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Lahontan Valley News/Fallon Eagle Standard, Saturday, September 27, 2003

BY DEBBIE SHARP PRODUCTION

Click here to read about "Wes's Fishing Report"

 

8-23-04

Fishing Report by Wes's Fishing Report, email address  wes@wescraigs.net or home phone # 1-775-423-5353.

Fishing in general has improved in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Brookings Oregon. Bottom fishing has been good and the fishermen have been able to locate schools of salmon offshore as well.
Make sure you turn back all Cabezon caught. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Committee closed the catch season on them since the catch tallies exceeded the tonnage allowed by the state of Oregon.
Brookings Harbor
The fishing off the coast Brookings has been good as long as the weather co-operates with the fishermen. With Salmon and Rockfish being taken, as close as, the buoys it’s hard to complain. They’ve even taken some large Squid.
There has been some good luck locating Chinook salmon between 25-30 pounds near the buoys. Bottom fishing is hot off Brookings. The fishermen have been doing good at the mouth of the Winchuck River to the south, also near House Rock and Twin Rock to the north.
Rogue River
For the fishermen trolling 4 to 6 miles off of Gold Beach fishing for Chinook, well, they have been doing very well. Most salmon have been in the 20-25 pounds, with some 30 and 40 pounders taken. The largest salmon taken this week was a 51 pounder.
What seems to be working well for the fisherman, who are trolling is using Herring. They are placing a flasher rig behind a diver or using a down rigger. They are trying to place the bait at a depth of 30 ft. Check with the local Sporting good shop in the area for up to date information before or after you get there. They are a great resource of information. Also, consider using a guide for a day and they are a great resource as well. After going out with them for the day you should know where and how to fish for the Salmon or bottom fish.
(I just went to Lake Tahoe with my brother and two of my uncles and we learned more on a half day charter then we would have on a week of fishing in our own boat with out a charter.)
The bottom fishing has been great off Gold Beach. The fishermen are catching lots of big lingcod near the reef.
In the bay the salmon are off again and on again. Once again, check with the local sporting good shops to see how the fishing is at the time your going fishing to decide if you’re going to fish in the bay or out in the ocean.
Steelhead are appearing in the river in the Agness area.
For those who like to Fly fish, try the lower Rogue. For Chinook, try the purple joe & the purple peril; the blue boy, which can be bought at the Rogue Outdoor Store; the black rogue & red ant and the brindle dog.
In general the fishing seems to be pretty good and this looks like a great time to plan a fishing trip to the area.
 

6-24-04

Fishing Report by Wes's Fishing Report, email address  wes@wescraigs.net or home phone # 1-775-423-5353.

Albacore tuna are just now starting to show up in southern Oregon this season. They are running 10 and 18 pounds. Albacore are about 50 to 60 miles out of Brookings harbor. At this distance they are to far out for most fisherman and their boats to get to. But, for the larger boats and the fisherman who want an adventure, this could be their opportunity. Just be sure your boat is in good condition and you have plenty of fuel to make the round trip. Ron Sutton commented about the two boats and the fishermen who went out and caught the first Albacore of the season in Oregon.

When boating or fishing with my 24 ft. cabin Cruiser or any boat I always use the 1/3 rule. I only use a maximum of one third of my fuel going out to the fishing grounds and trolling etc. while fishing, this way on a good day I should only use the second 1/3 of my fuel or less coming in to the harbor. If I do it right I should have at least 1/3 of my fuel left when I get to the dock. This should leave me plenty of fuel incase I should run into ruff seas getting back or to compensate for the current. In ruff seas you consume a lot more fuel then in calm seas, also the if the current is working against you or at an angle to your boat and your return destination you’ll have enough fuel to make it back to port or your launch destination. Be sure to carry a VHS radio in case of emergency. They probably won’t reach 60 miles to the US Coast Guard but they may reach another boat near by. Who can come to your assistance? Or, pass on the emergency call to the US Coast Guard.

Also, it’s always better to go out with another boat that will be fishing in the same area you will be fishing encase of an unexpected emergency.
Hopefully they well be coming in soon as the warm water current comes in closer to the coast line. This would allow the smaller boats to reach the schools of Albacore.

Their was a 43-pound Chinook salmon caught earlier this week using herring and a flasher, around 4 miles west of the harbor.
This may be the largest Chinook of the season to be taken out of Brookings Harbor.
 

5-2-04

Fishing Report by Wes's Fishing Report, email address  wes@wescraigs.net or home phone # 1-775-423-5353.

The ocean salmon season is open as of Saturday May 15th and fishermen launching from the Port of Brookings Harbor looking for the schools of Salmon lurking of the coast nearby.
With weather conditions helping anglers' success, with the ocean on the several day being calm. The fisherman have being able to try their luck mornings and afternoons on the calm days.
This year's opener has been far better to last year’s, with much larger fish being caught.
Salmon are scattered right now, many fishermen are headed out to sea as far as 10 miles. Most anglers are catching their king salmon about seven miles off shore, and anywhere from 30 to 100 feet down.
A 31 pound Chinook was caught the other day. Some halibut have been caught fishing out of North Bend.
Some of the fishermen have reported catching most salmon on anchovies, using plastic nose holders with a pin to keep the bait on.
There are plenty Bottom fish being caught, with many people catching their limits of rockfish and lingcod.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) officials have been reminding fishermen that all canary rockfish and Yelloweye rockfish must be released. Anglers found any these fish in possession risk a fine.
 

2-17-04

Fishing Report By Marc Fenton Owner of CAL/OR River Guide Service, (1-541-469-3945.)
 

Hi Wes '

The rivers are blown out today but the fishing has been good on all of them. A 24# steeley was caught on the smith. I just got a 20# on the Smith my self. Springers are just around the corner if you’re here I'll take you.

Thanks Marc

Marc I hope to take you up on that fishing trip!!!

1-19-04

Fishing Report By Marc Fenton Owner of CAL/OR River Guide Service, (1-541-469-3945.)
 

Hi Wes,

The fishing is good on the Smith Chetco Elk and Sixes. I've been on the Smith Doing well.  A 15 & 17 lately. The rivers have been in and out due to high water. There have been some big fish 20 & 21 on the smith. Bank and boats are both catching. 

Tight lines, Marc

11-30-03

Fishing Report By Marc Fenton Owner of CAL/OR River Guide Service, (1-541-469-3945.)

Hi Wes,
The Chetco and Smith Rive both came way up with this last storm. I caught a 33 & 35 pounder in the last two days. This water should suck a lot of the waiting salmon up. Somebody caught a 20# steelhead on the Chetco River Friday. I have seen steelhead in the Chetco my self although have not yet fished for them that’s coming soon. There are an awesome amount of Salmon spawning beds on the Chetco River. The rivers are now dropping and should fish well.

See ya round. Marc

11-20-03

Fishing Report by Wes's Fishing Report and  Cydne's "THE FISHING ZONE"  1-775-423-2077.

Rogue River

Good numbers of fresh winter steelhead are starting to show up in the lower Rogue.  A few late Chinook’s are present in the lower Rogue River well.

Steelhead limit is still two adult fin-clipped steelhead a day.

Coho fishing is slow, even thou large numbers of fish are making their way up the river. Remember only fin-clipped Coho may be kept as part of the limit of two salmon or steelhead a day or two in combination for a total of two.

CHETCO - The river is still low, but the fishermen have only done far fall Chinook from Loeb Park downstream to the mouth of the river, so far.  The salmon are dark and ready to spawn, their edibility is poor.  Water levels are still dropping.  Hopefully the weather will co-operate and bring some needed rain to the area

The Ocean off Brookings

Crabbing is excellent just outside the bay in Brookings, the near-shore waters are full of crabs right now.  Don’t forget the daily limit is 12 male crabs.

Marc Fenton Guide Service offers some of the greatest some trips on the for the Rogue River’s unique Steelhead fishery. In September and October world famous "Half Pounders" {12 to18 inch juvenile Steelhead} and summer run Steelhead are in the river. The area around Agness Oregon is noted for this fishery. Holding of only fifty U.S.F.S permits and being one of only a very few guides offering to fly-fish these waters, this is an opportunity that any fly fisherman won’t want to pass up.  So set a side some time for next years fishing trip and make reservations as soon as possible before he is booked up.

If your fishing with Marc on one of his trips up the Rogue River near Agness,  I would recommend having Marc take you up to the Agness store.  It's a great opportunity to  stretch you legs and get something to drink or snack on a see one of the quaint old time still store/fishing tackle shops.  The owners are some really down to earth folks who are familiar with the area and are just plain friendly.

 The upper Chetco River is a total sleeper. He is a holder of another U.S.F.S. permit (one of only forty.)  HE has access to some of river’s water that has very light fishing pressure. Due to catch and release of all wild Steelhead on the Chetco River, most people stay down lower where the hatchery fish are released and return to. The upper Chetco is good now and it will get better with each returning run. Marc’s Guide Service will offer world-class fly-fishing here in. The Steelhead in this river run up to 20 pounds (river record is 27+ pounds.)  Marc has multiple day trips with first class lodging available on all the rivers.

Since January, February and March is just around the corner make sure you get your reservations for one or more of these trips in by calling 1-541-469-3945.

One of the great pleasures of having Marc as a guide is if your a beginner or never fly fished before he will take the time to give you some tips to help you to improve you fly fishing techniques and help you to be more confident and that can lead to having a more enjoyable day fishing.  

11-12-03

Fishing Report By Marc Fenton Owner of CAL/OR River Guide Service, (1-541-469-3945.)

Hi Wes, Chetco is low clear and there are fish in most holes that moved up due to rain over weekend. Smith is the same. They did open the smith up Tuesday and fish were caught up river, I had a double one 20 one 30 plus jacks and one other adult on Tuesday. Some silvers and a few Chinook on the Rogue plus some winter steelhead and half pounders. A few fish were caught in the Chetco bay trolling today. Tight lines Marc.

11-5-03

Fishing Report By Marc Fenton Owner of CAL/OR River Guide Service, (1-541-469-3945.)

The Chinook on the Smith and Chetco rivers are holding in holes and at the mouth of the rivers.  Around Thanksgiving will be the peak of the Salmon season on these rivers and will taper off around Christmas.  Then the Steelheads will start showing up until the end of march with the prime Steelhead fishing being around January and February.

11-4-03

Fishing Report by Wes's Fishing Report and  Cydne's "THE FISHING ZONE"  1-775-423-2077.

Chetco River

Be sure to check and see if the fishing at Chetco has been shut down temporarily until the river flow rises before you fish there.  There is discussion by ODFW to temporarily shut the river off to fishing to help the Shinook Salmon stocks to have a better chance of surviving during this low water period we are in.   This decision should  be made Wednesday November, 5.  Check with the ODFW or local sporting good store.

10-18-03

Fishing Report by Wes's Fishing Report and  Cydne's "THE FISHING ZONE"  1-775-423-2077.

Guy Oliphant caught this 58.6-pound Chinook salmon on Saturday 10-18-03 on the Chetco River. The fishermen are out on the river as salmon make their annual spawning run.

10-08-03

Fishing report by Don Owner of Don's Gas & Auto parts at 15880 Hwy 101, Klamath, CA.  1-707-482-88315.

The Klamath River has  been producing some nice Salmon lately and there are still lots of Salmon in the River.  The best things to use are Kastmansters, Silver & Gold 1/2 to 3/4 oz. and Roe.  Good Luck!

10-08-03

Fishing report by Sharon Maxwell at Lex's Landing on the North side of the Rogue River (1-541-247-0909.)

The Rogue River is still producing some nice Salmon, 50 lb. the other day and 54 lb. today.  The Rogue River Should keep producing some nice for a while longer.

10-08-03

Fishing report from Dennis B. Salanti with Strictly Salmon Plus Charters (Toll Free 1-866-682-6394.)

The fishing is good as far as Salmon right now of the coast of Brookings, OR.  You can only fish for Salmon out to the three mile line.  Also Salmon fishing for the sportsmen will end on Oct. 12, 03.  Some nice 50 pounders have been caught so far.

The Chetco River should be doing better since we had some rain.  We were on the Chetco today and brought four Salmon to the boat and boated one.  So start looking to the Chetco to start producing some nice Salmon.

9-28-03

Fishing Report By Marc Fenton Owner of CAL/OR River Guide Service, (1-541-469-3945.)

Hi Wes, The Rogue is going strong with big fish being caught. Sat someone caught 54# Chinook. There are some silvers showing up. The Chetco is producing some big fish down in the bay 40 & 50 #. People are trolling the same gear as the Rogue. Half pounder fishing is good in the Agness area of the Rogue. The mouth of the Smith river is Producing lots of Chinook. Tight lines Marc.

9-27-03

Fishing report by Sharon Maxwell at Lex's Landing on the North side of the Rogue River (1-541-247-0909.)

PAUL DIETRICH FISHING WITH ROSS BELL GUIDE SERVICE CAUGHT THIS 54 3/4 POUND CHINOOK THIS MORNING. THIS IS PAUL'S FIRST SALMON AND THE BIGGEST WEIGHED IN AT LEX'S LANDING SO FAR THIS YEAR.

9-26-03

Fishing report by Don Owner of Don's Gas & Auto parts at 15880 Hwy 101, Klamath, CA.  1-707-482-88315.

Don said the Klamath River is still loaded with Salmon from the mouth of the river up quite a ways.  It appears the Salmon are going to be there through the end of October '03.  He will let us know if it changes.  His daughter Kathy said that he was going to try his luck this afternoon.1-707-482-88315.

9-24-03

Hi Gang,
Got lucky and got another good one yesterday---36" female that weighed 28#. Not quite as large as the last one but close.

Had a larger one ( I think) on and it broke my line. Trying again tomorrow.  See Picture below.

Roger

9-18-03

Fishing report by Don Owner of Don's Auto parts on Hwy 101, Klamath, CA.

Don said the Klamath River is full of Salmon from the mouth up to Orleans, CA.  The fishermen are catching limits and using large spinner blades and jigging Gold colored Kastmasters.  Good Luck and have Fun.

9-12-03

Fishing Report by Roger Semin from Coos Bay, OR.

Hi Gang,
Caught this one yesterday. Trying again today. Love it here on the coast.  Roger caught this in the Coos Bay, OR area North of Brookings, OR.  See picture below.

9-6-03

Fishing report from Dennis B. Salanti with Strictly Salmon Plus Charters (Toll Free 1-866-682-6394.)

Friends,

Friday and Saturday the salmon fishing has been fantastic,,,, virtually every boat on the water limited out....

Our boats left at 6:30 and were back on the docks by 9:30 with limits. In fact that was after catching and releasing smaller fish waiting for bigger keepers.....

I am attaching the pictures of a couple caught. Salmon season closes on Sept 14th.

King Chinook season opens Oct. 1-15th.... Last year a 72 and 69 lb salmon were caught as an Oregon and the 69lb caught out of Crescent City.

Bottom Fishing has stayed good and is on all year.

Fred Salanti
South Coast Fishing
866-916-6900
 

9-5-03

Fishing Report by Wes's Fishing Report and  Cydne's "THE FISHING ZONE"  1-775-423-2077.

Boy Wednesday September 3rd. was one day the locals and the US Coast Guard won't forget for a while!!!

The wind came up suddenly and the boat started calling in for help on the VHF and CB radios and flares started going off.  Many boaters were caught of guard and were in serious trouble.  The fishing being good was soon forgotten and many of the boaters  were still out when the wind came up whished they would of come in earlier or even stayed home.  With the US Coast Guard doing what they do best, choosing the most serious and most life threatening situations 1st and coming to their aid.  Then helping those who were still in trouble but not in a  life threatening situation yet.  My hats off to the US Coast Guard and the Great Job they do!!!

There were other boaters came to the aid of those boaters who were in trouble, in their area they were in,  who lost power or need help and a tow in.  These boaters who came to the aid of those who needed help are no less than heroes in my opinion.  But I find this as a norm for the fishermen/women who own a boat and are near someone who is in trouble.  My hats are off to you as well!!!

**In the near future I will write and article concerning these types of situations.  Giving my opinion and experiences that will hopefully be helpful.  In fact the last time was in the beginning of August '03, yep just last month at Shelter Cove, CA.  I should have that experience on the fishing report "Lost Coast Fishing Report" by next week.  Right know I'm only on Wednesday's fishing experience and the incident happened on the following Monday.**

Klamath River

Fishing report from Don owner of Don's Auto Parts & Garage and Hardware in Klamath, CA off of Hwy. 101.

The Klamath River is full of Salmon  from the mouth of the Klamath River to Orlean, CA.  The fishing is great!  the locals are using Row or jigging Gold Kastmaster.  Most fishermen/women are catching limits.

We hope Don will be a regular contributor to the fishing report.

9-4-03

Fishing report from Dennis B. Salanti with Strictly Salmon Plus Charters (Toll Free 1-866-682-6394.)

Dennis said " we caught a 36 1/2 lb. Salmon today on the Rogue River.  Best time to fish is 2 hours before and 2 hours after high tide.  The ocean has been rough.  But when the seas cooperates we've been catching everyone's limits of Blacks and Lingcod's.   The best bottom fishing has been around House Rock, Twin rocks and Arch Rock.  Salmon in the ocean are out around 11 miles and are being caught around 50 - 60 ft down."

8-26-03