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River Fishing
Behold, I will send for many fishermen," says the Lord, and they shall fish them... Jeremiah 16:16a
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Fishing Fun For EveryoneOne of my husbands t-shirts reads; Jesus said: "GO FISHING...He said nothing about fixing the sink, mowing the lawn, walking the dogs, painting the trim, washing the car, cleaning the garage or weeding the garden."
My husband does most of his fishing on the Umpqua River and Smith River here in Reedsport, OR. He fishes mostly for sturgeon, stripper (striped bass), and some salmon. When the grandkids come over they enjoy trout fishing so that's when we head out on the lakes to do some trout fishing.
The Umpqua River is one of America's premier fishing rivers. Originating at Diamond Lake in the Cascade Mountains, the Umpqua flows through the Oregon Coast Range to meet the Pacific Ocean near Reedsport Oregon. The river contains a variety of fish species and supports year-round fishing. Boat ramps are numerous all along the length of the lower river. Winchester Bay, at the mouth of the river, is a major sport fishing destination and also has ocean charters. The upper two forks of the Umpqua River east of Roseburg are also popular for fishing.
The Umpqua is a long river and as fresh water enters the river the fish move upstream from the mouth. Where to fish depends upon whether the fish have entered the river and if they are moving upstream. Just East of the Scottsburg bridge hugging the North bank there is a turn in the river. It is usually well populated with boats.
Green and white sturgeon are prehistoric monsters that can be caught year round in the Umpqua River system. White sturgeon are Atlantic sturgeon which can measure up to 20 feet in length. Green sturgeon are a native Pacific sturgeon, also present in the Umpqua river and they can measure up to 10 feet in length. April, May and June are the three best months of the year for catching both the green and white sturgeon while they are feeding heavily in the Umpqua River because the bait fish are in.
Since sturgeon are bottom feeders they fish with sand shrimp, herring and shad out of anchored boats. One often has to release the anchor to chase these monster sturgeon. We use a heavy action 7 foot rod with 35 pound test line outfitted with sliding sinkers and barbless hooks. Each person on the boat is allowed to keep one sturgeon from 30 inches to 54 inches and the state allows sturgeon anglers to catch and release after you have tagged your limit. Hooking into one of these Dino like fish is a blast! Sturgeon may be one of the best eating fish you have ever tasted. Sturgeon not only have great strength but it is not uncommon to see them jump during the battle. Oregon striped bass fishing is very good. Striped bass are present in the Umpqua and Smith rivers the entire year. They are one of the hardest fighting fish in the river, but also one of the most difficult to locate and catch. Late March through May are considered the best months for catching stripers as they tend to school and feed heavily as they prepare to spawn.
Casting or trolling with large plugs, plunking with a variety of baits or fishing live bait under a bobber are all techniques are used to catch the stripers. Striped bass average between 15 and 25 pounds with a chance at catching a fish weighing up to 80 pounds. A Smith River striped bass weighing more than 64 pounds still holds the world record for stripers caught while fly fishing. The wide area east of the railroad bridge near Highway 101 and the Umpqua Discovery Center and continuing west for about three miles is a favored section. Here the Smith and the Umpqua join for the first time and it is a good resource. The Umpqua River The Smith River, is a 75 mile long major tributary of the Umpqua River. Unlike the Umpqua, which originated in the Cascade Mountains, the Smith River originates in the Oregon Coast Range and has the same character as other coastal strams such as the Siuslaw and Alsea Rivers to the north. The lower part of the river is influenced by the tides. Most angler fish for chinook salmon in the Fall, steelhead in the Winter, striper in the Spring through Summer, shad in May and June, and searun cutthroat starting in August. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking!!! Smith River steelhead fishing really takes off in the month of February. Steelhead are awesome fighters and give any angler a fun thrill. Smith River will produce steelhead in size from 8-15 pounds, with an occasional 20 pounder if you are lucky. The Smith River We also enjoy taking our grand kids fishing at surrounding lakes. Eel Lake is a large, deep coastal lake south of the mouth of the Umpqua River. Fishing is popular with native cutthroat trout, stocked rainbow trout, steelhead, coho salmon, smallmouth bass, and panfish present. A boat launch, picnicking, hiking trails and restrooms are provided at William M. Tugman State Park on the southwest shoreline.
Lake Marie is a lake in Douglas County in the state of Oregon. If you have a thing about the outdoors, you won’t be saddened; there's whitewater paddling, fishing, hiking, and swimming, so you won’t get bored. Great hiking is available along the Threemile Lake Trail. Access to this small freshwater lake is provided for angling and non-motorized boating. There is also a small sandy beach set aside for swimming or just relaxing. A trail winds around Lake Marie with beautiful views of the serene lake. The lake is popular for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. This is a charming day use area with a beach, swimming area, picnic tables and fire pits. Our catch for the day Biggest and smallest days catch Wouldn't it be comforting to know that you left a legacy of quality living, world experience, and culture ~ a life filled with amazing memories and the opportunity for endless weeks of further adventure for those you love?
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10-12 foot sturgeon with gills still in the water. A BIG one!
7 foot sturgeon, one hour to land. The fight was exciting!
Three nice sturgeon
Sturgeon for dinner
Larry's 8 pound Steelhead
Enjoying boat ride while fishing Eel Lake
Grandson fishing on the dock at Eel Lake
Deric's catch
Destin's catch
Great catch, right into the pan
This is some fun fishing
This is fishing for fun 
