Summer Steelies

[The Real Deal]

Hey guys looking for a little helpful knowledge on where I could find some bright summer steelies. I am thinking about fishing this week so if you have any info, like where to fish and what to use I would greatly appreciate it.

The Real Deal

[Deleted User]

RD (borderline moniker encroachment? nah, jk). Better ocean conditions have helped salmon & steelhead runs rebound to unexpected high levels in Oregon & Wash. this year. And now I've read a release that the fishery biologist's think the pattern could last more than just a couple years! Good news! Since you live near Sherwood you could try some low water tech's in the Nestucca or Siletz which have lots of summer steelhead in them. With a stealthy approach, try smaller steelhead jigs under a small drab colored float, some size 2 or 3 silver or brass Vibrax spinners with half the blade painted flat black (or with a permanent marker pen), and some small green metalic or black plugs. Summer bait ban on the coastal rivers. For bigger rivers try the Clackamas on up from O.C. or either fork of the Santiam, SE of Salem/Albany. You can try the same things there but also baits such as sandshrimp tails or small egg clusters drifted or floatfished on longer light leaders. If you have a boat, the Columbia R. has an excellant run. If you don't mind going further, the Deschutes R. is really getting good and should get better in the next few weeks. Good luck out there. - Steve