12-07-2002, 03:25 PM
Fisheries Update
December 6th – December 12th, 2002
The Columbia River is producing its best sturgeon catches in the gorge. Smelt and shrimp are top baits. The John Day fishery is slowing down as is usually the case this time of year. The John Day Arm itself is producing the best catches. Crabbing in the lower Columbia remains awesome but commercial pots will be placed in the river in just a few days so this is your last chance for a bountiful harvest!
The Clackamas has produced some fine catches of summer steelhead and some winter run fish are beginning to make a show. The Sandy is similar but not with the numbers of summer fish available. It may be a better bet for an early winter fish. The north coast has some surprising numbers of winter steelhead available- especially in the Wilson and Nestucca Rivers. See our full-length version for technique and specific areas.
Late running chinook are also available in some of these streams as well as Tillamook Bay. High tides will likely push them into the lower stretches of the Wilson and Kilchis Rivers where bobber anglers can get another crack at them. The south coast, like most areas, is waiting for a significant fall rain to get their winter chinook fishery underway.
Large chinook are staging at the mouths of the Elk and Sixes just waiting for their first opportunity for home waters. Rogue River anglers are reporting excellent fishing for late-season summer steelhead and that winter metalheads are just starting to enter. The North Santiam has both fall and winter steelhead present and remains at a decent level.
While counts at Willamette Falls remain dismal, a few winters have entered the Clackamas where summer steelhead continue to be taken. The Sandy River is low and very clear. No trout stocking is scheduled this week. Oregon licenses and tags for 2003 went on sale December 1st. Don't wait 'til the last minute to get yours!
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[url "http://www.TheGuidesForecast.com/"]http://www.TheGuidesForecast.com/[/url]
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December 6th – December 12th, 2002
The Columbia River is producing its best sturgeon catches in the gorge. Smelt and shrimp are top baits. The John Day fishery is slowing down as is usually the case this time of year. The John Day Arm itself is producing the best catches. Crabbing in the lower Columbia remains awesome but commercial pots will be placed in the river in just a few days so this is your last chance for a bountiful harvest!
The Clackamas has produced some fine catches of summer steelhead and some winter run fish are beginning to make a show. The Sandy is similar but not with the numbers of summer fish available. It may be a better bet for an early winter fish. The north coast has some surprising numbers of winter steelhead available- especially in the Wilson and Nestucca Rivers. See our full-length version for technique and specific areas.
Late running chinook are also available in some of these streams as well as Tillamook Bay. High tides will likely push them into the lower stretches of the Wilson and Kilchis Rivers where bobber anglers can get another crack at them. The south coast, like most areas, is waiting for a significant fall rain to get their winter chinook fishery underway.
Large chinook are staging at the mouths of the Elk and Sixes just waiting for their first opportunity for home waters. Rogue River anglers are reporting excellent fishing for late-season summer steelhead and that winter metalheads are just starting to enter. The North Santiam has both fall and winter steelhead present and remains at a decent level.
While counts at Willamette Falls remain dismal, a few winters have entered the Clackamas where summer steelhead continue to be taken. The Sandy River is low and very clear. No trout stocking is scheduled this week. Oregon licenses and tags for 2003 went on sale December 1st. Don't wait 'til the last minute to get yours!
Have this report e-mailed to you weekly or sign up for our full version with tips, forecasts, and professional guide's advice!
[url "http://www.TheGuidesForecast.com/"]http://www.TheGuidesForecast.com/[/url]
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