Recreation Report
Siuslaw River: Chinook angling has slowed as most of the run has moved above the deadline at Lake Creek into spawning areas. The winter steelhead season is approaching and anglers could start to see some early returning fish anytime in the next few weeks.
Chetco River: The Chinook bite has been hit or miss depending on the weather. Chinook will start moving into the tributaries around Thanksgiving, with the majority of Chinook spawning the first and second weeks of December. Usually anglers start picking up some early steelhead side drifting eggs near the end of November. Coos County lakes: Rainbow trout were stocked last month in Bradley Lake, Empire Lakes, Saunders Lake and Powers Pond.
Coos River Basin: A few anglers have been fishing for steelhead, but there have been no reports of steelhead being caught. With the recent rains, steelhead should be moving into the rivers soon.
There will be good negative tides for clamming during the afternoons the first part of December.
Crabbing continues to be excellent for those crabbing from boats.
Coquille River Basin: There have been no reports of steelhead being caught, but it’s time to get the steelhead fishing gear ready for the winter. Steelhead should start moving into the Coquille River late this month or in early December.
Elk and Sixes rivers: Fishing is fair. Water temperatures have been cold and clear. Rains this week may improve conditions. Check Elk River heights and water color by calling the Elk River Hatchery at 541-332-0405.
Garrison Lake: Rainbow trout fishing is good, but anglers need to keep an eye on the weather and fish the lake when there is no wind. Boat anglers are reminded to clean all aquatic vegetation off their boats and trailers to help control the spread of non-native plants and animals.
Rogue River, lower: Winter steelhead and half-pounder fishing is slow.
Tenmile Basin: A blue green algae health advisory continues for Tenmile Lakes. To find out more, anglers can go to www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/hab/advisories.shtml.
Fishing for largemouth bass is decent. Bass are biting on crankbaits, jigs, plastic worms and spinnerbaits. Yellow perch fishing is very good.
Yellow perch are biting on worms or small jigs tipped with a piece of worm.
A few rainbow trout have been caught lately from anglers trolling for coho.
The recent rains have raised the water level in Tenmile Lakes, and coho have been moving in.
Umpqua River Mainstem: Coho are spread throughout the Umpqua but are starting to get dark. Remember, only fin-clipped coho can be harvested.
Winchester Bay: Sturgeon fishing has been slow. The South Jetty has been good for bottomfishing. Crabbing has also been good lately.
SW Zone hunting: Turkey, late archery deer (through Dec. 5 in some units, including the Sixes Unit), cougar, bear, valley and mountain quail, forest and blue grouse, pheasant, and waterfowl (see regulations) are all open.
