Both wild and hatchery winter steelhead are beginning to be caught in better numbers, which is promising for the weeks to come. There are still some late returning wild coho in the system, but fishing pressure has largely dropped off. PGE has had a record number of coho through their fish passage facility this season, which keeps us hopeful for great returns in coming years. At the hatchery they were still seeing some coho and summer steelhead swimming in.

Currently the river is on a hard drop and will soon be low and clear, but with each passing rain event the likelihood of steelhead arriving in good numbers increases. Plunkers near the mouth have been finding some success in the Willamette.

It may be early in the season, but in many ways now is a great time to get out and fish. The rivers are not crowded and any winter steelhead you catch will likely to be bright and fresh from the ocean, a better eating and better fighting specimen. Not to mention you may run into a few coho along the way. No matter what the report or river condition might be, you can’t catch fish at home and time spent on the water will always lead to greater success. 

USGS hydrological data readings from the Estacada gauge near Milo McIver State Park. Hydrologic data and river forecasts can also be accessed on the NOAA/National Weather Service NW River Forecast Center -- NW River Forecast Center.