Advice for the Sandy or Clackamas

[OR Coast Range]

I spent the first day of the year fishing Big Creek and Gnat Creek. Total Bust. Didn't see anything. Nobody that I talked to saw or even heard of anybody catching fish in the area.

I'm new to the Portland area (grew up fishing the around the Clatskanie and Vernonia areas) so I've never fished the Sandy or Clackamas. Any advice would be appreciated. I don't own a boat, so please - help out your local bankie http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Phish_on]

You'd probably prefer advice from someone who can catch fish.

The lower part of the Clackamas is pretty accessible, and when there are fish there are anglers. Do some driving and observing. If you take the Park Place exit off of I-205 there is a parking area and access. There is a footbridge near there which is a good spot to "scout" from and allows you to choose either bank. Or from the same exit you can head up towards Carver and there are several access points.

Your guess is probably as good as mine. Hopefully better ...

[Navigator]

Oregon Fish Chaser,

The Sandy has lots of good access but after 11 years I have really yet to figure out the river. Start right off I-84 at the Lewis and Clark exit. You can park at the base of the exit. Big long drift. Start below the railroad bridge and work downstream. If you like to plunk, this spot is a good one. Below the I-84 bridge is another prime plunking beach. Look for plunkers or fire rings. Troutdale Ccity park, just upstream is another good access (go across bridge). Check out Jack's Snack and Tackle. Further up (about 5 miles is Dabney State Park). Can wade out to big island when river below 10' - easy wading below 9' (though this can change with each storm). Huge tail out. Oxbow Park has tons of access. Oxbow (Metro) and Dabney (State Parks) cost $3.00 to get in. The trouble with Sandy is fish tend to be spread out. Also, lots of different water for different techniques. I have a hard time deciding. I tend to fish one spot. I think I would actually do better if I was more aggressive and move around more - driving from spot to spot in search of fish. I tend to be lazy and enjoy where I am - fish or no fish. I am still looking to land my first Sandy steelhead though I have hooked a few. Good luck.

[OR Coast Range]

Thanks for the great advice guys. I'll probably be spending this Saturday doing a lot of driving, although it will be hard to not stop and get my line wet when I see water!

[rags]

A good spot to fish on the Clackamas with easy access is just above the Carver boat ramp where Clearcreek comes into the river.

[David Johnson]

Stick to the coast.

No really, I have fished the Clackamas for 17 years and the Sandy for 12.

That area around Park Place on the Clack is were I started steelheading. I never had a lot of success but I did catch fish after my skill level improved.And that was in the early years when there were tons of winter steelhead in the Clack. I found my best success when the water was low like it is now.

As far as the Sandy goes I think the lower river sucks for bank fishing. Too much water. I have always done best up near Dodge Park, and Marmot. Here the fish are more consentrated and the water is better to read.

In all instances covering water and being versatal helps.

If you are out there just to enjoy the outdoors and not have much success plunk, if you want fish you must be agressive and move, putting your bait in front of as many fish as possible.

[OR Coast Range]

I've spent a few weekends plunking for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia, but normally I like to fish for sturgeon when I fish water like that. Don't know why, just like the thought of pulling in that 6 footer from the shore!

[fishlessinoregon]

I agree with David don't waste your time on the Clackamas, plenty of people but few fish. Stick with the coast.

[Drachir]

I have fished the Clackamas and Sandy for 28
years, and know both pretty darn well. If I
were you I would shy away from the Clackamas
being w/o a boat. There is little good bank
access, and your time would be much better
spent learning the Sandy. There is some good
access and fishing throughout Oxbow Park, I
also would check out some good water around Dodge Park, which is upriver from Oxbow. If
you feel like doing some hiking and getting to some good fising water I would advise you
to go fish the area below Marmot Dam. There
is some great water in that stretch, and I
have taken a great many Hatchery Steelhead
out of that stretch over the last 20 years,
and I don't go up there all that often. It is an area that does require some hiking, 1/2 mile or so each way to the River and back.
The Coast streams are good at times, but you have a whole lot more driving, and I for one would rather fish close to home and spend more time with my line in the water. If you
need further info feel free to e-mail me

[OR Coast Range]

Hi Drachir,

Thanks for the advice!

I fished the Clackamas all day on Saturday. There's a lot of water in that river! But it was a beautiful day. Its been a long time since I got a sunburn chasing winter steelhead! I explored the river below Estacada. Its a great looking river, but you are right - you need a boat to get to most of the holding water. I did have a good time fishing Eagle Creek though.

I had planned on exploring the Clackamas and the Sandy, but I was having too much fun fishing the Clackamas and never made it to the Sandy. I'll be out there next weekend though!

[Drachir]

Hi Chaser,

If you need any tips on the Sandy, let me know. I have found over the years of fishing the Sandy, the Steelhead in that system love Orange or Pink Pearl Corkies w/ white yarn. I have probably caught more Steelies with that set-up than anything else. At times I have used a little green yarn as well, and also a few caught w/ spoons or spinners. The Sandy in the Dodge Park & Marmot Dam areas is a lot of pocket fishing. Fish in behind boulders in current seams, & deeper slower pockets when there is faster water around. The Steelhead is a lazy fish and will seek areas where they can use up the least amount of energy. Keep that in mind and you should find some fish just waiting for your offering. One thing also to remember, when the water is low and clear, down size your hook size, leader wt.,
8# test, and also small baits and corkies. I have found that a single Jensen Egg on your hook will catch Steelies in very low clear water. I wish you luck, and keep me posted!