Oregon hosts three Free Fishing Weekends annually, set for mid-February, early June, and Thanksgiving. While the winter and fall weekends can be unreliable, the June Free Fishing Weekend — this year, June 7 and 8 — stands out as the most popular because this event occurs when nearly every fish[Read More…]
Author: FRANK ARMENDARIZ for The Chronicle
‘Free Fishing Weekend’ is here
Oregon hosts three Free Fishing Weekends annually, set for mid-February, early June, and Thanksgiving. While the winter and fall weekends can be unreliable, the June Free Fishing Weekend — this year, June 7 and 8 — stands out as the most popular because this event occurs when nearly every fish[Read More…]
Flies, spinners, or bait: Take your pick, trout season is here
When it comes to trout fishing, my old friend and colleague, Don Hill, a former local riverboat builder, always had something to say. Don was a robust individual with a big smile, an infectious laugh, and a sharp wit. He was among the best riverboat operators and all-around fishermen I[Read More…]
Casting nostalgia: Last week in April marks special occasion for anglers
I came across Michael Sowder’s poem Fishing for His Birthday several years ago, and it speaks to me. It reminds me of my early days as a young angler, stepping into the river with a fishing pole in hand and wading away from the bank. My well-worn “hand-me-down” fishing vest,[Read More…]
Flooding left anglers andproperty owners scrambling
The big picture … The weather has been a ruckus. Strong winds and heavy rain caused what is now adding up to millions of dollars in property damage—some of that damage occurring within The Chronicle’s coverage area. Not to overlook the human tragedy, the flooding rains also damaged boat landings[Read More…]
Angler’s Log: Every spring, dozens of anglers are bitten by the ‘drift boat bug’
I wandered around the variety of drift boats displayed at a recent sporting exposition and was initially shocked by the prices. However, I was also impressed by the quality of the boats and their available options, such as a “food warmer/pizza oven.” While larger drift boats are available, those measuring[Read More…]
Rivers are complex – and so are their various issues
Leaburg Hatchery continues to make fish news as it faces environmental issues caused by an overheated water discharge from the facility. The water then flows directly into the McKenzie River, just below Leaburg Dam, where summer season water discharges exceed the 60-degree threshold. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife[Read More…]
Word of warning: Invasive fish are already here
It was the lead story on every televised newscast leading up to the Christmas holiday. A dead pond Koi had been spotted in the McKenzie River at Armitage Park. The fish was bright orange, a bit tattered, and weighed about 3-4 pounds. Of course, the fish stood out like a[Read More…]
Column: An early-season gift for winter steelheaders
Winter steelhead appeared in a handful of streams on the far north portion of the Oregon coast a few days before Thanksgiving. Gnat Creek and the Klaskanine River are both lower Columbia River tributaries. Also, the Necanicum River and the North Fork Nehalem, which drain directly into the Pacific, all[Read More…]
Final chance for ‘free fishing’ and time for salmon watching
The final Free Fishing Days of the year are the weekend of Nov. 29-30. On these days, folks do not need a fishing license or harvest tags to retain salmon, steelhead, or shellfish. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce family and friends to the sport. If, by chance, you[Read More…]