I need to go fishing

[plugged in]

I want to head out tuesday morning but is there any where worth the trip? Rain will be here thursday, but do I have to wait?

[Deleted User]

Hi Plugged,

I know from e-mail you are new to Oregon. Usually this time of year we have more rain than we need, but not this fall so far! The bigger inland rivers like the Sandy and Clackamas don't need rain for fish to easily migrate them. It's a bit on the late side for the salmon, although both get a few late bright silvers. Since the Sandy R. gets a better run of winter steelhead I would fish the lower river for early ones right now; there have been reports of winters in the lower ends of most rivers already, even the real low coastal rivers (which also have worthwhile chinook which have crawled up them on there bellies). Call Jack's Tackle on the Sandy for a report and specific suggestions at 503-665-2257 as soon as they open. When the rivers get really cold often the best fishing is from mid-morning on, after they have warmered a couple degrees. In these low clear conditions, especially with wind blowing a belly in your line making it difficult to feel bites, I suggest floatfishing small egg clusters and steelhead jigs. Also try tearing the lower half of the tail section off live sandshrimp and working it onto the hook and tucked under the marabou feathers. At this point I suggest sticking to the lower rivers so as to allow fall salmon to spawn unharassed up above; most aren't worthwhile fighters or eating anyway. You'll find a mix a late chinooks in the deeper holes and steelhead in a variety of water right now in the Tillamook coastal rivers. Use the same floatfishing methods in the lower ends. Adjust your bobber float to keep egg clusters or sandshrimp right near bottom. Try floating the jigs about 4' deep first, then adjust them to fish a foot or two off bottom. When you get the 'bobber down' set the hook! Good luck out there; and dress like you were going snow boarding up at Park City Utah. http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif. It's early in the steelhead season and poor water conditions right now so don't get discouraged. We are predicted for very good steelhead runs region wide; with the hatchery keepers peaking in Dec./Jan. and the C&R (catch and release) natives peaking late Feb. thru April. - RT