04-10-2004, 02:39 PM
Oregon Fisheries Update
April 9th – April 15th, 2004
The Columbia is finally starting to show signs of improvement. Improved catches were witnessed starting on 4/5 in the Altoona area just out of Astoria. The fishery should gain significant momentum from there upstream for the next several weeks. Sporadic results are coming from the Bonneville area as well for the few lucky anglers landing in the right slot when they anchor. Backtrollers are taking fish as well. Sea-lions are outright dangerous in many parts of the river! Crabbing on the lower Columbia is easy but the crabs aren't as big as they were prior to the commercial opener last December- go figure!
Willamette springer fishermen may look forward to a good weekend as the numbers of chinook present continue to climb. Most areas from Oregon City through Multnomah Channel will produce at times to anglers trolling herring or anchor-fishing bait-wrapped Kwikfish and prawn rigs.
The Clackamas and Sandy Rivers will remain low and clear for decent fishing until the next rainfall. North Santiam steelheaders are encountering greater numbers of summer steelhead but it'll be a few weeks 'til this fishery begins to shine.
North coast rivers are at summer-level low and clear conditions. With winter runs winding down and summers yet to come the best opportunity on for anglers will be at the Whiskey Creek Volunteer Fish Hatchery as anglers have the opportunity to give a little back to our fishery. Volunteers are needed to help fin-clip 100,000 spring chinook fingerlings. This family-friendly event will start at 9 A.M. Saturday, April 10th and conclude around 2 P.M. Coffee and doughnuts will be available in the morning as well as a lunch of hamburgers, chicken and hot dogs. Easy instruction will be provided along with aprons and gloves, but volunteers are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather. For information or directions, contact Jerry Dove at 503-842-6519 ([url "mailto:jdovetillanglers@tillanet.com"]jdovetillanglers@tillanet.com[/url]) or Jim Woods at 503-842-5395.
South coast streams would also benefit from rain as the Umpqua and Rogue Rivers are awaiting the start of a burgeoning springer run. Many South coast streams and rivers are closed through May 21st. Anglers are advised to check their synopsis.
Locations stocked this week with trout include Carter Lake, Cleawox Lake, Alton Baker Canal, Cottage Grove Pond, Cottage Grove Reservoir, Creswell Pond, Detroit Reservoir, Foster Reservoir, Roaring River Park Pond, Walling Pond, Waverly Lake, Canby Pond, Haldeman Pond, Henry Hagg Lake, St. Louis Pond, and Trojan Ponds.
The minus tidal series will continue over the weekend creating opportunities for clam diggers.
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