The Shad run should be entering the river in the next 4 to 8 weeks and that leads to the best oversize fishing of the year. Eight to twelve foot fish provide the most challenging freshwater fishery in the world. Sturgeon fishing is still improving on the Columbia with more keepers being reported each week. Winter Steelhead are still being reported in the Sandy and Clackamas Rivers for fisheman willing to spend the time to chase them down. Good numbers of fish are being caught in the Willamette from the mouth to Oregon City.
Plug cut Herring remains the bait of choice, with some fish being taken on prawns and spinners.
Water temperatures remain stable, althought the river levels are extremely low for this time of year. Smelt are in the Cowlitz and dipping has been great. We netted limits Saturday night in just a few minutes time. Remember, the Cowlitz is only open to Smelt dipping on Saturdays. Some smelt may be caught in the Columbia which is open to dipping all week long.