Wade fishing for trout in the Clackamas River?

[uintaangler]

I live south of Portland and the Clackamas is my best bet for a chance at catching a few decent sized trout ( 12" + ) without a watercraft and not have to make it an overnight trip ( Metolius, Deschutes ).

I have tried about half a dozen times and so far have spent most of my time driving along the river looking for places to get on the water without hurting myself - I'm 75 and climbing down steep banks with no trail is no longer in the cards.

At 75, wading in heavy current, even with a wading stick kind of sucks. Hard to cast when your main thought is not getting dunked. So sometimes I'll find an access spot but can only fish a short section before the wading starts getting hairy.

If there are any kind souls out there who know the Clackamas well and have fished it with more success than I have had so far and are willing to share a few of your favorite spots - please reply here or if a PM is a better idea, then please send me a PM

Thanks,
Bob

 

[troutdude]

@uintaangler Have you checked out the stretch from Timothy Lake, down to Lake Harriet? I'm not sure if trout season is open there, right now, but maybe you can find some spots. Please check the reg's to be sure it's open for trout angling.

It also may be currently inaccessible due to snow, closed OFF roads, etc.

 

[Davpot]

Hello Bob! I see you go by Uintaangler! Sounds like Utah was your previous haunt? Bob, lm near your age and hear you on declining mobility! I used to fish the Clack a lot Its a beautiful river for sure!
For starter, Id suggest trying Harriet lake. Large Browns there and Cutts and Rainbows. Comes with a Camp Host and Nice docks. PGE does a Great job here. Lakes in your area offer lots to like! Safety First Bob!
Davep

 

[olshiftybiscuits]

I live south of Portland and the Clackamas is my best bet for a chance at catching a few decent sized trout ( 12" + ) without a watercraft and not have to make it an overnight trip ( Metolius, Deschutes ).

I have tried about half a dozen times and so far have spent most of my time driving along the river looking for places to get on the water without hurting myself - I'm 75 and climbing down steep banks with no trail is no longer in the cards.

At 75, wading in heavy current, even with a wading stick kind of sucks. Hard to cast when your main thought is not getting dunked. So sometimes I'll find an access spot but can only fish a short section before the wading starts getting hairy.

If there are any kind souls out there who know the Clackamas well and have fished it with more success than I have had so far and are willing to share a few of your favorite spots - please reply here or if a PM is a better idea, then please send me a PM

Thanks,
Bob

Hi Bob, I’m just south of 40 and even I find wading in our corner of Oregon to be really treacherous. I’m a former athlete with some knee issues, and have to be thoughtful and cautious about where I wade as a result. Unfortunately, I must admit that some of my worst falls wading have happened on the Clackamas and Upper Clackamas. The Oak Grove Fork section above lake Harriet is extremely bush whacky and requires a lot of wading in the canyon.

I know you’re looking for somewhere to fish from the banks, but I agree with the poster who mentioned lake Harriet above. It’s a lovely place to fish, and a float tube is all you’ll need to explore it in depth. Other lakes on Mount Hood also provide really great trophy trout fishing a little closer to home. This is where I personally feel safest.

Keep in mind too that most west side streams are currently closed for trout, including all of the streams in and around the Portland metro. This includes the Clackamas and all of its tributaries. But the lakes are open year round, and as soon as they’re accessible they’ll be on fire!!

 

[uintaangler]

Thanks Gents!