New to Sweet Home and hoping for advice ?

[FishingSantiam]

I moved here ( Sweet Home ) last August with a teenage grandson that lives to fish ! I do not know the areas here and I'm hoping someone with more experience will help me get him into the steelies. I have read that some favored local spots are church camp and blackbelt, but have no idea where either place is, and we would be fishing from the shore, not drifting. I would just really like to add some steelhead catching memories to his teen years, so I would appreciate any and all advice. Thanks.

 

[Raincatcher]

Welcome to the forum family! We are glad you finally found us. I don't get out too much these days, but we have a bunch of wonderful members in your area who are probably at work or out on the water right now. Give 'em a chance to get back home and check the forum. I'm sure you will hear from lots of them.

 

[Santiam338]

Welcome...

For Church camp go up the highway and cross over Foster dam to the northside of the river,turn left..Go past the fish hatchey(another popular bank spot)a short ways and you will see a large pull out in some big timber...There will be a trail down to the river past the ball park...Go down and check it out...



Lots of fish caught there...

Should be some winters show up in March...Those are all nates and catch and release only...You will have the river to yourself then....Along comes April and the summers start to show up...Those are all clipped and can be bonked...As more summers arrive so do the crowds...June the springers start to show up and bigger crowds...LOL

Don't expect a lot of action for the winters,but persistance pays off...

Looking forward to some fish reports...

 

[Kevinb5688]

I caught my first steelhead ever 5 years ago in sweethome on my first trip ever.
I fish by a boat launch right below the hatchery. Its a cool river, a lot of trout in there to so at least if you dont catch steelhead a # 3 blue fox should get you some nice trout to fight!

 

[FishingSantiam]

Thank you for telling me how to get to the church camp hole ! Myself, I'm a fair-weather fisherperson, but my grandson is hard core and would stand out there all day in freezing weather if I'd take him Now that I know where to go, I'll get him out to fish at church camp. Thanks again ! Kathi

 

[FishingSantiam]

Thanks ! We've caught quite a few trout. He really wants to catch winter steelies, and thanks to this forum I have a couple places to take him... we appreciate your feedback. Thanks, Kathi