River Fishing
Lakes In Oregon
Smoking Fish

Fishing For Fun

Umpqua River

Sturgeon

That's some sturgeon

43 pound Striped Bass

Smith River

Steelhead

Chinook Salmon

Getting ready to go catch the big one

Their catch was a 10 lb. Coho and a 4 lb. Chinook Jack

Oregon Coast River Fishing

My husband does most of his fishing on the Umpqua River and Smith River here in Reedsport. He fishes mostly for sturgeon, striped bass and some salmon. He also enjoys fishing the Columbia, Rogue and Willamette Rivers.

There are certain times that are better for fishing than others. The weather and the moon hold keys to being on the rivers when fish are more active, and, being on the water when the fish are active is important to your success in fishing.

Larry uses live bait such as herring and sand shrimp when river fishing.

The Umpqua River, is one of America's premier fishing rivers. Originating at Diamond Lake in the Cascade Mountains, the Umpqua flows through the Oregon Coast Range to meet the Pacific Ocean near Reedsport Oregon. The river contains a variety of fish species and supports year-round fishing. Boat ramps are numerous all along the length of the lower river. Winchester Bay, at the mouth of the river, is a major sport fishing destination and also has ocean charters. The upper two forks of the Umpqua River east of Roseburg are also popular for fishing.

Sturgeon are bottom feeders they fish with sand shrimp, herring and shad out of anchored boats. One often has to release the anchor to chase these monster sturgeon.

Larry uses a heavy action 7 foot rod with 35 pound test line outfitted with sliding sinkers and barbless hooks. Each person on the boat is allowed to keep one sturgeon from 30 inches to 54 inches and the state allows sturgeon anglers to catch and release after you have tagged your limit. Hooking into one of these Dino like fish is a blast! Sturgeon may be one of the best eating fish you have ever tasted. Sturgeon not only have great strength but it is not uncommon to see them jump during the battle.

Striped bass fishing is also very good. Striped bass are present in the Umpqua and Smith rivers the entire year. They are one of the hardest fighting fish in the river, but also one of the most difficult to locate and catch. When you do get one on, you better hold on because they are capable of taking a rod away from an unsuspecting angler!

Late March through May are considered the best months for catching stripers as they tend to school and feed heavily as they prepare to spawn. Casting or trolling with large plugs, plunking with a variety of baits or fishing live bait under a bobber are all techniques are used to catch the stripers. Striped bass average between 15 and 25 pounds with a chance at catching a fish weighing up to 80 pounds. A Smith River striped bass weighing more than 64 pounds still holds the world record for stripers caught while fly fishing.

Stripers are always on the move. You have to always be looking for them. You must look for the unmistakable sprays of water that they send skyward when they are feeding on the surface.

There are many different species of salmon. Chinook salmon (king blackmouth), coho salmon (silver), kokanee (sockeye), and steelhead which is actually a trout.

Chinook salmon common names: King salmon, tyee salmon, Columbia River salmon, black salmon, chub salmon, hook bill salmon, winter salmon and blackmouth.

The chinook salmon is blue-green on the back and top of the head with silvery sides and white bellies; black spots on the upper half of its body with gray/black mouth coloration. Up to 58 inches in length and weigh up to 129 pounds; although chinook salmon is generally up to 36 inches in length and weigh up to 30 pounds.

Chinook salmon is highly valued by commercial fishermen, despite their scarcity relative to other Pacific salmon along most of the Pacific coast. Chinook salmon is also an important subsistence fish and a valuable recreational resource.

Chinook salmon are typically divided into "races" with "spring chinook", "summer chinook", and "fall chinook" being most common.

Coho salmon common names: Silver salmon, hook nose salmon, blueback salmon, jack salmon, salmon trout, siverside salmon and white salmon.

The coho salmon is bluish-black with silver sides in saltwater; black spots on the back and upper part of the caudal fin. Smaller and slimmer than the chinook salmon; the inside of the mouth is gray or black with white gums. Coho salmon reach up to 38.5 inches in length and weigh up to 31 pounds; although they usually weigh between 6 to 12 pounds.

The fourth most abundant salmon species, coho salmon is a culturally and economically important resource, and an important subsistence fish.

Kokanee salmon are a land locked Sockeye salmon. They have a 4 year life cycle. Sizes are from 9 to 12 inches with fish in the 14 inch range expected by fall.

Kokanee salmon are targeted for taste . These are some of the finest eating fish in the area. It is a consumptive fishery that also serves as a food base for the Chinook Salmon.

The Smith River, is a 75 mile long major tributary of the Umpqua River. Unlike the Umpqua, which originated in the Cascade Mountains, the Smith River originates in the Oregon Coast Range and has the same character as other coastal strams such as the Siuslaw and Alsea Rivers to the north. The lower part of the river is influenced by the tides. Most angler fish for chinook salmon in the Fall, steelhead in the Winter, striper in the Spring through Summer, shad in May and June, and searun cutthroat starting in August.

Smith River steelhead fishing really takes off in the month of February. Steelhead are awesome fighters and give any angler a fun thrill. Smith River will produce steelhead in size from 8-15 pounds, with an occasional 20 pounder.

The scenery is simply breathtaking!!!

Simple Angling Ethics

* Know and follow all state angling rules and regulations.

* Protect Oregon's waters from pollutants and waste. Dispose of all trash, including fishing line and tackle, at collection stations or disposal sites. Keep Oregon's Rivers Clean!

* Ask first! Do not trespass on private land.

* Be courteous to other anglers, boaters, hikers and campers.

* Remember the warm water conditions can stress salmon, steelhead and trout. Seek cooler waters during summer months, especially early in the day.

* Clean angling equipment and boats. disinfect wading boots to prevent the spread of aquatic hitch hikers such as weeds and disease.

* Avoid actively spawning fish.

* Teach future generations how to enjoy and conserve Oregon's fish and their habitats.

* Report angling violations to the State Police.

Remember, poachers are nothing more than wildlife thieves whose actions can affect Oregon's fish and wildlife populations and future angling and hunting opportunities.

With both time and money at a premium for most families, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is creating fishing opportunities close to where people live in cities, towns and other population centers.

You can visit their web site at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us. It includes the latest information on fishing conditions on over 200 lakes, rivers, streams and reservoirs in Oregon.

Remember, while you are in a boat...Don't sit on your life jacket...WEAR IT! Not wearing it could cost your life.