Brandon GoodBuffalo of Florence is a sit-on-top kayak pro angler and the representative of a kayak manufacturer that specializes in SOT fishing kayaks. An SOT kayak technician, Brandon can help design and outfit an SOT to meet your angler needs. FRANK ARMENDARIZ/PHOTO With salmon season fading into the sunset, winter[Read More…]
Author: FRANK ARMENDARIZ for The Chronicle
At the coast, ‘King Tides’ spill into community
Siuslaw River The exceptionally high tides recorded along the Oregon coast last weekend – referred to as “King Tides” – are nothing new. The alignment of the earth to the sun and the moon that causes the abnormally high tides has happened since the beginning of time. But with the[Read More…]
The Angler’s Log: Damage is done, but wet weather still helps
Siltcoos River was flooded by high tides and a storm surge several days last week that washed out the sandbar at the beach, allowing coho salmon to stream into Siltcoos, Tahenitch and Tenmile lakes on the central coast. PHOTO BY FRANK ARMENDARIZ After a long, hot and dry summer, in[Read More…]
A full weekend of action: Cohos, crabs on Coos Bay
Low slack tide on Coos Bay, the salmon trolling lane takes you under the McCullough Bridge and regularly has ocean-going freighters pass through the channel. Working the edges in 30-40 feet of water rewarded our group with three keepers. FRANK ARMENDARIZ/PHOTO In the first light of the morning, loaded with[Read More…]
The Angler’s Log: A dream trip on Rogue River
Lunching at the base of Clay Hills Rapid. There is a lot of good steelhead water in this section of the river and the largest of the rapids are now behind us;ses. FRANK ARMENDARIZ/CHRONICLE PHOTOS As you float away from Grave Creek landing, before you even have time to wave[Read More…]
Lane County Angler’s Log: Take time to scout before heading out
FRANK ARMENDARIZ/CHRONICLE PHOTOThe bay fishing season is on, and ocean-fresh salmon float in on every tide. The pressure has been moderate on weekdays and the salmon bite has been fair to good. Our historic and statewide drought has put a real damper on the angling expectations of a lot of[Read More…]
Safety first: Plenty of fish and space for the vaccinated
There are plenty of out-of-the way places in Oregon and fish to catch but accommodations are difficult to secure. Also in much of western Oregon, small-town restaurants are understaffed, supply-chain disruptions are common and many eateries have limited their days and hours of operation. I have always been drawn to[Read More…]
The Angler’s Log: Wildfire threats limit options
FRANK ARMENDARIZ/CHRONICLE PHOTOLarge and smallmouth bass are abundant in western Lane and other neighboring counties. Pictured here a hefty smallmouth caught along the BigK Ranch on the Umpqua River. A “pay-to-play” fishery, call 541-584-2295 or go to [email protected] for info. A couple of weeks ago a monsoonal weather front with[Read More…]
Judge’s ruling should open the gates for salmon, steelhead
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS Detroit Dam creates the largest lake in the Willamette Valley, completed in 1953. It is one of 13 Army Corps dams built in the Willamette basin with no passage for migrating fish. Court-ordered changes should open miles of salmon and steelhead habitats[Read More…]
Strategic water release helped salmon; believe it or not – walleye gain ground
FRANK ARMENDARIZ/PHOTO At low water levels, portions of the McKenzie River’s main channel can become difficult to read. If possible, stop and scout – but always wear a life jacket in or out of the boat while on the river. Cooler weather was in the forecast as I prepared this[Read More…]