The Sandy as a fishery

[NWaddict]

Just interested in what people think of the Sandy river as a fishery these days. Not looking for hot spots, methods, or anything of that nature. I've fished the river for the past 5 or 6 years from marmot to the mouth and I have seemed to notice a slow decline of anglers. I know people who have fished the river for 20+ years who don't even seem to be interested in it anymore. Some people tell me that it is a decent spring chinook river and a not so great steelhead river. Personally, I have had varying amounts of success for both and I think that despite the river's close proximity to the city, it is still a river that has many places which receive little or no pressure and offer decent fishing opportunities. I know that in the 80's some considered it as premier fishery, I guess I'm just looking for people's current feelings on it.

Thanks.

[jkfrabel]

When I first started fishing the Sandy five years ago, I hated it. Now I love it, it's become my go to river. Close to home, great scenery and it produces lots of fish for me. Where else can you go 15 min away from Portland and stand a good chance of catching a 20-pound steelhead. Just my .02

[SteelieSteve]

I'm one of those that fished it for more than 20 years. Had great fishing in the 80's but changes in hatchery plants have slowed the steelhead catch which was always my target fishery. It does get some springers and fall silvers. I still fish it but it doesn't have the numbers of fish it once did. See you on the river.

[Sand Shrimp]

There are still plenty of steelhead in the Sandy.The summer run is just getting started and they are a joy to pursue.It's a better steelhead river than a salmon river.Steelhead seem to shoot through the lower section pretty quick so try fishing upriver for them.

[FishinMission]

I used to fish the Sandy alot and did very well.....but it got to be what I call "COMBAT" fishing. Seemed like every driftboat in the state of Oregon was there. Like fishing the Kilchis for fallies when the Wilson and Trask are blown. I'm just not into it. Don't go there. But I used to slay the summer steelies in the afternoon and early evening drifts right about now. It's nice later because most of the traffic's gone and done, and you have the river to yourself. Can't testify to the amount of fish there because I haven't fished it for years tho. Pretty area...I have to admit!!