UMPQUA RIVER STEELHEAD
(Elkton) Steelhead fishing has hit high gear on the Umpqua River at least in terms of wild fish. Relatively few hatchery fish have shown up. Only fin clipped hatchery fish can be retain on the Umpqua at this time.
Recent rains have made for exceptional fishing conditions on the Umpqua, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. In the lower section of the mainstem, anglers are catching and releasing solid numbers of wild fish averaging 7 to 8 pounds and ranging up to 19 pounds. Side drifting with eggs and puff balls has been the top tactic, but plug anglers are catching fish too.
On the north Umpqua, the steelheading is rated as good. As of the middle of January about 1,500 winter steelhead had crossed Winchester Dam and solid numbers of fish have arrived since then.
The south Umpqua opened for steelhead fishing on December 1 and the action has been good. Fish are being caught from Canyonville down to River Forks. Some hatchery fish have shown in the Canyonville area.
The number of hatchery fish is expected to increase significantly next season. Last year 91,000 hatchery smolts entered the system and this year the number was increased 100,00.