Tackle & Tactics on the Wilson

[KilgoreTrout]

Howdy, I am new to this board and to fishing in Oregon. I am planning my first trip this weekend and am currently planning on fishing the Wilson in the Jones Creek area (I am camping and my map showed a campsite there). I am not familiar with how to fish for trout/salmon here in Oregon. I have plenty of rods/reels but most of my tackle is for largemouth bass. What commons baits are used (e.g. Spinners, worms, etc) and how are they fished? Have I picked a good spot to try?

Thanks,



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Dave Nelsen

[First Bite]

Dave
At this time of year there are lots of Steelhead in the upper river. Fishing for trout is catch & release only. There is a no bait restriction for the river (above tidewater) so you are limited to artificial lures and flies only. The water is low and clear so small spinners and/or jigs work best. First light is usually your best shot at getting a Steelhead. Target the riffles that lead into the pools. Good luck
Mark

[KilgoreTrout]

stlhdr, thanks for the info. I have some small spinners, but what type, color & weight of jigs do you recommend? Do you vary the retrieve speed letting the spinner/jig rise and fall?

Thanks,



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Dave Nelsen

[First Bite]

Dave
I make my own spinners that I use for Steelhead. This time of year size 0-2 with brass blades work fine. I use jigs under a fixed float. Vary the distance from the jig to the float according to the depth you're fishing. Sometimes that can be less then a foot. Black or any combo with black is a good choice. Again I use the smaller jigs like 1/16th oz head jigs. The smaller the presentation the better. Also spool up with 4-6# test and lighten up the drag. Hooking and landing a Summer run on 4# test can be a lot of fun. Go get em.
Mark