Winter steelhead fishing conditions saw further improvement in past weeks during the pleasant spring-like temperatures and decent flows, but heavy rains early last week elevated the river to near flood stage. Despite the seemingly slow start in getting back from the ocean, winter steelhead numbers saw a nice spike upward two weeks ago when the Clackamas hatchery crew opened their trap and 151 winters collected on one day, and we’re expecting a similar number in the trap next day. As of now, Clackamas Hatchery has seen 771 adult winter steelhead swim-ins. The river is currently on the mend and will be fishable by late this week. Expect to find winter steelhead still around as well as the first numbers of summer steelhead in the mix.

Following the extremely high river conditions we saw last week, the level of the river is now holding up at 14.38ft. at the Estacada Gauge, and is on a steady drop. The color of the river is looking classic “steelhead green” and will only continue to improve for fishing opportunity.

USGS hydrological data for April 17 shows river flows at 5,920cfs water temperature up a several degrees to 42° F, and the gauge at 14.38 ft. All of the readings come from the Estacada gauge near Milo McIver State Park. Hydrologic data and river forecasts can also be accessed on the NOAA/National Weather Service NW River Forecast Center -- NW River Forecast Center.