Today was the start of smelt dipping on the Sandy. Anybody go by to take a look?
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced smelt fishing will be open on the Sandy River on Saturdays only March 1 - March 22 from 6 a.m. to noon. Fishing will be restricted to dip nets from the bank with a bag limit of 10 pounds per angler per day, with no more than one day’s limit in possession.
Stopped at my uncle's house across from Lewis & Clark Ramp. I watched for about 5 minutes and saw no fish, he fishes nearly every morning and has not seen any. Smelt in the Sandy are a complete crap shoot. There have been numerous years when there have been great runs on the Cow and Lewis, and the Sandy was a complete bust.
A few friends and I went dipping up on the Cowletz yesterday and limited in about 15 minutes. Since we had all the gear in the truck, we decided to check out the Sandy on the way home. There was nothing showing at the Halsey bridge, Lewis & Clark, or the airport. We watched some other folks actually dipping but there were no Smelt. Maybe next Saturday
From ODFW:
>>The Sandy River will be open for smelt dipping from the bank only each Saturday from 6 AM to Noon (6 hours) during March 1-22, 2014. The daily and possession limit is 10 pounds per person.<<
1/4 of a bucket, they pack in there pretty tight. Or use 2 one gallon freezer bags, just a little tricky getting them in, but a much more handy if you plan on freezing them (leave room to in-case them in ice of course).
Same report as of 4:30 this afternoon across from L&C boat ramp, no fish. Water is a bit high with over 3" of rain predicted for tomorrow in the Sandy area. Thursday looks very wet also. Saturday ain't lookin' too optimistic.
That last picture of the Smelt on the Cowlitz was right on the button, they are twice as thick as they were on Saturday, word is that we might get another crack at them Saturday, Meeting tomorrow will decide! Got a feeling a mess of them will appear in the Sandy very soon!
If anyone is wondering about Sandy Smelt you can probably call Mark at Marks Snack and tackle and I am sure he would be willing to give you a report. I think he's renting smelt nets for this season too.
Live report, looked at the river on the west side north of I84, not a thing seen swimming other than twigs and the occasion branch and limb. Admittedly hard to see in the water with increased flows and heavy rain drops.
Nothing at Lewis n Clark or north of the freeway as of 1000pm. Water is still flowing good, a little less murky than yesterday visibility less than a foot.
Some were out trying, none were seen catching. Maybe next week, ima keep looking in the river.
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