Oregon Fishing Report

These are Oregon rivers and coastal streams I fish first hand.
I try to update this Oregon fishing report about once a month. As you scroll down through the past reports you should be better able to plan your Oregon Fishing Trip.

UPDATED March 20th, 2008

The First day of Spring!

McKENZIE RIVER TROUT FISHING

Now is the time to get out there. The fish are hungry and lots of bugs starting to come with the warm days. Look to the afternoons and around the willows in the high water. Good Caddis hatches after 2:00 with a few March Brown coming off a bit later.

WINTER STEELHEAD FISHING

My utmost apologies for not keeping better updates to our fishing reports. The 2007-2008 Oregon Winter Steelhead had a very nice return. When all the Oregon Coastal Rivers were fishable we found good fish. The Alsea River showed us a few fish and the Siuslaw fished fair - good into the first week of March.

Mike and Mary and a nice Winter Steelhead March 3rd, 2008

McKENZIE RIVER SPRING CHINOOK FISHING

The 2008 Spring Chinook outlook is not promising for the Willamette River (and tributaries). I am optimistic that our Salmon return will be fair and provide plenty of fishing opportunity. Along with strong runs of McKenzie and Willamette River Steelhead, McKenzie River Trout, fishing should good here in the Willamette Valley!

WILLAMETTE/ McKENZIE SUMMER STEELHEAD

It's nice to know that even though the Salmon runs are down a bit, the Steelhead runs remain strong. We usually start seeing our first fish by Mid-May and see fresh Summer Steelhead into July-Aug. If this past Winter is any indication of the upcoming Summer Steelhead numbers, I'm looking forward getting out there!

JOHN DAY RIVER TRIPS
With above average snow pack this will be great year to float the John Day River. Multi-Day fishing trips available with A Helfrich Outfitters. Visit www.helfrich.com for more details.

John Day River, May 2007

UPDATED Thanksgiving, Nov 22nd, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving Fishing Friends!

Summer has turned to Fall and the heater is on full blast! Can you believe we are already looking at Winter Steelhead. Fished the Alsea yesterday and caught one nice #30+ Chinook. The water levels are dropping a little bit to low right now but we will have good fishing after our next hard rain! Chetco, Elk and Sixes Rivers has been putting out fish and should remain good King Salmon Fishing after each rain storm through Mid-Jan. Winter Steelhead Trips on the Alsea, Siuslaw, Umpqua Elk, and Sixes will fish all the way into March. Don't miss out this Winter on a one of Oregon's premier Winter Steelhead Streams!

 

UPDATED July 24th, 2007

Greetings Fishing Friends!

Lots of fishing and wonderful guests on our beautiful Oregon rivers! Weather conditions have been good and as always the fishing has been GREAT! Sometimes the catching is a little slow but that why we call it Fishing. We are very busy this time of year and now is a good time to think about Fall salmon and Winter Steelhead Fishing Trips. Call now for best dates!

Tom with a nice McKenzie River Spring Salmon

McKENZIE RIVER SPRING CHINOOK FISHING

Well this wasn't the year we all were hoping for :( The Season started out slow and got slower. We were able to salvage the season by pursuing Summer Steelhead and the Trout fishing really took off. Most biologist think the the poor run is due to poor Ocean conditions. I, on the other hand believe the drawdown at Cougar reservoir in 2002 had an impact on the returning smolts. We will see next year. Thanks again to all that fish these great fish with me!

JOHN DAY RIVER TRIPS
We did a John Day trip in May and are looking for guests to join us this Fall for some Steelhead Fishing and Chukar Hunting. If you have never floated this stream you are in for a treat. Absolutely the most gorgeous scenery I have ever seen! Visit www.helfrich.com for more details.

John Day River Fishing and Hunting Trips Eastern Oregon

McKENZIE RIVER TROUT FISHING
It has been fantastic fishing on the upper river. We have had some cloudy days and the fishing has been great! The small brown caddis as well as the "Ol' Wolly Bugger" keeps gettin' 'em.

MIDDLE FORK of the SALMON RIVER FISHING
We just got home from the Middle Fork of the Salmon and water condition were fine. It could be a little higher but the fishing was great and we will be returning August 13th for two more trips. Contact www.helfrich.com 541-726-5039 for more info on these trips

Drift Boat at Sulfur Slide on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

A beautiful West Slope Cutthroat from the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho

UPDATED Feb 16th, 2007

Greetings Fishing Friends!

Good January, February Oregon Steelhead Fishing

UPDATED Nov 30th, 2006

WELL, How about that! Before I know it it's Winter. Greetings and Happy Holiday's to all!

ELK and SIXES RIVER SALMON FISHING

Things have been Fair to Excellent on the Elk and Sixes so far this Fall/Winter. Every storm has brought fresh fish into both rivers. This King Salmon fishing will last all through December. The key is to find time between storms and be on the river when the rivers are dropping into shape.

Frank, Carl and Roger with a couple Elk and Sixes River Salmon

WINTER STEELHEAD

UPDATED Aug 28th, 2006

MIDDLE FORK of the SALMON RIVER TROUT FISHING

Lunch at Elk Bar on Middle Fork of the Salmon River

UPDATED May 25th, 2006

Trevor's first McKenzie River Spring Chinook Salmon...
Way to Go!!

Greetings Fishing Friend's, Summer is coming!

McKENZIE RIVER SALMON FISHING

Been a little slow due to cold temps. The fish are here, just a little tough to get a good bite this week. Last week we caught limits three days in a row. As the water warms, more fish will be moving in and the fishing looks to be decent as we go into June.

McKENZIE AND WILLAMETTE SUMMER STEELHEAD FISHING

Great count of Summer Steelhead coming over Willamette Falls. With the good snow pack we should have great water levels all through Summer. Add the two together and this could be a good Oregon Summer Steelhead Season. The "Town Run", through Eugene should fish good as the water levels start to drop. You can always find fish near the Leaburg Steelhead Hatchery. Don't be afraid to try something different, "show 'em something they haven's seen". Steelhead are a very curious fish.

McKENZIE RIVER TROUT FISHING

Lots of bugs coming off today. The Caddis has been out for well over a month now, and today I saw the best May Fly hatch I've seen all year, but the fish are still a bit sluggish due to the McKenzie Rivers cold temps. As the river temps rise, the fishing should get better. Had a great report today of some fantastic Dry Fly Fishing on the Lower McKenzie, 30-40 hook-ups! With optimum water conditions, this could be very good Late-Spring / Summer Trout Fishing Season.

GO FISH!

UPDATED March 5th, 2006

Al's Umpqua River Steelhead...Even Marshall hooked a few :)

Greetings Fishing Friend's,

OREGON STEELHEAD FISHING

Thank you all for letting me know it's time to get off my butt and update this page. Since my last report the Winter has been Wet and Wild. Oregon Steelhead Rivers would come into shape for a few days and blow right back out. We had some good days Steelhead fishing in the beginning of February and things really heated up when the Main Umpqua dropped below the 6 ft level. That's Al in the pictures with some Winter Steelhead taken on the Main Umpqua Feb. 24th. Even Marshall managed to hook a few! Spent last Friday on the Elk River, two boats hooked 8 and landed 4-5. Still good Steelhead fishing on the Umpqua. Look for 4400-2000 cfs at Winchester Dam and there should be lots of fish around.

OREGON RIVER FISHING

It's that time once again to look past the Winter Steelhead and thinking about Spring Chinook Salmon The first Spring Chinook have been caught near Elkton and a few are entering the Willamette as we speak. Now is the time to start replacing line on the King Salmon reels and polish up the Kwikfish!

McKENZIE AND WILLAMETTE RIVER FISHING

Took an afternoon float on the McKenzie River yesterday to see if any bugs were flying. A little cold still, but after a few warm days things should be right on schedule. This year we are offering trips on the Upper Willamette near Oakridge. This is a USFS permitted section that can provide excellent Rainbow Dry Fly Fishing. Prime dates are beginning Aprl thru Mid-May.

UPDATED Nov, 11th, 2005

Justin's First King Salmon...way to go junior!

Dad, not to be out done by the kid! Nov. 10th 2005

UPDATED Sept, 21st, 2005

Jerri-Jo and Jon's Fishing Vacation. Sept 7th, 2005

Greetings Fishing Friend's,

What a long and busy Summer. I can't believe that the first day of Fall is already here! We had a full July McKenzie River Fishing. Spent 5 days in Boston Fly Fishing Fishing for Stripers (Bass), spent 9 days on the Middle Fork Salmon, and took vacation in Alaska fishing for Coho's. Now get ready, here come the Fall Salmon and Winter Steelhead!!

OREGON RIVER FISHING

This is the time of year when Trout and Summer Steelhead Fishing begins to take a back seat to the expected run of Fall Salmon. As the temps get cooler and rains begin to arrive, these big fish will migrate to most Oregon Coastal Streams. Look for good dates toward the end of October and through November. As the Winter Steelhead runs begins in late November it's also the time to take a look at the Elk and Sixes River King Salmon. Many good fishing days in December on the South Coast of Oregon.

McKENZIE AND WILLAMETTE RIVER FISHING

The Trout Fishing has been fair to good on the McKenzie River! With cooler Temps the Summer Steelhead are becoming active and we've been seeing some fish caught below Leaburg Dam. The Summer Steelhead Fishing on the Willamette has picked up also.

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UPDATED July, 1st, 2005

Happy Anniversary Larry and Jill! June 30th, 2005

McKENZIE RIVER TROUT FISHING

The Trout Fishing has been good to excellent on the McKenzie River! We have had some great trips and folks are raving about the "Stream Side Fish Fry's". We are also seeing some Summer Steelhead showing up in good numbers. Look for these fish on the Willamette River as well as the McKenzie River. Summer is upon us so do yourself a favor and get out and do some fishing. Be safe and have a great time!

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UPDATED May, 28th, 2005

Steve and Conner's McKenzie River Fishing Trip! June 4th, 2005

SPRING CHINOOK SALMON

We are catching Spring Chinook! The McKenzie River Salmon have arrived and we are consistently getting fish now. Some days are better than others but the fish are here. As of this date over 22,000 have passed the Willamette Falls. The run is projected to be around 90,000 so we are still waiting for the next big push. With water temps rising,
we should know how big the run will be this week. With low and clear water conditions start using longer leaders and smaller baits. Also look to float fishing in the deep pools.

Jim and a Dandy McKenzie Spring Chinook Salmon!

McKENZIE RIVER FLY FISHING

McKenzie River Trout fishing has been good in the lower river and we should have good fishing throughout the Summer. The Upper River (Blue river to Leaburg) will fish better now with the rising water temps.

McKENZIE RIVER STEELHEAD FISHING

This years run will not be as strong as last years but we are seeing a few being pushed out of the big holes due to the Spring Chinook Salmon. As the Salmon run wanes down at the end of June we will be able to target Oregon Summer Steelhead with flies.

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UPDATED May, 6th, 2005

McKENZIE RIVER FLY FISHING

McKenzie river Trout fishing has been very good in the lower river. As the temperatures warm the Upper River (below Blue River) will get better. As always my favorite is the small gray and brown Caddis.

McKENZIE RIVER STEELHEAD FISHING

A few Summer Steelhead are being caught! I witnessed one of the most impressive battles last Saturday. My Guest Butch, hooked a pretty good sizes buck Summer run. It made 6 or 7 leaps, straight up in the air!!! At least 5-6 feet high. We were both standing and it was as high as our eyes. Winking at us! Awesome!

!!!! SPRING CHINOOK SALMON !!!!

There're here! A few being picked up on the Middle Willamette and with the numbers coming over Oregon City Falls we will have in the McKenzie by next week May 12-13th or so. Over 100,000 Spring Chinook expected to enter the Willamette this Spring.

Steve's McKenzie River Salmon!
Secret Spot?

Have a great Spring!

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UPDATED February, 3rd, 2005

WINTER STEELHEAD FISHING

The Umpqua River Steelhead Fishing has been very good the last two weeks. It's been 5 years since the last time The Umpqua has been at the current levels during Winter Steelhead season. Lots of fish, good water, makes for some happy guests.

Rod and Mark had a Good Day Umpqua Steelhead Fishing
on January 29th, 2005

The Alsea River Steelhead Fishing was good for a few weeks but most fish have now made it up to the North Fork by now, most fishing will be up there for now.

Happy Birthday Aaron! First Steelhead ever!
January 30th, 2005

The Siuslaw Steelhead fishing should pick up with the next rain fall. Do most of your fishing lower in the river this week.

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UPDATED January 10th, 2005

WINTER STEELHEAD FISHING

WOW! What else could be said for last weeks Umpqua Steelhead Fishing.
The Umpqua River got to 5 ft and the fish were very responsive.
On Jan. 4th we landed 3 Chrome Bright Umpqua Winter Steelhead on 4 casts. NICE!
All Oregon Steelhead streams are dropping into shape this week and fishing should be very good.
Look for fish on the Alsea and Siuslaw, as well as the Umpqua later in the week.

The Sand Shrimp, rigged with two hooks to Prevent Spinning.
This 5 ft behind a Diver.
Great "off-color water" riggin'

Remember, "When the river is High, Fish High. When the River is Low, Fish Low"

Go out there and catch a fish!

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UPDATED December 20th, 2004

SOUTH COAST SALMON

The Chinook Salmon Fishing on the South Coast turned out to be good when the rivers were in shape. Due to low water until December 12th the season was cut a little short. We had five very good days during that week. There are still Chinook Salmon to be caught down there, but, river conditions are getting low again. Look for another good batch of fish with the next raise in river level.

Jim and Dwight with Sixes River King Salmon
December 17th, 2004

WINTER STEELHEAD

Now is the time to get after early returning Oregon Winter Steelhead! With water levels a little low right now, it's a great time to fish the Alsea River and the Umpqua River for these great fish.

Steve and Mike, A Good Day Umpqua River Steelhead Fishing, Dec 22, 2004

The Alsea River Steelhead run is a bit earlier than other streams, and provides action through January. Look for river levels around 3.5 - 5' at the gauge near Tide http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?TIDO3

The Siuslaw is a later run. We should have good Steelhead fishing there in a few weeks, lasting into February. Look for river levels around 4' - 8" on the gauge near Mapleton http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?MPLO3

The Umpqua provides good Steelhead fishing now through February. Look for river levels around 4.5 - 6" on the gauge in Elkton http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?EKTO3

My personal favorite Steelhead Fishing is on the Elk and Sixes Rivers. I find good action down there during the end of January through Mid-March. The best gauge to use is on the South Fk Coquille at Powers http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?POWO3
Look for levels between 2.5 -4"

Though the weather might be a bit wet and rainy, the winter is a great time to be Fishing Oregon Rivers.

SPRING CHINOOK SALMON

Looking ahead, the forecast for Willamette Spring Chinook Salmon is looking good! Over 100,000 King Salmon excepted to return! Dates are already being booked so give us a call early. Mid-May through June are peak dates. Have a Happy Holiday and Fishy New Year!

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UPDATED November 3rd, 2004

A hearty hello all my fishin' friends and family. Please except my apologies for the lateness of this report. A very full Summer, good Fall Fishing, Hunting, adds up to "so much to do, so little time." I will try to catch up in this letter.

Summer was spent in Idaho working on the Middle Fork Salmon River. What a beautiful river to Dry Fly Fish for "West Slope Cutthroat". Middle Fork Salmon Trips are 100 miles, 6 days, 5 nights during late June through the 1st of August. Contact A Helfrich Outfitters at 541-726-5039 or click here http://www.ahelfrich.com/ for more info.

After getting home to Eugene on the 12th of August I took a vacation fishing at Island West Resort, in Ucluelet, B.C. Canada, on the west side of Vancouver Island. We fished for Coho, Kings and Halibut. Coolers came home full and Vacuum sealers were busy for a few days. A great trip with great friends!


Ucluelet BC Salmon Fishing

September was busy fishing for Summer Steelhead with some good days swinging flies on the McKenzie River, Willamette River, and the Rogue River. October found some good Fall Trout Fishing on the McKenzie River as well as more Summer Steelhead Fishing. A little hunting on the side and the next thing ya know its November 2nd, election day! "Time Flies when your havin' Fishes"

FALL SALMON

Siuslaw River Salmon Fishing, November 5th 2004

With the fall rains come BIG fish! Western Oregon has experienced some very needed early rain in October this year. These rains push the King Salmon up stream during the high flows. This means good fishing for us! We have had a some real good days lately with a mixed bag of Coho and King Salmon. Most of our trips have been on the Siuslaw River near Mapleton. I like to fish the lower river and find the bright fish moving in. It appears to be a good run so far.

* WINTER KINGS *

December Dates still available for fishing the famous Winter Kings on the South Coast of Oregon. This fishing begins in Mid-November and peaks around the 20th of December. But, I have always had good fishing after the first of the year in mid-January.
We concentrate on the Elk and Sixes Rivers. These streams have a very particular run of King Salmon that spawn in the Winter, not in the Fall. These fish are BIG, BRIGHT, and really give you a test as you battle these bruisers on these smaller rivers.
Good article about this fishing found here http://www.o2fish.com/o2fishsouthcoastsalmon.htm
Hotel accommodations in Port Orford can be found here;
Sea Crest 541-332-3040
Shoreline 541-332-2903
Battle Rock 541-332-7331
Many Hotels available in Bandon 25 miles north of Sixes.

OREGON WINTER STEELHEAD FISHING

Oregon Winter Steelhead fishing begins around Thanksgiving with fish showing up near Sawyers Rapid on the Umpqua. As we get into December the Alsea River will give up some Steelhead as Dec-Jan is the peak there. Word at this point is the main Umpqua regulations are changing to allow fisherman to keep "1 per day, 5 per year' Unclipped Steelhead. Biologists know this river can support this change and I look forward to showing my guests some of these tremendous Umpqua Winter Steelhead. Good Umpqua River Steelhead Fishing Jan-Feb.

McKENZIE RIVER TROUT FISHING

Things begin to slow down now, but during warm days you can always find some Trout fishing on the McKenzie River. I would be more comfortable fishing the lower river from Deerhorn to Hayden Bridge at this time of the year. It's feels good to get back in touch with everyone, don't be afraid to email or call any time, until next time,

"keep your line in the water, and a smile on your face"

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UPDATED Sept, 13th, 2004

Fall Fishing

WOW...How time has flown this Summer! Sorry for the lateness of this update. After spending 5 weeks on the Middle Fork Salmon,Idaho

Middle Fork Salmon River

I now am spending time on the Rogue River where the Steelhead fishing is just now starting to take off. Plenty of King Salmon throughout the Rogue River at this time also. For Rogue River trips through the "Wild and Scenic Rogue Canyon"
call A Helfrich Outfitters at 541-726-5039 or click here http://www.ahelfrich.com/

Rogue River Canyon

Looking ahead towards October and November we should be finding lots of King Salmon as rain continues to bring fresh fish into the Siuslaw River, Alsea River, Umpqua River as well as the Chetco, Elk and Sixes Rivers down on the South Coast of Oregon.

Summer Steelhead

As the Fall temps begin to cool Oregon Rivers the Summer Steelhead will begin to be a little more aggressive. Remember, telemetry studies have shown Steelhead to roam, they continue to roam up and downstream searching for the right places to spawn. Look for these fish in the McKenzie and Willamette River. Don't be afraid to try diffent sections of the rivers.

Now go catch some fish!

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UPDATED July, 4th, 2004

Summer Fishing

McKenzie River Spring Chinook Fishing was the best any could remember. I know my boat landed well over 150 Spring Chinook in 30 days. I'm sorry for the lateness of this report, the fishing from Mid-May through July 1st has kept us very busy.

This Summer we will be in Idaho for 5 weeks, returning Late August after a Canadian fishing trip vacation. If your interested in a Fall fishing trip please email and I will return all inquiries every 6th day, or call 541-579-3474 and leave message.

Umpqua Smallmouth Bass
I have many dates booked starting August 22nd. Please call or email for open dates for this great fishery.

Have a great Summer, see you this Fall.

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UPDATED May, 30th, 2004

McKenzie River Spring Chinook Fishing

McKenzie River Spring Chinook Fishing has been RED HOT! Literally! Limits being caught everyday out. In the past 4 years we have found the best McKenzie Springer Fishing after May 15th....This year it hasn't slowed down since May 7th! The Oregon City Falls counts remain strong. This year saw over 3000 Oregon Spring Chinook Salmon crossing the falls on numerous days. These fish are counted by hand as they pass by video recorded viewing screens.
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/InfoCntrFish/InterFish/Willam.html
On May, 28th the McKenzie River rose 2' in 24 hours. This will bring even more fish into the upper river. Good fishing should remain through June.

Brian with a bright McKenzie Spring Chinook

The Egg and Shrimp Combo has been working very good. Most important is to changes divers for the different depth holes. Please remember when fishing this beautiful river that many other fishermen wish to share. Do not anchor up in the middle of the hole. Run your best divers and let the next boat through. Respect the bank fishermen, they don't have as many holes to fish. This makes for better fishing and fewer arguments on the river. This year has been very cordial. Keep up the good fishing.

Buck and a nice limit of McKenzie Springers

OREGON SUMMER STEELHEAD FISHING

Summer Steelhead have been crossing Oregon City Falls at the average rate of 300+ per day. Summer Steelhead fishing around Dexter Dam on the Willamette River has been very good. Also fly fishing from Leaburg to Hendricks Bridge Park has been very good. This run will provide good Summer Steelhead Fishing all through Summer. Very good Fly Fishing in the tail-outs and heavy riffles. This year will be another good year for "The Town Run". Good numbers of fish in the system, Willamette River Steelhead fishing will get better with Summer water conditions.

McKENZIE RIVER TROUT FISHING

The McKenzie River Trout Fishing has been good to excellent, depending on weather conditions and temperature. Caddis, PMD's and March Browns make up most of the hatches. Remember that the Lower McKenzie is managed for Wild Trout. Artificial lures only. As we get into summer the section from Bellenger to Armitage Park makes for some great Cutthroat Fishing. Don't forget about the fantastic Trout Fishing on the Willamette River as well. Plenty of access from Dexter to Downtown Eugene.

UMPQUA SMALLMOUTH BASS FISHING

The Umpqua River provides some of the best Smallmouth Bass fishing in the country. With over 100 fish days the norm through Summer. Flies, Rubber worms and some crank baits provide most of the action. Umpqua Shad numbers are up, good fishing in the Yellow creek area. These fish take flies real well and provide a great battle. Stop in Arlene's Cafe, Elkton OR, for latest info. Be safe and enjoy all Oregon has to offer, good fishing.

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SPRING FISHING
UPDATED April, 19th, 2004

OREGON SUMMER STEELHEAD FISHING

Summer Steelhead have been crossing Oregon City Falls at the rate of around 100 per day. We are catching Summer Steelhead around Dexter Dam on the Willamette River as well as a few on the McKenzie River. This run should provide good Summer Steelhead Fishing all through Summer. My favorite fishing techniques are Bobber-Jig, Back-Trolling Small Plugs and the use of Flies. Oregon Summer Steelhead Fly patterns include Orange and Green Butted Skunks, and most Standard Steelhead Patterns, darker colors seem to work a bit better. Again, remember the Summer Steelhead smolts are being released at different points on the river. This seems to bring the fish to the release point, and provides better fishing through out the lower river.

Umpqua River Winter Steelhead

OREGON SPRING CHINOOK FISHING

It might seem early for the upper Willamette System but the first Spring Chinook have arrived! A few have been caught near Dexter Dam on the Willamette and a few on the lower McKenzie River. This run normally starts around the middle of May. The counts at Oregon City Falls reached the first 1000 fish day on April 6th, about ten days ahead of schedule. There was a 1900 fish day on April 12th which should have the total some where around 10,000 at the time of this report. Look to the first week of May for good Spring Chinook fishing on The Santiam, The McKenzie and Willamette Rivers.

McKENZIE RIVER TROUT FISHING

The McKenzie River Trout Fishing has been Fair to Good, depending on Weather Conditions and Temperature. Many Caddis and a few March Browns make up most of the hatch at this time. We are finding most activity around 2:00pm and 3:00 pm, with scattered hatches in the mornings and afternoon. The river will receive 7,000 hatchery reared Trout from Blue River to Helfrich landing on Friday April 23rd for the Opening Day April 24th. The lower river will receive 6500 on the 29th, Leaburg landing to Bellinger Landing.

UMPQUA SMALLMOUTH BASS FISHING

The Umpqua has been running a little low for this time of the year and this helps the Bass Fishing. This river provides some of the best Smallmouth Bass fishing in the country. With over 100 fish days the norm through Summer, Flies, Rubber worms and some crank baits provide most of the action.

I hope this helps you find some fishing around Oregon, Spring is a great time to get and see the beauty Oregon has to offer, see you on the river.

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SPRING FISHING
UPDATED March 22nd, 2004

A nice pair of Umpqua River Winter Steelhead

OREGON WINTER STEELHEAD FISHING

We found some good Winter Steelhead fishing on the North Umpqua the last few weeks. No rain for the past ten days and the North Fork Umpqua has dropped into shape and been fishing well. The North Umpqua should fish Fair to Good into April. All other streams have seen the last of the 2003/2004 Winter Steelhead run with exception of the Siletz, Elk, Sixes, Rogue and Chetco.

OREGON SUMMER STEELHEAD FISHING

The first Willamette Summer Steelhead have begun crossing Oregon City Falls. This run, according to ODFW, should be close to the fantastic year we had in 2002. Releases of healthy smolts into the Upper Willamette and McKenzie River should provide Summer Steelhead Fishing towards the end of April and last all summer long. Also of interest, the Summer Steelhead smolts are being released at different points on the river. This seems to bring the fish to "Point of Origin" and provides better fishing on the lower river. This was first tried on the Willamette on the "Town Run" through Eugene. The year 2000 saw the fruits of this experiment with good fishing on that drift all Summer into November. Now we should be seeing the same on the McKenzie River.

OREGON SPRING CHINOOK FISHING

Now that Oregon Winter Steelhead fishing is coming to a close all eyes are turning towards the first Spring Chinook Salmon. The Columbia River 2004 run is excepted to be one of histories best. As water temps on the Willamette hit 51-52 degrees, the first wave should be headed our way. Look for the first Spring Chinook Salmon to reach the Santiam in a Few Weeks or Days. Over 100,000 Springers are excepted to enter the Willamette River, and with our good snow pack I predict excellent fishing from the First Week of May through July 4th.

Look for Umpqua Spring Chinook from now through May with the peak being Mid-Late April.

OREGON TROUT FISHING

With the warmer days of Spring also comes the beginning of the famous McKenzie River March Brown Hatch. This fishery provides some excellent Fly Fishing for Native Rainbows and Cutthroat Trout. Afternoons between Noon and 5:00 PM is when you can except to find most action. Look for Warm, Cloudy Days. The March Brown has adapted to become active on cloudy days, this may be because the Trout have a harder time seeing the bugs on the surface. McKenzie River Trout Stocking begins April 23rd with "Catchable" Trout being released from Blue River to Bellinger Landing. Remember, no bait allowed until April 23rd.

UMPQUA SMALLMOUTH BASS