Local Opportunities

It's that time of year when the fishing options are endless. The Salmonfly hatch is still making its appearance, and there have been some hungry fish around. The warm weather has made for some good local bass and trout fishing in the Willamette Valley. Spring chinook fishing is slowing, but there are reports of the shad run showing up. Add summer steelhead, and you have a wide variety of species to fish for. 

Fishing the mouths of tributaries and sometimes even up into the lower ends of them can be productive for Smallmouth, and the upper reaches will occasionally hold trout. For example, the Clackamas will have opportunities for smallmouth where it meets the Willamette and trout just below the dam.

The water temperature is looking good right now, and water levels are perfect for boat and bank trout anglers. If you are fishing a new river or unfamiliar water, my go-to searching techniques are euro nymphing and swinging streamers, and soft hackles.

As always, if you have questions about techniques, gear, flies, tying… Whatever it is, call the shop or stop by and let's talk fishing!