There are some but limited bank access points here on the lower river, and you might focus at a few public parks. Updated Apr. Fishing at the mouth of the river may be an option however, where most of the fish are likely to gather anyway. Best fishing will be as water levels begin to drop. Find out what the water level is before you head to the river. Last updated 9/30/20. The Clackamas is a fantastic steelhead river with strong runs of both winter and summer fish. Most of these fish, which run 5 to 10 pounds, are headed for Eagle Creek hatchery. Use of bait allowed April 22 – Oct 31, but beginning Nov. 1 anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. For more info on Clackamas River fishing click here! Steelhead in the Clackamas are largely absent anyway this time of year, the main run typically enters in mid to late February.… When the water is low like it is now I like to fish the Clackamas up at McIver for late summer steelhead but when the rains come and the river fills with leaves, I’ll quickly shift gears and hit the Oregon Fishing Club ponds for trout, which are on the bite as the water cools down. More recently, the Clackamas spring chinook originates from the Willamette stock, which has been released in the basin since the late 1950s. Feb 05, 2016 easton Armstrong 0. There is some natural reproduction, particularly in Clear Creek and Deep Creek. Fall chinook have not been stocked in the Clackamas since 1971. Draining off Mt. Fall chinook salmon were native to the Clackamas. In the fall, Chinook are present but this is not a major harvest fishery. Besides the higher mountain lakes on the Oak Grove Fork mentioned above, three reservoirs on the main river near Estacada are stocked with hatchery rainbow trout and at times offer a decent chance at catching your limit. There is good natural reproduction in lower river tributaries and in the upper Clackamas above North Fork Dam. There are wild trout in the lower river, but often not in impressive numbers. Oregon's Premier Sport Fishing Destination. With most hatchery fish done for the year, interest is low however. Fishing effort has slowed down. Traditional Chinook tribal territory is shown in dark green in the lower Columbia River basin, including the Clackamas River. Clackamas County’s stretch of this long river is one of the best fishing sections on this large river. The headwaters of the Clackamas River … Rivers remain high, but we’re coming into the season Clackamas River Fishing Reports – For the most part, flows have remained high on the Clackamas River, keeping anglers from pursuing early returning steelhead. In recent years, summer steelhead has been acclimated or stocked in the lower river which has significantly reduced the number of adults returning to the North Fork fish trap. They enter the Clackamas from November through January and spawn from January to April. The river boasts good runs of both Winter Steelhead and Summer Steelhead, and suits a swung fly very well. Full-day 7-8 hours of fishing. USGS hydrological data for DEC. 9 shows river flows have increased to 1,720 cfs, water temperature is 41F, and the gage height at 11.96 ft. Reported by: Oregon D.F.W Bob has fished this river since being a teenager well over 40 years ago and has come to know every turn, bend, and twist in the river like the back of his hand. Clackamas River Fishing Report October 28, 2016, Clackamas River Fishing Report May 15, 2016. But the wild populations declined from commercial fishing and from the inability to reach spawning grounds due to egg-taking operations and the failure of the Cazadero fish ladder. Clackamas River Water Level. Molalla River Molalla River. ODFW trout stocking scheduleODFW weekly recreation report and regulation updatesODFW annual fishing regulationsNational Weather Service forecasts, Find more fishing spots in Clackamas County. It is also one of Portland’s prime areas for year around fishing. Not surprisingly, the Clackamas is featured in our Best Winter Steelhead Fishing Near Portland and Best Summer Steelhead Fishing Near Portland. Clackamas River is a stream in Oregon, United States. During low-run years (unfortunately common at our last update), ODFW may close the river to salmon fishing. “Like” us on Facebook. Additionally, if you’re still learning to catch these big fish, take a read through our Salmon Fishing: Simple Techniques and Tips article. If you’d like to keep your catch, point your vehicle to the Oak Grove Fork between Harriet Lake and Timothy Lake, a stream section without salmon and steelhead. 0. The Clackamas River is a nearly 83-mile in length and is a tributary of the Willamette River in northwestern Oregon. There are two stocks of winter steelhead in the Clackamas. Boaters can fish long sections, thanks to a number of launches spaced at regular intervals throughout the lower sections. A major harvest fishery recommend that you check for the year, interest is low.! Take over streams and don ’ t be great for those seeking a catch and release.! This video, we head out to the River in 1970 ; Feb 05, 2016 a Rose favorite... The beginning of may and Clackamas River is at it ’ s prime areas for year fishing! 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