From PortlandSports.com, a partner of Oregon Sports News
The rain has finally subsided, and the rivers are, at this moment, beginning to drop into shape! For those in search of Steelhead, the time is NOW to get out and enjoy the best water conditions we have seen all season.
The water has been high for 2 weeks, but high water does not slow down steelhead as they make their way upstream. They will simply push to the slower current edges near the bank and rest as they wait for the conditions to improve. So what will be the best techniques to use going in to this weekend?
Plunking
This technique is very simple, yet effective in high, off-colored water. Simply attach a metal spreader bar to your mainline. Then, attach 12-18” of 12-15lb test line to the short arm of the spreader bar which connects to a 4-6 ounce bank or pyramid style sinker. Off the long arm of the spreader bar, attach 4’ of 12-15lb line. On the opposite end, use a 2/0 single hook with a “spin n’ glo” that is about the size of your thumbnail. Attach either eggs or a Sand Shrimp to the hook. Find water that is moving no faster than walking speed in 3-6’ of water, and cast your rig into the current! Then, grab a chair, sit back and relax while you wait for a nice big Winter Steelhead to come by!
Side Drifting
If fishing from a boat, side drifting will be one of your best options. This rig is simple to say the least! Using a spinning rod and reel setup, attach a swivel to your mainline. On the other side of the swivel, attach 3-4’ of 10-12lb to a size 2 hook with a size 12 corkie above it. You can add a small piece of Sand Shrimp or eggs to the end of the hook. On the swivel between your mainline and leader, attach with a snap swivel a small slinky weight or pencil lead. Starting at the top of the hole, get your boat moving at the same speed as the current.
Every angler in the boat will cast in turn, starting with the person furthest downstream. Everyone should cast towards the opposite shoreline, slightly upstream. With the boat moving at the same speed as the current, keeping the line angles at about a 20-30 degree angle upstream of the boat. This technique allows the angler to cover large amounts of water quickly to find the pods of moving fish. With the water conditions we have this weekend; side drifting will put a lot of fish on anglers tag!
Other Options
Spring Chinook
The Willamette River will have bad water color for the next week and will most likely not be a viable option. However, the Columbia River has the clarity and flow that should kick out a few of these early returning Springers. However, don’t expect stellar success. Coming home with one fish is a very good day this time of year. Yet, if you are lucky enough to bring one home, these early fish are typically over the 20# mark and are the best table fare you will find! Trolling herring near the bottom in 20-30’ of water or anchoring with Mag Lip plugs wrapped with sardines or tuna in 15-25’ of water will provide the most success.
Sturgeon
This time of year, Sturgeon is always a good catch and release option on the Willamette River. Look to the Portland Harbor area for the best bites. Squid, Sand Shrimp and Smelt will be the best options for bait. Please remember, it is open to catch and release ONLY.
Coast
The coastal streams this weekend should be in ideal shape for steelhead. However, the bottom fishing and clamming will most likely be out of the picture due to heavy swells forecasted. Crabbing will be very slow this weekend with a large influx of Freshwater into the bays as well.
Final Thought
This weekend will offer some of the best opportunities to enjoy our outdoors here in the great Pacific NW in the past 2 weeks. However, we ask that you use extreme caution and good judgment. The Rivers will be high with a lot of flow making for difficult boating conditions. Expect many new obstacles, floating logs and changes in the river channels.
So please, be safe and enjoy the outdoors!
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