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What's ahead for the 2007 Oregon fishing season? My 2005, 25 foot Alumaweld is outfitted with a 225 hp Mercury 4-stroke outboard and 9.9hp trolling motor. This new boat comfortably fishes 6 people and with more rods in the water, more fish will end up in the fish box! This new "fish-n-ator" proved itself worthy in the 2006 season and now that it is "broken in", should only become a more e-fish-ient tool! Wild winter steelhead - this has been one of Oregon's most stable fisheries. Drifting down a scenic north coast stream in pursuit of wild steelhead can be one of the most exciting experiences I offer. I only book 2 people per guide boat and we'll fish either the Necanicum, Nehalem, Kilchis, Trask or Nestucca Rivers for wild fish. The Wilson and Nestucca has a mix of wild and hatchery fish available. We use a variety of techniques depending on water conditions and 2 to 8 fish days are common! Most of the fishing is catch and release except for a chance on the Wilson or Nestucca Rivers for an occasional brute hatchery fish! The weather is usually nicer, the fish more aggressive and the crowds are fishing somewhere else this time of year. Late February through mid-April is prime time! Spring chinook - Although opportunity will exist for the Columbia River spring Chinook, the run isn't expected to be as large as previous years. If I generate some interest here, I may do a week during peak run timing on the lower Columbia. The time to target will be April 1st - 24th. I anticipate between 2 and 6 chances for a full day effort with 4 to 6 people aboard. The weather should be nice and the fishing is quite relaxing! Tillamook Bay follows on the heals of this fishery where the fish are of even better quality but average bigger. This fishery has been more consistent in recent years and the scenery more than makes up for the effort. I will only fish in Tillamook for about 4 weeks this season, from May 1st - May 31st so book early for Tillamook. Hogs tipping the scales towards 40 pounds are taken nearly every season. We'll use spinners like we do in the fall making for an extra challenge on light gear! Columbia River Sturgeon - Seasons will be more restrictive this year so you had better book early to get in on this bonanza! We are expecting another great season where 15 to 30 fish days are common but last year we had days where we landed over 50 fish! These excellent eating fish are a nice bonus to all the action you are likely to witness on a typical day of sturgeon fishing. May 15th - July 4th offer the best opportunities for catch and keep fishing. Catch and release fishing for sturgeon is also an option after the 4th of July. Although you won't get to take one home, the river will be almost void of competition making for better fishing! I also have discounted rates for these days. Garibaldi Ocean or Nehalem Chinook Bonanza - Garibaldi ocean salmon season will be decent this year and Nehalem Bay is a wonderful alternative! Last year, the ocean fishery gave up some quality chinook and coho just a few miles offshore. If the crabbing is any good, we'll put out the pots for the grand slam action! The fishery will be taking place during the month of July and the first part of August. This is peak tourist season so book these seats really soon! Ocean and Columbia River Salmon - It's all shaping up nicely for the highest action of the year! The forecast for Columbia River coho is for around 400,000 fish along with another 400,000+ chinook at Astoria. How can you miss with these numbers? Action should be great throughout the month of August and the first half of September for salmon. This is my quickest booking season so be sure to get your seats early for this hot fishery! Tillamook Bay Fall Chinook - It's not too soon to look at Tillamook Bay for the biggest salmon that swim Oregon. We had a great return of 4 & 5-year old fish in 2006! Although this fishery has no predictions, with the number of fish we saw last season, we should see ample numbers of fish again this year. The bulk of the run will be made up of 4 and 5 year old fish. We averaged 2 to 5 fish/trip in 2005 and we should see similar results in 2007. Mid September - November is peak time on Tillamook Bay! Our fisheries are back because of a favorable ocean and outmigration conditions. Take advantage of the best opportunities we have seen in decades! Call or email me ASAP with your questions and remember that earlier reservations get the better dates! Quit wishing and go fishing!
CALL NOW IF YOU PLAN TO FISH THIS YEAR, Call Bob Rees at: (503) 377-9696 or I hope to get the opportunity to fish with you this year!
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Bob Rees * 503.377.9696 * Tillamook, Oregon
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