Oregon Fishing Forecast – February 22, 2018

Published 12:00 am Thursday, February 22, 2018

Portland/Metro – With a stable Willamette River comes an excited effort for spring Chinook in the Sellwood area. Sellwood is often one of the better early season producers and although a far cry from its historical significance, it has produced some spring Chinook in the last week. Small, red and green label herring remain the top option for trollers from Sellwood through the Portland Harbor.

With low freezing levels, the Willamette River looks to be a good option for weekend anglers. Keep in mind that we’re still months away from peak season, but spring Chinook elicit irregular excitement for the sheer quality of these fish. Tides do play a role in the Willamette, it’s best to target high tide if you can calculate the time correctly.

There may be some spring Chinook effort downstream of St. Helens, but bring a portable heater as the cold seems to penetrate anglers on the Columbia, and only 2 salmon have passed Bonneville Dam at this time. Most spring Chinook in the Columbia right now are destined for the Willamette system.

Steelheaders on the Sandy River continue to produce fair catches of steelhead in what most consider peak timing on this system. Fish have been recycled, but that activity will cease as the hatchery becomes engaged in meeting egg take goals. Steelhead are well distributed throughout the river system and both bank and boat anglers should have good access to them.

The Clackamas continues to produce mediocre results, but action has picked up in recent days. Following a recent river rise, the river is back in shape although anglers remain reluctant to recreate in the cooler air temperatures. Another rise is forecast by Saturday, but that is always subject to change. Hatchery steelhead will continue to run into May, but we’re entering peak season on this system as well.

The Tillamook Report – Foul weather is keeping some anglers from traveling the coast range, but steelhead are readily available on the Wilson and Nestucca systems. Although innovative anglers are producing the best results, bobber-doggers and side-drifters are working their standard drifts with some degree of success as well. River levels are fluctuating, but as peak season nears, so should the steelhead fishing.

The Nestucca in particular has come on strong in recent weeks. In lower flows, anglers should stick to the lower reaches, although steelhead are well distributed throughout the system right now. Plugs remain an effective tool, especially when the majority of anglers are sticking to drifting techniques. Lower flows call for smaller, more subtle offerings, such as single beads and jigs. Steelheader president Tom VanderPlaat scored 3 wild steelhead and 1 hatchery fish from First Bridge to Three Rivers on Friday of last week.

The Wilson River should be in good shape for the 3rd annual Hook, Line and Sinker fishing tournament. A slight rise in river levels is predicted, which should stimulate steelhead upstream in the peak of the season. There have been fish reported into the mid-teens from the Wilson recently, and broodstock collection is going well for this system.

For a more detailed report, go to http://www.TheGuidesForecast.com

Bob Rees is a sixth generation Oregonian and a 20-year veteran fishing guide of Oregon’s Northwest region. Bob Rees’ column, The Guide’s Forecast, has been a trusted fishing resource for over 16 years and will appear in the Thursday edition of the Portland Tribune. He welcomes the opportunity to partner with the Portland Tribune to bring the sport fishing community timely and accurate fishing information so you can catch more fish!