Technology has changes how and when we can access information and that has even impacted, my hobby fishing, significantly. In preparation for a trip, you no longer must rely on your local newspaper or news channels.
Thanks to our smart phones, this information is available to us anytime and anywhere. Learn which smart phone apps get you the information you need for your fishing trip in minutes!
Read MoreLast week Mark and I decided to go fishing on the Nestucca River. The morning was very cold but beautiful with a layer of snow covering everything. We didn’t even bother brushing the snow off our seats on the boat. There was so much snow inside the boat that we were able to create Wilson. Unfortunately as the morning went on, Wilson slowly melted. Even though our hands were frozen and we couldn’t feel our bodies, we had a blast. Thanks, Mark for another great adventure!
I wanted to take some time to make you aware of some boat safety. Being out on the water, whether it be a river or the open ocean, can be very dangerous. I have attached some videos that show what can happen if you are not careful/paying attention/prepared.
Please be safe out there!
Tis the season for catch and release sturgeon fishing. Some may not like this season, but I find it refreshing to be out on the water whether or not I can keep a fish or even if I am able to catch one. The other week Aaron and I went out fishing on the Willamette and to our pleasure, we got lucky enough to catch not one… but two sturgeon at the same time. It was a fun experience to catch a two-in-one and definitely made the trip that more memorable.
Recently, I spontaneously decided to go on a fishing trip. As I was packing up my truck, I saw my neighbor, Laura, and asked her what she was up to that day. She happened to be free, so I asked if she wanted to join me on the Willamette River.
We had a great time fishing for sturgeon--and we each caught several! It was fun to see Laura's enthusiasm and excitement as she battled the sturgeon.
Let’s go out fishing again soon, Laura!
We had a great time on the river last weekend. No fish, but we enjoyed the clear view of Mount St. Helens.
With both of our busy schedules it is hard time to find time to get together, but last Saturday we snuck out on the golf course for 18 holes and then went fishing. Rick was the big winner at golf AND in the river. Here are some photos from our outing.
This weekend my long-time friend of 25 years, Trevor, was in town and I wanted to take him salmon fishing. However, I did not realize that salmon fishing was closed until we got out on the water. It worked out fine because we were able to enjoy the sunset on the river.
And then for breakfast the next morning, Trevor found his long lost brother!
Overall, great time with an old friend!
For the last couple of years, my friend PJ has come up from Arizona to fish the Columbia River for Fall Chinook.
Last year, we landed six adults. This year, we landed 6 adults and 3 jack salmon.
Day One out on the River
We lost several others, but a great time was had - I'm already looking forward to next year!
Day Two's Catch
When I invited client Darin out to fish with me, I knew the weather was not going to be great, but I didn't know that it would rain the whole time!
But I think Darin forgot all about the weather when he was reeling in his first salmon!
Congrats on your catch, Darin!
Let me know when you can get out again!
I took current client, Jerome, out in search of some Fall Chinook on the Columbia River. Jerome made it a point to tell me several times, he doesn't care if he catches a fish, he just enjoys being out on the river.
The way he kept his eye on the pole, I knew he was ready for one.
Ten minutes after a bite that didn't stick, the rod buried and the fight was on!
After a not-so-short battle, Jerome's first salmon was in the net!
Congratulations on your first salmon catch!
We trolled for a while longer without hooking up and ran up-river a few miles before anchoring up on the outgoing tide.
It didn't take long before Jerome's second fish came knocking.
We forgot to take a pic on the boat, so here is one in the parking lot.
Jerome with his catch for the day
Good job on the limit, Jerome!
I had the opportunity to take past clients Dave and Fred out for a day on the river. Fred made the comment that he likes to fish, but doesn't do it often because he never catches anything.
On top of that, he had never caught a salmon before!
Fred and Dave on our fishing trip
The day started out slow. There were 30 boats around us and we had only seen one caught...that's when Fred's rod started to dance.
After a short fight, Fred brought the fish to the net like he's done it a thousand times
Fred with his first ever salmon catch
Congrats, Fred! Let me know when you can do it again!
Click to view.
Phil Lyman, Senior Loan Officer NMLS 218232, walks us through a total cost analysis.
February 29, 2016
It's been over 10 years since I've caught a February Spring Chinook Salmon, but that doesn't seem to stop me from trying. The last couple trips I've seen exactly one fish hooked (ended up losing it at the boat - Doh!). However, fishing early gets you primed for the peak of the season. Last weekend, I joined Steve for a boat ride.
We trolled the Spaghetti Factory line a few times without any luck. We moved up to Sellwood and heard there were a couple landed. The only excitement we encountered was the party on the Sellwood Bridge for the reopening.
They had an old fire boat out there to help celebrate.
February 23, 2016
I haven't seen Mark since our last Steelhead trip on the Wilson River 10 years ago. We don't get to fish together since he moved to California; however, he still texts for fishing reports like he is still in the game.
February 2016 - Fishing with Mark on the Nestucca
We were watching the weather and river levels closely leading up to our trip. It was going to be one of those trips where our arms were going to be sore from all the fish we catch. Our last trip we hooked 12. We were shooting for 15 this time. We woke up to blue skies and a green river. Everything was lining up.
Our fish didn't join the party until a couple hours into our trip. Mark was on the board first!
It was an hour or so later that I released a small wild fish (sorry, no pics). The next fish came along not long after. This time, it was not a small fish, but the biggest Steelhead I've ever caught! We estimated the weight at 16 or 17 lbs.
The fight lasted for what seemed like 15 minutes. We had to pull anchor and chase it downstream a good 300 yards. Mark tried his best to knock the fish off with the net, but I wasn't going to let this one go.
Big native steelhead
It ended up being a beautiful native Steelhead that we donated to the broodstock program.
Broodstock program donation
We ended up landing 5 and missing a few others. Not a record number of fish, but all were beautiful specimens.
Thanks again, Mark! Let's not wait 10 years for our next trip!
- Phil
November, 2015
Erik fighting a fish on the Lower Willamette River
Erik fighting a fish on the Willamette.
Phil fighting a fish on the Lower Willamette River
This May, I took past client Brett fishing on the Willamette in search of his first Oregon salmon. Brett moved here from Milwaukee, WI about a year and a half ago with his wife, Heidi. The day started off slowly, but pick up in a hurry! We got our only 3 bites in a 30 minute span. Unfortunately, we only converted one, but it was a nice one. Congrats on your first Oregon salmon, Brett!!!
He did a great job fishing, he helped run the boat and he was nice enough to share! Yum!
My neighbor loves to fish, but has very little experience fishing for spring Chinook on the Willamette. He had a trip planned with his good friend, Russ. The plan was to launch his boat and troll around the lower Willamette. The only problem, they didn’t have the right setups. I tied up a few prawn spinners and loaned them a couple poles for them to use. They managed one bite that didn’t stick. Oh well, that’s salmon fishing. Russ was nice enough to give me a growler of his homemade beer as a thank you. Thanks, Russ!!!
