LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

• Striped bass, also known as stripers, are highly sought-after gamefish found in the Northwest region of the United States. Anglers flock to the coastal areas and rivers of Oregon and Washington for the thrill of catching striped bass. Here are some notable locations for striped bass fishing in the region:

• Oregon: The lower Columbia River, particularly around Astoria and the mouth of the river, is known for its striped bass fishery. Other popular spots include the Coos River, Umpqua River, and the Willamette River.

• Washington: The lower Columbia River is a prime location for striped bass fishing in Washington. The fishing grounds near Vancouver and the mouth of the river offer excellent opportunities. Other notable locations include the Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

• Striped bass are migratory fish that inhabit both freshwater and saltwater environments. In the Northwest, they are primarily found in rivers and estuaries. Stripers prefer areas with a mix of deep channels, sandy flats, and submerged structures such as rock piles, bridge pilings, and submerged timber. They are known to school up in deeper holes and near areas with strong tidal currents.

PATTERNS

SPRING

• During spring, striped bass move into rivers and estuaries for spawning. They can be found in deeper channels and near areas with structure. Fishing with live bait such as anchovies, shad, or sand shrimp can be effective during this season.

SUMMER

• In the summer months, striped bass tend to migrate toward cooler, deeper waters. They may be found in the lower reaches of rivers or near the river mouths. Fishing during the early morning or evening hours when the water is cooler can be productive. Techniques such as trolling with diving plugs, casting swimbaits, or using cut bait can entice striped bass to bite.

FALL

• Fall is an excellent time to target striped bass as they feed heavily in preparation for winter. They can be found in rivers, estuaries, and near river mouths. Fishing with topwater lures, swimbaits, or using live baitfish can yield good results during this season.

WINTER

• In winter, striped bass activity slows down, and they may move to deeper sections of rivers or coastal areas. They can be found near areas with structure or in deeper holes. Fishing with slow presentations such as jigs, swimbaits, or using cut bait can be effective in enticing striped bass to bite.

Bait

• When targeting striped bass, anglers use a variety of bait and lures. Live bait options include anchovies, shad, sand shrimp, or small fish like smelt or herring. Cut bait, such as anchovy fillets or chunks of fish, can also be effective. Artificial lures such as swimbaits, crankbaits, topwater plugs, and soft plastics in shad or baitfish patterns are popular choices.

Techniques

Surf Fishing

• How: Look for rocky shorelines, jetties, or sandy beaches with good wave action and structure. Cast your bait or lures beyond the surf and let them drift with the current. Retrieve at different speeds and vary your presentation to entice strikes.

• Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy surf rods. Reels: Spinning or conventional reels with a strong drag system. Line: 20-30lb test monofilament or braided line. Terminal Tackle: Sliding sinker rigs, Carolina rigs, or swimbaits. Bait: Anchovies, sardines, sand crabs, or artificial baitfish imitations.

Boat Fishing

• How: Striped bass can be found near coastal reefs, rocky points, or estuaries. Anchor your boat near structure or troll along the shoreline. Use bait rigs or troll diving plugs, spoons, or swimbaits at different depths to locate active fish.

• Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy spinning or conventional rods. Reels: Spinning or conventional reels with a strong drag system. Line: 20-30lb test monofilament or braided line. Terminal Tackle: Live bait rigs, Carolina rigs, or trolling rigs. Bait: Anchovies, sardines, live baitfish, or artificial baitfish imitations.

Fly Fishing

• How: Fly fishing for striped bass can be thrilling. Look for feeding activity near the surface, especially during low light conditions or when baitfish are present. Use streamer flies, Clouser Minnows, or poppers to imitate baitfish and entice strikes.

• Gear: Rods: 7-9wt fly rods with a fast action. Reels: Large arbor reels with a strong drag system. Line: Floating or intermediate sinking fly lines. Leaders: 7-9ft tapered leaders with a 10-15lb tippet. Flies: Deceiver patterns, Clouser Minnows, poppers, or baitfish imitations.