Sandy River Winter Steelhead Fishing

Oregon winter steelhead fishing on the Sandy River. Spinner fishing for Winter Steelhead is my favorite steelhead fishing technique. On this day I was out Winter Steelhead Fishing With spinners and also had a float fishing rod set up with a bobber and jig.
I tried fishing with the bobber and jig between wind gusts but after a while it just seemed easier to cast spinners. I went with the tried and true Blue and chrome which has worked pretty well for me when it comes to oregon winter steelhead fishing. I went with a BlueFox Super Vibrax #4, Blue body and chrome blade.
The area that I am fishing is not ordinarily the "best" place to fish, but it does have it's times of possibly holding some fish, knowing when those times are is key. This can be a little hot spot but it can come and go in a day, depending on the conditions. On a day like this, i knew i'd be fishing with spinners since the wind was pretty gusty which made float fishing a bit more difficult, but thats winter fishing.
This time of the season I like to stick low in the river system (usually Dabney Park and below) until I start seeing and hearing of the catch rate picking up, then I start slowly making my way upriver to different parks and areas (Dodge Park, Oxbow Park, Cedar Creek, etc)
These fish can move quick and make their way up to the Cedar Creek Hatchery in no time, which is while ODFW often recycles steelhead back down to Lewis and Clark State recreational area, where anglers will get another chance at catching them while the fish make their way back up the river again. You can usually find info for this on the Sandy River Fishing Report which ODFW puts out weekly on their website. I will also mention this is the Sandy River Fishing Reports that I put out.
There are a decent amount of sandy river fishing spots. Some are an obvious park while others may just be a quick pullout on the side of the road. My best recommendation is to put in the time and explore the different areas at different times of the year and find the best techniques that would work in these areas.
Don't forget to check out our tutorials with different tips and techniques that could be the game changer for you.
Stay tuned as I plan on getting out for some Clackamas River winter steelhead fishing as well as exploring some of our coastal tributaries. Wilson River Winter Steelhead are among my favorite when it comes to winter fishing!
ROD - 9'6" Okuma Celilo amzn.to/2Tb16M9
REEL - Pflueger President amzn.to/2uJuNdP
LINE - 30lb PowerPro High-vis Braid amzn.to/2IbJTvG
to 12lb Seagur Fluorocarbon leader amzn.to/2Iawl3D
I want to take a second to send a huge shout out to all of you who have been subscribed to the channel and have been following along. Sharing these experiences with you all has been a blast. so a huge Thank You to all of you... As of the timing of this video the channel just hit 4K
Those that are new, WELCOME! and to those just passing through, I hope we give you a reason to stick around.
Stop By And Check Out The Angling Addicts PNW website at
www.anglingadd...

[@davidtarshis6658]

and for all you haters about the plastic, get a life, the dude is showing location and method and actually hooking and landing a fish. get real

[@nathanielriesterer9103]

This was pretty encouraging.

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Nathaniel riesterer glad to hear it. February is when things begin to really pick up. Good luck out there!🎣

[@mygardeninbloom]

Nice catch! Great to see you post! Encouraging that it was a keeper.

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Laurie Holycross Thanks Laurie! That catch was VERY encouraging! We are always waiting to hear of these first hatchery fish being caught. Made my day to see that clipped fin. I saw another keeper caught that day. Interested to see how the season goes. Thanks for the ongoing support!

[@yeamanizer]

Nice man! I know that house and boat across the river. Looks like Jack missed out on a good day of fishing 🎣

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

13RodFishing - I was surprised it was a hatchery fish, though they do have to start coming in at some point. Usually when the boats are docked up my motivation level drops lol.

[@yeamanizer]

AnglingAddictsPNW The water looked amazing though. Fishing has been picking up. My buddy has caught 2 this week. I’ll be going out next Saturday with Brandon Glass.

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

13RodFishing - I was kinda surprised to see it looking so well. Things will just improve from here. Jack and Brandon are great guides and aren’t going to take people out unless there are fish to be caught. I’m sure it will be a good trip. I hope the conditions and everything works out for you guys.

[@yeamanizer]

AnglingAddictsPNW totally. This will be my 4th time out. Can’t wait

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

13RodFishing let me know how it goes. Good luck🎣

[@SoThraxx96]

Beautiful fish and what a fight. Sandy rivers too deep for me hoping to catch one on the Cowlitz soon.

[@JAYCB324011]

My 3 month old daughter loves watching your videos. Lol

[@jaaron2834]

I might see you up there next season.... moving to the Seattle area...

[@imagingconcepts]

Nice job!! Sticking it out in that blustery weather paid off. Take care, and happy hunting!!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Dave Prill haha ya I’m not one for enjoying the cold by any means but the chance of catching an early winter is hard to pass up, especially when the river conditions were perfect. Thanks Dave, good luck out there

[@Exploer8591]

Great job, Nick! I'm excited to know they're coming in.

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Kevin Bushnell Thanks Kevin, I am too. Sounds like they are starting to hit the Clackamas as well. Guess we will see how things look over the next week or so. I’m ready to get out whenever you are.... though we aren’t in “prime time” yet

[@oiray1515]

Nice one bud I fished just down from there yesterday probly I will again tonight. I'm due. Thanks for the video in surprised I've haven't run into ya on the river looks like we fish alot of the same spots

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Aaron Hartley - thanks Aaron, ya man just keep at it. Things can change in a heartbeat. I’m sure we will run into each other at some point, it’s bound to happen... though I can be kinda elusive. I usually avoid spots where I know there are other people around. It’s forced me to seek out new spots, ultimately building the Arsenal lol.

[@toneyfree7179]

Really nice fish, good job

[@nadezdafontana6213]

Yea Nice fish!!! We got 2 today been rough week with all the rain!

[@nikhalupowski4704]

Congrats on one of the first winter of the season

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Nik Halupowski - Thanks Nik, I’m pretty sure I threw that spinner right in that fishes face. I think it was only in the water for about 3 seconds before it was fish on. Hopefully the luck continues.

[@seanlutzi2911]

nearly the same spot my boy and I finished the season last year..... nice keeper!!!!!!!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Sean Lutzi - thanks man. Ya this spot isn’t anything great, but under the right conditions you can find a fish or two around 😉

[@pescaenoregon7545]

Nice fish man , cant wait to catch my first stealhead ever

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Pesca en Oregon - Thanks! Hopefully this will be YOUR year to get one!🎣 Best of luck to ya

[@MrKekoa28]

Grats brotha, I am 0/2 this year, good to see ya back out.

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Al Leal - Thanks bro, it’s been hard waiting things out this year but I think it was worth it. The last couple weeks definitely saved me in fuel, gear, and my sanity lol.

[@oh_ive_eatenhere_before6421]

Awesome catch bro.

[@seanerecacho67]

Great fish nice work sir keep up the good work!!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

sean liveloveandlaugh - thank you! Much appreciated. I LOVE hooking into these fish 🎣

[@joshyin2deep]

The trusty blue body #4, always have on hand 😉

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

J H - that was my last one and I broke one of the hooks. Looks like I’m putting a Siwash on there and getting back out haha. It’s a good one to have for sure

[@oregonuplands8687]

Hell yeah beautiful fish man gave you a hell of a fight

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Uplate Games Thanks! Heck ya, you can see me tighten the drag twice. I usually have it dialed in but that fish was ripping it off quick!!

[@nwdiscovery676]

Good job, cold job paid off

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Peter Z - I hate the cold haha, luckily I stuck around just long enough for it to pay off.

[@outsidewithdad8110]

beautiful choice of reel

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Outside With Dad - I’ve always been a fan. There are few products that can put up with my abuse and still get the job done

[@jaaron2834]

Very nice catch indeed...!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

J Aaron - Thanks! Made my day

[@NWHomesteader]

Beautiful fish!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

NWHomesteader - Thank You, I was so happy to feel that tug, and more thrilled to see it was a keeper

[@jasonstouder]

What size President was that? Does the sawing sound the braid makes while you retrieve drive you nuts? Ever sawed through an eyelet?

[@rickzollman5806]

Nice Nick!! Been sturgeon fishing looks like they are coming in. Awesome!! Blue fox is always a great choice. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Rick Zollman Thanks Rick! Of course I would have like to have seen an Angling Addict Fishing co lure hanging out of its mouth but for my first fish of the year I can’t complain. Can’t go wrong with bluefox

[@rickzollman5806]

Yes totally agree. Your lures are awesome. I need to order some more. Again nice fish!!!

[@ChromeBulllet]

Haha guy didn’t even take the plastic off his rod 😂 ROOKIE MOVE

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

@ChromeBullet lmfao rookie.... ya cuz that makes the difference between knowing what you are doing or not 🤦‍♂️

[@Worthfishing]

Nice hen...Congratulations!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Worth - Thank You... having heard nothing about hatchery fish being caught yet at the time, it was a surprise to see the clipped fin.

[@Worthfishing]

AnglingAddictsPNW That just goes to show you, you never know.Thinking and hoping it’s better than last winter. It’s always nice to get a keeper. I’ve already got a couple up north on the Wa coast both keeper. Keep up the good work buddy!

[@BoringFisherman]

Dude good job. Great fish.

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Lil K's outdoor life - thank you! This fish was a bit of a surprise. The conditions were perfect for fishing this spot, but I didn’t think I’d find a hatchery fish at the end of my line just yet.

[@BoringFisherman]

@@AnglingAddictsPNW I'm gonna try to get one tomorrow on a coastal river. Havent fished for steelhead in a couple years

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Lil K's outdoor life - I was hoping to be fishing coastal tribs all week but then saw how much rain is coming. Tomorrow will be the best day of the week for sure.

[@jeffh699]

Nice work! I hope to get out tom morning if the weather holds

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

jeffh699 - Thanks bro, send me a message in the morning if the weather DOES hold. I may be able to get out.

[@cirilocisneros1883]

Very nice fish my friend

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

cirilo cisneros Thank You, made my day to see it wasn’t another native!

[@isaacreynaga6535]

We’re can I find that spot I’m going from California to Oregon to fish my first time

[@TimbersSupporter]

Is that spot private property or open? I always thought it was PP since its no longer green on google maps.

[@memaloose3190]

As long as you are below the high water mark on the Sandy, you are good. Just can't cross private property to get there.

[@TimbersSupporter]

@@memaloose3190 Good to know. TY

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

John Durr the high water mark at this spot is obvious. As long as you are below the ledge you are good.

[@FishingTheOdds]

Killer🤙

[@KozyTapes]

Can you do a video at Henry Hagg Lake?

[@kev7166]

great fish man

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

kev - Thank You... made my day

[@overtheclouds9]

Nice job man, big chromer too! I live on the sandy too. I and have been on new baby duty for last 2 years with my daughter. No fishing for me lately. I plan to get out this fall n have some fun. I need to cut in a path down to river it’s all overgrown again. See you out there. Just subscribed

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Over The Clouds - I was so happy to get on this fish! This spot produces fish under a very small window of conditions and level. It felt like I threw this spinner right on top of it....sucks to miss out on some fishing but you can make that up. The time with your daughter is priceless. They grow way too fast. I have a 20yr old son and 18yr old daughter. Hopefully this fall is good to you and makes up for your time on daddy duty 🎣🎣🎣 thanks for the sub! Much appreciated. Where about on the sandy?

[@overtheclouds9]

Angling Addicts PNW With your kids grown you have tons of time for fishing 👍🏻. I’m below Oxbow.

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Over The Clouds haha I wish! I still am constantly on the go. The salmon and steelhead spinner gig keeps me busy enough. I have to squeeze in trips when I can and I usually avoid fishing on the weekend. But I can’t complain. I’m doing what I love and the revenue from sales helps fund it. I could only dream of having a house with access to the sandy!!

[@overtheclouds9]

Angling Addicts PNW Houses usually pop up a couple times a year. If you get somewhat pre approved there’s usually a deal to be made. If the market tanks look for a seller finance deal. I know one guide that bought his house with acres for less than $500,000. Long story but he can walk out the back door to his boat tied up on the shore I have quite a hike from my place. It’s on a hillside. I’d love to put a tram in. Take the drift boat from the garage to the rivers edge. Lol

[@dennisross3477]

Hell ya man, congrats! I will be out that way sunday with my son hope to see you around

[@fishing4reel_247]

Nice fish man

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Fishing 4 reel - thank you! I love that sound of a fish ripping line

[@RalphBarton-fishing]

You've got some incredible looking wayer you get to fish out there

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Ralph Barton - WE DO!! I just wish more people would realize how lucky we are and stop trashing all of our water bodies.

[@RalphBarton-fishing]

@@AnglingAddictsPNW it's a shame the ones that should care the most are typically the ones doing it.. Same problems here

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Ralph Barton - The amount of garbage from summertime river goers is one thing but you’d think most fisherman would know better than to intentionally pollute the area and waters they fish.

[@jgroon4286]

Thanks for this video Nick! I'm just getting into steelhead fishing, went for the first couple times yesterday and today and no luck but it was nice getting out there. Do you ever take new people out with you to show the ropes?

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

I haven't really had a chance to take people out yet, and i get asked quite a bit about it. Hopefully i will be able to soon, bank and boat :) Getting out there and learning the area is key. I will put something out when im ready to start taking people out. until then, best of luck man

[@shaunlehman9158]

Nice fish!!!!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Shaun Lehman - Thanks man! I can’t complain about that fish. Great way to start off the year

[@shaunlehman664]

Shaun Lehman went 9 of 13 today it was epic!!!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

shaun lehman on the sandy or are you floating different rivers?

[@shaunlehman664]

AnglingAddictsPNW a little more west than the sandy 🤫

[@danm1319]

Congrats man. I

[@dave9817]

Great Start!! So what is your hook decision preference for the Blue Fox ? Looks like you were successful with the standard treble but what about a single Siwash setup... your Brookings neighbor :)

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

David Herron - Thanks David! Honestly, I almost always prefer a single hook over a treble for a variety of reasons. One being lots of native fish. Seems easier to remove one hook as opposed to potentially 3 hooks, ultimately having less impact on a fish that I may be releasing. (I’ve hooked a native and had all three hooks embedded, kinda hard to remove hooks when you can’t even get the fishes mouth open anymore) Obviously there is the potential for less snags with a single hook... and it seems that you may have the chance of missing “bites” with a single hook but I think a single hook will most likely get a good solid setting, keeping the fish on. There are a few other factors I may consider but the big one is the structure and my likeliness of losing gear. I hope that kinda elaborates my thought lol

[@kadoe6679]

This is awesome. Looking into steelhead fishing this year. As soon as I get my gear together, I will check out sandy and clackamas river!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Kadoe thanks man, it’s really fun. Let me know if you have any questions or need help with anything. Would be happy to do what I can to help you find success

[@kadoe6679]

AnglingAddictsPNW I’ve been watching most of your videos for tips and all about steelhead. Been taking tons of notes from other websites online as well about reading the water etc. looks like a lot of fun but seems like I will be coming home empty handed a lot. I think I just need to go out there and mess around. One question I do have, instead of the blue fox, I have some panther Martin spinners I bought for trout fishing (I’ve never used them) and was wondering if they are too small? I think they are 1/4 oz... I’d have to double check. Thanks nick!

[@kadoe6679]

AnglingAddictsPNW actually it’s a number 6 panther Martin spinner. I don’t think that’s 1/4 oz. what do you think? Is this okay to use?

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Kadoe - that’s the best thing you can do. Ask questions, watch as much as you can, experiment.... and as much time on the water as possible. There will be plenty of empty handed days but you can still learn a lot on those days. When it comes to steelhead, trout lures will still work, in the right water conditions. Those panther martins are great! The ones I usually use are a #6 which IS a 1/4... I think haha

[@kadoe6679]

AnglingAddictsPNW Thanks for the reply bud. I think my gear will be all set by this weekend. I’m hoping to come out on Monday :)

[@spacecats3649]

My spouse and I are planning to buy some land along the sandy river!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Space Cats - let me know when you do, I will come visit lol. Would be a beautiful place to have a house

[@DantTheMan854]

Nice fight, that fish was HOT! How long did you brave the cold wind and snow for?

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Daniel Christianson - that fish made my day. I loved the sound of it just peeling line. I think I was back home by 1pm or so, so I was out maybe 2 hours, that was enough for me lol

[@ChuckFasst]

Way2go on your first big fat Sandy River hen for the year. 😃 #FishFinAddicts

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Chuck Fasst - Thanks man 🎣 It was a good way start for sure. I LOVE the sound of a fish ripping line

[@andershandmadecrafts9437]

nice fish

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Anders Handmade Crafts - Thank You. I love seeing that we have some good sized hatchery fish in the system

[@deeznugsbepurp]

You should do a prep and cooking video

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Raoul Duke - that’s a good idea. I may have to do that! Thanks

[@ernievegajr7058]

Nice👍🏻👏

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Ernie Vega - thank you 🎣

[@sjp2775]

Nice!.....

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Steve Parr Thanks Steve! It made my day

[@jimmascaro2456]

Nick Im trying to decide on the right size reel for throwing mostly 4s & 5s spinners for chinook (& steelhead once I learn). I have an open face 5000 & a 5500 & also have 2 revo toro low profile reels that would hold plenty of 30 lb braid - they both have 22 lb drag. Any input appreciated. Happy to buy a 4000 open face reel if thats the way to go. Lastly I have 3 Loomis rods at 9 ft from moderate to fast action. Fast action Im thinking for chinook - spinners. I like open face reels for casting spinners but I see a lot of guys casting with the low profiles. Any thoughts on this appreciated. Thx.

[@brookmelee5983]

Bro the plastic is still on your rod cork.

[@TeeJayArthur]

These are lies. There are no Hatchery fish in the sandy!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

TeeJayArthur haha nope, no hatchery fish here

[@TeeJayArthur]

AnglingAddictsPNW hit the sandy 4 times already this year and haven’t seen a single person catch anything. Nice catch though!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

TeeJayArthur - it’s early in the season. I was looking at some of last years fishing reports that I did to kind of see how things were looking this time last year. Next couple of weeks will pick up I’m sure. Keep at it. I just watched a boat pull in a keeper yesterday.

[@rickysimmonds2681]

TeeJayArthur steelhead arent easy its never gonna be red hot where everyone’s limiting lol. we have runs of like maybe 3,000 fish over multiple months. It’s never gonna be hot just gotta put it your time and you will be rewarded.

[@TeeJayArthur]

Thanks for the fishing reports, I appreciate the videos man.

[@yashwantmore7594]

ऑस्ट्रेलिया बोस्त्री

[@davidtarshis6658]

Right in front of Jacks house, love it. Liked and subscribed just for that! lol

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Haha thanks man. I think that was the one and only time I fished right there. The conditions were perfect that day for the potential of holding a fish

[@brettsuydam7457]

I'm thinking about trying my luck on the Wilson this Sunday. Nice catch!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Brett Suydam - good luck man. I was wanting to get out there this last week but at the time the water was super high, then we got snow. Hopefully next week I will. Let me know how it goes

[@brettsuydam7457]

@@AnglingAddictsPNW here's my report. I fucked up and forgot my gear so I had to go buy some quick stuff. I ended up salvaging the day and fished for about 3 hours. Didn't catch anything, but I did see a drift boat grab one about 100 yards down from me. I'll probably go again at least one day this weekend.

[@glynnnelson2588]

Awesome video once again! Gotta love them Blue foxes!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

glynn nelson Thank You! I have some new spinners that I want to try but the BlueFox had to go first. It seems almost all of my first winters have been on a bluefox.

[@glynnnelson2588]

There are my go-to when fish Lake Superior tributaries for steelhead. If casting distance is paramount, I will go with Len Thompson spoons. I suggest you try them if you ever get a chance!

[@joesmo2840]

We’re there’s 1 there’s usually 2

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Joe Smo - this is very true. I’d expect it to be holding a few more fish as the water begins to drop.... well whenever it starts to drop again. The warm temps, rain, and high snow level aren’t doing the river any favors for the next week.

[@michaelelkins6043]

Awesome fish bud! Glad to see some chrome my dude 😀

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Michael Elkins - Thanks bro, felt good to get on a fish.

[@michaelelkins6043]

@@AnglingAddictsPNW hell yeah il bet bud, i definitely need some redemption on that river last year it kicked my butt lol, id like to find some new spots besides hitting all the usual parks

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Michael Elkins - I was just replying to another comment on a different video about this. “Good spots” are dictated by river conditions which are constantly changing. Knowing when and why an area could be good based on the conditions is key to becoming a good fisherman. Hopefully you get some redemption this season 🎣