Advice for fishing the Clack

Anyone want to help out a new steelheader? My daughters and I have been powerbaiting for trout for a long time, but about a year ago I decided to get into real fishing. I got a couple of Chinook at bouy 10 in August with a guide and pulled one Coho out of the Clack in September, but I have not found that elusive steelhead yet. I went out on the Clackamas Thursday and again this morning, but no action at all (even though the trusty Oregonian and even the Guides Forecast claimed good odds). Any advice for bank angling on the Clack? What is the best water level and where are some good spots for a newbie? Today I drifted at the Carver bridge, Eagle Creek, and Cross Park.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks - jeff

[rags]

Jeff,
Try fishing bobber and jigs. Pink and white jigs work well for Steelhead in the Clackamas. Just below the Carver bridge is a good spot off the bank for jig fishing. One sure way to hook your first Steelhead on the Clack is hire Dave Johnson. He could probably get you into some fish and show you some good bank locations.

Rags - thanks for the reply. That was actually what I was doing yesterday (bobbers and jigs under the Carver Bridge) so it makes me feel better that my methods were good. I did not see anyone land a fish anywhere, however, so maybe the river just was not putting out yesterday. Is the Clack to low and clear? Do you know what water level or clarity is best for the Clack? Should I hope for rain or hope for more dry days ...

thanks - jeff

[Pete]

Jeff,
Nice to see another new face ... especially a dad who takes his daughter's fishing!

It sounds like you are in the right place with the right gear to catch steelies. Experiment a little with presentation; change the depth of your jigs, change the size, change the color and try a little scent. Something like shrimp oil may get a mouth to open up for you!

Thanks for the advice Pete - I will try different things. I also tried drift gear and spinners, but no luck.

I do like to taky my girls fishing. My oldest is almost eight, and next year I think she will be big enough to join me for steelhead or salmon - I tried once this year, but her attention span was not quite long enough to endure the hours of no action. My other daughter is three and I have one more on the way due in April (another girl). A few years from now I will be taking my entire clan of young fisherwomen out with me. Hopefully by then I will be able to teach them a thing or two.

I will be watching the reports for news on the Clack and will try again next weekend if the water levels are good.

- jeff

[David Johnson]

Blanks,

Check out my report from this weekend. There are fish and it's not too low or clear. Just got to know were to look.

If you are banking you're odds are better the higher you go as there is less water for the fish to be spread out in.