Very few hatchery coho are left in the Sandy. This time of year, anglers should focus on the lower reaches of the river for their best shot at early winter steelhead. Fall Chinook fishing on the Sandy can be very good but all fish are likely to be unmarked and must be released unharmed. Float the river from Oxbow to Dabney and try traditional fall Chinook fishing techniques (wrapped kwikfish/flatfish, bobber/egg, spinners).

Anglers can find bank access to the Sandy River in several areas from Troutdale up to Brightwood. Lewis and Clark Park, Dabney Park, Oxbow Park, and Dodge Park all offer good spots for bank fishing.

USGS hydrological data for Dec 12 shows Sandy flows rising to 4,830 cfs, with a gauge reading of 11.19 feet and the water temperature on the Little Sandy at Bull Run still holding at a chilly 40° F.