05-01-2005, 02:51 PM
Oregon Fisheries Update
April 29th – May 5th, 2005
Sturgeon fishing in the Columbia has picked up significantly. The best action is taking place in the Columbia River Gorge. Pro guide Dan Ponciano (360-607-8511) reports that the fish are of quality size as well. Smelt is the preferred bait and Dan is cutting baits in half matching them with squid or shrimp to stretch those smelt a long way.
Sturgeon fishing in the estuary near Astoria continues to be a challenge. Water temperatures are likely the cause for the slow bite in that area. The lower river below Wauna power lines closes to catch and keep fishing on May 1st through May 13th. It then re-opens on May 14th but the minimum size for retention goes to 45 inches.
Spring chinook fishing on the Columbia remains closed for both sport and commercial fishermen. Although Bonneville counts are much improved in recent weeks, we have a long way to go in dam passage before additional opportunity can be looked at again. It likely won't happen prior to the opener of summer Chinook on June 16th.
Also opening on the North Oregon Coast is offshore halibut! May 1st marks the date when anglers may pursue halibut from Cape Falcon to Leadbetter Point in Washington. The opener is always good but the best spots are well guarded secrets amongst fishermen.
Razor clamming has closed along most coastal beaches due to a rise in toxin levels. The clamming had been good and there is no indication when the closure may be lifted.
On the North Oregon Coast, locals in the Tillamook district anxiously await fishable numbers of spring Chinook in their watersheds. A few Chinook have been taken in the lower and upper bay as well as the Wilson, Trask and Nestucca Rivers. The weekend tide series will be better for Bottomfishing than salmon fishing however.
Sturgeon fishing on Tillamook Bay continues to be productive as well. Crab are fairly prevalent in the south and middle channels so be prepared to go through a fair amount of bait. Anglers can also target sturgeon in the upper reaches of Tillamook Bay to avoid more crab interaction.
Crabbing on Tillamook Bay was great earlier in the week but has since slowed.
Offshore bottom fishing has been good when the ocean lays down. Surf perch are available from the beaches but watch for sneaker waves.
Umpqua anglers are catching springers but low, clear water has turned off the fishing at the Rogue River.
Counts at Willamette Falls are increasing dramatically every day with improved water temperatures and water clarity. Can decent spring chinook fishing be far behind?
The Clackamas has been slow but is expected to show improvement with fish on the move in the lower Willamette. The Sandy River is very slow and a poor bet for this weekend. The North Santiam is not worth the trip at this time.
Smallmouth bass fishing is heating up in the Valley with recent catches (and great photos) coming from the upper Willamette River. Smallies have also been caught at Hagg Lake.
Odell and Lake Billy Chinook kokanee are hitting jigs. Lake Merwin in Washington State has been reliably producing limits of kokes.
Trout were stocked this week at Cullaby, Lost and Sunset, Henry Hagg, Salmonberry and Leaburg Lakes, Haldeman, E. E. Wilson, Junction City and Trojan Ponds, Detroit, Foster Silver Creek and Smith Reservoirs, Timothy Meadows, and the lower McKenzie River, Clear Lake, Burns Pond and Krumbo Reservoir.
Reader Emails this week address secret lures, surprising pictures, a creative sea lion solution, South coastal rivers and on-site details from Meldrum Bar and the Blacktop.
The Newberg Chapter of the Association of NW Steelheaders present
A spring Chinook Salmon Derby with prizes awarded for the largest, by weight (hatchery fish only) $100.00 first prize, $75.00 second prize and $50.00 third prize! When: May 7th, 2005. All fish must be caught above the Willamette Falls on the day of the derby. Only the first 50 registrants can participate. Call Mike Osborne at Mike's Rod and Reel Repair (503) 538-7093 Free BBQ with hot dogs and soda pop following the event
This report has been cut down due to size but there is always more at the website: http://www.theguidesforecast.com/
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April 29th – May 5th, 2005
Sturgeon fishing in the Columbia has picked up significantly. The best action is taking place in the Columbia River Gorge. Pro guide Dan Ponciano (360-607-8511) reports that the fish are of quality size as well. Smelt is the preferred bait and Dan is cutting baits in half matching them with squid or shrimp to stretch those smelt a long way.
Sturgeon fishing in the estuary near Astoria continues to be a challenge. Water temperatures are likely the cause for the slow bite in that area. The lower river below Wauna power lines closes to catch and keep fishing on May 1st through May 13th. It then re-opens on May 14th but the minimum size for retention goes to 45 inches.
Spring chinook fishing on the Columbia remains closed for both sport and commercial fishermen. Although Bonneville counts are much improved in recent weeks, we have a long way to go in dam passage before additional opportunity can be looked at again. It likely won't happen prior to the opener of summer Chinook on June 16th.
Also opening on the North Oregon Coast is offshore halibut! May 1st marks the date when anglers may pursue halibut from Cape Falcon to Leadbetter Point in Washington. The opener is always good but the best spots are well guarded secrets amongst fishermen.
Razor clamming has closed along most coastal beaches due to a rise in toxin levels. The clamming had been good and there is no indication when the closure may be lifted.
On the North Oregon Coast, locals in the Tillamook district anxiously await fishable numbers of spring Chinook in their watersheds. A few Chinook have been taken in the lower and upper bay as well as the Wilson, Trask and Nestucca Rivers. The weekend tide series will be better for Bottomfishing than salmon fishing however.
Sturgeon fishing on Tillamook Bay continues to be productive as well. Crab are fairly prevalent in the south and middle channels so be prepared to go through a fair amount of bait. Anglers can also target sturgeon in the upper reaches of Tillamook Bay to avoid more crab interaction.
Crabbing on Tillamook Bay was great earlier in the week but has since slowed.
Offshore bottom fishing has been good when the ocean lays down. Surf perch are available from the beaches but watch for sneaker waves.
Umpqua anglers are catching springers but low, clear water has turned off the fishing at the Rogue River.
Counts at Willamette Falls are increasing dramatically every day with improved water temperatures and water clarity. Can decent spring chinook fishing be far behind?
The Clackamas has been slow but is expected to show improvement with fish on the move in the lower Willamette. The Sandy River is very slow and a poor bet for this weekend. The North Santiam is not worth the trip at this time.
Smallmouth bass fishing is heating up in the Valley with recent catches (and great photos) coming from the upper Willamette River. Smallies have also been caught at Hagg Lake.
Odell and Lake Billy Chinook kokanee are hitting jigs. Lake Merwin in Washington State has been reliably producing limits of kokes.
Trout were stocked this week at Cullaby, Lost and Sunset, Henry Hagg, Salmonberry and Leaburg Lakes, Haldeman, E. E. Wilson, Junction City and Trojan Ponds, Detroit, Foster Silver Creek and Smith Reservoirs, Timothy Meadows, and the lower McKenzie River, Clear Lake, Burns Pond and Krumbo Reservoir.
Reader Emails this week address secret lures, surprising pictures, a creative sea lion solution, South coastal rivers and on-site details from Meldrum Bar and the Blacktop.
The Newberg Chapter of the Association of NW Steelheaders present
A spring Chinook Salmon Derby with prizes awarded for the largest, by weight (hatchery fish only) $100.00 first prize, $75.00 second prize and $50.00 third prize! When: May 7th, 2005. All fish must be caught above the Willamette Falls on the day of the derby. Only the first 50 registrants can participate. Call Mike Osborne at Mike's Rod and Reel Repair (503) 538-7093 Free BBQ with hot dogs and soda pop following the event
This report has been cut down due to size but there is always more at the website: http://www.theguidesforecast.com/
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