Recreation Report
Siuslaw River: Winter steelhead angling is expected to improve through the weekend. The recent high flow event should stimulate fish movement over the next week. During higher flows, focus on the upper river near release locations or try plunking slower side waters in the lower river. Side drifting or pulling plugs should be effective as the river level drops this week.
Chetco River: The river is low and clear, and steelhead are throughout the system. Anglers fishing smaller baits and lighter line are doing the best. Angling pressure has been high.
Coos River Basin: All the steelhead rivers have dropped and are fishable. The West Fork Millicoma is very clear, while the East Fork Millicoma and South Fork Coos rivers still have the good green color to the water. Bright fish are still moving into the river systems with each rain, but there are a few darker colored steelhead around.
Crabbing has been decent from boats and very slow off the docks. If crabbing from a boat, concentrate crab traps near deeper water for best success.
Coquille River Basin: All the steelhead rivers have dropped from the last big rains and are fishable. Steelhead fishing has been good at LaVerne Park on the North Fork and from Broadbent to Powers on the South Fork. Drifting corkies or eggs has been very effective.
Elk and Sixes rivers: Steelhead fishing has been good for anglers able to get out and fish when river conditions permit. Anglers can check Elk River heights and water color by calling the Elk River Hatchery at 541-332-0405. Sixes River is usually fishable two days after the Elk River.
Garrison Lake: Weather conditions have been perfect for trout anglers. Anglers can expect to catch a mix of rainbow trout and cutthroat up to 16 inches long, with a few larger.
Pacific Ocean and beaches: There have been a few reports of surfperch being caught. To fish for surfperch, look for places that have riptides or areas with steeper beaches. Best fishing is usually on an incoming tide. Sand shrimp or sand worms are great baits to use for surfperch.
Rogue River, lower: Water conditions continue to be near perfect. Bank and boat anglers are catching steelhead equally well. Anglers have been picking up fish on Spin ‘N’ Glos and plugs. Anglers fishing the inside bends of the river and in 2 to 4 feet of water have been doing the best. Water temperatures have been running about 45 degrees.
Tenmile Basin: Steelhead fishing has been good in Tenmile Creek. Bright steelhead will continue to move into Tenmile Creek for the next month or two.
Umpqua River Mainstem: Water conditions should be good this week for steelhead angling.
Winchester Bay: The South Jetty has been good for bottomfishing. Crabbing has been off and on good lately.
