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Fish and Locations
Winter Steelhead- Our season begins in
early December and runs through the month of March. While we primarily focus
on the Siletz River, we also fish the Umpqua,
Alsea, Santiam and Clackamas,
as conditions warrant.
Our preferred method of fishing is side drifting, which
allows the angler to be very hands on. You’ll do all the casting and hooking
of your fish. We use long, lightweight, 9’6” rods matched with
top-of-the-line spinning reels. This not only makes fighting the fish more
enjoyable but also allows for a more natural presentation to the fish.
Only fin clipped, hatchery Steelhead can be kept with
wild
fish released unharmed. Most of our fishing takes place out of the
driftboat equipped with a heater. Winter Steelhead is one of our most popular trips
and usually books well in advance. Please plan as far ahead as possible if
you need specific dates or days of the week.
Portland Harbor Sturgeon - Beginning in November and running through May we fish for Sturgeon mainly
in and around Portland Harbor on the Willamette and
Columbia rivers. For
this fishery, we utilize the Jet Sled, complete with a top and heater, for a
very comfortable and fun fishing experience. If Winter Steelhead fishing
isn’t your thing or if conditions aren’t favorable, winter sturgeon is an
excellent alternative. This is a great family option because there is
usually plenty of activity to keep everyone interested.
Summer Steelhead - Starting in Mid May
we fish the Siletz and Santiam Rivers for Summer Steelhead. We fish the
Siletz River first and then move to the Santiam Rivers
usually sometime in
middle to late May. We employ many of the same methods as with the winter
fish.
Spring Chinook - Our Spring Chinook
season starts in Late March on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers from
Portland to the Bonneville Dam. These early fish are highly sought
after for their eating quality.
Our primary methods involve using the Jet Sled to troll
near Portland and back troll/back bounce near Bonneville Dam. In early May
we move to the Santiam river system. Again we employ back trolling and
bouncing and run trips in either the Jet Sled or Driftboat, depending on
water levels.
Most Spring Chinook run in the 12 to 25 pounds range with
a few larger fish around 30 pounds being caught each season. Again,
only hatchery fish can be kept in this fishery.
Fall Salmon - Begins in mid August near
the mouth of the Columbia River at the world famous Buoy 10. We mainly troll
spinners and herring for fresh-from-the-ocean salmon. Later in the
season, usually in early September, we move south to the central coast and
the Alsea and Yaquina Rivers.
These smaller rivers fish well until the first heavy fall
rains arrive, usually in mid October or early November. Once the rains come
in force, we have a short but very productive driftboat season ending in mid
November. Fall Salmon are larger than their spring counter parts with an
average size of 20 to 30 pounds with fish up to 50 pounds being caught each
season.
Estuary Sturgeon - This
is our most popular Sturgeon fishery and it’s fast becoming one of our most
popular trips overall. Starting in early June and lasting until a quota is
reached (usually in late June or early July), we fish the Columbia River
Estuary near the coastal community of Astoria.
This is world-class Sturgeon fishing where catching limits
or near limits is considered the norm. We fish out of the Jet Sled and use
light tackle to get the full enjoyment of fighting these fish. Much of
the time we will be in water 10’ or less in depth. The size range for keeper
fish is between 41 & 54 inches in the estuary. This is another great choice
for a family trip or corporate outing. Fishing is often fast paced and the
fish are big.
Deschutes Summer Steelhead - Our
Deschutes Steelhead season starts in Mid July and runs through October.
We use the Jet Sled to navigate the 5 class III rapids on our way upriver
into the Deschutes River Canyon.
Rapids such as Moody, Rattlesnake, Colorado, Gordon Ridge
and Washout. The ride alone is worth the trip but you also get the bonus of
one of the best Summer Steelhead fisheries in Oregon. I offer both fly and
gear trips or a combination of the two.
We have methods to accommodate anglers of all skill levels
and experience. The Deschutes River has a regulation where you cannot fish from
the boat so all fishing is done by wading. Waders are available to
lend for those that need them.
