In addition to a bang-up run of Spring Chinook for the McKenzie & Willamette Rivers, fish managers are also forecasting a strong showing of summer steelhead for 2010 to arrive in the coming months.

Bright Winter Steelhead Always Bring a Smile

In recent weeks we have seen a huge percentage of Chinook Jacks in the catch mix in estuaries and rivers up and down the Oregon coast. This bodes favorably for next year's run of adult Fall Chinook! Meanwhile, silvers are making agreat showing as well, reflecting improved recent ocean conditions causing an upwelling of nutients which transitions through the entire marine food chain.

Among the traditional favorite crabbing spots along the Oregon coast are Coos Bay, Winchester Bay, Yaquina (Newport Bay), the lower Alsea at Waldport, and Bandon just to name a few. Coos Bay provides a wonderful mixed bag of fishing, crabbing, and clamming opportunites. With all the crab, tuna and silver salmon coming coming across the boat ramp, there was a waiting line yesterday at the fish cleaning station at Charleston. I am headed coastside in a few days where will be located just south of Bandon into September. From this location I can sample a number of great early Fall fisheries and crabbing areas including the mouth of the Rogue for Fall Chinook, the lower Coquille at Bandon, and Charleston (Coos Bay)for salmon fishing and crabbing.

The Mighty Rogue River in southwest Oregon is famous for Chrome Fall Fatties

An Umpqua Smalmouth succumbs to Tom Lindly's favorite crankbait.