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)
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Get Out There!
Fishing is really starting to pick up. Today we hooked 7, landed 5 and kept 4 beautiful chinook. The fish we landed and released was one of the biggest coho I've seen on the river. Be careful when keeping fish as you can't always tell just by the size of the fish.
Friday, September 21, 2007
What Makes a Good Trip?
Hello Anglers,
I had a couple of trips this week where we caught fish, and a couple of trips where we were skunked. This got me to thinking: what makes a good outing? Some trips where we catch fish I wouldn't call "good" and other trips where we've been blanked I'd call "great". To me, every day on the water is good. You'll always see wildlife, beautiful scenery, and enjoy the company. Catching a fish is a bonus. So, next time you're out, relax, breathe deeply and enjoy the sights and sounds of the river. Remember, a great trip is about the whole experience.
Here's this week's Siuslaw News story...
Siltcoos, Tahkenitch Open For Coho This Fall
Oregon’s Fish and Wildlife Commission recently adopted changes and additions in the sportfishing regulations that affect anglers on the Central Coast. The changes made over the summer were made to both allow additional recreational opportunities and protect wild winter steelhead. Here’s a recap of the Commission’s actions:
Coho Fishery Again on Siltcoos and Tahkenitch
Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes will be open for coho salmon fishing from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31. This is two weeks longer than the last two seasons. Additionally, there will be no quota on either lake, meaning anglers won’t have to worry about the quota being filled before getting the chance to get out there and experience the fishery. Daily and season limits are still the same: 1 adult and 1 jack per day, 5 adults per season. It is illegal to continue fishing for jacks after retaining an adult salmon.
Regulations on the coho fishery on Siltcoos and Tahkenitch will be part of the Oregon Sportfishing regulations beginning in 2008, meaning they will appear in the booklet. George Westfall, ODFW biologist here in Florence, tells me ODFW has examined the coho numbers in the lakes several different ways and the stocks are strong.
Wild Winter Steelhead Protected on the Umpqua
This summer the Fish and Wildlife Commission also changed the regulations regarding wild winter steelhead harvest on the Umpqua River. Beginning Jan. 1, 2008, anglers will no longer be able to keep wild winter steelhead. It will be catch-and-release on the North and Mainstem Umpqua (catch-and-release is already in effect on the South Umpqua). The old regulations allowed retention of 1 wild steelhead per day, 5 per season.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: good move Commission. These fish are much more valuable back in the water than on the dinner table or in the smoker. It’s better to take action now to protect these fish than wait until the stock is in peril.
Proposed Regulation Changes On the Siuslaw
Westfall also informed me about possible regulation changes affecting the Siuslaw River. Trout fisheries normally shut down on Sept. 30 will be allowed to continue where Chinook fishing is open. Lake Creek above Deadwood Creek and the Mainstem Siuslaw above Whittaker Creek will still be closed from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1 to protect spawning fish.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
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)
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Crowds Starting to Converge on the Siuslaw
Hello Anglers!
This past week has been hit and miss on the river. A couple of trips we caught fish, and a couple of trips we were skunked. Herring is still the ticket as its producing the most consistent bite.
A couple of things came up this week that you should know:
Boaters aren't showing much courtesy when it comes to anglers with fish on. Another angler had a fish cut off when the fish ran toward another boat. When someone has a fish on, steer clear! These fish are too tough to catch to have one lost because another boat just had to keep the course they were fishing.
Also, I was recently yelled at by some angry boaters who wanted to pull out their boat right as I was putting in the water. The lady yelled at me and the man used a derogatory term aimed at me. If you are the folks who yelled at me and you're reading this, you may want to think about taking up another hobby. At the boat ramp it is, and will always be, first come, first served. The ironic thing was by the time I parked and pulled away, they were still backing down the trailer! Just a reminder to be patient at the launch. Fishing is supposed to be fun and relaxing and if it isn't, try golf.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Fishing Becoming More Consistent
Hello Anglers!
Fishing on the Siuslaw is starting to become more consistent every day. This morning several boats picked up at least one fish. Fishing peaked just before high tide. There has been another good bite with the afternoon high tide as well. We were out last night and went 1 for 2 in a couple of hours of fishing. Harbor seals are really making a nuisance of themselves. We talked to 3 boats who all lost fish to seals last evening.
Here's this week's Siuslaw News story...
“Fish On” Means Give Way
Last week I was out trolling on the river and a very nice couple was trolling very close to me. As we were talking about how beautiful the weather was (and other topics), one of their rods goes down. The first thing I did was ask if it was running at me, and, since it was, I reeled up my line as fast as I could so me didn’t get tangled. I maneuvered my boat to stay out of their way, got past them a safe distance, and dropped my bait back down. I watched them fight the fish for about 5 minutes or so and saw other boats very close to them. I couldn’t tell exactly how close until I talked to them later. When I caught back up with them on another pass, they told me that another boat actually trolled RIGHT INTO THE BACK OF THEIR BOAT! In the process, they lost the fish. I couldn’t believe it. At times it can be hard enough to hook a salmon, and losing it because of the carelessness of another boat is inexcusable. During the next few weeks its going to be getting more and more crowded on the coastal rivers. Considering what I saw last week I thought it might be a good time to talk about river etiquette again.
Reel ‘Em Up, Fast!
If another boat hooks a fish close by, have everyone in the boat reel their baits up as fast as possible. A salmon can peel 100 yards of line (or more) very quickly. If lines get tangled, the chances of landing the fish go down dramatically. If someone else’s fish gets around my line, I cut the line. I have several pre-tied leaders ready to go just in case something like this happens. It only takes a few minutes to re-tie, and the angler who lands a fish thanks to you doing your part will be forever thankful.
Steer Your Boat Clear
After all lines are in, get your boat out of the way. The boat fighting the fish has the right-of-way, and its up to you to stay clear. Remember, the boat with the fish is pretty busy and hectic, whereas you can stay out of the way much easier. According to U.S. Coast Guard protocol, a boat “Not Under Command” has the right-of-way over all other boats. After you are in the clear, drop your baits back down.
Let Other Boaters Know What’s Going On
In close quarters, communication is very important. Some boaters don’t pay as much attention as they should, so don’t be afraid to shout, wave your arms, or blow the horn if its handy. And if you’re in a boat that gets yelled at, don’t take offense. There’s a chance you weren’t paying attention like you should be, and if someone has a fish on they’re excited! Don’t blow their chances by being stubborn or inconsiderate.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
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)
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Cool Water=Hot Bite
Greetings Anglers,
The water in the river has cooled off dramatically, resulting in a good bite this afternoon. The water was in the mid-50's near the top of the incoming tide. This is more that 10 degrees cooler than just last week. Also, there's plenty of bait in the river too. I expect fishing to hold up from now until Nov.
Also, Action Jackson's Guide Service offers discounts for multi-day bookings. So, if you're in town, let's go fishing for a couple of days!
Here's this week's Siuslaw News story...
Fishing Cut Plug Herring
Last time we got together, I talked about the method I use to brine herring for salmon fishing. Today, I’d like to talk about fishing the bait you’ve prepared. And though it may seem like there’s a lot to it, after only a short time you’ll be fishing cut plug herring like a pro.
Why Cut Plug Herring?
The main reason cut plug herring is preferred is that you can get the herring to spin, which is the reason salmon will strike the bait. The herring’s head is cut in such a way that it spins while trolled. You can get a good spin from whole herring by moving the front hook toward the back hook, making a bend in the herring. To me, this is not as precise and repeatable, so I prefer the cut plug herring. Also, with a whole herring, you can’t use fixed hooks. You need to use a sliding front hook. After a while, the front hook slides too easily toward the back hook, causing the herring to spin improperly.
What Size Herring to Buy
Though it’s open to debate, I prefer the “Blue Label” herring for cut plugging. The Blue Label herring are larger than the “Green Label” herring and hold up well for trolling (especially after proper brining). Many anglers use the Purple or Black Label herring, subscribing to the theory “larger bait = larger fish”. The fact is no herring commercially available is too big for a salmon to take, so feel free to experiment with larger herring.
The Hook Setup
Start with two hooks: a 5/0 and a 6/0. Cut your leader, approx. 5 ½’ feet of 20-30 lb. test monofilament. Tie on your 6/0 hook with an egg loop. Run your leader through the 5/0 down to the 6/0 hook, leaving a gap between them of about 3-4 inches. Tie on the 5/0 hook with another egg loop. Now the hooks are fixed in place and won’t slip down. Not sure about tying the egg loop? Illustrations are available in the back of many tide books, and also online at http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/resourcecenter/bumperknot.htm.
Cutting And Hooking the Herring
Start with a very sharp knife. You don’t want to “saw” through the herring. Place the knife behind the gill plate and at a 45 degree angle. Now, turn the blade at a 45 degree angle and cut through the fish. If looking down at the top of the fish, the cut is not flush, its at a 45 degree angle. If looking at the herring from the side, its also cut at a 45 degree angle. There are many plastic and metal plug cutters available to help you get the right angles. Pick up one, and use it until you get the process down. Also, check out this step-by-step tutorial at http://www.salmonuniversity.com/ol_htrh_pc1_index.html.
After cutting the herring, run the back hook through the short side of the herring and pull it all the way through. You can let this hook dangle free. Run the top hook through the dorsal (top) side of the herring. When you’re at trolling speed, drop the rig overboard and make sure its rolling (spinning) properly.
There’s a lot of information here. If you’re still unsure about any step of the process, shoot me an e-mail and I’ll walk you through it.
Drop me a line and let me know what you think about these or other topics.
See you on the water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or http://www.actionjacksonfishing.com/)
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/)
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
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)
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)
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