of cabezon.

The ocean has been rough the past few days and Andy hopes Sunday into next week will bring calm seas to get out for more bottom fish and halibut. Last weekend was great for limits of rock fish

Jeff's expanded report, multiple lake updates, and forecast in this week's version for Members!

 

[The Guides Forecast]

Because of the character limit on this site, you can find our complete summary here.

Portland/Metro Fishing Report – With the closure of the mainstem Columbia for Chinook, and the reluctance of what may or may not be a fair return of coho, anglers will be looking elsewhere in the Willamette Valley to satiate their salmon desires. The fact of the matter is, for the “harvest season,” there doesn’t seem to be much harvesting going on. Metro anglers have through tomorrow (Friday, October 7th) to harvest a Columbia River Chinook before the season closes… again.

Read the press release on the Columbia River Chinook closure HERE, the mainstem remains open to hatchery coho however.

Coho passage at Willamette Falls isn’t all that bad. Four hundred to 700+ coho per day are passing the falls, but they too seem to have lock-jaw. We’ve had other dry Octobers like this, but these fish seem to be particularly ignorant of our gear this year. The fishery upstream of Willamette Falls is likely the best bet and fish are being caught up there, but with a great deal of inconsistency.

Glenn Zinkus and Bob Rees detail more about Willamette River fisheries in the Willamette River section for our paid subscribers. Go HERE to view it or go HERE to subscribe!

Clackamas River Fishing Report – Coho are in the Clackamas River, but as we’ve seen in conditions like this, are quite reluctant to bite. Fishable numbers are present, and so is effort, but fish are simply not falling for all the effort anglers are putting in.

Early morning casters are taking fish at Eagle Creek, mostly on drifted bait under bobbers or casting spinners following first light. Of course, the highest concentrations of anglers will also be where the highest concentration of fish are.

Sandy River fishing report – Avid angler Jeff Stoeger reports – Hello All. I hope that you have had the opportunity to get out and try your luck on some coho. There are fish spread throughout the entire river from the mouth all the way to the hatchery. With the river being so low, the fish have become lock-jawed and less likely to bite. The most effective technique has been spinners with a little color on a sliver blade.

North Coast Fishing Report – As has been the case for much of the season, the north coast salmon returns are somewhat challenged, at least for Chinook. Wild coho remains the focus, but remains open only on Wednesdays and Saturdays for the most popular North Coast estuaries. Tillamook Bay anglers had great success on a first light bite on Wednesday, with several lucky anglers taking home a quality wild coho from the morning bite.

The Trask and Tillamook tidewater reaches are holding mostly wild Chinook. It makes for good catch and release fishing, with little competition around.

The Nehalem is yielding few Chinook but is plugged with wild coho. That pleases anglers fishing on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The Nestucca remains consistently mediocre, mostly for tidewater trollers. Better tides this week should infuse more fresh fish into the tidewater reach from Pacific City to Woods however.

The Salmon River has been a bit of a disappointment lately but there are catchable numbers of darkening Chinook in the tidewater reach above the Highway 101 Bridge.

The Siletz and Alsea are performing well during this peak time of year. Better tides will mean better fishing this weekend.

Because of the character limit on this site, you can find our complete summary here.