Steelhead Starting to Show

Greetings Anglers,

Winter steelhead are starting to show in good numbers on the Oregon Coast. These are just two of the several wild beauties hooked earlier this week. All your favorite techniques will work on these aggressive fish.

Here's this week's Siuslaw News story...

High Water Options for Steelhead and Salmon

We’ve all been there – you work hard all week and wait anxiously for the weekend. It starts raining Thursday night and pours all day Friday. By Saturday morning, your favorite river is 5 feet higher than you like to fish it and the color of café latte. Most fisherfolks would give up, but I say that’s a mistake! You can still catch fish under these conditions. I’ve had some of my best days during high water, when other anglers are still cleaning out the garage, or, even worse, sitting on the couch. There are few things more satisfying than catching fish when others think you’re crazy for even trying.

The “Whys” and “Wheres” of High Water Fishing
Simply put, you fish during high water because its when fish are moving. High water makes it easier for fish to navigate barriers such as falls and rapids. Rain is the cue for salmon and steelhead to move upriver for spawning. You can’t count on being able to find the fish as you would under normal water conditions. Let the fish find you. Also, forget about those favorite runs and drifts where the fish will be when the river drops and clears. Fish moving upstream will choose the path of least resistance, meaning they will be moving right along the bank, often within 10 feet of shore. There are several reasons for this. Salmon and steelhead will choose the path of least resistance. Moving along the bank means the fish are staying out of the main flow, which means they are using less energy. Imagine being faced with either moving slowly through the blackberries or taking a game trail, my guess is you will take the trail! Also, the softer flows available along the shore means less sediment in the water, which makes it easier for the fish to respire. Salmon and steelhead moving along the shore will be especially true in rapids. With high winter flows, the edge of the river might be the only place these fish will be able to move upstream. Concentrate your efforts near or in rapids, and very near the bank. These are the areas through which the fish will move.

Please join me next week as I talk more about high water options for salmon and steelhead.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Reduce The Limit For Wild Salmon and Steelhead

Fall chinook runs on the Oregon coast this year are very depressed. As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, fish runs in world-famous fisheries such as the Rogue River, Umpqua River and Tillamook Bay are so low that it’s caused alarm bells to go off with the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. This fall’s poor run comes on the heels of terrible spring chinook numbers on the Rogue, Umpqua and in the Willamette Valley.

You might say, “Hey, I got my fish out here in the river. I saw a bunch of fish caught. What’s the big deal?” Remember, the fall chinook run on the Siuslaw was one of the strongest on the Oregon Coast, but was still only an estimated 30% of last year’s run. Spawning fish estimates throughout the basin show that this year’s run is very poor. I’ve seen it myself on Knowles Creek: I’ve been walking the entire lower creek which is a traditional chinook stronghold. And very few fish are around. In years past, by this point in the season I would have seen 200-300 fall chinook and dozens of redds. This year it’s been less than 20 chinook and less than 10 redds.

This is bringing me around to the point of my article – that it’s time to reduce the statewide limit for wild salmon and steelhead.

How Many Fish Do You Really Need?
If an angler filled their salmon/steelhead tag exclusively with fall chinook (20 fish) at approximately 25 lbs. each that equates to 400 lbs of fish. If you only got 35% fillet (you’d probably get more), that is 175 lbs. of pure meat. A person could eat a ½ pound of salmon almost every day of the year (350 days). Believe me, experience tells me that nobody is going to do this. I got sick of eating salmon every day after just a couple of months. I don’t care how many different recipes you have. Someone out there is going to say “I have a family to support and I depend on those fish.” Fine. Take your wife and kids fishing with you and you’ll still have enough salmon to stuff the whole gang.

Drop The Limit To 10 Wild Fish Per Season
Ten wild salmon or steelhead per season is more than enough. The remaining 10 spots on the tag could be used for halibut, sturgeon or hatchery fish. And if 10 salmon aren’t enough for you, buy a Hatchery Harvest Tag which allows you to harvest 10 more hatchery salmon and steelhead. The cost is $12 and there’s no limit on the number of tags you can buy.

We as anglers and lovers of the resource owe it to the fish to do everything we can to make sure runs remain strong. This is something easy we can do to help save our fish runs. So many times in the past we’ve over-used a resource until it was too late. We shouldn’t let individual greed and the attitude of “I’ve got to get all that’s coming to me” destroy something we all love.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

2nd Annual What To Get The Angler On Your List for Christmas

With the holiday season just around the corner, its time to think about the angler on your gift list. Last year’s list was geared toward the angler in the family while this year’s list includes some gifts that the whole family can enjoy. These items will add to the experience on the water and help you capture those great times. These are things no fisherman should be without.

Digital Camera. Want to see if that picture of your big bass or trophy trout turned out? Find out instantly with a digital camera. Prices have come down significantly over the past few years on quality cameras. The software is easily downloaded on your computer and you can share photos with family and friends around the world. Olympus, Sony, Canon and several other manufacturers make quality cameras that are very user friendly. Got no one to send a picture to? Send ‘em to me, I love looking at fish pictures.

Binoculars. During my trips on the rivers and coastal lakes this year, my guests and I have seen elk, deer, bear, otters, beavers, weasels, mink, seals, eagles, osprey, hawks and all sorts of waterfowl. A great day on the water can be made even better by having a small pair of binoculars on the boat. Also, they’re handy for checking out other boats and what they’re using for bait. Bushnell Corp. (www.bushnell.com) is a quality American manufacturer that has a great product line.

Inflatable PFD. This item made the list last year, and it made it again this year. A PFD is an absolute necessity on the water. Stearns Sospenders® are lightweight and more comfortable than any other flotation device out there. Plus, they can save your life. What better gift is there? www.stearnsinc.com

Salmon Trolling Rod and Reel. The Berkley® Air® IM-7 rod, rated extra heavy, 15-50 lb. test (www.berkley-fishing.com) teamed with the Abu Garcia® Ambassadeur® C3 model 6500 (www.abugarcia.com) is a great salmon trolling combo. The rods are strong enough to take on the biggest fall chinook, yet sensitive enough to let you know when a fish is just starting to chew on your herring. The reels have large capacity spools and a clicker. This is a great setup for the price.

Bucket Potty Seat. Sometimes you’re a long way from a bathroom and instead of pulling off when the bite is on, just go right in the boat! The Bucket Potty Seat is a 5-gallon bucket with a secure toilet seat that, if you have one on the boat, will let your guests piddle comfortably while you keep the baits in the water. It’s available online through West Marine, www.westmarine.com (type in Model # 597443). Just make sure to put the lid down when you’re finished.

Rain Bibs. Grundens® Hercules® 16 bib pants are a necessity if you’re going to get wet. I pretty much live in mine all fall and winter when I’m in the boat. They’re tough, completely waterproof and will last for years. This is the stuff the professionals use. Try them out and you won’t go back. www.grundens.com.

These are just a few of many ideas that any Oregon angler will use. If you still aren’t sure, give me a call and we can talk about some more gift ideas.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

High Winds Make Fishing Tough

Hello Anglers,


Weather conditions over the past few days have made silver fishing on the lakes difficult. High winds made fly fishing impossible, and it was tough trolling too. We've had close to 5 inches of rain since Thu the 15th, which means once conditions allow, the lakes should be full of silvers.





Phil Gilman came up from California and fished with me for 3 days. We fly fished for silvers, with limited results. We only managed trout in tough conditions. Switching over to spinners, we had better success. We hooked several fish, landed jacks and trout, and landed a nice silver.

Here's this week's Siuslaw News story...

Trolling for Coho Salmon In the Lakes

Within the next few weeks, Coho salmon will start moving into Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes in greater numbers. We here on the central coast are fortunate enough to have the only wild Coho fishery in Oregon. These fish are aggressive and easier to catch than their larger cousins (Chinook).

Why Trolling?
Trolling is the best way to cover water and increase your chances of finding aggressive fish. You constantly have your offering in the water and at the level where fish will find it. Trolling also puts your presentation down to the right depth quickly and efficiently.

Rods, Reels and Line
When trolling, consider using a medium action rod/reel combination spooled with 15 lb. test line. A medium action rod allows for good plug action and makes for a fun fight once a salmon is hooked. I use a 7 ft. rod so I can net the fish easily by myself. If you use a longer rod, it makes netting difficult. Levelwind or baitcasting reels are made for trolling. Attach a barrel swivel to the main line and attach 4 feet of lighter leader (10 or 12 lb. test). Again, lighter line (and tackle) allows for greater plug movement.

What Plugs To Use
While many different plugs and spinners work, I use Wiggle Warts™, Hot Shots™ and Brad’s Wigglers™ more than any other. I have a selection of colors including pink, orange, blue/silver, green/silver and silver. I recommend changing colors often to find the plug the fish are taking. In order to change plugs without re-tying, tie a locking snap or snap swivel on the end of your leader.

Where To Look for Fish
The first thing to do is look at a map of the lake you’ll be fishing. Notice the “arms” or coves of the lake into which tributaries drain. That’s where the salmon will eventually end up – they’re going to head up those tributaries to spawn. The salmon will mill around in these arms until enough rain falls to raise stream levels. On one lake, look for names such as Fiddle and Maple, and on another lake look for names like Five Mile and Leitel. These names will point you in the right direction.

Final Thoughts
Take a buddy or two fishing with you. You can run different plugs and find what the fish want. Another great location to find fish is in the lake adjacent to the outlet. All fish heading into the lake will be moving right past you (at some point). Try letting out 40-60’ of line when trolling. This will maximize the depth at which the plug will dive and keep you out of the weeds.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Rain Will Help Silver Fishing

Hello Anglers!
This week's rain should help the silver fishing in the lakes. I'll be out several times next week fishing for silvers with fly gear. I'll post updates later this week.
Here's this week's Siuslaw News story...
Snaggers Steal From All Of Us

The rains a couple of weeks ago moved many chinook up river. For a while, great fishing was had in many of the deeper holes and slots from Deadwood all the way down Lake Creek and on the mainstem Siuslaw. Now that the river has dropped down to pre-rain flows, opportunities for snagging salmon are all over the place. Salmon may be trapped in some holes by low water making them an easy target. Let’s talk a little bit about why this is so sickening.

Snagging For Eggs
Many snaggers are not after the salmon to feed their families, since many fish easily seen are marginal at best. They’re after big female fish with eggs. They’ll cut the fish open, take the eggs, and throw away the rest of the fish in some location where it’s unlikely to be found. Pretty disgusting. Snaggers often target fish on their spawning beds, where they will sit for long periods and, when disturbed, will return to the same spot. Maybe the saddest part about this whole thing is that the eggs aren’t high quality, either. Eggs in dark fish are often loose (single eggs) since the skein diminishes before the female salmon deposits them in the nest. So just like that, a snagger taking a fish off the spawning gravel has literally destroyed thousands of eggs.

Time To Close Upper Siuslaw and Lake Creek?
It may be time that ODFW consider closing portions of Lake Creek and the Siuslaw until later in the season. I realize that many salmon fishermen without a boat depend on fishing these areas, and that fresh salmon can be caught there, even in low water. But snagging is a problem that needs to be addressed. If the Siuslaw was closed from the confluence of Lake Creek upstream until November 1, there would still be plenty of good locations folks could reach from the bank.

What You Can Do
First of all, keep your eyes open when you’re out on the water. There’s the old saying that “if you think something’s wrong, it probably is.” If fishermen seem nervous and not very talkative, something may be wrong. Most folks out on the water will gladly tell you what’s going on, how they did, what they saw, etc. If you have a cell phone on you, call the Oregon Poacher’s Hotline at 800-452-7888. Get a description of the vehicle, suspects, and any other relevant information. Remember, you are protecting your fish, your children’s fish and your grandchildren’s fish. Do your part to help the fish you love.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Silvers Have Arrived!

Hello Anglers,

Silvers are starting to show in the coastal lakes. No rain was needed as a series of high tides at the end of Oct and first part of Nov moved some fish in. These fish are bright and very aggressive. We know they're bright because they answered 4 out of 5 questions correctly! On a serious note, fishing should be good the whole month of Nov and into Dec. Central Coast silvers are late spawners (Dec and Jan) so fresh fish will continue to enter the lakes. If fly fishing is your game, this is your best chance of the year to land a salmon on a fly rod south of Alaska. I have openings in Nov and Dec so come on down.

Here's this week's Siuslaw News story...

News From Around The Area

Nice weather and high pressure built back in to our area over the last several days, which usually means chinook stop in upper tidewater before heading upriver. This hasn’t been the case. Catches of chinook in tidewater have been poor. It seems most chinook are still just moving straight through to points upstream. Fresh chinook are still in the system, but you need to pursue them upriver. Try deeper holes and slots between Mapleton and Swisshome using bobber/eggs. Be prepared to get on the water early as the best spots are taken before daylight. Another option is fishing the same spots late in the afternoon, after the crowds have left. Salmon move from dusk until dawn, and moving fish are aggressive fish (more easily caught). Fish can be caught late in the day.

A Note To Lane County
Recently Lane County began charging a launch fee at local boat ramps, including the ramp in Mapleton. The cost is $3 per day or $30 per year (expires in Dec.). It doesn’t seem like the money collected is going toward maintaining the ramp. At lower stages of the tide, the launch is unusable. The end of the ramp is heavily silted in, and hasn’t been cleaned out for several seasons. Three dollars is a lot of money if you have to wait a few hours for the tide to come in to put your boat in the water. Especially when the fish are biting. So, Lane County, if you’re going to charge, maintain the areas for which you’re charging.


See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

More Fish On The Way

Hello Anglers,

I'm getting word that several fish were caught after the recent rains in the lower river. More fresh fish are on the way.

Congratulations to Ed and Robert. Here's one of the chrome fish we caught while bobber fishing last week.

Tidewater Fishing Not Over

Hello Anglers,
Recent rains will push many fish upriver, but more are still coming. Once the rains stop for a few days, expect more fish to stack back in upper tidewater. The Siuslaw above Mapleton is high enough to drift, but the color is off (as of Sat. night). It should be fishable either Sunday afternoon or Monday. I'll be bobber fishing below town later this week.

Here's this week's Siuslaw News story:
Bobber Fishing for Fall Chinook Part II

In last week’s article, I discussed the rigging I use when bobber fishing for salmon on the river. In this week’s article, I’ll talk about some of the places I look for fish in rivers. There are few things more satisfying than fishing a new part of the river and locating fish.

Rolling Fish Are A Sign
Many times, fall salmon give away their location by jumping or “rolling”. Though scientists and fishery biologists have been debating the meaning of this action for years, this guide is pretty sure they do it because they can’t stick their tongue out at us! But seriously, rolling fish are active fish. If you see a lot of rollers, it’s a good place to start fishing. It is also important to note that not all rollers are biters, and there’s nothing more frustrating than having fish roll all around you with no bites.

Incoming Tides, Scum Lines and Time of Day
I aggressively bobber fish during incoming tides. Fresh fish move upriver following the incoming tide, and it’s a great time to catch them. Fish new to an area are more aggressive than fish that have been holding for a few days. Also, fish generally move at night, feeling safe under the cover of darkness. So fishing the incoming tide early in the day gives you the best chance of locating biting fish. Another sign I look for is the “scum line” in the river. Some anglers avoid it, fearing the sticks and leaves will foul their presentation. Seek the scum line out and fish in or next to it. This is where the current is moving and where the fish will be.

Shallow Water Vs. Deep Holes
Don’t be tied to the idea that salmon only hold in deep water. Salmon will often hold and stage on shallow “flats”. Try these shallow water areas during incoming tides, early and late in the day. If the weather is rainy and overcast, you can fish these shallow water areas all day. During outgoing tides and bright conditions, concentrate on deeper holding water. If it’s sunny and clear, salmon will tend to find deep holding water where they’ll feel secure. Also, fish don’t have sunglasses or even eyelids, so they want to get out of the sun.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Upper Tidewater Is Heating Up

Hello Anglers,

Haven't had much time to post lately because I'm fishing every day. Fishing is starting to pick up in the Mapleton area. I've spent some time trolling and some time bobber fishing with good results. Congratulations to 12 year-old C.J. Bell who landed a 44 lb. salmon last week. Way to go C.J.! Dad Justin also scored a nice chinook the same day. (right photo)

Terry and Eric Stanger from San Diego also caught 2 nice fish in tidewater this week. (left photo)

Here's this week's Siuslaw News story...

Bobber Fishing for Fall Chinook

Fishing with bait under a slip bobber is perhaps the most productive and exciting way to catch fall salmon on Oregon coastal rivers. Bobber fishing is more interactive than other methods of catching chinook, and there’s nothing quite like the feeling when the line comes tight on a big, bright fish.

What is a Slip Bobber and Why Use It?
Simply put, a slip bobber is a float with no fixed stopper attached to the bobber. It is stopped by a small knot attached to the mainline. When the bead hits the knot, it stops, which it turn stops the bobber. The advantage of a slip bobber is that you can fish any depth, from 3 feet to 20 feet or more. You can reel the knot all the way up and recast it easily. With a fixed bobber, you’re not able to fish any deeper than about 6 feet or so.

Rigging the Slip Bobber
If you talk to enough bobber fishermen, you’ll find variations, but here’s the simple setup. On the main fishing line, attach the following:
dacron or monofilament knot (used to stop the bead and bobber)
plastic bead (6 mm is perfect)
slip bobber (run your line through the center of the float)
plastic bead (6 mm again)
tie on snap swivel
tie on leader (2-3 feet is about right)
attach weight to your setup. How much weight you use depends on your bobber size. You’ll want to use enough weight to make the bobber stand up, but not so much as to sink the bobber. Usually about ½ oz. “tear drop” weights work well. This style weight has a metal eye that will attach to the snap swivel.

A Few Quick Tips
use heavy line. 20-30 lb. test monofilament is perfectly fine. Many times hooked fish will attempt to dive back into cover or run around pilings. Heavy line will help you turn these fish and land more of what you hook.
use bigger hooks. Size 4/0 and 5/0 hooks penetrate a salmon’s mouth better that size 1 or 1/0 hooks.
tie your hooks with egg loops. You can cinch the line down on the bait, keeping the bait on the hook for more casts.
consider using braided line for your mainline. Braided line floats, making mending the line easier. Also, braided line does not stretch like monofilament, making long hook sets easier.

Join me next week for more in-depth information on bobber fishing, including locations for finding fall salmon.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Rain Will Move Fish

Hello Anglers,
Recent rains, and more scheduled for this week will move chinook upriver. Start searching upper tidewater, or even your favorite bobber holes.
Here's this week's Siuslaw News article...
Identifying Chinook and Coho

Yesterday when I was out on the water, we hooked a very nice fish. It instantly ran off a bunch of line, stayed deep and showed all the signs of being a really nice keeper. We brought it to the net, I scooped it and was just about to bring it in the boat when I looked again – it was a huge coho salmon. I couldn’t believe it because of its size. We gently removed the hook, took a quick picture and sent the fish on its way. Since we caught that coho, and have caught a few smaller chinook (10-12 lbs) that are “coho sized” fish, I thought I’d write about ways to tell these two very similar fish apart.

Coho Salmon Identifying Features
Coho salmon have small spots on the dorsal (top) side of the fish, and have spots on the upper lobe of the tail ONLY. Also, the coho salmon’s gumline is white or light gray. Spawning adults develop a greenish-black head with a dark maroon or brown body. No worries there – you won’t see many fish like that until much later in the fall. Typically coho salmon are much smaller than chinook, but don’t use this as a distinguishing characteristic. Some chinook come back as 3 year-old fish and will be very similar in size to a coho.

Chinook Salmon Identifying Features
Chinook salmon usually have larger, irregular shaped spots on the back, and have spots on BOTH lobes of their tail. Also, chinook salmon have a black gumline (this is where the name “blackmouth” salmon comes from). Most chinook return to freshwater as 4 year-old fish, but may return older and larger. A salmon that is 30 lbs. or more is most definitely a chinook.

Its Not Too Early For Coho In the River
Many anglers (including me) have already caught coho in the river. Even though most of these fish are still out in the ocean, its not too early for them to be caught. Don’t use run timing as a distinguishing characteristic.

If In Doubt, Let It Go
If you have any doubt about the fish you have, let it go. Oregon State Police are watching anglers to make sure they are doing the right things and keeping the right fish. A ticket for keeping the wrong fish and possibly revoking your fishing and hunting privileges is too steep a price to pay.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Get Out There!

Fishing is really starting to pick up. Today we hooked 7, landed 5 and kept 4 beautiful chinook. The fish we landed and released was one of the biggest coho I've seen on the river. Be careful when keeping fish as you can't always tell just by the size of the fish.

What Makes a Good Trip?

Hello Anglers,

I had a couple of trips this week where we caught fish, and a couple of trips where we were skunked. This got me to thinking: what makes a good outing? Some trips where we catch fish I wouldn't call "good" and other trips where we've been blanked I'd call "great". To me, every day on the water is good. You'll always see wildlife, beautiful scenery, and enjoy the company. Catching a fish is a bonus. So, next time you're out, relax, breathe deeply and enjoy the sights and sounds of the river. Remember, a great trip is about the whole experience.

Here's this week's Siuslaw News story...

Siltcoos, Tahkenitch Open For Coho This Fall

Oregon’s Fish and Wildlife Commission recently adopted changes and additions in the sportfishing regulations that affect anglers on the Central Coast. The changes made over the summer were made to both allow additional recreational opportunities and protect wild winter steelhead. Here’s a recap of the Commission’s actions:

Coho Fishery Again on Siltcoos and Tahkenitch
Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes will be open for coho salmon fishing from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31. This is two weeks longer than the last two seasons. Additionally, there will be no quota on either lake, meaning anglers won’t have to worry about the quota being filled before getting the chance to get out there and experience the fishery. Daily and season limits are still the same: 1 adult and 1 jack per day, 5 adults per season. It is illegal to continue fishing for jacks after retaining an adult salmon.

Regulations on the coho fishery on Siltcoos and Tahkenitch will be part of the Oregon Sportfishing regulations beginning in 2008, meaning they will appear in the booklet. George Westfall, ODFW biologist here in Florence, tells me ODFW has examined the coho numbers in the lakes several different ways and the stocks are strong.

Wild Winter Steelhead Protected on the Umpqua
This summer the Fish and Wildlife Commission also changed the regulations regarding wild winter steelhead harvest on the Umpqua River. Beginning Jan. 1, 2008, anglers will no longer be able to keep wild winter steelhead. It will be catch-and-release on the North and Mainstem Umpqua (catch-and-release is already in effect on the South Umpqua). The old regulations allowed retention of 1 wild steelhead per day, 5 per season.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: good move Commission. These fish are much more valuable back in the water than on the dinner table or in the smoker. It’s better to take action now to protect these fish than wait until the stock is in peril.

Proposed Regulation Changes On the Siuslaw
Westfall also informed me about possible regulation changes affecting the Siuslaw River. Trout fisheries normally shut down on Sept. 30 will be allowed to continue where Chinook fishing is open. Lake Creek above Deadwood Creek and the Mainstem Siuslaw above Whittaker Creek will still be closed from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1 to protect spawning fish.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Crowds Starting to Converge on the Siuslaw

Hello Anglers!

This past week has been hit and miss on the river. A couple of trips we caught fish, and a couple of trips we were skunked. Herring is still the ticket as its producing the most consistent bite.

A couple of things came up this week that you should know:

Boaters aren't showing much courtesy when it comes to anglers with fish on. Another angler had a fish cut off when the fish ran toward another boat. When someone has a fish on, steer clear! These fish are too tough to catch to have one lost because another boat just had to keep the course they were fishing.

Also, I was recently yelled at by some angry boaters who wanted to pull out their boat right as I was putting in the water. The lady yelled at me and the man used a derogatory term aimed at me. If you are the folks who yelled at me and you're reading this, you may want to think about taking up another hobby. At the boat ramp it is, and will always be, first come, first served. The ironic thing was by the time I parked and pulled away, they were still backing down the trailer! Just a reminder to be patient at the launch. Fishing is supposed to be fun and relaxing and if it isn't, try golf.

Fishing Becoming More Consistent

Hello Anglers!

Fishing on the Siuslaw is starting to become more consistent every day. This morning several boats picked up at least one fish. Fishing peaked just before high tide. There has been another good bite with the afternoon high tide as well. We were out last night and went 1 for 2 in a couple of hours of fishing. Harbor seals are really making a nuisance of themselves. We talked to 3 boats who all lost fish to seals last evening.

Here's this week's Siuslaw News story...

“Fish On” Means Give Way

Last week I was out trolling on the river and a very nice couple was trolling very close to me. As we were talking about how beautiful the weather was (and other topics), one of their rods goes down. The first thing I did was ask if it was running at me, and, since it was, I reeled up my line as fast as I could so me didn’t get tangled. I maneuvered my boat to stay out of their way, got past them a safe distance, and dropped my bait back down. I watched them fight the fish for about 5 minutes or so and saw other boats very close to them. I couldn’t tell exactly how close until I talked to them later. When I caught back up with them on another pass, they told me that another boat actually trolled RIGHT INTO THE BACK OF THEIR BOAT! In the process, they lost the fish. I couldn’t believe it. At times it can be hard enough to hook a salmon, and losing it because of the carelessness of another boat is inexcusable. During the next few weeks its going to be getting more and more crowded on the coastal rivers. Considering what I saw last week I thought it might be a good time to talk about river etiquette again.

Reel ‘Em Up, Fast!
If another boat hooks a fish close by, have everyone in the boat reel their baits up as fast as possible. A salmon can peel 100 yards of line (or more) very quickly. If lines get tangled, the chances of landing the fish go down dramatically. If someone else’s fish gets around my line, I cut the line. I have several pre-tied leaders ready to go just in case something like this happens. It only takes a few minutes to re-tie, and the angler who lands a fish thanks to you doing your part will be forever thankful.

Steer Your Boat Clear
After all lines are in, get your boat out of the way. The boat fighting the fish has the right-of-way, and its up to you to stay clear. Remember, the boat with the fish is pretty busy and hectic, whereas you can stay out of the way much easier. According to U.S. Coast Guard protocol, a boat “Not Under Command” has the right-of-way over all other boats. After you are in the clear, drop your baits back down.

Let Other Boaters Know What’s Going On
In close quarters, communication is very important. Some boaters don’t pay as much attention as they should, so don’t be afraid to shout, wave your arms, or blow the horn if its handy. And if you’re in a boat that gets yelled at, don’t take offense. There’s a chance you weren’t paying attention like you should be, and if someone has a fish on they’re excited! Don’t blow their chances by being stubborn or inconsiderate.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Cool Water=Hot Bite

Greetings Anglers,

The water in the river has cooled off dramatically, resulting in a good bite this afternoon. The water was in the mid-50's near the top of the incoming tide. This is more that 10 degrees cooler than just last week. Also, there's plenty of bait in the river too. I expect fishing to hold up from now until Nov.

Also, Action Jackson's Guide Service offers discounts for multi-day bookings. So, if you're in town, let's go fishing for a couple of days!

Here's this week's Siuslaw News story...

Fishing Cut Plug Herring

Last time we got together, I talked about the method I use to brine herring for salmon fishing. Today, I’d like to talk about fishing the bait you’ve prepared. And though it may seem like there’s a lot to it, after only a short time you’ll be fishing cut plug herring like a pro.

Why Cut Plug Herring?
The main reason cut plug herring is preferred is that you can get the herring to spin, which is the reason salmon will strike the bait. The herring’s head is cut in such a way that it spins while trolled. You can get a good spin from whole herring by moving the front hook toward the back hook, making a bend in the herring. To me, this is not as precise and repeatable, so I prefer the cut plug herring. Also, with a whole herring, you can’t use fixed hooks. You need to use a sliding front hook. After a while, the front hook slides too easily toward the back hook, causing the herring to spin improperly.

What Size Herring to Buy
Though it’s open to debate, I prefer the “Blue Label” herring for cut plugging. The Blue Label herring are larger than the “Green Label” herring and hold up well for trolling (especially after proper brining). Many anglers use the Purple or Black Label herring, subscribing to the theory “larger bait = larger fish”. The fact is no herring commercially available is too big for a salmon to take, so feel free to experiment with larger herring.

The Hook Setup
Start with two hooks: a 5/0 and a 6/0. Cut your leader, approx. 5 ½’ feet of 20-30 lb. test monofilament. Tie on your 6/0 hook with an egg loop. Run your leader through the 5/0 down to the 6/0 hook, leaving a gap between them of about 3-4 inches. Tie on the 5/0 hook with another egg loop. Now the hooks are fixed in place and won’t slip down. Not sure about tying the egg loop? Illustrations are available in the back of many tide books, and also online at http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/resourcecenter/bumperknot.htm.

Cutting And Hooking the Herring
Start with a very sharp knife. You don’t want to “saw” through the herring. Place the knife behind the gill plate and at a 45 degree angle. Now, turn the blade at a 45 degree angle and cut through the fish. If looking down at the top of the fish, the cut is not flush, its at a 45 degree angle. If looking at the herring from the side, its also cut at a 45 degree angle. There are many plastic and metal plug cutters available to help you get the right angles. Pick up one, and use it until you get the process down. Also, check out this step-by-step tutorial at http://www.salmonuniversity.com/ol_htrh_pc1_index.html.

After cutting the herring, run the back hook through the short side of the herring and pull it all the way through. You can let this hook dangle free. Run the top hook through the dorsal (top) side of the herring. When you’re at trolling speed, drop the rig overboard and make sure its rolling (spinning) properly.

There’s a lot of information here. If you’re still unsure about any step of the process, shoot me an e-mail and I’ll walk you through it.

Drop me a line and let me know what you think about these or other topics.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or http://www.actionjacksonfishing.com/)

Fall Chinook Starting To Enter Coastal Rivers

With the recent rains over the weekend, fall chinook are entering the lower coastal rivers in fishable numbers. And while peak numbers are still about a month away, it is definitely worth fishing now. Here’s a few tips that can help you make the most of your early-season trips in the river:

Concentrate On The Incoming Tide
Correlate your time on the water with incoming tides. With water temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s, the incoming tide brings a cool layer of water into the river along the bottom. This is where the fish are. Troll with the tide and keep your presentation down low, in the cooler water. This gives you the best chance of putting your offering in front of the fish. Also, make sure you’re trolling as slow as you can. Hang a sea anchor or 5-gallon bucket off the back of the boat on a short rope. This slows down the boat (and your bait) enough to entice a strike.

Look For Bait In the Lower River
Despite what you hear or read, salmon are still feeding on herring and other bait fish while in the bay and lower river. If you see large schools of bait, salmon will be in the area. Using your fish finder to scope out schools of bait is one of the best uses for this device. Concentrate your fishing efforts where bait is present. Bird activity also can tell you where the bait is.

Herring and Spinners Are Top Producers
Cut-plug herring and spinners (all different types) are top fall chinook-producing baits. While fish are caught on herring straight out of the pack, your bait will last much longer and look much better if you brine it ahead of time. Give yourself every advantage on the water by taking care of your bait! After brining I usually freeze my herring in small quantities (10-12 fish in a plastic bag). I find that slightly frozen bait cuts much better. Keep your bait cold all day in a small cooler, and keep the rest frozen in a separate cooler. If you don’t use all your bait, you can toss the other unused bags back in the freezer for your next trip.

When using spinners, use a little scent for better results. ProCure™ makes a terrific product that stays on spinners and wobblers a long time. Their Herring Gel product can be spread on the spinner blade and will last several passes.

Check Your Bait Often While Fishing
Fish won’t take a bait fouled by weeds, Eelgrass and other debris. Check your bait regularly to make sure its not fouled. Watching your rod tip carefully will tell the whole story: spinners should make a sensitive rod tip “tic” slightly. A fouled spinner means no movement of the rod tip. Also, if the rod tip is bent more than usual, it usually means your dragging some salad with your herring.


See You On The Water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Greetings From the Oregon Coast

Hello Readers:

This reports/articles page is where I'll post the latest fishing reports and pictures, as well as articles I've written for the Siuslaw News here in Florence, OR. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. You can call me at 541 268 6944 or via e-mail through my website www.actionjacksonfishing.com.

Thanks!
Jeff "Action" Jackson