Water Temperatures

[Deleted User]

We have more salmon and steelhead region wide than in many years. I think it's fairly obvious that the relatively slow to erratic bite is most likely due to water temps being too high. I haven't heard for a while, but the last I heard the Columbia was near 70 degrees and it's tribs and the coastal bays near the low 60's. While we are waiting for rain &/or colder nights to lower these temps into the 50's, I'd like to hear some opinions on the best temps for salmon fishing; and steelhead too. Thanks much. - RT

[Deleted User]

RT,
I fished the Snake river from last Thursday night the 8th, thru Wednesday the 13th. My boat averaged 3 Steelhead, 2 salmon each night.The water temp was 65-66 degrees. On Wednesday night,the temperature on my Interphase read 71 degrees. No bites. I fish lighted vortexs and get quite a few rips but when the temp spikes like that, it is time to stay home. Hope to see ya on the river some time but you will need to stay up late!

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FEAR NO FISH!

[garyk]

Frenchman's Bar, Sunday, we had 66.5F/surface at 8am. Warmed to 67.2/surface about the time folks had takedowns at 2pm. I'd like to know what the temp was at the bottom, about 50' depth, where the biters were.

[WaterDog]

My gage read 66.8 at the surface at Frenchman's Bar on Sat.

For Springers on the willamette, 54-56 is best in my expeience. The bite is good and more fish move over the Falls. Although I have caught some in 68 degree water in july!

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EAT, SLEEP, FISH!

[Evan0505]

does anyone know the temps for the Deschutes near maupin?!?! I am heading out there this weekend to try and get some steelies. Anyone have a report for Deschutes steelies?!!? THanx for the help!
Tight lines -evan-

[Deleted User]

In August someone posted that the Deschutes was in the low 60's near the lower river. That is a little warmer than usual for the D and the fishing was erratic because of it. I would think the colder nights over there for the last couple of weeks should have the river temp in a good range by now, fjor both 'bows and steelies. - RT