Fishing Reports/Siuslaw News Articles

Pics of the house

2011-03-15T17:52:00.000-07:00

Pics of our house - please excuse the mess as we're moving, packing and have two semi-destructive kids!

Siltcoos Fishing Is Good

2010-10-31T13:19:00.000-07:00

Hello Readers,
Fishing is picking up on Siltcoos Lake. In two trips last week, we hooked several fish, landing 9 and keeping 7. Both trips resulted in boat limits early! Good dates are still available for November, which generally brings the best fishing.

See You On The Water,
Action Jackson

Come and Get Em!

2010-10-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

Good numbers of chinook are in the river. Fishing has been very good this fall. Bobber fishing, trolling and even casting spinners will produce fish from the mouth to Swisshome. Tidewater fishing will hold up until we get good rains, then either move upriver or take advantage of some of the wild coho fisheries available on the Central Coast.

See You On The Water,
Action Jackson

Prediction: 22,000 fall chinook!

2010-09-05T09:56:00.000-07:00

ODFW's prediction for this fall's run size on the Siuslaw is 22,000 fish! Chinook have been starting to show in good numbers. This weekend the fishing fell off some with poor tides, but fishing will get better and better. So get out as soon and as often as you can.

Steelhead and Stripers

2010-04-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

Greetings Readers!
I have not posted in quite some time, and I apologize. I will do my best to give area updates and post regularly for fall chinook and coho season on the Siuslaw and coastal lakes. We managed a late-season trip for steelhead and stipers. What a combination. We hooked 2 steelhead, landing 1 and went 1 for 1 on stipers, landing a 27-inch fish.

The striper fell to a 4 1/2 Yozuri Crystal Minnow, blue back. This Crystal Minnow was a very slow sinking version. Now is the time to go and try for these fish on the Umpqua/Smith River system. They should be aggressively chasing the schools of out-migrating salmonid juveniles. Here's a couple of photos from our last trip.

See You On The Water
Action Jackson

Breaking Rods On Fish Is Fun!

2009-10-16T18:27:00.001-07:00

Fishing has been pretty good here on the Siuslaw. Expect good fishing this weekend (Oct. 17-18) unless high winds make controlling the boat difficult. A big thanks to Josh, Rick and Dave who were on my boat over the weekend. Who says breaking a rod sucks! We think its great!

October Fishing Picking Up

2009-10-04T19:13:00.000-07:00

Hello Readers
Sorry for the long delay in posting. The fishing has been picking up on the Siuslaw. Good numbers of chinook began showing in Mapleton over the weekend. Many of the fish were smaller 3 year-old fish ranging from 10-15 lbs. Look for pictures soon.

Fishing License Fees Increasing in 2010

2009-08-06T08:22:00.001-07:00

The Oregon Legislature recently approved large increases in fishing and hunting license fees for 2010 (and beyond). ODFW agency representatives are shining the best light possible on the fee hikes that sportsmen might have a tough time swallowing. Fee and tag increases are to help offset the increasing costs of managing fish and wildlife in Oregon, and also offer us the following:
· Habitat restoration projects to benefit deer and elk populations
· Increased trout stocking for lakes, ponds, reservoirs and rivers
· Two additional Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division officers in Central Oregon
· A two-pole option: A new $17 validation will allow licensed anglers to fish with a second fishing pole and line on most lakes, ponds and reservoirs
· Fish passage and riparian and in-stream habitat enhancement programs
· Additional funding for commercial fishing law enforcement

And here’s what you really want to know – how much are fees and tags going up? Here’s a partial list. The whole list can be found on the ODFW website at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/budget/. There’s a box on the right side of the page that will link you to the fee increases.
· Annual Resident Angler - $33.00 (was $24.75)
· Combined Angling Tag – $26.50 (was $21.50)
· Annual Resident Combo Hunting/Fishing - $58.00 (was $43.75)
· Annual Nonresident Angler - $106.25 (was $61.50)

The Resident Shellfish License is still a good deal at $7.00 (was $6.50) as is the Hatchery Harvest Tag at $16.50 (was $13.50).

There are definitely some things that caught my attention in the ODFW press release. First, increased trout stocking in local lakes will do little more than feed the cormorants unless stocking methods are changed. Hatchery planting should take place in the late evening or overnight. It will give fish a chance to disperse and maybe give us a chance to catch them. More stocked fish being delivered the same way won’t help. I am very willing for fee increases to go toward enforcement, especially in the ocean and on the Columbia River. Too many fishermen feel like its not against the law if nobody sees it. On the other side – fee increases really hurt the average guy who wants to introduce the family to the outdoors. Sometimes it feels like we’re moving toward how they fish in Great Britain: only the rich can afford to fish for salmon and trout. Everyone else is reduced to fishing for rough fish.

See You On The Water,
Action Jackson

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

You Guides Make Too Much Money

2009-08-06T08:20:00.000-07:00

It seems that people want to give me a piece of their minds all the time. Last week I was talking about my bookings for the upcoming fall salmon season when someone asked, “how much do you charge?” When I told them my rates, they proclaimed, “that’s too much.” At first, I was offended by this accusation. Obviously this person thinks what I charge per day is pure profit. Far from it! There are many costs associated with being in business for yourself – and its no different with guiding.

Having literally thousands of dollars tied up in boats and motors, a truck, rods and reels, tackle and lures, traps, nets, electronics, and safety equipment is only the start. I use all top-quality equipment – folks paying money for a fishing trip deserve to have gear that won’t fail on them in a critical moment. You won’t find any duct tape on any of my gear. I could go with lower-quality equipment, but I wouldn’t have as much confidence in it, and you wouldn’t have as much confidence in me.

There’s a whole other side of business costs too. Fuel, insurance (truck, boat, liability), bait, licenses, maintenance are just a few of my expenses. I can easily burn $50 worth of fuel in a day, and $50 worth of bait. Insurance is well over $100 per month. If something needs repaired on my truck or boat, a minimum expense is $250. To obtain my U.S. Coast Guard licenses, I traveled to Astoria and took classes, one 1-week class and one 2-week course. This doesn’t include state licenses or tags for my truck and trailer. I am also required to attend CPR/First Aid courses every year. And then there’s advertising: we traveled to a Sportsman’s Show in Idaho and I distribute brochures in the area.

Finally, my day doesn’t start when I meet folks at the dock and end when they get off the boat. If I meet folks at 6:00, I’m up and getting stuff ready by 4:00. Lunch needs to be made, coolers packed, load gear, double check to make sure all equipment is ready and secure. Pulling out of the driveway by 5:00. I try to get to the launch at least 30 minutes early to account for any crowds and because its inevitable that fishermen always get there early. I have to be ready to go. Fast-forward to the end of the day. We’ll fish for a minimum of 8 hours (unless we get early limits), many times fishing for 10 hours. I clean the fish and pull the boat out. I stop by the gas station and fuel up. Boat gets washed and motors flushed. All the rods get re-rigged and prepped for the next day. I brine and prepare the bait. Whoa, its 7:00 p.m.! Time to slam down dinner so I can make some phone calls before it gets too late. During the season, I can easily put in 14-16 hour days.

You get what you pay for. Many folks choose to come fishing with me a few times a year rather than buy their own boat because owning and maintaining a boat is a big expense. Way bigger than going with a guide a few times a year. My prices might seem high to some because they don’t realize all that goes into the guiding business. If guiding was the easy way to be a millionaire, there’d be a lot more people doing it.

See You On The Water,
Action Jackson

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

Dear ODFW: Please Remove Restrictions on Introduced Species

2009-07-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

Last week I got into a conversation about smallmouth bass fishing on the Umpqua River. As some of you know, the bass fishing from (practically) Roseburg to Scottsburg can be amazing. You can catch fish all day, every day during the summer. You can literally catch 100+ bass a day. Anglers are recognizing the Umpqua River as one of the best smallmouth bass fishing locations in the world. The Big K Guest Ranch in Elkton is promoting this fishery as catch and release and demanding that anyone putting in on their property or passing through release these fish. Anyway, back to my conversation: this person wanted to know why there are daily limits on these fish. As it stands right now, the daily limit is 10 bass per day, any size. I, and many others feel this is too restrictive. Removing the limit on these fish, and other introduced fish in Oregon will help reduce their impact on our native salmon and trout.

Competition For Food And Space
A typical stretch of river only offers so much in the way of food and space for fish. There are only so many aquatic insects that can be eaten, only so many rocks and ledges for cover. When you increase the number of fish 10-fold, or 100-fold, some fish will lose out. Most often it’s the less-aggressive salmonids. Smallmouth bass are tough and aggressive feeders. So even though you might not find a salmon fry in the stomach of the next bass you catch, it doesn’t mean they aren’t competing with, and negatively impacting cold-water fish. If you still don’t think it’s that big of an impact, try inviting 100 people to your house to live for a few days. I think you’ll get the idea.

Striped Bass – Smolt Eating Machines
Striped bass, originally introduced to the Sacramento Delta from the East Coast in the late 1800’s, are well adapted to the Umpqua/Smith River systems. ODFW actually released these fish into certain Oregon rivers and bays for an additional sport fishing opportunity, not realizing that they are very efficient at feeding on juvenile salmon. Though striped bass populations go through peaks and valleys, there are still some large numbers of fish in the Umpqua, Coos Bay and the Coquille River.

ODFW, please consider these regulation changes:
REMOVE the daily bag limits on smallmouth bass and striped bass in the Umpqua/Smith system. The state of Oregon and federal government agencies spend millions each year on habitat restoration, dam removal, barging fish and other projects throughout the state to benefit salmon and trout. This simple step would cost nothing and benefit native fish greatly.

See You On The Water,
Action Jackson

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

Keep Your Reels Running Smooth

2009-07-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

This is usually the time of year I try to clean and maintain all my reels for the upcoming fishing season. It’s a good idea to clean and lubricate your reels at least once a year. It’s the same philosophy as with your car: don’t wait until something goes wrong to take action. The saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” was never more true. You don’t want your reel blowing up when you have a trophy fish on the line. There are things you can do at home, and other things you should leave to a professional. Let’s start with what you can do at home

Easy Maintenance
One thing that’s easy to do and should be performed every time you get back from fishing: wash your reels down with a mild soap and water. This is especially important if you’ve been fishing in saltwater. Hose the reels down, and take a couple of minutes to wash down your rods (especially the line guides). Saltwater can take a real toll on your gear. An old toothbrush is perfect for getting into tight spaces and removing sand, egg goo and dirt. Next, take time to lubricate your reels. A good three-in-one light penetrating oil or the reel oil that came in the box with your reel helps prevent rust and keeps moving parts working well. You can remove the reel cover and apply a couple of drops to the gears. Remember, just a couple of drops as the gear oil goes a long way. Also, tighten any screws that hold your reel cover together. Check these screws every time you go out. It only take a second and can lead to a major disaster if the reel comes apart while playing a fish. Don’t ask me how I know this. Finally, make sure to check that your reel is seated properly on the rod and that it is tightly fixed to the rod.

You’d Better Take It To The Shop
There are some reel problems that should be handled by experts. If you have a lot of sand and dirt in your reel, or its badly rusted, you are probably better off having a pro take a look. Also, even high-priced reels have plastic washers that wear out, and it’s best to have an expert replace them. If the line guide moves independently of the handle, or doesn’t move at all, take it to the shop.

Where To Go For Professional Help
Here’s a couple of places to go if your have a “reel” emergency:

2 Bro’s Tackle, 900 McKinley St., Eugene, (541) 434-1133, 2brostackle@gmail.com

Ollie Damon’s, 236 SE Grand, Portland, (503) 232-3193, www.olliedamons.com

See You On The Water,
Action Jackson

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

Keep a Boat Log

2009-07-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you changed your outboard oil? What about the gear lube? What was the water temperature on Sept. 16, 2004 and did you catch anything? These questions and many others can be answered by keeping a boat log book. Though its probably one of the last things you’ll consider after spending a day on the water, a log book can be invaluable when it comes to properly maintaining your boat and can help you catch more fish.

Where Do I Start?
Start by keeping a small notebook and pencil in a sealable plastic bag in your boat. Across the top of the page is a good place to put some general headings: Date, Time, Location, and Notes. Whenever you perform some sort of upkeep or maintenance to your boat, write down what you did and any other notes (i.e., oil was off color, etc.). That way, you can compare notes from the last time and perhaps head off a major engine problem.

Details, Details
After a day on the water, take a couple of minutes and update your log book. While you can write down as much or as little as you want, you should record things such as how long your motors ran (crucial for maintenance), where you launched, water temperatures, tide information, who was with you and what you caught. Generally, the more you write down the better off you’ll be. After a few trips worth of log book entries, you can begin to establish patterns: whether or not you caught more fish on the incoming tide, if you’ve had better success in 48 degree water or 58 degree water, and who never chips in for gas money. As far as maintenance, record changes for oil, gear lube, batteries, spark plugs and filters. Write down anything unusual, such as electronics that didn’t work properly. There are many facts about your fishing trip you can log, including

Using The Information
With a well-kept log book, you can make the most of your fishing trips. You can review the log book and concentrate on fishing those dates (and tides) that are most like the dates and tides where you’ve succeeded in the past.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Please Be Gentle With That Salmon

2009-07-01T07:54:00.001-07:00

Great news for this summer: the limit has been raised this year on hatchery coho salmon to 3 fish! Fish are already being caught in good numbers out of Winchester Bay, Florence and Newport. In order to get a 3-fish limit of hatchery coho, anglers are releasing a lot of wild coho salmon. It’s important to release wild fish as gently as possible because the less they’re handled, the better their chances are to make it back to spawn. With one of the biggest ocean salmon weekends of the year coming up, I thought I’d take some time to talk about ways to reduce ocean salmon mortality.

Don’t Net, Gaff Or Bring Aboard Wild Fish
One of the worst things you can do to a fish you intend to release is netting it. Coho salmon lose scales extremely easily and netting them really impacts their chances for survival. If you’re going to net every fish you catch, please use an all-rubber net. Catch-and-release trout fisherman have been using these types of nets for several years with good results. Another huge mistake I see many times every year is fish being brought in the boat, and then released. You might as well have given that fish a cigarette and blindfold because you probably just executed it. The more these fish are handled, the more likely they are to die. Its easy: don’t take them out of the water.

Use A “De-Hooker” Tool For Releasing Fish
A de-hooker tool is the way to go when releasing fish. I used one in Alaska last year to release several hundred salmon, trout and char. Once you practice a little bit, it becomes very easy. It’s better releasing fish with pliers because you don’t have to bend way out over the water, you don’t have to worry about losing (another) pair of pliers, and there are no worries about getting a hook in your hand. The de-hooker is a small hook on the end of a wooden dowel. The hook slides down the line to the hook in the fish and you raise the dowel while pushing down on the line with your opposite hand. The fish drops off the hook by its own weight. Sound confusing? Here’s a link to Washington Dept of Fish and Wildlife showing a step-by-step diagram.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/selective/techniques/releasing_salmon.htm.

Use Big Hooks
Using a single, large barbless (required) hook is the best way to reduce coho mortality in the ocean. With a large hook, there is little chance the fish will swallow it. If a fish swallows your hook, cut the line. This is way better than digging in the fish’s mouth trying to get a 25-cent hook back. Consider switching to artificials: Coyotes, Hoochies, Apex and other artificial lures work great.

Remember – keeping wild fish mortality down keeps selective fisheries open longer, and allows us to keep fishing for those hatchery fish.

See You On The Water,
Action Jackson

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

Tips For Fishing With Kids

2009-07-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

Since summer is here and the kids are out of school, I thought I’d dedicate this week’s article to kids and fishing. Introducing children to the outdoors through fishing will give kids a love for and appreciation of nature. Getting kids outside and away from the computer and video games will lead to happy and balanced children. And fishing is one of the best ways to bond with your kids or grandkids. Some of my best memories growing up are of dad and me fishing at the lake or on the river. It’s the kind of things your kids will remember all their lives.

Don’t Put Too Much Pressure On Kids
Putting too much pressure on kids can quickly ruin a fishing outing. Don’t expect kids to be up 2 hours before daylight and ready to go. Once on the water, don’t get in a rush to be in a certain spot. Take time to show kids what you’re doing and why you are doing it. Most knots are simple enough that a child of 7 or 8 can easily tie them. If the youngsters that are out on the water with you are getting bored with fishing and want to check out snakes, frogs or bugs, that’s great too! Remember, a day on the water is supposed to be fun.

Take Kids Fishing Where the Fish Are Biting
Make your first few trips to lakes where success is fairly certain. In the spring, many area lakes are stocked with rainbow trout that are very willing to bite. Later in the summer, Umpqua River smallmouth bass get very active and can be caught in large numbers. Yellow perch and crappie in local lakes can be a lot of fun to catch, and are also great eating. Ocean salmon can be very active and plentiful, especially in mid to late summer. Avoid sitting on anchor for hours hoping to hook a sturgeon. Save those trips for older children who are really interested and won’t get discouraged after a few hours of boredom. Whatever fish you decide to go after, catching them will keep the kids interested.

Pick A Nice Day
Sunshine and warm weather days are a great time to bring kids fishing. Save those cold and rainy steelhead trips for teenagers who show a strong interest in fishing. Not all good fishing comes during the harshest weather. Pack a picnic lunch, bring some sunscreen and swimming trunks, and head out for the water. Finally, if you are taking the boat out, remember to have life jackets for everyone on the boat, and that kids under 12 are wearing them at all times.

See You On The Water,
Action Jackson

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

New Study Shows Hatchery Steelhead Genetically Impaired

2009-06-17T17:47:00.000-07:00

Researchers at Oregon State University who have been studying wild and hatchery steelhead interactions since 1991 have concluded that hatchery steelhead are less fit when it comes to reproduction than their wild counterparts. The ability to survive and successfully reproduce, also known as reproductive fitness, is markedly less even in the wild-born offspring of hatchery fish. In other words, the impairment can’t be “bred out” of these fish.

The OSU study found that a fish hatched in the wild of two hatchery-reared steelhead averaged 37% the reproductive fitness of fish with two wild parents, and 87% reproductive fitness if one parent was hatchery-reared and one parent was wild. The study also showed that reproductive fitness differences were still obvious after a full generation of natural selection in the wild. And this study is not the first of its kind: a 2007 report published in the journal Science showed that ocean migrating hatchery fish produced far less offspring than those with wild parents.

In the OSU study, conducted on the Hood River (tributary of the Columbia River), it was thought that using captive wild fish as brood stock would lessen the problem of impaired reproductive fitness. Wild brood stock did not lessen the problem. It comes down to natural selection – or the lack thereof. Fish that do well in the safe, predator-free world of the concrete raceway are not the same fish that do well in the danger-filled real world of a free-flowing river.

Death By A Thousand Cuts
The implication is that hatchery fish, which can and do survive to spawn in the wild, can harm wild fish by breeding with them and reducing their reproductive fitness. And while a few hatchery fish would not make a big difference in a strong wild population, a huge impact would be made on a wild salmonid population with few fish. Add this problem with competition for food and space as juveniles, loss of habitat, droughts, floods, poor ocean conditions, overharvest, poaching, pollution and dams, and its little wonder that salmonid populations are in peril.

Its Not Too Late
Fortunately for us, wild salmon and steelhead are still with us. Hatchery fish have been pumped into the Siuslaw and other rivers for decades, yet wild fish still return each fall and winter to spawn. This makes me optimistic that if we make the right decisions regarding wild fish, they will eventually return in greater and greater numbers.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Are You A Giver Or A Taker?

2009-06-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

So I guess I’m making every other fisherman on the river mad. According to another local angler who claims to be “in the know”, the views I express through the Siuslaw News are destroying the fishing here. While I normally brush this person’s comments aside (I seem to be a frequent target of his attacks), it got me to thinking: am I giving back to the sport I love or simply taking what I can?

Are You A Taker?
Here’s my definition of a taker: someone who’s not worried about the number of fish returning, just so long as he can get his. The taker isn’t worried about future opportunities – just the here and now. The taker refuses to acknowledge the validity of spawning grounds surveys because he knows there’s plenty of fish. A taker is only concerned with any reduction in his opportunities – not really caring about other anglers. The taker is generally the last one you’d expect to give up any fish-catching tips, but the first to tell you a dozen stories about how great of a fisherman he is. After all, the taker figured out how to catch fish all by himself (yeah, right). And rather than admitting that he might be part of the problem, the taker will always blame some other person or group.

What’s So Great About Being A Giver?
A giver is willing to give up his own short-term opportunity for the big picture. A giver is not necessarily concerned with filling up the freezer, but realizes the value of wild fish goes way beyond the dinner plate. The giver respects the journey that our salmon and steelhead complete before they come home. The giver wants future generations to have the chance to experience what we’ve come to take for granted. Instead of complaining about what is lost, the giver takes action and tries to move things in a positive direction.

Be Part Of The Solution
I invite all of my readers to make a difference in our local fisheries. There are many different things you can do to give back: take someone fishing who might not be able to go by themselves. Leave your favorite fishing hole cleaner than you found it. Give fellow anglers a wave and a smile instead of a cross look when they fish next to you. And if you happen to experience some good fortune on the water, share your knowledge with other fisherman.

Thanks to all of you who make a difference. I know there are more givers than takers out there. And to that fine fellow who says (but probably doesn’t really think) that I’m single-handedly destroying fishing on the Siuslaw: you are always welcome to express your concerns to me personally. At least I’ll have some respect for that.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

ODFW Commission To Adopt Fall Chinook Regulations June 9

2009-06-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

Due to anticipated poor returns, ODFW Commission members are expected to adopt some of the most restrictive fall chinook fishing regulations ever forwarded by biologists. Recommendations include reduced bag limits, new angling deadlines and the closure of the Nehalem basin to all chinook fishing. The Nehalem River is (was) home to one of the biggest chinook runs on the north Oregon coast. And while chinook fishing will be even more limited than last year, ODFW staff is recommending wild coho fisheries in tidewater portions of several different river systems – including the Nehalem, Yaquina, Coos and Coquille Rivers.

Why Are Coho Up And Chinook Down?
Chinook and coho salmon have different life histories, which makes it possible for these very similar species to return at different rates. Chinook and coho have different age structures – coho salmon return almost exclusively as 3 year-old fish, with a small number returning as 2 year-olds (jacks). Conversely, 4 and 5 year-old fish make up a significant part of the chinook return. Favorable ocean conditions have only taken hold (again) since 2007. This means that a large part of this year’s returning chinook headed into bad ocean conditions as juveniles, thus experienced higher mortality and lower overall returns. The coho salmon, with less turnaround, went to sea in better conditions and we are seeing greater returns. All things being equal (and we know they’re not), we will see a better return of fall chinook starting in 2010.

Commission Is A Wild Card
The ODFW Commission does not always follow staff recommendations, especially on controversial issues. For instance, on the Nehalem River how can you allow fishing for coho while chinook is shut down completely? How do you minimize the impact on chinook? Certainly some will be caught (and killed) incidentally? Also, Oregon Coast coho salmon are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The model of Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes does not fit the Nehalem fishery because on the lakes, there’s no chance of depleting an imperiled chinook run.

Regulations Not Much Different Than Last Year
Don’t expect any changes from last year’s regulations: the daily/season limit for chinook will most likely be 1/5 again this year. Also, angling is likely to be closed on Lake Creek, the mainstem above Lake Creek and on NF Smith River.

As always, your thoughts, calls, and e-mails are welcome on this and other related issues.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Now A Good Time For Stream Trout Fishing

2009-06-01T13:49:00.000-07:00

During the past few days, people have been asking about where to go to catch some nice trout. My first instinct was to tell them about the many local lakes that have been or will be stocked. Mercer, Munsel, Alder, Cleawox and others are regularly stocked with catchable rainbow trout, with some “trophy” fish also available. These lakes can have some fast action and are good places to introduce kids to fishing. But there are other options. If you’re looking for an adventure, fewer people and a chance to see the beauty the Oregon Coast Range offers, head for one of the many streams that just opened up to trout fishing over the weekend.

Check Regulations Before Heading Out
The Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife fishing regulations can sometimes be confusing, but if you take just a few minutes you can figure out the applicable rules for the stream you want to fish. There’s even a map that shows which streams are open. Be aware that many streams are closed to the use of bait, including nightcrawlers and eggs. This is to protect the juvenile salmon and steelhead, which are still in streams in large numbers. The ODFW regulations will also point you in the right direction on places to fish. Many tributaries of the Siuslaw River are open to trout fishing – including Sweet, Lake, Indian and Deadwood Creeks. The water levels are low enough to allow wading for long stretches. There’s no better way to cool off during a hot summer day.

Gearing Up
If you’re spin-fishing, small spinners are a great way to catch cutthroat trout. Silver, gold, copper and black have always been top colors for me. Please consider using single, barbless hooks when trout fishing as treble hooks can really make for a tough release for smaller fish. Concentrate on moving water – riffles offer cover and food and are a great place to find fish. An ultra-light rod and reel combination with 4-6 lb. test line is perfect for summer trout fishing. Another tip – fishing early and late often produces the best fishing. Another great way to catch stream trout is with a fly rod. Try small bead-heads and other nymphs fished under an indicator in riffles and tailouts.

Trout fishing in streams is one of the most rewarding forms of fishing. Wading the streams in summer gives you the chance to see all kinds of wildlife, get away from the crowds and maybe catch a few hard fighting and tasty cutts.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Getting Your Boat Ready For The Season

2009-05-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

Its that time of year again. Its time to remove your boat cover, hose out your boat, and get ready to take family and friends to the lake for a summer full of fish and fun. Maybe you’re a new boat owner wondering what you need to be comfortable and safe on the river. Fear not friends, for Action Jackson is about to tell you what you need and what you’ll want to have on the water.

Before You Leave Home
Proper engine maintenance is the key to well-performing and long-living outboard motors. Change your engine’s oil and filters. Drain and refill gear lube. Check spark plugs, hoses running to fuel tanks and battery connections. Check trailer lights, trailer tires and lubricate trailer wheel bearings. Trailers take a beating year after year and are often overlooked when preparing the boat for the upcoming season. A blown tire or frozen wheel bearings can be very dangerous. Take the time to check your trailer, or take it in to folks who specialize in tires and wheels. Many modern outboard motors can be connected to a garden hose (with “ear” muffs, which use suction cups to feed water to your motor’s lower unit intake) and allow you to test your motor in the driveway. Start up your motor and make sure everything works as it should. I also recommend having a small tool box in the boat with some emergency supplies (screwdrivers, socket set, extra spark plugs, spare boat plug, duct tape, zip ties, pliers). Even if you aren’t mechanically inclined, you’ll be able to tighten up a bolt or stop a leak in a gas line.

Safety First
Depending on the size of your boat, federal and state regulations require different life saving equipment. Boats less than 16 feet (including canoes, kayaks and rafts) must have a Type I, II, or III personal flotation device for every person on board. Boats over 16 feet (except for canoes and kayaks) must have, in addition to PFDs for every person, must have a Type IV throwable flotation device. All flotation devices must be readily available for persons on board. My advice is to spend a little extra to get PFDs that are more comfortable and WEAR THEM AT ALL TIMES. Children under 12 must wear flotation devices at all times, NO EXCEPTIONS. For kids, make sure flotation devices fit properly and are comfortable.

Motor boats are also required to carry lights, fire extinguishers and emergency signal devices. The Oregon State Marine Board has a great website that lists complete requirements, based on boat length, http://www.boatoregon.com/Laws/Requirements.html. You can also call them at (503) 378-8587 for more information.

Another overlooked safety item is an anchor and anchor rope. Imagine crabbing near the mouth of the Siuslaw River when the motor suddenly dies. You could be pushed against the jettys or swept out to the bar before help arrives. An anchor might make the difference between a close call and disaster. And while an anchor might not hold in strong winds and currents, it will at least slow the boat down.

A Word About Boater Education
This year, all boaters regardless of age will be required to carry Operator’s cards. According to the Oregon State Marine Board website, citations for non-compliance have increased to $94. Younger boaters (less than 15 years old) also are restricted in certain ways. Courseroom classes are available statewide and will teach folks something new, guaranteed. You can also take a Marine Board-mandated test online. More information can be found on the Boat Oregon website http://www.boatoregon.com.

See You On The Water,
Action Jackson

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

Nature Has Its Reasons

2009-05-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

Over the past several weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of introducing Siuslaw Elementary’s 4th graders to the Smolt Trap—and teaching them about the work we do there. When we talk about the salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout that make up a majority of the catch, I am amazed by how much the kids know. While most of the conversations are about anatomy, physiology and natural history, ultimately some of the discussions veer toward the cruelty of nature. Kids ask questions like, “do the fish eat each other?” and “why do the fish have to die after they spawn?” Some of the questions I get are so profound that I couldn’t begin to address them in a few hundred words. What I can do is offer some insight about why nature’s cruelty is necessary.

You’ve Got Two Chances: Slim and None (And Slim Just Swam Away)
Even before a salmon hatches, it is already a highly sought after food source. Other fish will attempt to feed on the eggs as they’re being deposited in the gravel. Cutthroat trout will stage behind spawning salmon in an attempt to pick up eggs. For the trout, eggs are a nutritious and plentiful food source that will help them put on the extra energy needed for their own upcoming spawn. As the salmon fry emerge from the gravel, trout, sculpin and larger juvenile salmon are all looking to feed on them. Blue herons and kingfishers expertly wait for recently hatched fish as well.

Not only do salmon fry have to survive the onslaught of predators, they must somehow survive flood conditions that can suffocate, crush, or leave them stranded in an isolated pool to be found by a raccoon or wash them downstream before they are prepared.

On their migration downstream, behind every boulder and logjam, in every riffle and pool, in front, behind, below and above them, awaits another potential predator. One of the saving graces for these fry is that they tend to migrate in large numbers. So while large numbers fall prey, some are able to make it to the next stage of the journey.

This all sound harsh to us humans, but it’s nature’s way of making sure only the best survive. The slow, the weak, the small, the careless (and the unlucky) never even make it out of Knowles Creek. And the trials don’t end—ever. Once juveniles make it to the main river, gulls, cormorants, otters, larger trout, pikeminnow and many other predators take their turn at weeding out the weak. All this time, juvenile salmon have to worry about their food, looking for invertebrates and smaller fish on which to feed.

By the time the juvenile salmon reach saltwater, things aren’t any easier. Maturing salmon have to be fortunate enough to find plentiful food and dodge the many predators. Seals and sea lions, orcas, salmon sharks and, another effective predator, man, all take ocean salmon in large numbers. As adult salmon stage in the ocean and in their home rivers, commercial and sport fisherman further reduce the salmons’ numbers. Being taken out of the mix in this case is more about bad luck for a salmon than a comment on its overall fitness.

What I tell the 4th graders is this: nature has its reasons for taking so many of the young salmon. It’s to help the next generation of salmon be as strong as possible. Only the best are able to make it home to spawn.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Invited Out On A Friend’s Boat? Some Things To Keep In Mind

2009-05-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

As we all know, many anglers are boat-less. Let’s face it: there are better investments out there. From storage and maintenance to a truck to pull the boat to state fees and the recent boating license, I can see why so many anglers choose not to have one. Just because you don’t have a boat doesn’t mean you can’t team up with a friend or neighbor who does have a boat. It’s a relationship that can be mutually beneficial. If you’re invited aboard a friend’s boat for the first time, it can be a little weird. Here’s a few things to keep in mind that will (hopefully) get you invited back for future trips.

Before/During The Trip
There are lots of arrangements to take care of ahead of time. Coordinate with the boat owner to make sure you know where you are meeting and at what time. DON’T BE LATE! The people I fish with know that I am always early and ready to go. Be the same way. Other things to consider:
· Before the trip is a good time to make food arrangements. If you bring food, have enough to share with the other folks on the boat.
· Make sure the boat owner has a PFD (life jacket) for you. If not, bring one. If the boat is stopped and ticketed for not having enough safety equipment, it will be the boat owner who pays.
· Do not bring uninvited guests. This includes dogs. Clear it with the boat owner first.
· Ask about what gear you need to bring and don’t bring other stuff. A boat cluttered with extra poles, tackle boxes and coolers is a hassle.
· Offer to get the bait. Find out what kind, what size and ask where to get it. Find out if it needs to be thawed or frozen. Bring enough for everyone on board.
· Be considerate with trash and dropped food/drink. Even though a boat owner might not admit it, we really hate to see potato chips and soda spilled everywhere.
· Help with the launch and retrieval of the boat.
· Last, and definitely not least, don’t dictate what time you have to be off the water. If you’re going out, assume its all day. It is really annoying to have someone on the boat who wants to get back to the dock by 5:00 so they can catch a movie. This is very poor etiquette. We understand that other things need to get done. But don’t accept the invitation unless you can stay out.

I Probably Don’t Need To “Chip In” (He Was Going Fishing Anyway)
There are many, many costs associated with owning and operating a boat. The price of fuel seems to be going up every day. There are launch and parking fees to be paid. Offer to pay your share or more. To feel that someone was “going anyway” and so you don’t need to chip in is a great way not to be invited back. The boat owner may or may not accept your money, but make sure to pitch in.

When I’m trolling the river in the fall, I see many boats with just one person aboard. With so many folks out there crazy about fishing, surely there’s someone out there to help split the cost of fuel and help you clean up afterward. There’s a lot of room in this topic for a future article, so feel free to drop me a line and let me know how you operate, boat owner and boat-less alike.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Rumors Swirl Regarding Fall Salmon Regulations

2009-04-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

The fate of fall salmon fishing on Oregon coast rivers will be decided during the next few weeks. There are rumors surfacing that Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife has already decided to close certain rivers to chinook fishing for 2009. Who would’ve believed it? The Siuslaw River is (was) home to one of the strongest runs of fall chinook on the coast. Just a few short years ago we had a fall run that was estimated to be near historic highs. And though some of you may want to run me out of town, I’m going to say it anyway: if predicted adult returns do not meet minimum standards, then I am in favor of closing all rivers this fall, including the Siuslaw.

Don’t You Make Money By Taking People Fishing?
As a fishing guide, I book approximately 70% of my trips from Aug-Oct. Fall chinook fishing is by far my most popular season. Not only does fall fishing carry me through slower seasons financially, it also brings tourists in from all over Oregon and the United States. Tourism is big business here, and salmon bring people to the Oregon coast. Those people spend money in our hotels and restaurants. So you like to go fishing and a closure will affect you? I need to go fishing to support my family. I do not take this lightly.

Worst Case Scenario
I am concerned that some rivers on the coast will be closed this fall while the Siuslaw remains open. A great deal of effort will shift to this river, which would be bigger crowds. It is not unreasonable to believe effort could double or triple on the Siuslaw. It is unclear whether or not local businesses would benefit as a large number of new anglers would be coming from close by metro areas like Salem and Portland. So while rivers north and south of the Siuslaw would be getting a break, twice as many anglers would be putting twice as much pressure on a fishery that might not be able to support the pressure. And you think other boaters were rude last year? What’s this? Tons of boats were fishing around Cushman? Brother, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.

Let The Facts Make The Decisions
While forecasting run size is inexact, fisheries scientists are getting more accurate. Biologists take into account factors such as commercial fishing take, outmigration of juveniles, predation, minimum escapement for sustaining runs and anticipated angling pressure. If, and only if these factors point to the need for an emergency closure, then that is what needs to take place. I would rather be conservative, closing the river if there’s a chance of doing real damage to our run. And if the facts show that this fall’s run can support the pressure, I’ll be the first to push for keeping the river open.

Will we be the generation that is pointed to 100 years from now as the one that destroyed fall chinook fishing on the Siuslaw? I hope not. I’ve worked too hard on habitat restoration projects, tree plantings and other fisheries projects to let greed and short term gains get the better of me. I refuse to put my self interest above that of future generations.

Give Your Opinion On Upcoming Fall Chinook Season
The public is invited to give their opinion regarding the upcoming fall salmon seasons in rivers and lakes. Please write, e-mail or call Bob Buckman, ODFW biologist if you can attend the meeting. Here’s the specifics on the meeting:
When: April 29
Where: Hallmark Resort Newport, 744 Elizabeth, Newport
Contact: Bob Buckman, ODFW, (541) 265-8306 x224, robert.c.buckman@state.or.us

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

News From Around The Area

2009-04-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

There sure is a lot to talk about this week: the possibility of Black Rockfish limits being raised, adoption of Fall Chinook fishing regulations. Let’s get started with warmwater fishing and clarification of my stance on bass and panfish.

Action Jackson Doesn’t Hate Bass And Doesn’t Keep Cormorants As Pets
I recently became aware that many local warmwater fishermen weren’t too happy with me lately. I wrote an article a few weeks ago about non-native fish in this area and urged anglers to keep a limit of bass the next time they go fishing. My comments were largely directed at the Smallmouth bass fishery on the Umpqua River, where bass numbers are out of control. It’s nothing to go there during the summer and catch 100 fish in a day. These fish are very aggressive and there is no doubt they impact salmon and steelhead numbers through predation and competition for food and habitat. Catch and keep a limit of Smallmouth bass this summer on the Umpqua. As far as warmwater fishing on our Central Coast lakes, things appear to be different. The once numerous schools of Yellow perch and White crappie seem to have disappeared. Largemouth bass numbers are way down. I have had several calls and e-mails pointing to one reason: cormorants. Double-Crested cormorant numbers have skyrocketed over the last 20 years, and many birds can be found on Siltcoos Lake year-round. From the research I have been able to do online, population control will be unlikely in the near future. Cormorants are federally protected through the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Hazing measures might be a viable alternative. Anglers in Tillamook Bay have hired someone to cruise around on a jet ski to disturb flocks of feeding birds into flying somewhere else. Before I’d suggest looking into a similar program here I’d really like to know some results of the jet ski hazing. I also recently received a letter regarding the possibility of state legislation looking into cormorant predation problems and solutions. Readers, this issue is still very much in the front of my mind and you haven’t heard the last of it.

Black Rockfish Limit Being Raised?
There’s a strong possibility that Black Rockfish limits will be raised in the near future from 6 to 7 fish per day. Opponents of Marine Reserves are pointing to an increased bag limit as a victory for Fisheries Managers and reason to dismiss all talk of MRs. I’m not 100% convinced. Ocean conditions have been excellent for Black Rockfish recently and surely have played a part in increased numbers. I say enjoy an increased limit and partake in the fishery, but also realize that gains might only be short-term.

Give Your Opinion On Upcoming Fall Chinook Season
The public is invited to give their opinion regarding the upcoming fall salmon seasons in rivers and lakes. Please write, e-mail or call Bob Buckman, ODFW biologist if you can attend the meeting. Here’s the specifics on the meeting:
When: April 29
Where: Hallmark Resort Newport, 744 Elizabeth, Newport
Contact: Bob Buckman, ODFW, (541) 265-8306 X224
Chinook numbers aren’t expected to be much higher than the last 2 years is the word I’m getting. With this in mind, I am advocating that last year’s closures of Lake Creek and the Siuslaw River above Lake Creek be made permanent. There has been numerous problems with snagging, poaching and fishing over salmon past their prime for eating. Our chinook runs need places like Lake Creek when numbers are down. Closing Lake Creek will help ensure salmon will return to the Siuslaw for our grandchildren and their grandchildren to enjoy.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Advice For Fishing New Rivers

2009-04-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

From time to time, you’ll find yourself thinking about fishing waters that are unfamiliar. First, let me tell you it’s a great idea! You’re certain to expand your fishing knowledge, see some beautiful scenery and perhaps hook into a fish of a lifetime. But before you load up your gear at three in the morning and get in the car, here’s some tips to help your expedition be less stressful and more successful.

Research Will Pay Off
There are two books I will read before I head out to fish new waters: Fishing in Oregon (Sheehan) and Oregon River Maps & Fishing Guide (Amato Books). These two books will give you information on boat launches, run timing, best river levels to fish and popular techniques. Other information you’ll find in these books includes navigation hazards (subject to change) and close-by services. Pick up these two books before your next trip and they will save you a lot of preparation time.

Check The Weather and River Levels
Checking the weather for the area you’ll fish and the river level will save you a lot of disappointment. There’s nothing worse than driving three hours to fish a new location only to find the river has blown out. Check the National Weather Service website (http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/) before heading out. This website will tell you the upcoming weather, and many river’s levels are listed as well. Remember that best fishing is usually when the river is dropping or steady and not on a rising river. Also, if the river is too low and clear, fish tend to be spooky and fishing is more difficult. You’ll find best fishing after a storm, as the river is first clearing and coming into shape.

Talk To Someone Who Knows
If you know someone in the area you’ll be fishing, call them and find out what’s going on. If you don’t know someone in the area (more often the case), call a guide on the river you’ll be fishing and ask them where the fish are. You can contact a local Chamber of Commerce to find the names and numbers of reliable guides. Any good guide will be happy to share information with you. Be sure to ask what stretch of the river is fishing the best, what techniques are working, and if there are any boating hazards of which you should be aware. If it helps you, write down your questions ahead of time so you ask about everything you want to ask about. If the guide doesn’t know, he or she should be able to point you in the right direction.

Spend At Least A Couple Of Days
Spending more than one day will really increase your chances of success when fishing a new river. You’ll be able to spend more time fishing, cover more water, and not feel so rushed. You don’t want to spend more time driving than fishing, so plan to stay overnight and fish again the next day.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

News From Around The Area

2009-04-08T12:19:00.000-07:00

Some spring-like weather has finally started to show over the past few days. Even though most of the river is closed to fishing to protect juvenile salmon and steelhead, there’s still plenty of fishing to do. Here’s the latest from around the area.

Siuslaw Open To Steelhead Whittaker-Wildcat
The mainstem Siuslaw is still open for steelhead fishing from Whittaker Creek to Wildcat Creek until April 15. The extended season is to allow anglers to harvest as many of the broodstock fish as possible. The last I heard steelhead were still showing up in the STEP trap, so there’s reason to believe fish are still around. Fishing with bobber/jig, bobber/eggs, pulling plugs or driftfishing are your best bets.

Springers On The Umpqua
Over the past few weeks there have been a lot of fishermen on the Umpqua fishing for springers. Recent catches have been better. April is traditionally the best month for the lower river. Algae will foul your gear later in the spring. Best fishing is from Scottsburg to Elkton. Many anglers pick a good slot where springers travel and anchor. Fish can be caught back-bouncing eggs, with Kwikfish wrapped with sardine or anchovy fillets or with anchovy spinners (Rogue River style). If you’re looking for your own travel lane to fish, here are some tips: look for water moving approximately “walking speed”. Not too fast and not too slow. You want your Kwikfish to be diving and working properly. Begin your search in tailout type water 6-10 feet deep. Often these slots will appear right next to the bank. If you don’t have a boat, plunking in these areas can be effective. Many of these spots are well know, so don’t be afraid to stop the car, walk down and ask what’s going on. Most folks are friendly and happy to answer some questions.

Other News
· Cleawox and Carter Lakes were stocked with rainbow trout on Monday. Cleawox, Carter and Woahink will be stocked on Apr. 13. Powerbait™ and nightcrawlers are effective. Feel free to contact me with any questions about how to catch these fish.
· The Florence STEP group invited a Todd Hannah, a Reedsport guide to discuss sturgeon fishing at their monthly meeting. People showed up in force. Todd shared his theory as to why sturgeon fishing has been later each year and generally poor: better ocean conditions. When ocean conditions were poor, many sturgeon were in the river looking for food. With improved ocean conditions, most fish are in the saltwater looking for a meal. Makes sense to me.
· Many, many concerned anglers have urged me to address the problems we have with fish-eating birds, specifically cormorants. If you have eyewitness accounts or pictures, please call or e-mail me. I want your story.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Oceanographers Experimenting For Colder Water

2009-04-01T04:31:00.000-07:00

The importance of cold, nutrient-rich water on the Oregon Coast is well known: minerals kick-start a cycle that feeds all creatures including plankton, filter feeders and predatory fish. When normal upwelling patterns fail to develop, ocean productivity falls. In order to combat a lack of upwelling in recent years, a group of researchers is attempting to use technology to artificially cool ocean water and increase productivity.

How It’s Possible
Dr. Lirpa Sloof, a Nobel Prize-winning oceanographer from India, has been working on his ocean cooling technology for over 30 years in Norway, Peru, Iceland and most recently, Northern California. As a visiting professor at Humboldt State, Dr. Sloof has completed a fully operational ocean cooling facility in Trinidad Bay. The “Cold Shower”, as its known, is nearly the size of 4 football fields and works by spraying 100,000 gallons of water per hour through mesh bags filled with ice. The cooled water sinks, creating a “mini” upwelling event in Trinidad Bay. Dr. Sloof declined to say exactly how much ice is used daily, but admits that usage is “significant.”

Results Noteworthy
Dr. Sloof and his team has been able to cool the water .0001 degree Fahrenheit. While this may not sound significant, researchers believe it is. The slightest amount of cooling will theoretically lead to a “Domino” effect that leads to more and more cool water. The results have been so positive that Dr. Sloof has applied for federal economic stimulus funds to install a full-scale facility near Coos Bay. The cost of a full scale ocean cooling facility is estimated to be in the neighborhood of $200 million and could create as many as 4 new jobs. “Of course, we’ll need a lot more ice for such a facility,” said Dr. Sloof. In order to mitigate a lack of ice in Coos Bay, Dr. Sloof proposes to haul ice in on cargo ships from as far away as Alaska. If feasible, entire icebergs may be brought in from areas where local waters are already cold enough. Towing icebergs would have the additional benefit of cooling water all along the coasts of British Columbia, Washington and Oregon during the journey south.

Cold Shower For Florence?
Dr. Sloof is already looking ahead to establishing facilities like the Cold Shower in Florence, Newport, Garibaldi and Astoria. When natural upwelling patterns fail to materialize, Dr. Sloof can simply flip a switch and set into motion a colder ocean. Is this the future direction of ocean research? I don’t think so. April Fools.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Navigable Waterways Are Part Of Oregon’s History

2009-04-01T04:29:00.000-07:00

I got an e-mail a few weeks ago asking about navigable waterways in Oregon and urging me to let readers know a little bit about the history of issues surrounding navigable waterways. After making a few calls and doing some research, here’s what I found out: navigability is a complicated issue. And it seems to boil down to folks who feel strongly about land ownership rights and those who feel streams and streambanks are in the public trust.

The Quick And Dirty History
At statehood, the federal government granted the state of Oregon all navigable waterways. A navigable waterway was one that could be used in commerce. This was still a pretty gray area. Some streams might only be used for commerce at certain times of the year. Are they considered navigable year round or just in the winter? And what about moving logs? Certainly a small stream could be used to move timber if splash-dammed. Does that mean even very small streams are navigable? The answer is probably not. The basic idea behind granting the streams to the state of Oregon was to make sure people were free to travel through areas and could not be stopped by private landowners. Navigability – like many other issues – isn’t absolute. If a deed was issued that pre-dated statehood, it supercedes state law. There are some cases where landowners were deeded the streambed. That wouldn’t affect your ability to float a river, but it may stop you from anchoring or traveling (or fishing) below the average high water mark. I don’t know of anyone that has researched how many of these types of deeds are out there, but it’s generally believed to be few.

What This Means To You
In 2005 the Attorney General of Oregon issued an opinion on public use and state ownership of waterways. Navigable was defined as “capacity, in terms of length, width and depth, to enable boats to make successful progress through its waters.” In addition to allowing use of waterways up to the line of ordinary high water for boating, the opinion means that the doctrine authorizes other water-dependent uses such as swimming, fishing on foot, hunting from a boat and other similar activities requiring the use of the water. It is also important to note that state ownership includes the streambank to the mean high water mark. This can be determined by the presence of upland vegetation. The Department of State Lands press release can be viewed online at
http://www.oregon.gov/DSL/news/pr0531_ag_nav.shtml and the full opinion can be viewed online at www.doj.state.or.us/agoffice/agopinions/op8281.pdf.

Not all navigable waterways in Oregon have been declared as such. You can still get a ticket for trespassing, but it is unlikely to stand up in court. At least this is what I have been told. The hassle of the whole deal is that you’ll have to appear in court and defend yourself. One last final thought: I’d have to think many conflicts could be avoided by treading lightly, leaving a streambank cleaner than you find it, and practicing some common courtesy.

As always, I welcome your opinions on this and other issues.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Tillamook Needs Our Help

2009-03-16T13:28:00.000-07:00

A good friend asked me to post some information about something going on north of here that we should all know about...

Dear Friends,

All of us who care about the rivers of Tillamook County need to get pumped up for a fight. We need to act, and we need to prepare ourselves for more action in the future. Here's the deal: A handful of county politicians, backed by the timber industry, are using the current recession as an opportunity to attack Oregon's State Forests. They have been effective at pushing the Oregon Department of Forestry to drastically increase harvest levels since 2001. But last November, ODF came out strongly against further increases, and recommended that harvest levels be scaled back based on their best science. The timber industry and Oregon's rural counties were outraged and moved to cut ODF off at the knees.

This week they introduced legislation that would redefine ODF's mandate for forest management by defining the value of state forests as only timber revenue. Their bill also includes a declaration of emergency upon passage, giving them an express lane to their goal of 90% harvest in 40 years.

Attached is the first in a series of articles designed to inform the public and call for action to help us kill this bill. I ask you to read it and distribute it to everyone you can. Post it on your blogs, print it in your mags. If you disagree with what I've written, or if you find errors, let me know. I'm happy to work on it until you are satisfied. And there will be more to come--more stories, more details, more photos. The next piece will focus on the positive, by showing off the world-class steelheading that Tillamook County offers, and emphasizing the need to protect her rivers. If the attached word file is not a format that works for you, let me know what you need. And lots more photos are available.

Also attached is a map showing current plans for logging the Wilson River watershed. It is this sickening sight that was the catalyst for this effort. House Bill 3072 came a few days later.

Thanks to Bob Van Dyk at the Wild Salmon Center for starting this dialog, to Jeff Mishler for stoking the fire and providing photography, to Dave Moscowitz for consulting on the house bill and political system, and to Guido Rahr, Jay Nicholas and Ivan Maluski for their commitment to the Tillamook.

Let's kick some ass

Estuary An Important Fish Habitat

2009-03-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

When talking about healthy salmon runs, most folks know about the importance of good spawning habitat in streams and plentiful food sources in the ocean. There is another habitat that salmon use extensively, both as juveniles and adults. The estuaries along the Oregon coast are important transition zones where fish grow strong before making their ocean voyage. Young salmon and steelhead use the estuary to gradually acclimate to salt water. Returning adults take refuge from high water temperatures in the estuary, waiting for the river to cool down. Sea-run cutthroat trout (Bluebacks) may spend most of their adult life in the estuary, feeding on small fish and invertebrates. And the fish that feed the salmon depend on the estuaries – herring use Eelgrass as their spawning habitat, laying their eggs directly on the strands.

What Is An Estuary?
An estuary is a semi-enclosed coastal body of water, with one or more freshwater streams dumping into it. Examples of estuaries include Puget Sound, San Francisco Bay and our own Siuslaw Bay (and lower river). Estuaries are typically the lowest stretches of rivers, where tidal influence occurs. Depending on the amount of fresh water entering an estuary and the strength of tides, water can have a wide range of salinities. Typically on the Oregon coast, colder, denser salt water moves in a wedge along the bottom with an incoming tide. Lighter, warmer fresh water will be higher in the water column.

Estuary Habitat Changing Over Time
Though I wasn’t around in the mid 1850’s, I can tell you that our estuary would have looked a lot different that it does today. Marsh lands along the river were diked and drained for cattle grazing. Tidegates (a type of water control that open to let water out but close to prevent water from coming in) prevented free fish movement in the system. Large trees were removed, or were not allowed to gather as they might naturally in the estuary. There are accounts of early trappers being met with logjams that spanned the whole river. A big difference from today!

What We Can Do For Estuaries
Groups such as The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, state and federal fish and wildlife agencies and local watershed councils (plus many others) have undertaken many different projects to restore, conserve and protect estuaries, including land acquisitions, riverbank tree plantings, and in some cases, breaching dikes. County, state, federal and non-profit organizations offer tax credits, and, in some cases, pay money to landowners willing to help save this valuable fish habitat. Land owners would be wise to replace rusted and non-working tidegates with newer, fish-friendly tidegates, or remove the gate all together and allow natural conditions.

For more information on landowner programs or volunteer opportunities, give me a call or send me an e-mail and I’ll point you in the right direction.

See You On The Water,
Action Jackson

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

Bad News For Sand Shrimp, Ocean Salmon Fishing

2009-03-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

Scientists at Oregon State University are studying the huge decline in sand, or mud shrimp populations on the Oregon Coast. The problem seems to be an introduced parasite called Griffen’s isopod, which attacks the shrimp by entering through the gill chamber. Once inside the shrimp, the parasite sucks the host’s blood, destroying the shrimp’s ability to reproduce. Griffen’s isopod effectively turns the shrimp into a zombie, not killing them immediately. So many shrimp in Oregon’s estuaries are still alive, but unable to reproduce. Griffen’s isopod is non-native species that was probably introduced to the West Coast through ballast water from an Asian ship as the parasite occurs naturally in China and Japan.

The effect of the sand shrimp’s decline is not immediately known. The shrimp are an important food source for fish and birds, and losing a large amount of biomass has an effect on the entire system. How much of an effect is unclear. Sand shrimp are filter feeders, and their decline may mean lower water quality and silt build up.

In some areas of Oregon, the isopod has been less effective in destroying the sand shrimp populations, and researchers at OSU are currently trying to find out why. Researchers are comparing distributions from last year and previous years to determine patterns. Researchers add that some estuaries are more successful at larvae recruitment, which means not all hope is lost.

Ocean Chinook Season Probably Not Happening For 2009
Historic low returns of Chinook salmon in the Sacramento River system means the likely shut down of commercial fishing off Oregon and California for 2009. Biologists estimate a return of just over 66,000 fall Chinook for 2008, despite an ocean fishing closure. The Sacramento River fish are in trouble: recent poor ocean conditions when these fish went out, water draw-downs, introduced species and poor water quality all factor in to the low returns expected for this year.

Last year’s closure of commercial salmon fishing was the largest such shutdown ever. The State of Oregon estimated that the closure meant the loss of $45 million and over 750 jobs. Oregon applied for federal aid and probably will again this year. According to the Pacific Fisheries Management Council, the value of Oregon’s ocean salmon fisheries is about 3% of the average for 1979-1990. With closures looming, the value is not likely to change.

The bright spot in ocean fisheries will be the large number of Coho salmon predicted to return to the Oregon Coast in 2009. Recreational anglers aren’t likely to be as restricted as last year, according to ODFW. The Columbia River is expected to have a return of approximately 1.3 million fish.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Smell You Later

2009-02-12T12:26:00.000-08:00

Why A Salmon’s Most Important Sense Is Easily Affected

Look around at any tackle shop here in the Northwest and you can see the importance anglers put on scent, especially when it comes to salmon and trout fishing. There are literally hundreds of different options, each claiming to be the “one you can’t go without.” Friends, let me tell you why these scents aren’t about attracting fish, but covering up any bad smells we impart on our gear, line and bait. Often overlooked, scent is very important to my fishing success and will be to yours. And the importance of scent goes beyond fishing: the chemicals we use everyday can affect the health of fish runs.

A Salmon’s Most Important Sense
Salmon are extremely sensitive to scent. That’s how they’re able to find their way home after years and thousands of miles traveled in the Pacific Ocean. Just how sensitive you ask? Over 30 years ago, researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks placed one part human skin in 8 billion parts water, causing salmon migrations past a fixed point to stop for up to a half hour. Other research indicates that salmon can detect 1 drop of water from their home stream in 250 gallons of water. A salmon’s ability to detect smells is hundreds of times greater than the best bloodhound. So not only do salmon use scent to find their way back to home waters, but use smell to avoid danger and to find food.

And since their olfactory organs are so keen, salmon are easily affected by different pollutants. Several studies have demonstrated that mechanically plugging the nostrils of adult salmon stopped them from being able to locate their home stream. Scientists at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle, WA have demonstrated over the past 6 years that pesticides and heavy metals can impair a salmon’s sense of smell just as effectively as plugging their nostrils. An ingredient in North America’s most commonly used herbicide, sold several different names (including Roundup) severely affects olfactory awareness in salmon. A 30 minute exposure to atrazine at 1 part per billion reduced the activity of olfactory neurons by more that 10 percent and reduced response to predator scents by nearly half. Exposure to such pesticides can have life and death consequences for salmon. Copper exposure caused similar numbing of juvenile salmon’s reactions to predator scents.

Dealing With B.O. (bait odor)
Nearly every thing we have with us on the boat will leave an offensive odor on our lure or bait: gas, oil, grease, sunscreen, and maybe the biggest – us. Every one of use releases serine (an amino acid) every time we touch anything on the boat. Serine is the same substance found on the skin of big-time predators such as seals and sea lions. The presence of serine will shut down a bite.

There are two ways to deal with offensive odors while salmon fishing, and I recommend using both ways: hiding them and adding cover scents. First, always use latex gloves (or nitrile gloves if you’re allergic to latex) every time to bait up. When putting on sunscreen, apply it with a pair of gloves then discard the gloves. Don’t let your bait touch the bottom of the boat, as you might as well have stepped on it (i.e., you’ve added the same scent). Also, keep and small bucket with water and Lemon Joy on the boat and wash down your knife and bait cutter after every use, and wash your hands in it. This dish soap breaks down greases and removes scents, and fish don’t seem to mind the “lemony” smell.

You’ve probably already added some cover/attractor scents to your brine, but don’t be afraid to take it a step further. There are many companies that make herring and anchovy oils designed to attract salmon. ProCure™ makes several great scents that are made with real baitfish and are widely available. I’ve had great success with them. You can buy (or make) an injector and fill the fish with oil, making the scent last longer. On your spinners, spoons and lures, try gel scents, which have a consistency that keeps them on metal and plastic baits for longer periods. I apply a very small amount (remember – its powerful and salmon have an incredible sense of smell) and re-apply every hour or so. If you want to change scents, scrub your bait clean and start with a new scent. Treat your rods, reels, line, weights and all tackle mindful of scent. I wash all my gear in a very mild Lemon Joy bath several hours before I hit the water. This can also be done after you get off the water for the day as it will help clean salt from your reels and prevent corrosion. Remember: any bad scents your equipment has on it can find its way to your bait.

Over the past several years I find myself pulling those weeds instead of spraying them with herbicide. After all, my daughter and pets play on that lawn too. To me, there’s something unnatural about a lawn that looks like the fairway of your local golf course. I urge you to stop and consider before the next time you apply chemicals to your lawn or put something down the drain. I know the fish will be thankful.

See You On The Water,
Action Jackson

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

Change Your Approach In Low, Cold Water

2009-02-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

It’s been a cold and dry winter so far. With the lack of rain lately, the fish are still around, but you’ll need to rethink your approach to consistently catch fish. Here are a few tips that are sure to help.

Downsize Your Offering
Steelhead can be spooky in low water. Try using small baits of eggs (dime-sized baits), small corkies (or sometimes no corkie), 1/8 or 1/16 oz. jigs, and smaller plugs. With increased water clarity, steelhead will notice smaller offerings and not be turned off. I will often use size 4 or even size 6 hooks in very clear water. A good choice in clear water is a small clump of eggs under a bobber. Use a small piece of split shot to keep the bait down.

Lighter Leader Makes A Difference
Downsize your leaders to catch spooky fish. I commonly use 8 lb. test. Another good option is florocarbon for leader. Florocarbon is almost invisible under water and you can use the same knots that you use when tying monofilament. Also, it is very strong stuff. These conditions are also perfect to use a longer leader. Try fishing a 4-foot leader to trick spooky fish. When fishing plugs, get them further back from the boat so you’re not scaring fish.

Try Fishing Later In The Day
Steelhead tend to be lethargic in cold (below 40 degrees) water. Let everybody else fight the icy roads and frozen rod guides. After the crowds have thinned and the water warms up, give it a try. The fish that weren’t moving first thing in the morning will become more active after the sun comes up. Concentrate on tailouts and slower, deeper runs to find fish. If fish are feeling pressured from drift boat traffic, they will also find cover in broken water and riffles.

Other Tips
And speaking of frozen rod guides, try spraying Pam® Cooking Spray on the guides before you start fishing. I’ve heard of other solutions such as Vaseline and silicon-based sprays, but Pam seems to be a good solution. Always have a dry towel handy so your hands don’t freeze. Also, make sure you have plenty of pre-tied leaders. The last thing you want to do is try to tie an egg loop with light line when you can’t feel your fingers.

Fish Low In The System
There’s an old saying steelheaders use, “when the water is high, fish high (on the river) and when the water is low, fish low. Fishing low on the Siuslaw, Swisshome and below is your best bet.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Proposed Bill To Limit Oregon Guides

2009-01-29T14:53:00.001-08:00

There is an effort underway to limit the number of fishing guides in Oregon and raise guide license fees by 2010. The initiators of the bill feel limiting the number of guides and raising fees will restore credibility to the profession, weed out incompetent guides and reduce pressure on salmon and steelhead runs. There are many different aspects to the proposal, but here is the main framework:

· No new guides will be licensed for a period of 5 years, allowing the number of guides to drop from approximately 800 to 550. Of the 550, only 100 will be allowed from out of state.
· Resident guides would pay $250 for a guides’ license, and $50 for renewal annually. The current license is $50 per year.
· Oregon would be divided into 4 regions: South Coast, Mid Coast/Willamette Valley, Lower Columbia River and Eastern Oregon.
· Guides would pay an additional $250 endorsement fee for each zone fished ($125 renewal fee). For instance, if a guide wished to fish in all 4 zones, it would be $1000 the first year and $500 every year after. Non-resident guides’ endorsements would be double those listed above.
· After 2015, veteran guides would be able to sell their license, much like commercial fisherman currently do.
· Guides would be required to keep a log book on where and when they fish, along with what they catch.
· A Fishing Guide Review Board, made up of 7 licensed guides would be created to oversee industry regulation.
· Part of the funds generated would go to creating hatch-box programs on the coast that would boost fish numbers without creating new hatcheries.

What Brought This On?
Depending on who you talk to, changes to guide licensing is either long overdue or a way to divide sportfisherman for the benefit of a select group. Bill sponsors say that guide numbers are way too high and that guides crowd out other anglers and have too much of an impact on certain fisheries. Further, guide fees are too low compared with surrounding states. Changing the fee structure would push out unfit guides.

On the other hand, many believe this is an attempt by some commercial fishing interests to divide sportfisherman and retaliation for bills seeking to limit gillnet fisheries on the Columbia River. What is certain is that by dividing the state into regions, guides not fishing the Columbia will care less about sport and commercial allocations.

As a guide, I am wary of a bill that limits my opportunities. I am not opposed to a fee structure that is more in line with other states, even though the state license fees I pay as a guide are only the tip of the iceberg of my operating costs. There are different areas of the state that feel salmon and steelhead returning to a local river are “their fish” and will look for ways to limit out of towners. I am also not convinced that hatch box programs on our coastal rivers is where fees are best spent.

But hey, maybe my opinion is biased. As always, I welcome your comments on this and other issues.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Ocean Conditions Among The Best For Salmon In Last 50 Years

2009-01-21T16:28:00.000-08:00

Ocean conditions for chinook salmon and many other species were vastly improved in 2008, mainly because of a huge influx of cold water across the North Pacific Ocean. Scientists who study changes in ocean patterns note that usually cold water conditions last for a few months in late spring and early summer. Since April 2007, the North Pacific has been in a constant “summer-state”, meaning cold, nutrient-rich water. This is something that has not been observed in more than 20 years of sampling. This is in sharp contrast to 2005, one of the worst years on record. Warm, nutrient-poor water in 2005 caused poor conditions for juvenile salmon from California to Washington.

The Pacific Decadal Oscillation, a pattern of varying shifts between warm and cold water in the Pacific Ocean in 20-30 year cycles may be the cause. During 2008, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation was the most negative (cold) it has been since 1955 according to NOAA Scientists at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport.

Cold water, brought in by strong upwelling fuels plankton growth, which in turn boosts the entire marine food web. The phytoplankton feeds the larger zooplankton species which are crucial to the diet of baitfish such as anchovies and herring. Cold water conditions like those present now help zooplankton retain lipids (fat) as a way to survive through the winter. These lipids are an extra energy boost for baitfish and, in turn, salmon.

Marine surveys off the coasts of Oregon and Washington during the summer of 2008 found the highest numbers of chinook salmon juveniles recorded in the last 11 years and nearly 2 ½ times higher than any survey in the past 13 years. These numbers show good ocean survival. On the downside, scientists did not find as many juvenile coho salmon as they had hoped.

Ocean Patterns Changing?
The Pacific Decadal Oscillation has been changing, and scientists want to know if ocean patterns are shifting due to climate change. Changes between cold water and warm water phases aren’t lasting as long as when the patterns were first observed. A phase of the PDO was lasting 20-30 years, and now they’re much shorter. The last phases were 3 years long. So nobody knows for sure how long our great ocean conditions will last.

Feel free to contact me for more information or contact info for the NOAA scientists involved in these studies.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

News From Around The Area

2009-01-19T09:49:00.000-08:00

We’re in the middle of a nice stretch of dry water. Take advantage of it! The mainstem Siuslaw, Lake Creek and other coastal streams will be fishing. Drift fishing bait, jig fishing tailouts and plug fishing are some of the best methods for taking winter fish. There’s lots going on with our fisheries, and this is what I’m hearing when I put my ear to the ground:

Lake Creek and Above Forks Salmon Fishing Closure To Become Permanent?

There’s talk of making the emergency regulation changes of 2008 permanent in some areas – including closing Lake Creek and the Siuslaw above the confluence of Lake Creek to salmon angling. Snaggers and poachers have made for an enforcement nightmare for state police. Closing these areas of the Siuslaw basin would protect our fisheries for future generations. Support for this closure probably doesn’t make me very popular, but I do feel it’s the right thing to do.

2009 River Fishing – Keep the First Fish You Catch?

Those of you who fished tidewater this fall saw the same thing I did – large numbers of coho salmon in the river. While I didn’t see boaters intentionally targeting silvers in the areas I fished, I know plenty of folks who did see this happening. Even when quickly released, the whole process of being hooked and played stresses these fish and makes them an easy target for seals. Why not keep the first fish (or two) you catch, either species? Local biologists may be floating this idea. Each river system in Oregon needs to be examined separately when developing regulations. And if we have a strong run of silvers, better to let a few be kept in a day than releasing several to die before spawning.

2008-2009 Spawning Fish Surveys Looking Up

State and federal spawning fish surveyors are seeing more chinook and coho salmon this fall than last year on the Siuslaw. As surveys wrap up toward the end of January, I’ll keep you posted on some of the raw numbers observed.

Get Your 2009 Fishing License

Here’s a friendly reminder to buy your 2009 sportfishing license. My license, salmon/steelhead/sturgeon tag and shellfish license was a total of $52.75. Make sure to turn in your 2008 harvest tag. The state gives away a brand new driftboat every year to one lucky angler who turns in the old harvest card.

See you on the water,

Action Jackson

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

News From Around The Area

2008-12-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

Steelhead season is quickly approaching, but coho fishing on the lakes is not over. In addition to the lakes, there are other opportunities around that are sure to interest you. Here’s the latest on what’s going on…

Siltcoos Lake Still Fishing Well
Over Thanksgiving week, fishing was very good, according to Dean Hendricks, North Country Lures. Thursday was red-hot, with many fish caught. Many anglers caught fish using North Country Lures’ Sonic Bell and Plugs (available at Bridgeport Market and The Sportsman). Other days were hit-and-miss. There are plenty of fish around, but with cold water temps (49 degrees F) the key is to keep moving to find biters. The dam was open last week and water levels in Siltcoos are several feet down. A reminder that this fishery closes on Dec. 31. As for Tahkenitch, I haven’t heard many good reports this season. I’ve been down there at least 6 times and don’t have much to show for the effort. A big change from last year.

Crabbing Holding Up
Reports I’m getting are that crabbing is holding up well in the lower river. Expect good crabbing until we get a big push of fresh water. Try all the usuals – fish heads, turkey, etc. If you’re not getting crabs, keep moving your pots until you find them.

Steelhead Forecast For Siuslaw
According to ODFW biologist George Westfall, there’s no good method for predicting steelhead returns to the Siuslaw. That said, returns should be in the range of approx. 4% based on previous years’ returns, good ocean conditions, smolts that were bigger than average when released and good freshwater conditions for outmigrating fish. Also, summer steelhead returns of stocks on the Oregon coast (Siletz and Rogue) were excellent, which hints at good winter fish returns. The steelhead returning this winter were released in 2007 from two different locations: 35,000 at Green Creek (Lake Creek) and 49,000 at Whittaker Creek (mainstem). In addition to these fish, look for a large number of older 3-salt fish to be in the mix. Expect 2500-3500 clipped steelhead this winter, with the possibility of more.

Munsel Producing Big Trout
Hendricks also let me know that some big trout are being caught on Munsel Lake. Anglers have been trolling deep (20 feet) and are landing rainbow trout in the 3 lb. (and larger) category. My guess is that similar catches can be made on other area lakes if the effort is put in.

As For The River
River levels are still too low for good boating, and will be so for the next few days. Fresh chinook can still be found in the vicinity of Tide, but you’ll have to search them out. There’s still plenty of water for fish to make their way upriver. All in all, a poor chinook season, but better than last year. Look for better numbers for the next several years. When I get some spawning fish numbers, you will be the first to know.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

How Close Is Too Close?

2008-11-19T10:21:00.000-08:00

Last week I pulled my boat into the Siltcoos River, which might raise a few eyebrows. It sure did from the bank anglers who were throwing spinners off docks nearby. I positioned the boat upstream, dropped the anchor, and my guest and I dropped back some plugs to work in the current while we had a sandwich and discussed our next move. I had no intention of staying long, just long enough to eat lunch. One of the people tossing spinners wasn’t very happy about me being there. He yelled something to the effect, “You have that nice boat but you’re right there?” While I basically told him that he didn’t own the river, this encounter got me to thinking: how close is too close?

Where There’s Fish, Expect Crowds
We’d all like to have a river full of salmon to ourselves. But let’s face it: where there’s fish, there’s going to be competition from other anglers. More fish, more crowds. Crowds below hatcheries on the Sacramento River system in California typically number in the hundreds when fishing is good. Anglers can be lined up three-deep waiting to make a cast. Fistfights and thrown rocks are common. We here on the Central Coast don’t have this problem, but there are certain spots where the fish are confined and there’s going to be conflicts between bank anglers and boaters. The Siltcoos River is one of these spots. The Siltcoos Outlet attracts a lot of attention because every coho salmon coming into the lake is moving right through the river. And it’s the only place that has good bank access. Boats want to get in the river too because fish are ocean-fresh and confined to a small channel.

How To Interact Peacefully
Boaters should not anchor directly in front of bank fisherman, period. This is poor etiquette in a small river. Bank fisherman, if the boat is there first, don’t expect them to move just because they can go anywhere in the lake. It doesn’t always work like that, especially if the lake is rough. Boaters, leave enough room for bank fisherman to cast. Bankies, don’t cast over boaters’ lines just to try to make a point. If you have to talk it out, try to do so in a non-confrontational manner. If you start conversations in a nasty manner, nothing else you say will be heard.

Pressure On Siltcoos
Fishing pressure on Siltcoos this fall has been the most since the lakes were re-opened. There have been a couple of days when the parking lot at Westlake was FULL. I’m sure that all those who love and appreciate this fishery are hoping that Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife will make sure that escapement is still being met and that enough coho are making it up the tributaries to spawn. I have a feeling that pressure will increase over the next several years.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Spawning Fish Surveys Track Returns, Help Biologists

2008-11-14T19:04:00.000-08:00

Every fall on fish-bearing streams all over the Oregon coast, fisheries professionals wade and raft streams counting spawning fish. On Knowles Creek in Mapleton, U.S. Forest Service employees and volunteers have been conducting surveys throughout the entire watershed since 2000. Having taken part in these surveys for the past 5 years, I can tell you there are few other fisheries-related jobs that are as rewarding.

What You’re Looking For
On Knowles Creek, surveyors wade sections from bottom to top, counting live and dead salmon, jacks, redds (nests) and noting other fish observed (such as steelhead and cutthroat trout). Weather conditions, stream levels and visibility are recorded for each stream section, as these factors affect how many and how well fish are seen. Careful observation helps surveyors tell the difference between coho and chinook salmon. Where fish actively spawn also clues surveyors in to what species they’re looking at – chinook prefer lower reaches on Knowles Creek while coho prefer upper reaches and tributaries. Carcasses of dead fish are cut at the tail so they aren’t counted again on future surveys.

Why Surveys Are Useful
Spawning fish surveys are one of the tools used by state and federal fisheries managers to determine run sizes and enact regulations that are in the best interest of the salmon. For instance, poor spawning fish numbers over the past two seasons was a “red flag” to fisheries managers and was a factor in reducing daily and seasonal bag limits for fall chinook on the coast. On Knowles Creek, spawning fish surveys help managers determine the success of habitat restoration projects that were started in the early 1990’s. So, spawning fish surveys, along with data collected at the smolt trap and snorkel surveys help give managers a better idea of freshwater production in Knowles Creek.

Volunteers Welcome
If you’d like to see some spawning fish for yourself, we’re always looking for volunteers to help us complete these surveys. The wading can be physically demanding, but the sites and sounds of Knowles Creek in the winter more than make up for it. Contact Paul Burns, U.S. Forest Service, (541) 902-6953 or call me for more information.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

News From Around The Area

2008-11-05T08:48:00.000-08:00

Fall is finally here. Rains and wind arrived this weekend and is predicted for the next few days. There’s plenty going on both on the river and on the lakes for salmon and trout. Here’s the latest:

Siltcoos Lake Producing Well
Last week I took folks out to Siltcoos 3 days, and we limited with big, beautiful Coho salmon all 3 trips. We also released several fish and caught many jacks and trout. The dam was opened for at least one day last week, and should be open continuously with storms coming. We were successful fly fishing and tossing spinners, but best catches came trolling plugs in Maple Arm and Fiddle Arm. Wiggle Warts™ in pink and orange produced best. I trolled relatively slow and made sure the plugs were far enough behind the boat (40-50 feet) to get the maximum dive. While we’re on the subject of plug fishing, anglers should take the time to change out the treble hooks on plugs. Add a siwash (single) hook on a small barrel swivel to the split rings on the plug. Size #1 or #2 Gamakatsu siwash hooks are perfect for small-medium size plugs. A lot of folks feel that treble hooks are better, but believe me the single hooks don’t miss much. And if you plan on releasing dark or small fish, the siwash hooks do much less damage. This is especially true for the small trout that sometimes take these plugs.

Tidewater Fishing
As of last week, large, fresh Chinook were still being checked at the ramp at Old Town. I got a tip from a very reliable source that good fish were still being caught in the Cushman/Dairy Hole vicinity on the Siuslaw. While Chinook aren’t holding in the lower river like they did back in September, you can still intercept fresh fish in the lower river. And you won’t have to dodge any other boats. The effort on the river has fallen off the table. There’s nobody out there fishing! Get out there, cover some water (read: troll) and find some chrome-bright fish.

River Fishing
Rising river levels will bring a mix of dark and bright fish into the river from The Forks down. A reminder that the river is CLOSED above The Forks and CLOSED for all of Lake Creek to prevent snagging and poaching. Bobber fishing with eggs will produce well over the next several weeks in deeper holes and slots. Here’s a couple of things to consider: please gently release any fish you don’t want to keep and be sure to pack out your trash. Bring an extra bag and pack out the other guy’s trash too. Nothing is worse than getting down to your favorite spot and see shrimp and egg containers everywhere. Leave it looking better than you found it.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

2008-10-29T17:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Anglers!

Here's a couple of shots of chinook from the river from the last few days. I've been fishing Siltcoos Lake the last couple of days and fishing is HOT. Several limits have been taken in the vicinity of Maple Arm. Troll plugs or cast spinners. Here's this week's Siuslaw News article....

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)

Landing Fish With Seals Around

2008-10-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

Before I talk about anything regarding seals and fish, there’s a few things you need to know. Seals are not the reason fish numbers have declined in some areas. If everything is in balance in a river system, the impact of seals on salmon is minimal. When fish runs are in trouble because of habitat loss, human activity (dams, water draw downs, etc.) and poor ocean conditions, the impact of pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) is substantial. Every angler who fishes long enough on coastal rivers will lose a fish to a seal. It is very frustrating. Fall salmon are too difficult to catch to lose one to a seal. There’s a few things you can do to increase your odds of landing a hooked fish when seals are around.

Use Heavier Rods, Reels and Line
Fighting a fish is the most exciting part of salmon fishing, and its exhilarating when a fish makes several long runs. When a salmon runs, it increases the chances of a seal taking notice. Try to play the fish to the boat as quickly as possible. Using heavier rods, reels, and line allows you to control a fish better. I recommend using at least 25 lb. test leaders and 30 lb. test mainline.

Positioning Your Boat Gives You An Advantage
If seals are in the area, try motoring toward a hooked fish. Close the distance between the boat and the fish as much as possible. The angler with the fish on the line will need to reel like crazy to keep pressure on the fish. The boat will help to scare a seal away from the fish.

Wait Until The Last Minute to Show Your Net
If seals can be trained to balance a beach ball on their noses and blow a horn at the circus, you’d better believe they know what a net in someone’s hands means! These critters are very smart, and raising a net is like ringing the dinner bell. Try to remain calm (tough with a fish on) and wait until the last minute to break the net out. Even better is fighting a fish sitting down, where you just look like another angler to a seal.

A Word Of Caution
It is illegal to haze seals in any way. This means no paintball guns, wrist rockets, M-80s, or the like. Hazing seals is a Class A Misdemeanor and can be punishable by a large fine, jail time or both. The next time you’re out and see some seals, be thankful. The seals follow the fish and you know you’re fishing in the right spot.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

October Fish Starting To Show

2008-10-15T12:29:00.000-07:00

Last week the fishing in upper tidewater was tough. Most fish moved up the river with the rains. During the last few days signs that another large group of chinook are in the river were many: we saw several anglers hook up while trolling above C&D Dock. Trolling herring or spinners and bobber fishing with sand shrimp or eggs (or both) will produce good catches for the next several days. Building tides will bring in fresh chinook this week.

Questions About Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Dam Opening
A fisherman stopped me at the ramp on Siltcoos Lake on Sunday and asked me some questions about water releases on the lakes. While I couldn’t answer them at the time, I did some research. Here’s what I found out: according to George Westfall, ODFW biologist, the dams are controlled by International Paper and there is no set schedule for opening the dams. Both dams have fish ladders that allow Coho and Cutthroat to pass them. The dams are opened in the late fall to prevent flooding, and Siltcoos is drawn down to 6 feet above sea level on or about Nov. 1 per an agreement with Dunes City.

Vehicle Break Ins Can Ruin A Good Outing
When we got back to the ramp on Tahkenitch on Sunday, I noticed that one of the vehicles had its canopy window smashed. What a bummer. Usually the low life thief gets away with a few dollars worth of items, but it’ll cost you several hundred to replace the window. Here’s a few things you can do to avoid a costly insurance claim.
Don’t leave anything of value in the car, period.
Pay attention to other vehicles in the parking lot. Someone could be scoping you out.
Avoid parking in secluded areas if possible.
Report suspicious activity. If you’re the victim of a break-in, report it. While you’re not likely to get your wallet back, you might stop another vehicle from getting its window smashed.

Report From The Lakes
We fished both Tahkenitch and Siltcoos on Sunday. Water temps at both lakes were good, and Tahkenitch looked great. We talked to a couple of boats in Five Mile Arm who reported catching jacks the day before. Coho are present, but not in great numbers. On Siltcoos, the algae bloom turned the water pea green. No one we talked to had done any good for salmon, but trout fishing was good. We caught several nice trout while trolling for silvers.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

News From Around The Area

2008-10-08T17:53:00.000-07:00

Last weekend’s storm delivered way over 2 inches of rain to Mapleton and the surrounding mountains, changing tidewater fishing for the next several days. Here’s the latest on what I’m seeing and hearing out there:

Upriver Fish?
Many folks headed upriver to try to find those moving fish over the weekend. I’ve heard wide ranging stories from getting skunked to hooking several fish. For the most part, if you hooked any fish above Mapleton, you did well. A very reliable source reported landing one chinook, having a couple of other takes, and talking to a lot of folks who had nothing. The river was still too low for safe drift boating on Sunday. Remember, Lake Creek and the Siuslaw above Lake Creek are closed to salmon fishing this year.

Tidewater Fishing
Upper tidewater fishing had been very consistent until the weekend rains. Fishing around Mapleton and below slowed considerably over the weekend. The rain cooled the river into the upper 50’s, which will make for better fishing once fresh fish arrive. Trolling spinners is a great way to cover water and find aggressive fish when they are spread out. Some folks might feel that tidewater fishing is over for the year. Don’t believe it! More fish are coming, and once river levels drop all the way down, they will spend some time in tidewater.

Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Open
Boats have been spotted fishing Tahkenitch lake near the outlet this week. Nobody has reported anything to me yet, but my guess is that silvers are pouring into the lakes, especially with the tremendous numbers of silvers we’re seeing in the river this year. Trolling spinners (like North Country Super Hoochies™) in pink and green would be a great way to catch these fish. If you get out there, call me and send me a report.

Follow That Fish!
Last week we saw a couple of guys hook a large chinook. As they held their position in the river, the big fish worked closer and closer to the shore. Eventually, the fish found some old pilings, wrapped around them, and the guys lost the fish. I felt bad for them, not only because the fish was surely a beauty, but also because there were things they could have done to push the odds in their favor. First, close the gap between your boat and the fish. You can move toward the fish as the angler takes up line. Second, move away from the bank. Lead that fish to the middle of the river where there’s less debris to wrap around.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Saber-tooth Salmon Spotted On Siuslaw!

2008-10-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Anglers,

Fishing had been very consistent on the Siuslaw (3-5 fish per day) until the rainstorm over the weekend. We had over 2 inches of rain in Mapleton, which put a damper on tidewater fishing for a few days. Most of the fish in tidewater moved upriver as the river rose significantly. It will take a few days, but fish will once again hold in tidewater where trolling and bobber fishing will be effective.

Here's a photo of a 47-lb. chinook that lady-angler Susan from Wisconsin landed recently. Way to go Sue! This is a fish of a lifetime, and the largest fish I've seen on the Siuslaw this year.

See You On The Water,

Action Jackson

North Country Lures Producing Good Catches

2008-09-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

Over the past several days, it didn’t seem like my herring were getting bit very well. We’d pick up a fish here and a fish there, but not consistently. Last Thursday the guys fishing with me pulled herring for 7 hours and no fish. We switched over to North Country Lures’ Super Hoochies and hooked 7 fish in 2 hours. We’ve been hooking fish every day on the Super Hoochies and they’ve been outfishing herring on my boat.

Rigging Spinners
From your spreader, attach a 3-3 ½’ section of monofilament. Tie on a bead-chain swivel. Add another 3-3 ½’ section of monofilament. Attach your spinner. As for your lead line (dropper) I usually use a 12-24” length and 3-6 oz. It’s more important to be on the bottom than away from the boat, so go heavy. I’ve been using PowerPro 65 lb. test braided line for my mainline, Maxima Ultragreen 30 lb. test for my leaders and 20 lb. test for my dropper. 20 lb. test may sound too strong, but the dropper will still break before the leader and lead is expensive (and poisonous). I want that lead back if I can get it. By having a stronger dropper, you can usually get the lead back.

Strategies For Spinner Fishing
Here’s a few things that might help you pick up a fish the next time you’re on the water:
Try an irregular trolling pattern. Instead of trolling in a straight line for hours, do a little zigging and zagging if you have the room. Giving your bait a little weird speed and motion is sometimes enough to draw a strike.
Concentrate on transition zones. Look for areas that change depth, such as areas that change from deep to shallow. Fish on the move are often concentrated in these transition zones. Fishing a large stretch of water all the same depth? Fish the edges, trolling close to the bank.
Use scent on your spinners. Pro-Cure™ makes a great variety of gels that stick to the spinner blade for a long time.

Get Your Spinners At Bridgeport Market
Bridgeport Market is right next to the boat launch in Old Town and carries a complete supply of North Country Spinners, including the Super Hoochie. Bridgeport Market also has bait and ice and sells fishing licenses. Contact Jay or Cindy at 997-5091 or check out the Bridgeport Market website (www.bridgeportlandingcondos.com/market).

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

News From Around The Area

2008-09-18T21:46:00.000-07:00

Chinook are starting to show in better numbers from Florence upriver. Tides are building this week and will bring more fish into the river. Also, if all the traffic in one part of the river is getting on your nerves, move upriver. Rolling salmon have appeared in Mapleton, so fish are throughout tidewater. While most folks are trolling herring, don’t be afraid to troll spinners or wobblers either. We were out last Thursday and the herring weren’t getting bit. We switched over to spinners and ended up with 3 fish to the boat, plus a couple of missed fish.

If It’s A Coho, Let It Go!
Oregon State Troopers have confiscated coho salmon mistakenly kept over the past several days. Not only will you get a ticket, you can also lose your fishing equipment. If you’re not sure which fish is which, here’s a few features you can use to identify your catch:

Coho (silver) 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. Males have a bulbous nose which helps in identification. 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 (king) 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.

Several anglers 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. There’s a nice display at the ramp in Old Town showing the differences between the two species.

Reminder: Lake Creek Closed To Salmon Fishing in 2008
Trooper Lea also wanted me to reminder folks that Lake Creek is closed to chinook fishing for 2008. There have been reports of people fishing the area and troopers don’t want to ticket anglers who didn’t know the regulations. Popular spots along Lake Creek have been posted, but signs have been removed. Oregon State Police will be watching Lake Creek carefully to make sure regulations are being followed.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Central Oregon Offers Numerous Fly Fishing Options

2008-09-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

Many of us couldn’t imagine being anywhere else than the Oregon Coast in the fall with salmon and cutthroat fishing in full swing, plus beautiful weather. And even though we can make a strong case that this is “Heaven on Earth”, there’s another part of the state that can also make that claim. The Sisters area of Central Oregon is absolutely beautiful and offers an incredible number of fishing opportunities close by.

Get Outfitted The Right Way Before You Start
The Fly Fisher’s Place in Sisters offers anything and everything you need to explore Central Oregon with a fly rod. From high quality rods and reels to clothing and waders to flies and tying materials, this is the place to begin your trip. Jeff Perin, owner of The Fly Fisher’s Place, is extremely knowledgeable about the area and how to fish it. Jeff has put together a team of very qualified guides who are expert boatmen, friendly and excellent anglers. If your just looking for advice on where to go and what to do, Jeff and his team will gladly help you out. We all know that fishing can be difficult and frustrating at times, so talking with a team of anglers with the inside scoop can really shorten the learning curve.

Choices, Choices
Sisters is in the heart of some of the best fishing in North America. Here’s a brief list of some of the best of the best:
Deschutes River – This world-famous river is close by, offering incredible trout and steelhead fishing in a unique setting. The Deschutes is long and varied with many opportunities and some dangerous water. If you’re planning a fishing trip, it’s best to go with an expert first.
Metolius River – This river, which flows cool, gin-clear and constant year-round, offers some of the toughest yet most rewarding fishing anywhere. The Metolius is spring fed and the trout tend to be very specific in what they choose to eat. Precision and stealth are the name of the game here.
Crooked River – The Crooked River is one of the most productive trout streams in Oregon, offering excellent numbers of redband rainbow trout. To find less competition try the Crooked River Gorge. The Gorge offers tougher access and good fishing.
Upper McKenzie and Upper North Fork of the Santiam – These west slope fisheries are also very close to the Sisters area. Too treacherous for boating, they offer unique walk-and-wade opportunities for adventurous anglers.
High Mountain Lakes – The options here are too many to mention. While many have good road access, others are hike-in and are lightly fished. Do your research ahead of time and have a trip you’ll remember forever.

Get In Touch With The Folks Who Know
To find out more about the numerous fishing options in the Sisters area, contact The Fly Fisher’s Place at (541) 549-3474 or at www.flyfishersplace.com. Contact a team of experts who can give you the information to be successful.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

“Fish On” Means Give Way

2008-09-05T08:45:00.000-07:00

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 50 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 of landing their fish 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)

News From Around The Area

2008-08-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

Fall is just around the corner and the fish can feel it. Things are picking up and good fishing is just around the corner. Last week’s rain (over 2 inches in Mapleton) will cool the water down and draw fish in. Here’s what I’ve seen the last few days and what others are reporting:

Fish Are In On The Umpqua
A good bite has been happening on the Umpqua recently. Fish down toward Winchester Bay for a chance at both clipped Silvers and Chinook. Last week fish were caught up to Reedsport and above. Herring are the bait of choice and most anglers are running them with flashers. My experience is that there doesn’t seem to be as much debris in the water on the Umpqua, making it easier to run flashers. As with the Siuslaw, most boats move with the tide, making it easier to keep your presentation on the bottom and in the strike zone. Over the weekend there were quite a few boats, so fish the weekdays for less traffic.

Crabbing Picking Up
Crabbing is starting to get a lot better during the last couple of weeks. All your favorite crabbing bays (Alsea, Siuslaw, Winchester) are producing good catches. Best crabbing will be found during the incoming tide, close to the mouth. Recent rains should not slow down catches as there’s not enough fresh water to push crabs out. Many different baits will produce, including shad, tuna heads, chicken or turkey, salmon carcasses, etc.

Not Too Early For The Siuslaw
Though more fish are present down south on the Umpqua, a few fish are starting to show on the Siuslaw. Fishing will get better as the water cools. Some fish have been checked in for little effort.

Know Your Closed Area
Last Friday I ran into some very nice guys from the U.S. Coast Guard, Siuslaw River Station. They informed me that when the Rough Bay Warning Lights are on and the bar is closed, the area downriver from Marker #4 is restricted. If you have any questions, you can call the U.S. Coast Guard recorded message at (541) 902-7792. Next, you can tune your AM/FM radio to 1610 AM. You can also hail the Coast Guard directly on your VHF radio channel 16.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Brining Herring

2008-08-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

Hello Readers! I’ve recently been getting some questions on preparing herring for trolling. Here’s an quick and effective brine I like to use. Remember to experiment with different scents as it is a key to success. No single scent is the most effective every day.

Herring is probably the #1 bait for Fall Chinook salmon. If you talked to 100 salmon anglers, you’re likely to get that many different brines for herring! There are numerous scents and secret recipes that fishermen have, too many to go into here. Start with a basic recipe, and experiment. What’s that? You say you have the surefire, can’t miss formula? Shoot me an e-mail and I’ll try it out!

The Basic Recipe
This recipe will brine 4-6 dozen herring. Don’t need that many, cut back the ingredients equally to fit the amount of bait you want to brine. To eliminate unwanted scents, use latex gloves to put together the brine.
2 ½ gallons distilled water. You can use tap water, but let the water sit overnight. This allows chlorine to evaporate. Scent is very important. You want to make sure the herring only absorb the scents you want them to absorb.
3 tablespoons of Mrs. Stewart’s liquid bluing. This makes the herring’s scales really shine. Mrs. Stewart’s is not particularly easy to find, so don’t start asking around the night you need it. Randy’s Riverview Market in Mapleton stocks it, and local grocers can order it.
4 cups rock salt, canning salt, or non-iodized salt.
1 cup powdered milk. Powdered milk firms the herring without burning it.
Scent of your choosing. Popular scents include garlic oil (from a jar of minced garlic) or 2 tablespoons of pure anise oil.
Mix all ingredients together, making sure to allow time for the salt to dissolve.

Now, For the Herring…
Most herring purchased these days are “shrink wrapped” to preserve them and minimize freezer burn. Partially thaw the herring before you brine them. Make sure to poke holes in the package as you allow them to thaw. If you don’t, the plastic wrapping will pull scales off these delicate fish during the thawing process.

Letting Them Brine
You’ll want the herring to brine at least overnight. If possible, store them in a cool spot or refrigerate the herring while they brine. After brining, they can be refrozen. Frozen herring cut much better than soft herring, and you’ll lose fewer scales. If you’re fishing all day, put some herring in a small cooler that you’ll be opening a lot, and place others in another cooler that stays shut, keeping the bait frozen until you’re ready to use them.

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 www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Tie Your Own Spinner Rigs For Blueback

2008-08-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

If you’re looking for some fishing in the river until good numbers of Chinook show, look no further than Searun cutthroat trout, or Blueback. Right now there are plenty around, they’re aggressive and great to eat. Local fish expert Lynn Hood tells me folks are doing very well in the vicinity of C&D Dock, but fish are available from Mapleton down (and probably above if you know where to look).

Spinners Are Popular
Running into Hood at The Riverview Market was inspirational. He was tying up a spinner for Blueback that looked very simple and effective. It reminded me of the anchovy spinners used at the mouth of the Rogue River for Fall Chinook. The big differences are that you don’t need a treble hook, and you don’t need heavy leader. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
10-12 lb. leader. I thought about this one a lot. Some guys would say that this is too heavy for Blueback. It’s true – it is more than you need. But here’s why I say use it – if something much larger grabs your spinner, you want to have at least a fighting chance of landing it.
An assortment of 4-6 mm beads. Look for different colors such as orange, green, blue, chartreuse, yellow and red. Get some beads in each 4, 5 and 6 mm if you can find them. If you need help finding bead sources give me a call and I can point you in the right direction.
Plastic clevises. A lot of folks use wire or metal clevises and that’s fine. Let me tell you why I use the plastic – because you can change spinner blades quickly. Simply snap one off and put on another. And rarely do you lose a blade (unless you lose the whole spinner).
An assortment of #3 and #4 Colorado spinner blades. Try some of these popular colors: silver, brass, copper, and some painted blades (green, fluorescent orange, blue, etc.). There are many different finishes available. Again – if you need some help – I can tell you where to get started.
Baitholder hooks. These hooks have a long, straight shank that has barbs to help hold a nightcrawler on the hook. Experiment with different sizes to get what you like, but I often use something between a #1 and #4. Gamakatsu makes a very good Baitholder hook that’s sticky sharp out of the package and stays that way.

Very Simple, Very Easy
On approximately 36” of leader, tie on the hook, add 3 of the large beads, 3 of the medium beads, and 2 of the small beads. Add the clevis. Add the blade to the clevis. It doesn’t get any easier. On the river, add ½ nightcrawler and troll your spinner behind a Ford Fender™ or Cow Bell™. Don’t forget to use a small trolling rudder to keep your rig from twisting up.

The Blueback are in, so if you’re not catching switch colors, blades and location until you find the formula that works.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Back From Alaska

2008-07-24T23:05:00.000-07:00

Hello Readers!

Just got back from guiding in Alaska for the last 5 weeks for Larry Lund at Togiak River Lodge. Fishing this year for kings wasn't as good as some years, but we still caught many fish. We had several 30+ fish days for kings up to 40 lbs. The weather wasn't nice with high winds, rain and cold on several days. But when Alaska is nice, its one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you're considering a trip to Alaska, you can't go wrong with Togiak River Lodge. The fishing, the food and service is top-notch.

So You Want To Be A Fishing Guide In Alaska

2008-07-24T23:01:00.000-07:00

Many young men come north every summer with stars in their eyes. They dream of 100 fish days, endless daylight and having all the comforts of home. While its true fishing can be incredible, most who come here aren’t prepared for the hard work for hours and days on end.

Opening Camp
I was fortunate enough to have commitments at home that kept me from most of the most strenuous days. Usually there are a variety of building projects: maybe a new deck, window installations, or walkway construction. Last year the lodge I work for built two new cabins in ten days. We hauled gravel, 5-gallons at a time, from downriver to cover up soft spots around buildings and paths. Every boat and motor must be gone through to make sure it won’t fail at the wrong time. Boats are cleaned and re-carpeted. Tons of materials are brought in and put away. Everything from tools and paint to food and toilet paper are stowed. Trash is either burned or hauled downriver to the dump. The main lodge and guest rooms are cleaned. Tackle is sorted and distributed. And then there’s the constant upkeep of all machines, water and sewage pumps, motors and other equipment. Hopefully you can find the right tool or part you need as you can’t just run down to Ace Hardware. If you need it right now, expect it at least a week after you order it. Oh, and expect it to be twice as much as you’re used to paying.

Washing Out
I came over to Togiak Village with a young guy who was hired to help around camp and guide later in the year for Silvers. He was worried about how much he’d get to guide since there seemed to be so many guys ahead of him. I told him it was likely that not every guide would make it through the season. And it didn’t take long. Through his own weakness and immaturity, one of the guides ended up quitting and going home. He had the dream of fishing 7 days a week and catching tons of fish every day. What he didn’t realize is that guiding isn’t about catching fish. Guiding is about responsibility, safety and being a team player. His ego prevented him from accepting advice and moving on, and $800 to change his plane ticket didn’t stop him either.

The guide who washed out wasn’t the only one to leave camp so far. One of the young guys hired to help out around camp had personality conflicts with the chefs. Throwing 18 people together who don’t know each other is bound to cause conflicts. Every person is just not going to get along with everyone else. This is where maturity and inter-personal skills come into play.

Bugs and Weather
So far, the weather here has been cold and rainy. The sun pops out every now and then, but soon disappears. Its nice in a way because it keeps the bugs down. When the wind dies and the sun does come out, billions of biting insects are ready to suck the life out of every living mammal around. Mosquitos, No See Ums and White Socks (a small biting gnat) will find you no matter where you are.

There’s plenty to fall in love with here and the rewards too many to mention. The quiet and beauty of the bush make up for the hardships. The personal lessons learned from sticking it out will last a lifetime. The volume of fish in the rivers is incredible. But it takes someone with character to make the most of the experience.

See You On The Water,
Action Jackson

Regulations for 2008 Fall Chinook Season Still Up In The Air

2008-06-12T21:26:00.000-07:00

Late last week the Fish and Wildlife Commission met to rule on emergency regulations for the 2008 Fall Chinook fishery for coastal rivers. Based on public input, expected chinook returns and the best available data, ODFW staff recommended allowing the harvest of 1 fish per day, 5 per season for the 2008 season. While this sounds like a huge hit for recreational fisherman, at least we are able to fish in the river this year. Considering commercial fisherman won’t be allowed to fish for salmon in the ocean and no coastal river in Oregon is expected to meet its minimum escapement, I feel fortunate to be able to fish.

As of Tuesday morning, the Fish and Wildlife Commission hasn’t officially adopted the 1/5 rule for this fall. The ODFW website says that regulations will be finalized over the next few weeks and will take effect on Aug. 1. Here’s the link to the very brief press release http://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2008/june/060608.asp.

Fishing and Hunting Licenses Going Up Again
In 2010, fishing and hunting licenses are set to increase again. There are three options that have been put forth. Here are the links so you can check out the increases for yourself.
http://www.trustplannow.com/sites/default/files/PackageB.pdf
http://www.trustplannow.com/sites/default/files/PackageC.pdf
http://www.trustplannow.com/sites/default/files/PackageD.pdf
An interesting new item has been added – a “2 Pole License” that would allow an angler to add a 2nd rod for an additional annual fee. The 2 Pole License couldn’t be used when salmon, steelhead or sturgeon fishing. Package “D” has the biggest increases and would actually allow for some money to be re-invested into fish and wildlife projects. Package A, which involves commercial license increases is not listed here.

North To Alaska! (For A Few Weeks)
I’ll be heading to Alaska for a few weeks this summer, guiding at Togiak River Lodge (http://www.togiaklodge.com/) for the Chinook and Rainbow Trout. In the meantime, I’ll be taking a short break from my weekly articles to concentrate on fishing up north. Look for a few updates on the fishing this summer.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Run Timing – Then And Now

2008-06-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, a fellow angler and I were talking about how the salmon and steelhead weren’t showing up the same time of year they used to. This friend told me, “You know, the steelhead fishing was really good around Thanksgiving, and the run was over by January.” That got me to thinking about when fish should be showing up. Were the runs years ago healthier than today?

When Do Fish Come Back?
Anadromous (sea run) fish return to their home river anywhere from months before they spawn to hours before they spawn. For instance, on the Columbia River, steelhead bound for rivers in Idaho (Columbia River tributaries) enter freshwater many months before they actually spawn. And on Oregon coastal rivers, salmon and steelhead may spawn just hours after entering freshwater. In other words, the length of the journey to spawning grounds dictates (in part) when fish enter a river. Anadromous fish, particularly fall chinook salmon, may also hold in lower stretches of coastal rivers until water levels raise enough to allow them to access suitable spawning gravel. An example of this is as follows: a fall fish may enter the river in September and slowly work its way upriver, and when freshets raise the water level in early November, the fish enters a tributary and spawns during the middle of November.

Run Timing – An Inexact Science
While it’s tough to predict when the “peak” of the run will be, research on salmonids gives us some clues as to when most of the fish will be in the river. On Oregon coastal rivers, run distribution is on a Bell Curve. When examining fall chinook salmon, this means that some fish will be present in the bay and river during July, and some fish will be present in January, but the peak of the run will be present some time during October or November. We make this assumption based on sport catch and results of spawning fish surveys. When we take a look at winter steelhead, the timing is different. Most of these fish spawn in the spring (March and April). And while some steelhead are in the rivers in November and some fish are in the river in May, the peak of the run will probably be in January and February. A Thankgiving peak run just doesn’t sound quite right to me, at least not on the Oregon coast.

What Affects Run Timing?
It’s not that my friend was wrong. I’m sure he had the dates right. But there are many things that can impact run timing of salmon and steelhead. Probably the biggest single impact on run timing in the past was poor hatchery practices. And this is how it works: the eggs of fish used by the hatchery were taken from the first fish that made it to the weir. So, over a few generations the hatchery, by just taking these early fish, inadvertently selected for early arriving fish. Today, hatchery practices are changing. Those in charge realize that fish should be selected throughout the run to ensure that fish come back during the entire time they would naturally.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Ethanol And Your Boat

2008-05-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

In the most recent Underway magazine (sponsored by the Oregon State Marine Board and U.S. Coast Guard), there were several interesting articles. One of the articles discussed ethanol blended fuel, better known as E-10. This is something that folks have asked me about, and now I’d like to share what the OSMB has to say about it.

First off, it will be mandatory for all gas stations statewide to start selling gasoline with 10% ethanol by Sept. 30, 2008. When this was first made public, many weren’t happy with the state’s decision – especially aircraft pilots and boaters. In response, legislators passed Senate Bill 1072, which allows retailers to sell unblended fuels for use in aircraft, ATVs, power tools and boats. Allowing unblended fuel to be sold came about when state officials learned that ethanol easily absorbs water, which contaminates fuel and causes engines to seize up. Also, since ethanol is a solvent, it can damage fiberglass fuel tanks, rubber and internal engine parts (especially in older boats).

State Marine Board officials feel that marinas are the most likely places to find unblended fuels, but that it may be difficult to find at gas stations. But there are things you can do to minimize any negative impacts.

· Make sure you know what fuel your retailer is dispensing.
· Run a non-alcohol fuel stabilizer in your boat’s fuel system at all times. This is definitely recommended for engines that sit for any length of time.
· The more use a boat gets, the less likely it is to have problems.
· When winterizing, keep your tank approx. 95% full to prevent condensation but allow room for expansion. Try to avoid any water intrusion.
· Install a water separating fuel filter.
· Change your fuel filter regularly.
· Replace older plastic tanks with new tanks.
· Replace older rubber fuel lines and inspect them regularly.
· Some older carbureted engines may require special tuning. Consult the manufacturer for details.

For more information about E-10, visit the OSMB website at http://www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/news/E10.shtml.

I’m going to run E-10. My boat gets a lot of use during the year and I already have a fuel-water separator in-line on my fuel system. Stay tuned for updates.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Summer Must Reads and Must Sees

2008-05-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

I know how it is. Many of you out there are already thinking about salmon fishing here on the river and its not even Memorial Day. Well, if you’re thinking about it you might as well read about it, look at some different rigging techniques and watch an informative DVD so when the fish are here you can maximize your opportunities. Frank Amato Publications (www.amatobooks.com) is the leading publisher of salmon and steelhead books and DVDs. The list of materials offered by Amato Publications is very impressive. You are guaranteed to learn something new. Here are some of the latest offerings.

· Angling Techniques For River Kings (DVD). Featuring Nick Amato, Kris Olsen and a personal friend of mine, Rob Russell. The DVD discusses fish location and techniques such as plug fishing, back bouncing, drift fishing and float fishing.
· Basic Stream Flies: How To Choose, Fish & Tie Them (Book). Though there are always exceptions, you don’t need hundreds of different flies when trout fishing. In most situations you only need a few different patterns. This book contains 28 patterns that can be used to match many scenarios. Each pattern is accompanied with step-by-step instructions on tying it.
· How To Catch Salmon, Sturgeon, Lingcod, Rockfish and Halibut Along The Pacific Coast (Book). This book is packed with great information that is useful for fishing in saltwater anywhere from California to Alaska. Author Wayne Heinz discusses fish behavior and the best methods for catching all of the fish listed in the title. Other topics covered include finding credible fishing reports, maps and tide tables, and cooking your catch.
· Illustrated Rigging For Salmon Steelhead Trout (Book). Robert Campbell has put together a great book that includes numerous rigging techniques for any situation you would encounter. Campbell includes rigging for rivers, lakes, the ocean and small streams. If you like to catch salmonids, get this book.
· 300 Tips To More Steelhead & Salmon (Book). When it comes to writing, there may be no other as prolific or accomplished than Scott Haugen. His latest book offers literally hundreds of tips to help anglers make the most of their time on the water and catch more fish. There are many tips bank anglers as well. From beginning angler to 70-year veteran of the Siuslaw, there will be something in this book you will find useful.
· Side-Drifting For Steelhead (DVD). Take it from me: side-drifting under the right conditions can be deadly. It is one of the top methods for fishing steelhead. Topics covered in this 60 minute DVD include: boat handling and position, reading water, weight selection, bait and etiquette.

Check out these and many, many other titles from Amato Publications. Make the most out of your next trip on the water.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Invited Out On A Friend’s Boat? Some Things To Keep In Mind

2008-05-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

As we all know, many anglers are boat-less. Let’s face it: there are better investments out there. From storage and maintenance to a truck to pull the boat to state fees and the recent boating license, I can see why so many anglers choose not to have one. Just because you don’t have a boat doesn’t mean you can’t team up with a friend or neighbor who does have a boat. It’s a relationship that can be mutually beneficial. If you’re invited aboard a friend’s boat for the first time, it can be a little weird. Here’s a few things to keep in mind that will (hopefully) get you invited back for future trips.

Before/During The Trip
There are lots of arrangements to take care of ahead of time. Coordinate with the boat owner to make sure you know where you are meeting and at what time. DON’T BE LATE! The people I fish with know that I am always early and ready to go. Be the same way. Other things to consider:
Before the trip is a good time to make food arrangements. If you bring food, have enough to share with the other folks on the boat.
Make sure the boat owner has a PFD (life jacket) for you. If not, bring one. If the boat is stopped and ticketed for not having enough safety equipment, it will be the boat owner who pays.
Do not bring uninvited guests. This includes dogs. Clear it with the boat owner first.
Ask about what gear you need to bring and don’t bring other stuff. A boat cluttered with extra poles, tackle boxes and coolers is a hassle.
Offer to get the bait. Find out what kind, what size and ask where to get it. Find out if it needs to be thawed or frozen. Bring enough for everyone on board.
Be considerate with trash and dropped food/drink. Even though a boat owner might not admit it, we really hate to see potato chips and soda spilled everywhere.
Help with the launch and retrieval of the boat.
Last, and definitely not least, don’t dictate what time you have to be off the water. If you’re going out, assume its all day. It is really annoying to have someone on the boat who wants to get back to the dock by 5:00 so they can catch a movie. This is very poor etiquette. We understand that other things need to get done. But don’t accept the invitation unless you can stay out.

I Probably Don’t Need To “Chip In” (He Was Going Fishing Anyway)
There are many, many costs associated with owning and operating a boat. The price of fuel seems to be going up every day. There are launch and parking fees to be paid. Offer to pay your share or more. To feel that someone was “going anyway” and so you don’t need to chip in is a great way not to be invited back. The boat owner may or may not accept your money, but make sure to pitch in.

When I’m trolling the river in the fall, I see many boats with just one person aboard. With so many folks out there crazy about fishing, surely there’s someone out there to help split the cost of fuel and help you clean up afterward. There’s a lot of room in this topic for a future article, so feel free to drop me a line and let me know how you operate, boat owner and boat-less alike.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Recap of Fall Chinook Meeting In Newport

2008-05-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

Interested anglers packed the library at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport last Wednesday to hear a presentation by ODFW biologists on options for this year’s fall chinook salmon season on the coast. ODFW is considering emergency changes to this year’s regulations because fall chinook runs are expected to be below minimum goals for the second straight year in every river system on the Oregon coast. To put this in perspective, the Siuslaw only failed to reach minimum targets for spawning fish once (1993) from 1985 until 2006.

Guiding Principles/Possible Options For Consideration
Early in the meeting, biologists laid out the principles that will guide any regulation changes: coast-wide consistency (i.e., no special regulations for each watershed), simple and easy to understand, enforceable, avoid unnecessary reductions in opportunities, and dealing with compelling local issues (i.e., changes in watersheds designed to protect fish from over-harvest or snagging).
Biologists forwarded several possible coast-wide options for consideration, including:
Maintaining traditional terminal ocean fisheries, but with new restrictions (affecting Tillamook, Port Orford, Brookings)
Keep newer terminal ocean fisheries closed (including Newport, Florence, Winchester Bay and Charleston)
Reducing the daily bag limit (from 2 fish to 1 fish)
Reducing the seasonal bag limit (from 20 to 10 or 5)
Reducing days/week open to fishing
Area closures
Other ideas

Commercial Fisheries Catching Oregon Fish
ODFW biologists acknowledged that a large percentage of fish that would have returned to Oregon streams are caught off Southeast Alaska and Northern British Columbia. Using coded-wire tags implanted in juvenile salmon from 3 different Oregon river systems, fisheries managers estimate that 20% of our chinook run is caught off Alaska, and another 10-12% is intercepted off British Columbia. Of the remaining approximately 70%, 20-25% is harvested in the rivers. It was unclear at the meeting if this number included fish taken by seals/sea lions or how this is accounted for. So, to recap, if 1,000 fall chinook would have returned to a river on the coast, perhaps 300 would be taken by commercials and another 175 would be harvested in the river leaving 525 (just over half) to spawn.

How ODFW Options Were Received
As far as maintaining traditional terminal ocean fisheries and keeping newer terminal ocean fisheries closed, the crowd wasn’t strongly in favor or opposed to any changes. ODFW estimates are that not many chinook are caught in these fisheries in our area. Anglers who concentrate more on the traditional terminal fisheries off Tillamook, Port Orford and Brookings were probably much more vocal about these options.

Much discussion revolved around changing the daily and seasonal bag limit. The audience had a wide range of opinions. Most felt that 20 fish per season was too many. A staff member from ODFW in attendance offered some interesting information regarding possible reduction in harvest from reducing the season limit. From analysis of returned salmon tags, ODFW has estimated that reducing the season limit to 10 fall chinook would result in a 1% decrease in harvest, and reducing the limit to 5 fall chinook would result in a 10% decrease in harvest. This analysis was produced based on approximately 13% return in salmon tags.

Many anglers voiced opinions on 1 vs. 2 fish per day. Some felt that with limited time and opportunity, not to mention the cost of fuel, anglers should be allowed to keep 2 fish per day. Others (including this writer) feel that 1 fish as large as a fall chinook is plenty per day. Other arguments revolved around whether hatchery chinook should be included as the 1 fish per day. “Party fishing” was also discussed. Party fishing is allowing anglers to keep a line in the water after taking a 1 fish limit until the boat has limited out. While those in attendance talked on both sides of this issue, I didn’t get a sense that anyone was strongly opposed to party fishing. Whether or not party fishing is allowed will probably come down to how tough an enforcement issue it is. Finally, folks were unanimously against limiting angling on certain days of the week. This possible change won’t go anywhere.

Siuslaw-Specific Changes
Considering the price of gas and the distance folks had to travel, there were several interested folks from our area in attendance. This was great to see. ODFW biologists mentioned they are considering closures of Lake Creek and the Siuslaw above Lake Creek until later in the season to limit snagging. One concerned angler commented that closing these waters until Oct. 10 would be enough time. I’m not so sure. Looking back on precipitation records for Mapleton over the past several decades, October can be a dry month. I am in favor of pushing back the opening of Lake Creek and the Upper River until Dec. 1. We can definitely count on enough water in the river by that time of year to make snagging very difficult. By Oct. 10? Maybe in some years, but not most years.

Other Ideas Mentioned
Other ideas put forth by the audience included: banning the use, sale and transport of salmon eggs for bait (I am in favor of this), limiting the number of female salmon (hens) an angler can take in a season (I am in favor of this) and making it mandatory to turn in your old salmon tag.

ODFW staff will forward regulation changes to the Fish and Wildlife Commission for an early June vote. Stay tuned for the results.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Trout Fishing Is Here

2008-05-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

Its that time of year again. The time of year when trout fishermen begin to get their gear out and head to local lakes in search of rainbow trout, which have been stocked in many of our local lakes. There are many things that are great about trout fishing: they’re plentiful, they’re willing biters, they fight hard and you don’t have to wait long for action. Trout fishing is a great way to introduce kids to fishing and nature as the non-stop excitement will keep them interested.

Where Are The Fish?
Rainbow trout are stocked in most of the lakes in the Florence vicinity. Munsel, Mercer, Cleawox, Dune, Erhardt, Carter, Elbow (and others) all have or will be stocked soon. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains a stocking schedule available online at
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/trout_stocking_schedules/2008/northwest/north_coast.asp. It tells dates stocked and numbers of trout planted. Rainbow trout are no longer stocked in rivers where they compete with native salmon and steelhead, such as the Siuslaw River. Efforts are best concentrated in lakes with recent stockings. Trout are also available in Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes, though these are bigger lakes that require different techniques for consistent success.

Rods, Reels and Line
You’ll be pleased to find out that the same rod and reel you use for shad fishing also makes for a fine trout setup. The spinning rod and reel combination I prefer is a medium-light outfit consisting of a 6-6 ½ ‘ rod and a reel lined with 6 or 8 lb. test monofilament. Don’t go too heavy or you’ll miss the excitement of the fight. Also, a light setup will make it easier to cast light baits and lures. Local retailers have a fine selection of reasonably prices rod/reel combinations, many just for kids. I generally recommend steering clear of the “closed face” rod/reel combos, especially if you plan on doing any other types of fishing beyond trout and panfish. They won’t take much abuse, and a pain to re-line, and their drag systems won’t hold up to larger fish. While they are good for very young anglers, kids can just as easily be taught to effectively use spinning gear. Just try a few practice casts before baiting up.

Got Any Bait?
You can’t go wrong with Berkley Powerbait. It’s long lasting, buoyant, and trout love it. Take a pinch between your fingers, roll it into a ball, and run your hook through it. Another favorite of mine is a whole nightcrawler, hooked once through the tip, and allowed to slowly sink to the bottom (no weight). Oftentimes you’ll have a fish on before it hits the bottom. Other popular baits include grubs, crickets (can be tough to get) and kernel corn. Lures work great too. Small spinners and spoons for spin fishermen and all sorts of streamers, nymphs and single egg patterns for those fly fishing.

Hooks, Sinkers, Etc.
Since trout are not likely to be right on the surface, you’ll need to get your presentation down close to the bottom in order to catch them. Start out by tying on a small (#4 or #6) hook and place 1 or 2 small lead splitshot 18 inches above the hook. Barbless hooks are O.K. – especially if you plan on releasing your catch. Just remember that keeping steady pressure on the fish (don’t let the line go slack) is the key to landing fish with barbless hooks. Cast out the bait and use a forked stick in the sand to keep your rod up and out of the sand (sand is bad news for reels). Bait under a bobber can be effective, but try at least 4 feet of line between the bobber and your bait. Trout will be more likely to come to the surface during low light conditions, such as early, late, and overcast days. So, get out there with the whole family and don’t forget to take a picnic lunch to enjoy when the bite slows down.

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 www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Spring Boat and Fishing Show Coming To Three Rivers

2008-04-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

Looking at picking up a new boat and missed the Eugene Sportsman’s Show in Feb.? Need something to do in your free time and looking for volunteer opportunities? Wanting to figure out something for out-of-town guests to do this summer? Look no further. Three Rivers Casino is hosting a Boat and Fishing Show this weekend. There will be lots of things to look at, as well as discussions and demonstrations that are sure to be interesting.

What: Boat and Fishing Show
Where: Three Rivers Casino and Hotel
When: Friday, April 25th, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday, April 26th, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday, April 27th, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Here are some of the scheduled events:
Y Marina will be showcasing over 20 new boats of all styles and sizes. Come take a look at both ocean-going and river boats. They feature some Oregon boat makers as well as other great brands.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will be on hand daily from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. offering free boat inspections. Don’t risk a ticket for not having the right safety gear. Find out what you need to be safe on the water.
A seminar on fishing Central Coast waters is scheduled daily at 11 a.m.
A talk on invasive species is scheduled daily at 2 p.m. Learn how invasives affect your fishing opportunities.
A talk on the Rogue River “Holy Water” is scheduled daily at 5 p.m. If you’re interested in some of the best fly fishing Oregon has to offer, this is the place to be.
Dean Hendricks of North Country Flies and Lures will be giving hourly demonstrations on techniques for salmon, trout and steelhead. Dean is very knowledgeable about this area and is always happy to answer questions.
Saturday and Sunday only – Dick Sagara of Temple Fork Outfitters will be giving hourly fly fishing demonstrations.

Exhibitors you’ll find at the Boat and Fishing Show this weekend include:
Y Marina
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Siuslaw Fisherman’s Association
North Country Flies and Lures
Desoto Expeditions Guide Service/Fish Taxidermy
Salmon Harbor Charters
Prowler Charters
FFP
Sisters Compound Rods

Admission to the show is free and the whole family is welcome. Take some time this weekend to check out a local sports show that I hope will be an annual event.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Meetings Set For Freshwater Rules Changes

2008-04-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

The Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife will be considering temporary rule changes to the 2008 fishing regulations due to expected low numbers of returning fall chinook salmon. State and federal agencies are considering changes in freshwater as well as ocean seasons and limits.

Public input is a large part of the Temporary Rule development process, and ODFW will be hosting 3 public meetings here on the coast. At these meetings, ODFW biologists will present forecasts on fall chinook returns and lay out proposals for rule changes. Public input at these meetings will be forwarded to the ODFW Commission at a June 6th meeting. Here are the public meeting locations and times:

April 29th, 7-9 p.m.– North Bend
North Bend Public Library (large conference room), 1800 Sherman Ave.
For more information, contact Mike Gray (541) 888-5515

April 30th, 7-9 p.m. – Newport
Hatfield Marine Science Center (Library Seminar Room), 2040 SE Marine Science Dr.
For more information, contact Bob Buckman (541) 867-0300, ext.224

May 1st, 7-9 p.m. – Tillamook
Oregon Dept. of Forestry, 5005 Third St.
For more information, contact Keith Braun (503) 842-2741, ext.233

Expected Low Returns Already Closes Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
On March 3, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the State of Oregon closed the commercial ocean troll salmon fishery and the recreational fishery due to anticipated low returns of chinook salmon. All forecast models showed very low returns are anticipated, especially for Sacramento River chinook and Klamath River 3 year-old chinook.

Your Opinion Matters!
Many people feel that decisions have already been made and that public opinion doesn’t matter, but believe me it does. I feel strongly enough about this issue to write letters, make phone calls and attend at least one of these meetings. Let’s all do the right thing are protect our state’s legacy of great fishing. If this means a few years of reduced opportunities in order to recover chinook numbers, then so be it.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Marine Reserves Protect Future

2008-03-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

During the next few months, Oregonians will have the chance to weigh in on the idea of marine reserves off our coast. Whether or not you believe our near-shore waters are in need of protection, one thing is clear: we are pursuing fewer and fewer fish every year. It’s a pattern that has been repeated all over the world until fisheries are put on the brink of total disaster. Implementing marine reserves now will protect our ocean resources for future generations.

Current Management Practices Aren’t Cutting It
For too many years, state and federal managers overseeing ocean stocks have waited until serious problems develop before closing fisheries. When dealing with commercially valuable species, there’s a lot of pressure to keep fisheries open and limits liberal. Within recent memory (2002), our reactive approach to fisheries management caused a near collapse of groundfish stocks, closing 10,000 square miles of coastal waters off the west coast to commercial fishing. This closure was the largest in United States history.

Why Marine Reserves?
Of the 12 species of ocean shelf and slope rockfish that have been assessed by federal fisheries managers, 7 have been declared overfished or below their target. This means that stocks are below 25% of their historical abundance. This is a red flag folks. Marine reserves protect crucial habitat, not only from overfishing, but degrading activities such as ocean dumping and dredging. Some areas must be left undisturbed as “sanctuaries” that can be studied and provide refuges. As an example, we wouldn’t let anglers fish the headwaters of our streams where salmon and steelhead spawn. Also, to protect the large female rockfish (which produce the most and heartiest offspring), marine reserves are key. Inside marine reserves, size, abundance and diversity of fish increase dramatically. Marine reserves can help “reseed” surrounding waters and act as a buffer against uncertain ocean conditions.

It’s Not Easy Being A Rockfish
Rockfish are extremely long-lived and are slow to mature. Many species of rockfish can take a decade or more before they start to produce offspring. Considering how slowly they grow, overfishing can have a serious impact. Data has shown that the average size of black rockfish has declined 30% during just the past five years.

Much Is Still To Be Decided
There are many aspects still to be decided regarding marine reserves, including how large will the reserves be, where will they be located, and how they will be funded and what goals are desired. These are serious questions, ones on which your opinion is needed.

All over the world (including our east coast), marine reserves were initially met with skepticism. But once put in place, critics and proponents alike discovered that benefits of marine reserves outweigh any short-term inconvenience. We are at a crossroads. The decisions we make will impact future generations. Let’s leave something for them.

Upcoming Events to Learn More
Siuslaw Watershed Council Community Forum: “Ridgetops to Reefs” March 26th, 6:30pm, Florence Events Center

Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) Marine Reserve Working Group Meeting Thursday, March 27th 8:30 to 4:30, public comment @ 12:30. Best Western Agate Beach Inn, Newport

General OPAC meeting, Friday March 28th, 8 to 5 pm. Public Comment at 1pm. Best Western Agate Beach Inn, Newport

Written comments are also appreciated

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Letters To Action Jackson

2008-03-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

Every now and again I like to pass on the feedback I get regarding my weekly article. This gives me a chance to clear up anything I write and add good information to previous articles. As always, feel free to call me or drop me an e-mail.

Basic Advice For River Running – You Left Something Out!
A reader in Mapleton recently pointed out something I should have added to my recent article on River Running (2/20/08). It’s not so much about safety as it is about etiquette: when you’re in a boat passing through water that someone is fishing, pass AS CLOSE to their boat as possible. If there’s room, try to even sneak behind their boat. The reason is this: floating right through the slot the other boat is fishing might spook the fish they’re after. Beginning driftboaters may not know why you’re passing so close, but experienced anglers will say “thanks”.

More On Smith River Stripers
I received a ton of feedback and questions regarding striper fishing in the Smith since those stories ran. If you went down recently and didn’t have any luck, don’t be discouraged. I went down and night-fished a couple of weeks ago without any luck. We bank-fished a couple of different spots between Hwy 101 and the North Fork, trying herring, plastic swimbaits and plugs. Take my word for it – good fishing for stripers will happen during the next few months in Smith tidewater. There’s not a lot of bank access, so if you have a boat, put in at one of the improved boat ramps, follow the tide, and troll plugs and cast swimbaits. I’ll probably wait a few weeks for bigger juvenile salmon out-migration and some nicer night-time weather.

Clarification On Regulation Changes Submitted To ODFW
I got a phone call last week from a concerned reader regarding the article I wrote on regulation changes for 2009 (2/6/08). A point I’d like to clarify: I wasn’t advocating dropping the salmon/steelhead tag to 10 fish per season, just limiting anglers to 10 wild fall chinook from the Siuslaw and tributaries. Use those other 10 spots on anything else you want: fin-clipped steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, ocean coho, etc.

I can understand that some folks don’t think recreational fishermen should give up anything. And in a perfect world those folks would be right. There are many factors that affect how many fish our rivers get back; including freshwater and ocean productivity, estuary conditions, commercial and recreational harvest, predation and more. But I can’t control any of those. A lot of folks feel strongly that commercial over-harvest is one of the biggest factors, and that commercial interests need to curb their take, leaving more fish to recreational fisherman and to re-seed the population. I’m not going to get into that argument here. But I will say this: all groups need to work together, share, and leave enough to ensure the population can sustain itself. Otherwise, we may soon be fighting over fish that aren’t here at all.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Long Time, No Post!

2008-03-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

Hello Anglers,
Sorry for the long time between posts, but things are busy here at the Jackson residence. Between steelheading, taking care of baby and a thousand chores, it is tough to post! Here are couple of back articles from the Siuslaw News...

Please get back to me if you have any comments or questions.

Best,
Jeff

Smith River Stipers – Here’s A Little More Information

Wow! My last article about Striped Bass in the Smith River created a lot of attention. Last week’s story resulted in more phone calls to me than any other article I’ve written. Lots of folks called asking about how to get there, where I saw the fish, and what to use. Other folks called to offer tips on fishing them, techniques they used when fishing them on the Sacramento River. Since there was so much interest, here’s some more information to help you in your pursuit of the mighty Stiper.

How To Get There/Where To Launch
The Smith River is a major tributary of the lower Umpqua River, joining the Umpqua between Gardiner and Reedsport. From Florence, take Hwy. 101 south to Gardiner. Right after you go through Gardiner, you cross the Smith River. You can turn left on Smith River Rd. to access the river. There are a few places to bank fish for the Stipers, and two very good launches. Noel Ranch is operated by the Forest Service, is paved and doesn’t charge for launching. Another ramp, Riverside, is a few miles higher up and accesses the highest areas of tidewater. There is no fee to launch at Riverside either.

Upper tidewater goes for a good distance. You can access the mouth of the North Fork Smith River (and further) with a prop. A word of warning: as with any body of water you’re not familiar with – use caution. If you plan of fishing Stipers at night, check out where you’re going during the day first.

What To Use For Bait
Lots of folks have different ideas on this one. If you’re fishing bait, try whole fish like herring, anchovies, smelt, etc. It is ILLEGAL to use a live fish as bait, even if it swims in the waters where you’ll be using it. As with any other fish as bait, use the best looking, freshest bait you can find. Another popular choice are plastic swim baits – which come in many sizes and are made by many different manufacturers. I found several good looking choices at the Sportsman right here in town before my last trip out. Try something resembling a small trout or shad to look like something on their normal menu.

Join me next week for more bait options and what tackle you’ll need to take down these hard-fighting fish.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

News From Around The Area

There are plenty of interesting things going on with our fisheries here on the Central Coast. Here’s the latest on what I’ve heard and seen in our area.

Presentation On 2007 Salmon Run Tonight
The Siuslaw Watershed Council will host a presentation tonight on the 2007 fall Chinook run. John Spangler (ODFW) will discuss recreational harvest and spawning fish returns. You can catch the presentation at the Mapleton Grange Hall, 10880 E. Mapleton Rd. in Mapleton. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Striped Bass In The Smith River Now!
Friends and I recently floated the North Fork Smith River and saw dozens of large Striped Bass in one hole. On another trip a few days later, hundreds were spotted. These are large fish, with most of them in the 20-40 lb. range. As friends and I started doing some research on what exactly these fish were doing, we turned up some interesting facts. First, these fish were spawning or getting very close to spawning. Striped bass spawn in late winter/early spring and the male fish we caught looked to be close to spawning. They are broadcast spawners, meaning the males and females simultaneously release both sperm and eggs into the water. They don’t dig redds in gravel like salmon and trout. The fertilized eggs drift with the current until they hatch.

Some folks would say that its too early for those Stipers to spawn and that they were up there to feed. I’m not so sure. The large out-migration of salmon fry and smolts is still at least another 6 weeks away. That many fish would need a lot of feed to warrant staying up that high in the system. I feel pretty sure those fish were spawning.

I have some phone calls in to ODFW staff to find out exactly what they know about Striped Bass numbers and their impacts on our salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout. I can tell you Stripers are highly efficient predators and surely eat a great deal of juvenile salmonids. They are an excellent gamefish so get out there and take a limit! Feel free to contact me for some information about where to go and what to use. There’s no need to keep this fishery quiet as there’s plenty of fish to go around.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Advice For Fishing New Rivers

From time to time, you’ll find yourself thinking about fishing waters that are unfamiliar. First, let me tell you it’s a great idea! You’re certain to expand your fishing knowledge, see some beautiful scenery and perhaps hook into a fish of a lifetime. But before you load up your gear at three in the morning and get in the car, here’s some tips to help your expedition be less stressful and more successful.

Research Will Pay Off
There are two books I will read before I head out to fish new waters: Fishing in Oregon (Sheehan) and Oregon River Maps & Fishing Guide (Amato Books). These two books will give you information on boat launches, run timing, best river levels to fish and popular techniques. Other information you’ll find in these books includes navigation hazards (subject to change) and close-by services. Pick up these two books before your next trip and they will save you a lot of preparation time.

Check The Weather and River Levels
Checking the weather for the area you’ll fish and the river level will save you a lot of disappointment. There’s nothing worse than driving three hours to fish a new location only to find the river has blown out. Check the National Weather Service website (http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/) before heading out. This website will tell you the upcoming weather, and many river’s levels are listed as well. Remember that best fishing is usually when the river is dropping or steady and not on a rising river. Also, if the river is too low and clear, fish tend to be spooky and fishing is more difficult. You’ll find best fishing after a storm, as the river is first clearing and coming into shape.

Talk To Someone Who Knows
If you know someone in the area you’ll be fishing, call them and find out what’s going on. If you don’t know someone in the area (more often the case), call a guide on the river you’ll be fishing and ask them where the fish are. You can contact a local Chamber of Commerce to find the names and numbers of reliable guides. Any good guide will be happy to share information with you. Be sure to ask what stretch of the river is fishing the best, what techniques are working, and if there are any boating hazards of which you should be aware. If it helps you, write down your questions ahead of time so you ask about everything you want to ask about. If the guide doesn’t know, he or she should be able to point you in the right direction.

Spend At Least A Couple Of Days
Spending more than one day will really increase your chances of success when fishing a new river. You’ll be able to spend more time fishing, cover more water, and not feel so rushed. You don’t want to spend more time driving than fishing, so plan to stay overnight and fish again the next day.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Regulation Changes I’d Support

2008-02-07T22:02:00.000-08:00

In last week’s article, I wrote about ODFW accepting input on sportfishing regulation changes (from Dec. 1, 2007-Feb. 29, 2008). Input can come from any interested party. Materials can come from the ODFW website at www.dfw@state.or.us or write them at: Angling Regulations, 3406 Cherry Ave. NE, Salem, OR 97303. Over the past few months I have suggested sportfishing regulation changes that I feel are needed here on the Siuslaw. I’m putting them together here in case anyone else out there feels the same as I do and would like to tell the state so.

Drop The Limit To 10 Wild Fish Per Season
As it stands right now, an angler could fill the 20 spots on their tag all with wild chinook from the Siuslaw River if they wanted. In years when the run is depressed (such as 2007), that is too many. On other coastal systems in Oregon, there are limits on how many wild chinook may be taken per year. Only 10 fish per season can be taken from all Nehalem, Tillamook and Nestucca bays and streams. These are large systems that produce a lot of fish. The Siuslaw is getting more and more pressure every year.

Ten wild chinook from the Siuslaw per season is more than enough. The remaining 10 spots on the tag could be used for halibut, sturgeon or hatchery fish. And if that’s not 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.

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. 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 December 1, there would still be plenty of good locations folks could reach from the bank. Here’s a story that might make your stomach turn: a large, dark chinook was brought in just because the guy who caught it thought it was big enough to win a big fish contest. After weighing it and figuring out it wasn’t big enough to win, he tried to give it away to people in the store. Obviously the only reason he kept it was for the contest. If you aren’t going to give that fish the respect it deserves, then don’t fish. I hope the carcass ended up back in the stream, but chances are it ended up in the bushes somewhere between Mapleton and Deadwood. Close spots where people can target dark fish. Close Lake Creek and the Upper Siuslaw until later in the fall.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Buy Your 2008 License, Check The Regulations For Changes

2008-01-31T09:49:00.000-08:00

If you haven’t already done so, now is a great time to buy your 2008 fishing license (and also salmon/steelhead tag and shellfish license). This year’s Angling License is $24.75 for residents, and the Combined Angling Tag (for harvesting salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and Pacific halibut) is $21.50. Oregon is once again offering a Hatchery Harvest Tag, which can be used to record adult hatchery salmon and steelhead for $12.00. This is a great deal if you plan on fishing in the ocean or fishing rivers with Broodstock fish (like the Siuslaw). Also, there’s no limit on the number of Hatchery Harvest Tags you can purchase. The Resident Shellfish License, which you need to crab, clam and pump sandshrimp, is available for $6.50.

Regulation Changes In Our Area
Most streams that open for trout fishing do so on May 24 this year. The major change in the regulations this year is that the coho fishery in Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes is in the book this year. Since this fishery was re-opened a few years ago, the state has waited until after the regulations were published to make the announcement. The numbers of returning fish have been strong enough over the last few years to add this change to the hard copy regulations. We should be thrilled that we have access to the only wild coho fishery in Oregon. Open dates are Oct. 1-Dec. 31.

State Seeking Input On Proposed Regulation Changes
Every four years ODFW invites anglers (and all interested parties) to review and develop angling regulations. From Dec. 1, 2007-Feb. 29, 2008 ODFW will accept angling regulation proposals from anyone interested. To receive materials from ODFW, visit their website at www.dfw@state.or.us or write them at: Angling Regulations, 3406 Cherry Ave. NE, Salem, OR 97303. Public meetings will be held in May to discuss proposals. The two closest locations to our area are Springfield and Newport. For meeting locations and times, check the Siuslaw News or and ODFW office during the first week of May. I’ll also try to make sure to post locations and times in Keepin’ It Reel. When the Fish and Wildlife Commission meets in August, they will discuss proposals and adopt some (hopefully) in September. All Commission meetings are open to the public and public participation and testimony are encouraged.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Change Your Approach In Low, Cold Water

2008-01-24T15:35:00.000-08:00

What a difference a few days can make. During the first part of January, I discussed high water techniques (plunking) for steelhead. With the lack of rain lately, the fish are still around, but you’ll need to rethink your approach to consistently catch fish. Here are a few tips that are sure to help.

Downsize Your Offering
Steelhead can be spooky in low water. Try using small baits of eggs (dime-sized baits), small corkies (or sometimes no corkie), 1/8 or 1/16 oz. jigs, and smaller plugs. With increased water clarity, steelhead will notice smaller offerings and not be turned off. I will often use size 4 or even size 6 hooks in very clear water. A good choice in clear water is a small clump of eggs under a bobber. Use a small piece of split shot to keep the bait down.

Lighter Leader Makes A Difference
Downsize your leaders to catch spooky fish. I commonly use 8 lb. test. Another good option is florocarbon for leader. Florocarbon is almost invisible under water and you can use the same knots that you use when tying monofilament. Also, it is very strong stuff. These conditions are also perfect to use a longer leader. Try fishing a 4-foot leader to trick spooky fish. When fishing plugs, get them further back from the boat so you’re not scaring fish.

Try Fishing Later In The Day
Steelhead tend to be lethargic in cold (below 40 degrees) water. Let everybody else fight the icy roads and frozen rod guides. After the crowds have thinned and the water warms up, give it a try. The fish that weren’t moving first thing in the morning will become more active after the sun comes up. Concentrate on tailouts and slower, deeper runs to find fish.

Other Tips
And speaking of frozen rod guides, try spraying Pam® Cooking Spray on the guides before you start fishing. I’ve heard of other solutions such as Vaseline and silicon-based sprays, but Pam seems to be a good solution. Always have a dry towel handy so your hands don’t freeze. Also, make sure you have plenty of pre-tied leaders. The last thing you want to do is try to tie an egg loop with light line when you can’t feel your fingers.

Fishing Good On the Siuslaw
Steelhead fishing in the Whittaker Creek-Linslaw area has been good. Use your favorite technique as everything is producing. This area is very snaggy, so think about using methods that will keep you off the bottom, such as jig/bobber, plugs and spoons/spinners. Also, the Wildcat launch is now a parking permit area (Lane Co.). Buy your permit ahead of time to avoid an expensive ticket.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

South Coast Monster Spotted!

2008-01-17T11:01:00.000-08:00

Last weekend 2 good friends and I headed down to one of our favorite south coast rivers. We weren't expecting much as the river was still high and off color. The first half of the day produced nothing. Todd casted his eggs into some soft water and fish on! This beast, estimated at 38 inches and 20-22 lbs. dragged us down river for nearly 300 yards until we could find a place to land it. Good thing we were in a boat.

Here's this weeks Siuslaw News story...

High Water Options for Steelhead and Salmon – Part III

During the last couple of weeks, I began discussing some high water techniques for catching salmon and steelhead. This week, I’ll discuss in more detail rigging and bait selection for plunking. As always, if you missed the article (or any others) please send me an e-mail and I’ll send you a copy.

Let’s Recap
On the mainline (running to the rod), place a 3mm bead, a plastic slider (or barrel swivel), another 3mm bead, and tie another barrel swivel. The slider between the beads is where you’ll run the dropper for the weight. Tie a 12” piece of fishing line (8 lb. test) to the barrel swivel, and tie a stout rubber band to the other end. Now, tie up an egg loop, add a 5 mm bead (to keep things spinning) and place your favorite spin-n-glo® on the leader and tie it to the barrel swivel that’s attached to the mainline. I usually use shorter leaders, approximately 24-30 inches. Salmon and steelhead in dirty water aren’t leader shy, so you can get away with shorter leaders and use heavier line (try 12-15 lb. test monofilament).

Hooks, Bait and Whatnot
Like I said above, my experience has been that these fish aren’t shy, and large baits are better in high water. You want lots of scent so it’s easy for fish to find your presentation. Tie your egg loops on larger hooks (4/0-6/0) and use large clumps of eggs (quarter-size clumps). Don’t be afraid to add scent. Check your offering at least every 30 minutes as high water moves more than fish – leaves and twigs moving downriver will foul your bait.

You Don’t Have To Be “Way Out”
Remember, salmon and steelhead moving upriver in high water will come up right along the edge of the main flow. Depending on where you set up, this can be as close as 5 feet from the water’s edge! Place your bait in the soft water, right on the edge of the main flow. I’ll often pick my spot to plunk where rapids or heavy water create a distinct edge. Every fish moving upriver will pass your bait!

If any of the rigging I discuss sounds confusing, give me a call and I’ll help you sort it out. And please join me next week when I talk about another current topic.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

High Water Options for Steelhead and Salmon – Part II

2008-01-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

In last week’s article, I began discussing some high water techniques for catching salmon and steelhead. Don’t be put off by the high water as these fish can still be caught! If you missed the article (or any others) please send me an e-mail and I’ll send you a copy.

I Know Where They’ll Be, So How Do I Catch ‘Em?
The method I favor when the water is high is known as plunking. In its simplest form, you place the bait in the water, put your rod down, and wait for the fish to grab the bait. There’s a little more to it the way I do it, but by no means is it “Rocket Science”. Start by using a 7 to 9-foot heavy action rod spooled with at least 30 lb. test monofilament fishing line. On the mainline (running to the rod), place a 3mm bead, a barrel swivel, another 3mm bead, and tie another barrel swivel. The barrel swivel between the beads is where you’ll run the dropper for the weight. Tie a 12” piece of fishing line (8 lb. test) to the barrel swivel, and tie a stout rubber band to the other end. The reason you’re using a lighter line going to your weight is because if the weight gets stuck, you can break it off without losing your whole setup. The reason you’re tying a rubber band on the dropper line is because you’re using a rock for weight instead of a traditional lead sinker that many use. What?!?! A rock for weight?!?! How can this be? Let me tell you why. First rock cheaper than lead. Rock free. Rock work good. Use lose rock, you get other rock. Secondly, when the fish takes the bait, the rubber band will often free from the rock, leaving you to fight just the fish and not the lead. Finally, and many anglers won’t want to admit it, but lead is not good for the river. The impacts of lead are well documented. I would be hypocritical if I bashed others for using it, because I do use it sometimes. BUT, I try not to lose any in the river and use alternatives when I can. Besides, while lead is still pretty cheap, rocks are free! Select one right for the water conditions, meaning one that will keep your bait on the bottom, but not so heavy that you can’t pick it up. Often, a golf ball-sized rock a few ounces will do. Now, double that rubber band around the rock and you have your weight. The reason the dropper line is attached to a swivel is so when a fish takes the bait, it won’t feel the weight, which might make a shy fish think twice.

If any of the rigging I discuss sounds confusing, give me a call and I’ll help you sort it out.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

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

Steelhead Starting to Show

2007-12-29T09:48:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-19T13:59:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-11T17:13:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-18T11:15:00.000-08:00

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...

Rain Will Help Silver Fishing

2007-11-11T12:26:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-11-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-20T20:04:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-09-23T21:16:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-09-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

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/)

2007-08-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

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)

2007-08-21T14:55:00.000-07:00

Greetings From the Oregon Coast

2007-08-21T14:42:00.000-07:00

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