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Post by Admin on Jun 3, 2015 10:41:20 GMT
The recreational opportunities listed on the webpage for the Lower Columbia River Estuary are brought to you by wwww.clamdigging.info for the benefit of the members of the Clam Digging and Crabbing Community.
Digging Razor Clams at Fort Stevens and Crabbing in the lower Columbia River Estuary
Digging Razor Clams on Clatsop Spit Beaches: for the 2018 - 2019 season will not be as productive as in previous years on the beaches located from Del Rey Beach south. Diggers in Seaside are digging low numbers of razor clams. Bell Bouy Seafoods reports, "the most productive digging for razor clams will be from the beaches located northward from Del Rey Beach."
Always pay attention to the beach areas being worked by commercial clam diggers. They are the ones dragging around the commercial sized clam bags
NOAA Tidal Projections: A good population of carry over clams should be available for harvest at Fort Stevens to Sunset Beach during the low tides exceeding a minus 1.0 foot. Click on the Tbone Tidal Projections for the Columbia River entrance at the North Jetty, Washington State to view the option for tidal projections. Click on the link Make Predictions Using Options to access the options variables to display the tidal projections of interest into the future beyond 2 days of tidal projections. I always pay attention to the beach areas being worked by commercial clam diggers. They are the ones dragging around the commercial sized clam bags.
During the fall and winter months, low tide series are in the evening so harvesters should plan ahead. Razor clam harvesters should pay close attention to the surf forecasts and be on the beach one to two hours before low tide. If the forecast calls for combined seas over 8 or 10 feet, razor clamming can be very difficult because the clams tend to show much less in those conditions.
On 03/19/15 My friend Darrin, a first time clam digger, following my advice scored 11 clams during a minus 0.23 tide at Gearhart as shown below. Clatsop Spit Razor Clams:
The abundance of razor clams along the Oregon Coast varies greatly and dramatically due to ocean conditions, the erosion of beach sand, weather related die offs and disease, but because of the decline in the population of razor clams south of Tillamook Head we recommend digging razor clams on the beaches associated with Clatsop Spit or with the beaches associated with Meyers Beach in Southern Oregon.
Click on the ODFW Weekly Marine Recreation report for the report on digging razor clams.
Clatsop Spit and Columbia Beach and the broad sandy beaches south to Seaside offer the clam digger the most productive razor clam digging along the Oregon Coast. More razor clams are dug from the sandy beaches of Clatsop Spit than from all of Oregon’s other beaches combined. The beaches from Clatsop Spit to Seaside are closed to the taking of razor clams from July 15 through September 30 each summer to protect juvenile razor clams.
The Ridge Road, the Columbia Beach Road, is the access road to Clatsop Spit and Columbia Beach at Fort Stevens State Park. Turn west onto the Ridge Road from Highway 101 but Do Not Use Delaura Beach Rd to access the beach. Turn west at the Peter Iredale Road into the main entrance of Fort Stevens State Park to access the ocean beach at Columbia Beach. The best clam digging occurs northward from the rusted wreck of the Peter Iredale to the Clatsop Spit followed by the area to the south along Columbia Beach. Vehicles are allowed on the beach at Fort Stevens all year, except the beach northward from the wreck of the Peter Iredale which is closed to vehicular access from May 1st to September 15th from 12:01 P.M. to Midnight.
 
Turn west onto Jetty Rd., the day use entrance of Fort Stevens State Park, to access the off beach parking areas associated with the beaches of Clatsop Spit. The access roads to the parking areas adjacent to the ocean beach at Clatsop Spit and to the south jetty at Clatsop Spit are open twenty four hours daily.
Clatsop Spit beach and the south jetty at Clatsop Spit are divided into geographical areas A, B, C and D. There are signs located at the entrances of the access roads that identify each area. Areas A and B are the access roads to the parking area adjacent to Clatsop Spit Beach. Area C is the access road to the parking area adjacent to Clatsop Spit Beach and the viewing platform at the south jetty.
Area D is the access road to the parking area adjacent to the beach on the southern shore of the Columbia River.
Sunset Beach offers excellent digging for razor clams. Sunset Beach Road is the first public access point south of Fort Stevens State Park. Turn west onto Sunset Beach Road from Hwy 101 and park on the beach.
Del Rey Beach State Wayside located 2 miles north of Gearhart offers excellent clam digging. Parking is allowed on the beach.
Gearhart Beach is accessible by turning west onto Pacific Avenue from Highway 101 Follow the signs for beach access and park on the beach. The razor clam digging from Gearhart south to Tillamook Head is not quite as good as the beach north of Gearhart but the clams are larger.
Seaside Beach offers excellent digging for razor clams, and has the distinction of being the end of the Lewis and Clark Trail. Members of the expedition camped over the winter of 1805 making salt for their return trip east. The City of Seaside, like other beach communities, does not allow parking on the beachfront streets from 11:00pm to 5:00am. Access to Seaside Beach is available from multiple locations in the City of Seaside beginning at the Cove Via Avenue U to public parking area at the end of Avenue U; or, turn south onto S. Edgewood St. Continue south on Edgewood St. to the public parking area located on Ocean Vista Dr. Park and follow the trail to the beach at the Cove. Turn west onto Avenue G., but parking is limited to the street. There is a beach side public parking area located between 12th Avenue entry, and 11th Avenue exit. And additional but limited parking between 11th Avenue entry and 10th Avenue.
Several options for parking in Seaside: whether you are arriving to Seaside from the north, or the south, parking in Seaside is free*, quite easy and in larger abundance than many are aware. If you aren't sure of your activities while in Seaside, stop into the Visitors Center on the corner of Broadway and Hwy 101 (Roosevelt). The friendly staff can help you find a nice restaurant, family-friendly activities and quaint shops or direct you towards the beach.
From the North: turn right onto 1st Avenue as you approach Broadway along Hwy 101 (referenced as Roosevelt within Seaside city limits). Drive west until you pass the Seaside Civic and Convention Center. The lot just west of the Convention Center is free and open to the public. Street parking is also available but in lower supply. Should the Convention Center lot be full, continue west on 1st Avenue and turn left onto Columbia. Pass through Broadway and take your first right onto Avenue A. The public parking garage sign is located on your immediate right and the first two levels are free and open to the public. There is no overnight parking allowed in this garage for public vehicles.
From the South: turn left onto Broadway from Hwy 101 (referenced as Roosevelt within Seaside city limits). The possibility exists that street parking will be available on Broadway. We simply advise that your pay attention to all posted signs. If street parking is not available, proceed until you get to the corner of Broadway and Columbia. Turn left onto Columbia and take your first right onto Avenue A. The public parking garage sign is located on your immediate right and the first two levels are free and open to the public. There is no overnight parking allowed in this garage for public vehicles.
*Please pay attention to posted signs as parking hours may vary from location to location. Also note that Motor Home and Bus parking is prohibited in the Convention Center lot from June 1 - October 1.
RV and Motorhome Parking: there are a few options for those driving large vehicles through Seaside but not planning to overnight in the area. Option number one is located just north of the Seaside Visitors Bureau at the corner of Broadway and Hwy 101 (referenced as Roosevelt in Seaside). Broadway and its many shops, restaurants, family-friendly activities and ocean beach are located no more than 1/2 mile from this lot
Ecola State Park is located 2 miles north of Cannon Beach between Chapman Point and Tillamook Head. The park encompasses Indian Point, Indian Cove, Crescent Beach and Chapman Point. Turn west from Highway 101 onto Old Highway 101 two miles north of Cannon Beach. Follow the signs to Ecola Park Road. Indian Cove and Crescent Beach are listed by ODFW as a location to dig for razor clams.
Cannon Beach is listed a location to dig for razor clams. Refer to the Fishing Regulation restricting the taking of shellfish within a 300 yard radius of Haystack Rock
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Post by Admin on Jul 13, 2015 1:11:37 GMT
Click on the following,"Razor Clam Shows" to view ODFW photos of razor clams showing.
Click on the images of the following razor clam shows to enlarge them.
The 1stphotograph shows a razor clam feeding in the tidal surge before closing. The show in the 2n and 3rd photograph shows the razor clam in first photograph retracting its neck in response to the tapping of the shovel handle as the tidal surge washes away any trace of the razor clams show.
The 4th 5th and 6th photographs show a razor donut in the wet sand washing away in the tidal surge. The sequence of events recorded in the series of photographs 1 thru 3 and 4 thru 6 took several seconds each before all trace of the clam disappeared.
The last series of photographs are of razor clams shows in the dry sand. They often appear as donuts as shown in the 7th photograph but most often as shallow depressions or holes as shown in the 8th and 9thphotographs. The show in the 9th photograph was the result of tapping the sand next to the shallow depression shown in the 8th photograph with the shovel handle. Razor clams will often show as an area of shimmering sand in both the wet and dry sand.
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Post by Admin on Jul 26, 2015 14:18:43 GMT
As shown in the first four images the ODFW recommends the digging method to destabilize the razor clam"s environment using the razor clam shovel. The method recommended by ODFW is the preferred method to dig razor clams under all digging conditions because the clams are dug quickly and efficiently while minimizing the damage to razor clams. Click on the image to enlarge them.
To dig razor clams from the wet sand stand still and watch to see if the razor clams are necking or showing in the tidal surge. If the razor clams are not showing force them to show by tapping the surface of the sand with the end of the shovel handle. The vibration from the shovel handle striking the sand causes the clams located 6 to 12 inches under the wet sand to retract their necks quickly and vertically downward at a slight angle towards the ocean; thereby, causing the show to appear briefly in the sand. The clam digger has to be alert because the tidal surge rapidly washes away any trace of the show.
Work quickly place the shovel blade 4 or more inches to either side of the clam’s show as shown in the photos. Push the shovel blade straight down into the sand while getting down on one knee. The handle of the shovel will be pointing away from the digger at an angle parallel to the beach. Push the handle forward with one hand while sliding the other hand down behind the shovel blade. The forward movement of the shovel blade compresses the sand against the side of the razor clam; but more importantly the movement of the bottom of the shovel blade in the opposite direction creates a hole destabilizing the clam’s environment. Pull the shovel handle backwards pulling the shovel blade out of the hole while reaching down in fluid loose sand at the bottom of the hole to retrieve the clam. If you miss the clam, use your fingers to dig downward until encountering it. The show in the photo is located out of sight in front of the shovel blade.
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Post by Admin on Aug 12, 2015 2:50:17 GMT
As shown in the six images below, Pumping razor clams from the wet sand using a clam gun is a very popular method to dig razor clams especially for those clam diggers that are new to digging razor clams. Using a clam gun to harvest razor clams is the method preferred by razor clam diggers to dig razor clams from Clatsop Spit beaches and from the sandy beaches of Long Beach Washington. It is the simplicity of design and the ease of use that is the reason for their popularity. They are especially effective when the razor clams are located deep in the wet sand but showing as donuts.
  
It is easier to pump razor clams out of the wet sand than from the dry sand because the razor clam is usually located nearer to the surface of the wet sand and the presence of water makes it easier to push the clam gun into the sand. Some of the newer clam guns have a small tube that runs the length of the clam gun that makes it easier to withdraw the clam gun from the sand.
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Post by Admin on Aug 12, 2015 3:00:09 GMT
   To use a clam gun tap the surface of the wet sand with a long wooden staff tethered to your belt to force the clams to reveal their show. Face the ocean and center the clam gun over the clam’s show tilted very slightly towards the beach because the razor clams move quickly downward at a slight angle towards the ocean. Press the clam gun downward twisting with a rocking motion to a depth of 12 to 14 inches. Place your thumb over the hole on the top of the gun and pull upward pushing with your legs. The combination of the upward motion and your thumb over the hole creates a vacuum sucking the clam up trapping it in the clam gun. Remove your thumb from the hole on the top of the clam gun depositing the sand and the clam next to the hole. At times the velocity of the tidal surge is too strong to remove the gun from the sand because the swift current of the tidal surge can carry the clam away. Leave the clam gun buried in the sand until the tidal surge dissipates before removing the clam gun and the clam from the sand. If you miss the clam reach down into the loose sand in the bottom of the hole and use your fingers to dig downward until encountering the clam. We recommend that those new to digging razor clams purchase the inexpensive clam gun. |
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Post by Admin on Aug 12, 2015 3:00:22 GMT
Crabbing in the Lower Columbia River Estuary:
The lower Columbia River is rich with American History. Robert Gray named the Columbia River after sailing his ship the Columbia Rediviva into the river in 1792. The Lewis and Clark Expedition followed Robert Grey’s visit to the Columbia River establishing our nation’s claim to Pacific Northwest. Astoria is the oldest permanent American settlement west of the Mississippi River and was founded by the Pacific Fur Trading Company in 1810. The company sent two parties to establish a trading post at the mouth of the Columbia River. One party sailed around Cape Horn to establish Astoria and one party was sent overland establishing the Oregon Trail. John Jacob Astor was the leader of the expedition that established the trading post Astoria.
Known as the Graveyard of the Pacific the Columbia River bar is the most dangerous to cross on the Pacific Coast. More than two thousand ships have sunk attempting to cross the bar. Only venture onto the Columbia River Estuary in boats greater than the arbitrary length of 20 feet that are fully equipped to handle ocean conditions.
BAR CROSSING: Click on navigational hazards for crossing the Columbia River Bar.
Safe boating is always your first priority. The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers a number of classes that skippers of small boats, their families and boat mates should take before considering boating in Oregon’s coastal waters. The safety and comfort of everyone onboard is your responsibility once your family and guests board your boat. Before getting underway go over your procedural check list each and every time making sure all hatch covers are secure, the engine compartment vented, check the engine oil levels, test carbon monoxide alarms, do a radio check and secure all loose gear etc. Make it a practice to fill the fuel tanks before leaving the marina or boat launch. Never consume more than half of the fuel onboard before the boat is back at the dock.
Each person onboard should be required to wear a life jacket for the duration of the trip. Always wear a life jacket when crossing the bar. In an emergency you will not have the time to put on a life jacket. A life jacket stored away in an inconspicuous location or laying just inches away from your grasp will cost you or your loved ones your lives should the boat sink or roll over.
It is strongly recommended that you include the purchase of survival suits when you finance the purchase of your boat. It is foolish to cross the bar into the open ocean without survival suits on hand for all those onboard. Practice putting them on and do not hesitate wear them if you believe you may need them. If your boat sinks or you have to abandon it because of fire the Coast Guard may not be able to find you and pull you from the water before your core body temperature has fallen lower than your ability to survive like my friend, Randy Bacon, in the water 45 minutes, RIP.
The dynamics of fishing in the ocean, bays and the tidal reach of river channels underscore the importance of marine electronics to anglers. A GPS for pinpoint navigation is necessary for safe boating; a fathometer fish/finder to monitor water depth when boating in shallow water and radar to facilitate safe boating in the fog or entry into a harbor. To assure a safe boating trip the boat should also be equipped with a marine radio tuned to monitor channel 16, a CB radio, cell phone, a compass, navigational charts and a skipper knowledgeable in their use.
Always check the tide and extended marine forecast when planning to go boating in the open ocean or in the jetty channel of Oregon’s Bays. Resist the desire to cross the bar when small craft advisories or warning are posted and the ocean is calm. Ocean conditions can change faster than your ability to return to the harbor or before the Coast Guard restricts the length of vessels allowed to cross the bar or closes the bar altogether.
The decision to cross the bar begins before launching the boat or departing the marina by accessing current ocean conditions at the bar and the extended marine forecast off shore by calling permanently manned Coast Guard stations at Cape Disappointment 360-642-3565, 503-322-3234 for Tillamook Bay at Garibaldi, 541-765-2122 for Depoe Bay, 541-265-5511 for Yaquina Bay, 541-902-7792 for the Siuslaw River Estuary, 541-271-8417 for the Umpqua River, 541-888-3102 for Coos Bay and 541-469-4571 for the Chetco River Estuary.
Radio Stations KVAS 103.9 FM (1230 kHz) and KAST 99.7 FM (1370 kHz) gives bar condition reports for the Columbia River Bar 15 minutes before and after the hour. The current marine weather forecast is broadcast on VHF Weather channel 3 or 4. If you are on the water heading outbound or inbound monitor VHF-FM channel 68 or 69 and CB channel 13 for a report on conditions at the Columbia River Bar or contact the Coast Guard Station via VHF-FM Channel 16 and ask for a report of ocean conditions at the bar. The USCG are heavy users of the Marine VHF Channels; Channel 16 is reserved for distress, safety and calling, while channel 22A is utilized for special warnings, Marine Safety and other announcements.
A report of current ocean conditions and the extended marine forecast at Pacific NW Coastal Marine Data is available over the internet. Select National Weather Service - NWS Portland to display the area discussion for Portland's weather ; then under Current Forecasts select S Washington/N Oregon for the COASTAL WATERS FORECAST of the northern Oregon coast or S Oregon for the COASTAL WATERS FORECAST for the southern Oregon Coast. After reading the status report for current ocean condition and the extended marine forecast, select Quick look Marine Forecast to display the information for ocean conditions generated by following buoys: Buoy 29 Buoy 50 Near Buoy 89 Near Mouth of Columbia Near Tillamook Bar.
To access the information generated by the buoys associated with navigating the Columbia River Bar Click on menu topic, “Buoys and Coastal Winds” and select the nearshore Buoy Station for the bar you plan to cross. Select Buoy Station 46029 – Columbia River Bar to display current ocean conditions at buoy station 46029.
Recreational boaters in possession of cell phones can call Dial-A-Buoy at (888-701-8992) for the status of current ocean conditions at the nearshore and offshore buoys located nearshore at: DMNO3 (Desdemona Sands), 46029 (Columbia River),46243(Clatsop Spit Buoy), 45248(Astoria Canyon) MLTO3 (Marsh Island), 46089 (Tillamook), 46050 (Yaquina Bay), NWPO3 (Newport Bay), 46015 (Port Orford), CARO3 (Cape Arago), 46027 (Pt St George) and Offshore Buoy Station 46002 - OREGON - 275NM West of Coos Bay. Listen and follow the menu instructions exactly to hear the status report for the buoy station you requested. After listening to the Buoy Status Report of ocean conditions at the buoy station requested, follow the menu prompts to listen to the recorded message providing offshore Coastal Forecasts for S Washington/N Oregon or S Oregon for the region of the buoy station requested.
What is Dial-A-Buoy? NDBC, a part of the National Weather Service (NWS), created Dial-A-Buoy to give mariners an easy way to obtain the reports via a cell phone. Dial-A-Buoy provides wind and wave measurements taken within the last hour at the NDBC buoy and Coastal-Marine Automated Network (C-MAN) stations. The stations operated by the National Data Buoy Center are located in the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Lakes. Buoy reports include wind direction, speed, gust, significant wave height, swell and wind-wave heights and periods, air temperature, water temperature, and sea level pressure. Some buoys report wave directions. All C-MAN stations report the winds, air temperature, and pressure; some also report wave information, water temperature, visibility, and dew point.
Recreational boaters use the observations, in combination with forecasts, to make decisions on whether it is safe to venture out. Some even claim that the reports have saved lives. Surfers use the reports to see if wave conditions are, or will soon be, promising. Many of these boaters and surfers live well inland, and knowing the conditions has saved them many wasted trips to the coast. Consult everyone onboard for their opinion before making the decision to cross the bar. If anyone doubts that is safe to go, Don’t Go.
Know your harbor. The location of the boat launches located in the tidal reach of Oregon’s bays is available on the internet at the Oregon State Marine Board. Refer to the column Safety and Educations then click on Water Levels/Navigation Charts. The links to the Coastal Bar Chartlettes are posted in the box on the right side of the webpage. Click on the link to display your bay of interest. Familiarize yourself with the conditions at the bar. Learn what to expect before crossing the bar. Visiting skippers should inquire about the local bar conditions from the U. S. Coast Guard Service before crossing the bar. A visit to a Coast Guard Station only takes a few minutes and can only enhance the success of the trip.
Bar Advisory Signs: The Coast Guard has installed and maintains Bar Advisory Signs in most of the bays that have a Coast Guard Station. Currently there are no Bar Advisory Signs located in Nehalem Bay, Nestucca Bay and Alsea Bay.
Bar Advisory (Warning) Signs in the lower Columbia River Estuary are located at the boat ramp areas at the Port of Hammond, Warrenton, Chinook, Ilwaco and Fort Canby. These signs are blue in color and have amber flashing lights that read: Warning When Flashing, Bar Restrictions in Effect, Tune to 1610 AM. When the amber lights are flashing on any of the warning signs, hazardous conditions are present and a bar restriction is in place. Mariners should tune in and listen to the restriction information.
The signs have two flashing lights that are activated when the seas exceed 4 feet in height. If the ocean conditions are not favorable for pleasurable boating do not cross the bar. Good judgment is your best advisor. Do not attempt to cross the bar if there is any doubt that it safe to do so. Bar restrictions and closures not only apply to boats leaving the harbor but also to boats entering the harbor.
Bar Closures: click the NOAA Bar Observations website for updated bar closures and restrictions.
BAR CROSSING: Click on the current navigational hazards for crossing the Columbia River Bar or scroll down the page to view the historical hazards associated with crossing the Columbia River bar.
The following underlined areas describe some of the dangerous tidal conditions that affect boating safety in the Lower Columbia River Estuary and crossing the bar.
Chinook spur, upper, lower and middle Sand Island spurs are built on two rows of staggered pilings. Currents flowing through these pilings attain a velocity of up to 5 knots. A boat which becomes disabled or is maneuvered in such a way as to come in contact with any of these spurs is almost sure to suffer damage or become trapped against them and turn over. Even large boats have been capsized in these areas. Give these spurs a wide berth and never get close to them on the up-current side.
Jetty A which is southeast of Cape Disappointment, presents a particular danger when the current is ebbing. Water flowing out of the river, is deflected by the jetty and frequently the currents reach 8 knots, often causing waves up to 8 feet high. Boats proceeding into Baker Bay West Channel make very little speed against the swift current and are exposed to the rough water or surf for long periods of time. The shallow sandy area should be avoided by small craft when heavy seas are present because of the surf which breaks on the beach.
Clatsop Spit is the most unpredictable area on the river entrance. During flood currents and slack water it may be calm with only a gentle swell breaking far in on the spit. Yet 5 or 10 minutes later, when the current has started to ebb, it can become extremely hazardous with breakers extending far out toward the channel. You should remain north of the red buoys in this area, particularly just before or during the ebb. The South Jetty has a section broken away on the outer end. The broken section is under water close to the surface. Boats should use extra caution in the area from the visible tip of the Jetty out to Buoy "2SJ". Peacock and Clatsop Spits are called The Graveyard of the Pacific for good reason.
Peacock Spit: Breakers are heavy in all types of current. Sports craft leaving the river should never be on the north side of the green buoys. When rounding Peacock Spit, give the breakers at least a half-mile clearance. Many times unusually large swells coming in from the sea suddenly begin breaking up to 1/2 miles outside the usual break on the end of the North Jetty.
Middle Ground: This is a shallow triangle area between the Jetty A and the North Jetty and main Ship Channel that is subject to breaking seas when swells as small as 4 feet are present. Conditions here can change in minutes with tidal current changes.
There are five components effecting ocean conditions that recreational boaters need to consider before crossing the bar into the open ocean or boating in the Lower Columbia River Estuary: the height of the long ocean swells, the interval between long ocean swells in seconds, the height and direction of wind waves, the velocity and direction of the wind and the phase of the daily tidal cycle. If the forecasted height of the tallest wind wave added to the height of the long ocean swells equals or exceeds the interval in seconds between the long ocean swells do not cross the bar. The interval in seconds between the long ocean swells can be the difference between a pleasurable boating experiences or one that makes you wish you had never left the dock. If the interval between the long ocean swells indicates rough boating conditions do not cross the bar. Typically it is fairly calm until mid-morning when the wind begins to blow. Depending on the velocity and direction, the wind can make operating a small boat difficult. When ocean conditions deteriorate the Coast Guard can restrict the size of the boat allowed to cross the bar or close the bar to altogether. Do not attempt to cross the bar at any of Oregon’s bays during the outgoing phase of the major tidal exchange of a spring tide. Our explanations of the daily tidal exchange of the tidal cycle follows:
Recreational boaters have to consider the phase of the daily tidal cycle before crossing the bar of Oregon’s bays or boating in the Lower Columbia River Estuary. The tidal cycle consist of series of spring tides or neap tides which occur during the phases of the lunar cycle. There normally two high tides and low tides in the daily tidal cycle. They consist of a major tidal exchange followed by a minor tidal exchange. The highest and lowest tide occurs during the major tidal exchange followed by a lower high tide and higher low tide of the minor tidal exchange. Spring tides and Neap tides are governed by the position of the sun in relation to the earth and the moon.
Spring tides occur during the new moon or full moon when the sun, moon and earth are aligned. During the alignment the gravitational pull causes tidal fluctuations that are larger than usual resulting with the highest high tides and the lowest low tides. The fact that water appears to spring away from the earth is the reason the tides are referred to as spring tides.
Neap tides occur during the 1st and 3rd quarter phase of the moon when the sun and the moon are at right angles to one another in conjunction to their relative position of the earth. The effect of their gravitational pulls is partially cancelled causing tidal fluctuations that are smaller than usual resulting with lower high tides and higher low tides. The outgoing tide always causes unstable tidal conditions at the Bar. The bar at Tillamook Bay is dangerous to cross during any outgoing phase of the tidal cycle, but it is the grandeur of the tidal exchange at the Columbia River Bar that compels respect for the tidal condition encountered at all of Oregon’s bars. Do not attempt to cross the bar for any of Oregon’s bays during the outgoing phase of the major tidal exchange of a spring tide.
Recreational boaters should not attempt to cross the Columbia River Bar during the outgoing phase of the major and minor tidal exchange of a spring tide or during the outgoing phase of the major tidal exchange of a neap tide. The small boater should cross the Columbia River bar from low slack tide and during the first hour of the incoming tide when the ocean is flat and calm with the long ocean swell less the 3 feet and intervals greater than 10 seconds with wind waves less than 1 foot. Stay within the red and green buoys when crossing the bar. Follow the red buoy line out entering the waypoints of the channel markers and buoy locations in the GPS and record the compass bearing on the chart of the Lower Columbia River Estuary for each buoy as you are outward bound. When departing from the Washington side of the Columbia River head to Buoy G11 and enter the waypoint in the GPS and compass bearing on the chart. From there, head southwesterly to Buoy R10 and enter the waypoint in the GPS and compass bearing on the chart. Departing from the Oregon side, follow the red buoy line to Buoy R10 entering the waypoints and compass bearings for each of the R Buoys. From Buoy R10 follow the red buoy line out to Buoys R8, R6 past R2SJ Bell Buoy (marking the end of the submerged portion of the South Jetty) and to Buoy R4. Rough water with breakers is common occurrence from buoy R8 seaward to buoy R6 during the incoming phase of the major tidal exchange of the incoming tide.
Once clearing the Columbia River Control Zone at Buoy R4 troll for Coho and Chinook salmon southwest to Buoy CR and for Chinook salmon on the return trip to Buoy R4. The lighted whistle buoy CR is located 5.8 nautical miles (6.6) miles SW of the Columbia River Bar. Plan the return of your boating trip to clear of the mouth of the Columbia River Bar at Buoy R10 before next low tide begins to ebb.
The swells generated by the outgoing tide in the Lower Columbia River Estuary often exceed 20 feet in height and can extend for more than 1½ miles in the jetty channel and up to 1/2 mile offshore from the end of the entrance of the bar. The swells generated by the outgoing tide in combination with a wind chop can cause confused seas that can sink a boat in seconds. If you are caught on a rough bar while coming in keep the boat square before the seas and ride the back side of the swell staying ahead the following swell, but to you will most likely have to quarter the following swells to cross the bar successfully. The ability to cross a rough bar demands seamanship based on experience. If you are going boating in the Lower Columbia River Estuary join the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Their members are willing to help you gain the experience and confidence to cross the bar. Discuss all safety issues with family members and guests before leaving the dock. Avoid the dangerous tidal conditions at the mouth of the Columbia River by fishing upstream from Buoy 10 and letting the fish come to you. Visit Englund Marine in Astoria for information on current fishing conditions and everything you need in fishing gear to do the job.
The emphasis in the lower Columbia River is on the world class sturgeon and salmon fishery. The fishing conditions described in this publication differs from today's fishing conditions. The sturgeon population has declined and the bag severally reduced. Sand sole enter the mouth of the Columbia River in fishable numbers during late spring. The fish species usually associated with jetties are present along the jetties at the entrance to the lower Columbia River in fishable numbers; but because of the dangerous tidal conditions during the outgoing tide anglers should fish for those species elsewhere. The fishing for rockfish and flatfish in Washington State coastal waters to Leadbetter Point is excellent. Anglers from OR and WA are allowed to fish from a boat in ocean waters from Cape Falcon OR to Leadbetter Point WA. The Columbia River Zone is divided into regional zones. All the regional zones are governed by general regulations common to all zones and by special regulations governing individual zones. The Marine Zones common to all zones and by special regulations governing individual zones. The Marine Zone extends from Buoy 10 seaward. Oregon and Washington anglers are allowed to fish from a boat in the ocean from Cape Falcon OR to Leadbetter Point WA.
Special Regulations: Salmon fishing is closed within the Columbia Control Zone (CZ). The Columbia Control Zone extends seaward from Buoy 10 to a line drawn between Buoy 4 at 46 13’ 35’N/124 06’ 50’W and Buoy 7 at 46 15’ 48’N/124 5’ 18’W and in a straight line from the end of the north jetty at 46 15’ 45’N/124 05’ 20’w to Buoy 7 and in a straight line from the south jetty at 46 14’ 03’N/124 04’ 05’W to Buoy 4. The eastern boundary of the CZ extends from a bearing 357 degrees true north from 46 14’ 00’N/124 03’ 07’W. Fishing for salmon in the CZ is prohibited. Regional zone 1 extends from Buoy 10 upriver to a line extending from buoy R44 to Rocky Point WA. Regional zone 2 extends upriver from the R44/ Rocky Point line to the I–5 Bridge. The information in this publication encompasses all of regional zone 1 and identifies specific locations in the Marine Zone and regional zone 2. Refer to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Sport Fishing Regulations for area closures and the regulations governing fishing for sturgeon, salmon and other fish species.
NOAA's Bar Observation Website for Oregon's Bays. Check the NOAA Bar Observations website for updated closures and restrictions.
Crabbing for Dungeness crabs in the lower Columbia River Estuary depends on the amount of freshwater entering the watershed from rainfall or snowmelt. Crabbing usually get going in late July. Click on the image of the crabbing map and the chart for the lower Columbia River 2 times to enlarge them. The chart of the Lower Columbia River is not current and is not recommended for navigational purposes.
The most productive crabbing usually occurs in the lower portion of the saltwater dominated bays, Coos Bay and Netarts Bay. Crabbers in Oregon’s Bays have to deal with the high river flows common during the rainy season usually from November through April. Crabbing in the smaller estuaries is usually over until next spring or early summer unless we have an extended period of dry weather. During the periods of seasonal rainfall the river levels of costal rivers double or triple during the first large seasonal series of storms that roll up the Oregon Coast. The increased river flows of freshwater force the crabs to to move out of all but the saltwater dominated bays, Coos Bay and Netarts Bay followed by the movement of crabs into the lower estuary of Tillamook Bay, Yaquina Bay, Alsea Bay and the Siuslaw River Estuary. Crabbing productivity declines in the smaller bays like the Chetco Cove, Rogue River Estuary, Necanicum River Estuary, Salmon River Estuary, Siletz Bay and Nestucca Bay.
Crabs move with the tide. The arrival of seasonal rains wash all kinds of food the crabs love to eat into the bays. The crabs will attempt to enter the bays to take advantage of the food source when the river levels drop in conjunction with raising salinity levels. Crabbers can take advantage of the crabs behavior by crabbing in the lower estuaries of Oregon's larger bays.
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Post by Admin on Aug 12, 2015 3:01:39 GMT
How to humanly kill Dungeness and red rock crabs is the question my wife wants me to answer. She can't stand to see anything suffer. Striking the Thoracic ganglion with a crab mallet kills the crab immediately. The crab does not suffer as it would if submerged in boiling water and neither does my wife. Killing and backing the crabs prior to cooking them shortens the total time it takes to cook and clean large numbers of crabs.
Clean crabs in seconds rather then minutes. I watched Zach from the Big Spruce instruct some crabbers on the method he uses to clean crabs for cooking. Zach's method is fast and efficient and cuts the drudgery out of cleaning crabs.
Click on the professional crab shaker Picking Dungeness crabs. Using this method cuts the time to pick a crab in half.
Additional Information for Crabbing From Coastal Waters:
Click on the following links for additional information about taking crabs in the Pacific Northwest. Click on ODFW's website crab page or click on Washington State's information on recreational crabbing or click California's information on recreational crabbing. Click on Alaska's comments on Dungeness Crabs and on permits and regulations for SE Alaska. Click on Dungeness Crabs at Netarts Bay. Click on Species Profile for Dungeness Crabs PDF file. Click on Species Profile for Red Rock Crabs to view PDF file. Click on Dungeness and Red Rock Crabs to view information on taking crabs from Oregon's Bays and ocean water.
The most productive crabbing usually occurs in the lower portion of the saltwater dominated bays, Coos Bay and Netarts Bay. Crabbers in Oregon’s Bays have to deal with the high river flows common during the rainy season usually from November through April. Crabbing in the smaller estuaries is over until next spring or early summer unless there is an extended period of dry weather. The river levels of coastal rivers increase dramatically with the arrival of the large seasonal storms. The increased river flows are enough to move the crabs out of the smaller bays like the Chetco Cove, Rogue River Estuary, Necanicum River Estuary and Nestucca Bay but not out of the larger bays.
A check of the Northwest River Forecast to view river levels for all of Oregon's rivers. Look for river levels to rise with the return to seasonal rainfall beginning in late Fall into the Winter months. The smaller estuaries the Chetco, Rogue, Salmon, and Necanicum are the first to be affected by seasonal flooding followed by the larger estuaries Coquille, Siuslaw, Alsea, Siletz, Nestucca, Nehalem, Yaquina, Tillamook, Coos, Netarts and the Lower Columbia River Estuary. Conversely when river levels drop crabbing improves first in Sand Lake, Netarts and Coos Bays before improving in Oregon's other estuaries.
Click on the Northwest River Levels to view the height of the river level for the various river locations along Columbia River.
Click on Nehalem to display the height of the river level for the Nehalem River near Foss
Click on Trask for Tillamook to display the height of the river level for the Trash River above Cedar Creek near Tillamook
Click on Wilson - Tillamook to display the height of the river level for the Wilson River at Sollie Smith Bridge
Click on Nestucca to display the height of the river level for the Nestucca River near Beaver
Click on Siletz to display the height of the river level for the Siletz River at Siletz
Click on Alsea River at Tidewater to display the height of the river level for the Alsea River – At Tidewater
Click on Alsea River at Lobster Creek to display the height of the river level for the Alsea River at Lobster Creek
Click on Umpqua River at Reedsport to display the height of the river level for the Umpqua River at Reedsport
Click on Umpqua River near Elkton to display the height of the river level for the Umpqua River near Elkton
Click on North Umpqua River at the Winchester Dam to display the height of the river level at the Winchester Dam.
Click on the South Umpqua River at Roseburg to display the height of the river level at Roseburg.
Click on Siuslaw to display the height of the river level for the Siuslaw River near Mapleton.
Click on the height of the river level for the Coquille River – At Coquille
Click on the height of the river level for the Coquille River – At Myrtle Point.
Click on the Chetco River – Near Brookings to view the height of the river near Brookings.
Click on the height of the river level for the Rogue River – At Agnes, and on the Illinois River at Kriby.
Click on the Summary of river levels to view and identify your river of interest in the Pacific Northwest. Click on the following link to view the level of the river gages in the Rogue River watershed. Click on the river levels at Agate Dam, Grants Pass, at Raygold, below Prospect, Lost Creek Dam, near Agnes, near Eagle Point, near Mcleod, near Prospect and the Rogue River Valley Canal.
Internet Links of Interest:
BAR CROSSING: Click on navigational hazards for crossing the Columbia River Bar.
Click on the Tbone Tidal Projections for the Columbia River entrance at the North Jetty), Washington State to view the option for tidal projections. Click on the link Make Predictions Using Options to access the options variables to display the tidal projections of interest into the future beyond 2 days of tidal projections.
46.2667° N, 124.0667° W
Tbone Tidal Projections for the 12 Ave bridge at Seaside.
Recreational Advisories:
Always call the Oregon Shellfish Hotline at (503) 986-4728 or 1-800-448-2474 toll free outside of Oregon before harvesting crabs, clams, mussels or other shellfish for messages listing the areas closed to harvesting crabs or shellfish due to high levels of marine toxins.
Fish and Shellfish Consumption Advisories and Guidelines The State has issued shellfish advisories for elevated levels of arsenic in soft shell clams and gaper clams. The CDAO does not recommend consuming contaminated clams or fish species of any species. The Oregon Health Authority has prepared a series of asked and answered questions about the soft shell clams taken from Oregon's Bays. Click on Questions and Answers (pdf).
Always Check Oregon's Beach Monitoring Program. The Oregon Public Health Division conducts several activities to protect people living, working and playing near Oregon's beaches, rivers, lakes and other water bodies.
Oregon's Beach Monitoring Program helps protect people who play in the coastal waters. The program does regular water testing to look for high levels of bacteria and lets visitors know when there is a health concern.
The Algae Bloom Surveillance program advises the public when a harmful algae bloom has been detected in a lake or river. Not all blooms are harmful, but some species of algae, such as cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, can produce toxins that can cause serious illness in pets, livestock, wildlife and humans.
Please see the Oregon fish consumption guidelines for more information abut the health benefits of fish and how to make healthy fish choices. Fishing the Lower Columbia River:
The angler has to consider the velocity of the tidal current when developing fishing strategy. The velocity of the outgoing tidal current lower Columbia River varies from 3.5 to 5 knots and can attain a velocity of over 5 knots at the entrance with velocities attaining 8 knots on the north side of the bar. The incoming tide in the Columbia River seldom attains velocities of over 4 knots, but as the tide changes from outgoing to incoming the heavier saltwater flows under the outgoing lighter brackish water. For a brief time the water in the lower estuary flows in both directions at the same time. A riptide usually accompanies the tidal surge of the incoming tide followed by schools of Chinook and Coho salmon. Remember to troll faster than the speed of the tidal current when trolling with the tidal current to maintain the herring in the Chinook’s strike zone.
Chinook Salmon:
Spring Chinook salmon According to the Recreational Catch Statistics for Spring Chinook Salmon returning to the Columbia River Basin enter the Columbia River in January and February. The number of returning salmon increase dramatically in March. Most of those Chinook salmon are returning to tributaries in the Lower Columbia River below Bonneville Dam. The number of spring run Chinook salmon increase in April. Most of those fish entering the Columbia River in April are returning to tributaries in the Columbia River Basin above Bonneville Dam. The most productive fishing for spring Chinook salmon in the lower Columbia River occurs in regional. Click on the image to enlarge it.
Fall Chinook salmon enter the north side of the Columbia River in June increasing in numbers during July. The number of fish increase dramatically in August with the majority of the fish entering the river during this month before declining sharply in September and October.
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Post by Admin on Aug 12, 2015 3:02:18 GMT
The run is comprised of Tule run Chinook and returning Upriver Brights. Because the Tule run Chinook are sexually mature and ready spawn when they enter the river they are reluctant to bite and the table quality of their flesh has begun to decline. Upriver Brights are sexually immature when they enter the Columbia River and the table quality of their flesh is at its very best. When salmon season opens in the lower Columbia River the Pacific high has been parked over the Pacific Northwest and it has not rained for several months. The mean water temperature the river is higher than the temperature preferred by Chinook salmon when the salmon enter the river with the incoming tide. The temperature of the lower river varies between 56 to 65 degrees depending on phase of the tide. The Chinook salmon swim upriver at the depth they most comfortable in.
Tule run Chinook swim upriver along the north shore in water up to 40 feet deep. Returning Upriver Brights swim in the deepwater lane that runs parallel to and just above Desdemona Sands upriver past the Astoria/Melger Bridge. If the mean temperature of the water is too high some of the Chinook salmon will return to the ocean with the outgoing tide while others with continue their upriver migration. Tule run Chinook salmon returning to Deep River or Gray’s River will continue up the north side of the river while other Tule run and Upriver Brights begin crossing the river to the Oregon side where the spires rise on the Astoria–Melger Bridge following the scent of the river of their origin.
The Astoria–Melger Bridge and the Oregon Washington State Line are geographical references used to direct anglers where to fish for Chinook salmon. The state line is located at the point on the bridge where the spans begin to rise as you near the Washington side of the river.
Upriver Bights: The most productive fishing for Upriver Bights occurs trolling a plug cut herring with the incoming tide along the Oregon–Washington state line from Chinook, Washington to a point opposite of Melger Washington. Troll a plug cut herring next to the bottom behind a diver or a wire spreader with a 6 foot length of 35 pound test fluorocarbon leader. Returning Chinook salmon usually migrate along the bottom of the estuary, but at times migrate higher in the water column. When fishing with multiple rods stagger the depth of the bait by four pulls from a depth of 25 feet to the bottom. Adding a herring dodger or 8 inch flasher behind the wire spreader or diver is a productive option the angler should consider. Rig the wire spreader with a 36 inch sinker dropper utilizing 6 to 12 ounce sinkers to present the bait to the salmon. As high slack tide approaches troll crosscurrent in a zig–zag pattern back to Chinook, Washington.
When the tide begins to ebb the most productive fishing occurs from the Astoria–Melger Bridge to Chinook Washington back bouncing mini mooching with a whole or plug cut herring. As the velocity of the tidal current increases either back troll with a plug cut herring or troll a plug cut herring with the ebbing tide. Fish at a depth from 20 and 45 feet as the current moves the boat in a northwesterly direction through the Church Hole all the way to Chinook Point. Fishing is also productive on the Oregon side of the river at the Astoria/Melger Bridge or in the area between Taylor Sands and the shipping channel upriver to Tongue Point.
Launching at Deep River is one option consider to fish for Chinook salmon below the Astoria/Melger Bridge but the limited launching facilities are a negative factor. But, if the decision is made to do so, follow the piling markers to navigate the channel to the fishing locations downriver along the Washington side of the river. Stay on the right hand side of the channel going out. The boater has to be aware of Deadheads which are mired in the bottom substrate and float on the other end rising and falling with the tide. The depth of the water in the channel will vary between 6 and 14 feet deep at low tide. Follow marker R16, R14 and R12 before turning toward the right to R10. Navigate to the right of R12, R10 and R8 to avoid shallow water to the left. From there follow the shore pilings down to Rocky Point. Avoid the piling marker at Rocky Point because it sits on a rock outcropping. Clear Rocky Point and head southwest for about 400 yards staying within 100 yards of the shoreline. Head South keeping the shore on your right but heading toward and staying West of piling marker #14A to Portuguese Point then continue around the corner to piling marker 13 located next to the shore at Grays Point. From Gays Point, you can see the Astoria/Melger Bridge in the distance. Continue along the Washington shore to the Chinook salmon fishery from the Astoria/Melger Bridge to the Church Hole.
Fishing in the channels above Tongue Point is productive as Chinook salmon disperse across the width of the Columbia River searching for the scent of their home river. Chinook salmon migrate upriver at the depth where they are most comfortable. During August and September the water temperature in the channels above Tongue Point is often higher than the temperature preferred by Chinook salmon. Usually the most productive fishing is from a depth of 25 to 30 feet deep; however, during warmer periods they may migrate at a greater depth.
Coho salmon return to the lower Columbia River Estuary in August with the opening of the Buoy 10 fishery on August 1st, but only fin clipped Coho salmon may be retained. According to the Recreational Coho Catch Statistics every year thousands of hatchery Coho salmon return to the Columbia River. Start fishing for Coho salmon as early as the first of August and fish through September into October before the number of returning Coho decline in November. The most productive fishing occurs from the deadline at Buoy 10 in the area between the green and red buoy lines extending eastward to an imaginary line extending northeasterly from a point midway between buoy 12 and 14 to the lower end of Sand Island. Fish the riptide that usually accompanies the tidal surge of the incoming tide. Schools a Coho follow the tidal surge of the incoming tide along the north shore of the river in water that is between 20 and 40 feet deep to an area near the north end of the Astoria/Megler Bridge. Coho salmon returning to the net pens in Young’s Bay migrate from Buoy 10 past Buoys 12 and 14, around Clatsop Spit into Young’s Bay. Troll from Buoy10 around Buoy 12 past Buoy 14 trolling a plug cut herring between 3 and 5 knots with the incoming tide 4 ½ feet behind a diver in the upper half of the water column is the most productive method followed by trolling hoochies, spinners or streamer flies behind a size 0 dodger. Fish for salmonids returning to the small creeks and streams of the Lower Columbia use spinners, flies and bait where permissible.
The Young's Bay, Tongue Point, Blind Slough and Deep River on the Washington side of the Columbia River Eatuary Select Areas can be good for Chinook and Coho salmon at times for boaters trolling herring or plugs. See the regulations for a map of the area. Check regulations for the Columbia and select areas before fishing as they can change on short notice.
Blind Slough Swamp Preserve Well-known for birding, canoeing and kayaking, Blind Slough Swamp is the best example of a Sitka spruce swamp remaining in Oregon. Boating on the Columbia River Sloughs depends on the tides. Entrance tides by Willy Weather[/a].
John Day River is located approximately 6 mile east of Astoria via Hwy 30. The John Day River features John Day County Park and boat launch. There is a 5 dollar per day use fee per vehicle to use the boat launch.
The lslands and sloughs associated with Lower Columbia is a favorite destination with kayakers. We recommend their website for directions to their favorite Kayak locations on the Lower Columbia River. The Oregon State Marine Board publication, Boating Guide to the Lower Columbia and Lower Willamette Rivers is another great source of information.
History of the Skipanon River Watershed Council For many years citizens of Warrenton and the Clatsop Plains voiced their concerns about the declines in water quality, salmon runs and recreational opportunities caused by flood control structures on the Skipanon River.
Skipanon River Fish Habitat Assessment In The Oregon Department Of Forestry North Study Area.
Lower Columbia Steelhead. Several tributaries near the mouth of the lower Columbia offer winter fishing for both wild and hatchery steelhead.
The Lewis and Clark River, Young’s River, and the South Fork Klaskanine River also are open to steelhead fishing. While anglers will encounter some stray hatchery fish, these streams offer mostly catch-and-release fishing for wild steelhead.
Information report 2003-04. Kostow, K. 2003. Factors that influence evolutionarily significant unit boundaries and status assessment in a highly polymorphic species, Oncorhynchus mykiss, in the Columbia basin.
Hatchery steelhead smolts are released in Gnat Creek (40,000), Big Creek (60,000) and the North Fork Klaskanine River (40,000). Fishing for steelhead is restricted to the lower portions of the streams below the hatcheries. Hatchery fish are primarily available during late November, December and January, with numbers of fish tapering off quickly after that. These streams are small and are primarily fished from the banks. Fishing access is available at the hatcheries for Spring Chinook in April and May, Fall Chinook returning in August and September before declining in October and Steelhead as described in this and ODFW publications. Clatsop Counties Big Creek County Park is located down stream from the fish hatchery. Public Fishing access to Big Creek begins at the intersection of Hwy 30 and Big Creek County Park Road. There is more public access at the Gnat Creek Fish Hatchery an at the hatchery located on the North Fork of the Klaskanine River. Anglers may call 503-458-6529 for recorded Big Creek fishing information.
Gnat Creek Hatchery was constructed in 1960 as part of the Columbia River Fisheries Development Program (Mitchell Act)—a program to enhance declining fish runs in the Columbia River Basin. The facility is used for egg incubation and rearing of spring chinook and winter steelhead. Most of the production is release off-station.
Big Creek Fish Hatchery began operation in 1941. Big Creek Fish Hatchery was refurbished in 1957 under the Mitchell Act as part of the Columbia River Fisheries Development Program—a program to enhance declining fish runs in the Columbia River Basin. The facility is used for adult collection, egg incubation and rearing of winter steelhead, fall Chinook and Coho.
The Hatchery is an easy drive toward Oregon’s coast on Highway 30 and a visitor-friendly place for the entire family. With lots to do, located on beautiful Gnat Creek and tucked away amid the rainforest, the Gnat Creek Trail is a worthwhile stop on the way to the coast.
Klaskanine Hatchery was first operated in 1911 by the state of Oregon. In 1959 the hatchery was enlarged and renovated under the Columbia River Fisheries Development Program (Mitchell Act)—a program to enhance declining fish runs in the Columbia River Basin. The hatchery is now closely tied to the Select Area Fisheries Enhancement (SAFE) program and works closely with Clatsop County Fisheries (CCF). The facility is currently used primarily for rearing Coho for SAFE commercial fisheries, as well as for adult collection and spawning of fall Chinook and as a rearing facility for fall Chinook and winter steelhead. Public fishing access is available at the fish hatchery.
Gnat Creek Fishing Steelhead are available to the angler from December through February and for the fisherman seeking spring Chinook in April and May as the number of returning fish increase to June and July is the best time at Gnat Creek as the number of returning spring Chinook decline. A small number of Fall Chinook return to the hatchery from August through October. The hatchery provides 2-1/2 miles of easy fishing access for spring Chinook and winter steelhead.
Gnat Creek Hiking Trail
Three nature trails wind through a Coast Range forest and the Nicolai-Wickiup Watershed, providing visitors with miles of recreational opportunities. The trails begin at Gnat Creek Hatchery where visitors can learn about the salmon lifecycle and how hatcheries play a role in revitalizing listed and endangered native fish populations. One trail leads to the campground, while the others weave through Clatsop State Forest; Along the trails are a variety of vegetation and habitats, many with marked plants, flowers and trees. A great place to hike year-round to see the seasonal changes of this coastal rainforest. Gnat Creek flows over an ancient basalt lava delta (Columbia River Basalt flows) that has been lifted by pressure to form the coast range. Gnat Creek falls nearly 2,000 feet over several water falls in just four short miles where it flows into the lower Columbia.
Gnat Creek Year-round Wildlife Viewing
The beautiful rainforest trails at Gnat Creek Hatchery and adjacent Clatsop State Forest sets the stage for optimal wildlife viewing and recreation including a variety of vegetation, both new and old as well as diverse wildlife opportunities including salmon and steelhead runs, American bald eagles, salamanders, deer and elk and a multitude of migrating birds. Year-round expect to see great blue heron, kingfisher, American dippers and migrating songbirds.
In spring and summer, look for migrating salmon and steelhead, osprey and the occasional bald eagle. Warm weather also brings the sound of Pacific treefrogs adding to the mid-summer night’s dream ambiance.
During fall and winter there are often opportunities to see black-tail deer and Roosevelt elk on the upper Gnat Creek trail. In cold weather, nesting bald eagles and a pileated woodpecker can be seen. Take the time to hike the Gnat Creek Trail in the Clatsop State Forest. We recommend using the trail information on the Oregon Hikers.org a service of the Oregon Trailkeepers to access information about hiking trails in Oregon.
The Lower Columbia River estuary offers excellent wildlife viewing. The Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area is located 17 miles east from the Klaskanine Fish Hatchery on Hwy 202. The Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area offers families the opportunity to view Roosevelt elk. The elk show best around 9:00 am to noon and usually have returned to the woods by 4:00 pm.
Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge. Click on the following link to view the boundary and islands of The Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge. Launch your boat at the Clatsop County Park Boat Launch at the John Day River and embark on your adventure viewing the wildlife, fishing or hunting waterfowl on the Lewis and Clark National Refuge.
Waterfowl Hunting is permitted at Fort Stevens State Park adjacent to Trestle Bay as posted during authorized seasons excluding the Sept. Canada goose season. Lewis & Clark National Wildlife Refuge: All un-posted shorelines and interior sloughs of refuge islands are open to waterfowl and snipe hunting. Areas closed to all hunting are posted and include Miller Sands Island and its partially enclosed lagoon and the diked portion of Karlson Island. The placement of permanent blinds is prohibited. Phone: 360-795-3915.(/font)(/font)
Information Report 2014-07 Status and Biology of Columbia River White Sturgeon (aka What We Know About Columbia River White Sturgeon and How We Know It.)
White sturgeon are year–round residents of the Columbia River with a permanent population exceeding one million fish. Fishing is open all year in the lower Columbia River, but is restricted to catch and release only during specific periods throughout the year. Check with ODFW for current information on restrictions. The sturgeon fishery of the lower Columbia River offers sturgeon fishing at its very best. The most productive fishing for sturgeon for the entire Columbia River occurs from the mouth of the Columbia River to an imaginary line between Tongue Point, Oregon and Gray’s Point, Washington during the months of June, July and August.
An avid fisherman, Randy poses with a white sturgeon taken in the lower Columbia River Estuary fishing aboard a charter fishing vessel.
Typically the sturgeon fishing in the lower Columbia River from the mouth of the river through Cathlamet Bay and Gray’s Bay is slow from September through December. The sturgeon fishing improves in January upriver from an imaginary line between Tongue Point, Oregon and Gray’s Point, Washington when the eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) commonly referred to as smelt enter the lower river to spawn but the fishing from the imaginary line to the mouth of the river remains slow. Fish from Gray’s Point to Altoona Washington and in the channels and sloughs around Rice Island, Miller Sands and in Cathlamet Bay. The fishing continues to improve upriver from the imaginary line to through Cathlamet Bay and Gray’s Bay as the smelt run peaks in February and March but remains slow from the imaginary line seaward. During this period, smelt are the first choice for bait followed by mud and/or sand shrimp. The fishing upriver from the imaginary line continues to improve during April but remains slow from the imaginary line seaward.
The sturgeon fishing improves during May from the mouth of the Columbia River to the imaginary line through Cathlamet Bay and Gray’s Bay as shad enter the rivers associated with the lower Columbia River Estuary to spawn. During this period, shad or smelt is the most productive bait followed by mud and/or sand shrimp. The fishing is productive on the south side of the Columbia River from Clatsop Spit to Tongue Point and in the channels and sloughs associated with Cathlamet Bay. The area from Clatsop Spit to Youngs Bay and the sandy shoals of Desdemona Sands or Taylor Sands are most productive locations to fish for sturgeon. Desdemona Sands is located in front of Astoria and extend from a point north of Hammond upriver past the Astoria–Melger Bridge. Taylor Sands is located halfway across the river opposite of Tongue Point. Fishing is productive on the north side of the river from Sand Island upriver to Gray’s Point in the area between Grey’s Point and buoy 12.
The Sturgeon fishing improves dramatically during June, July and August as the catch rate soars from the mouth of the Columbia River to imaginary line at Tongue Point. During this period anchovies enter the lower Columbia River and are the most productive bait followed by mud and/or sand shrimp. The fishing declines during September and the catch rate falls.
To fish for sturgeon anchor the boat on the up current side of the deeper holes and shallow depressions in the channels and toughs adjacent to the tidal flats in water that is 10 to 40 feet deep. Use the current lines that appear between the tidal flats and the deeper water of the river channels as a guide to the shallow depressions and deep holes. The channels in the lower Columbia River are continually shifting. If you are going to do any boating on the lower river, invest in a compass, the latest navigational charts available and a GPS Chartplotter; otherwise, you chance spending hours stuck on the tidal flats.
Points of Interest and Places to Visit On The Oregon Coast Near Seaside and Astoria.
Astoria: The Columbia River Maritime Museum
The Columbia River Maritime Museum provides a passage back in time for guests of all ages by combining history with cutting-edge technology. During your visit, be sure to:
•see the interactive display that identifies the many shipwrecks that occurred at or near the mouth of the Columbia River, dubbed the “The Graveyard of the Pacific”
•watch a brief orientation film, The Great River of the West, that shows just how dangerous the Columbia River Bar can be, even for the most experienced pilots
•roam the six galleries of artifacts and exhibits from the Museum’s collection of more than 30,000 objects
•ask about our research library that houses over 10,000 volumes, and our photography archive that contains more than 20,000 images
•try your hand as a pilot in our tugboat simulator
•listen to recorded stories of actual Coast Guard rescues on the Columbia River Bar
•catch a glimpse of the mighty river through huge windows on the north façade of the Museum
•walk outside to the dock and tour the Lightship Columbia, a National Historic Landmark and the last active-duty floating lighthouse on the West Coast
•return to the Museum to see new exhibits that change on a regular basis
The Astoria Column Standing above the city–600 feet above sea level to be exact–the Astoria Column unleashes an unrivaled view of Young’s Bay, the Coast Range, the mighty Columbia River, and in the distance—the Pacific Ocean. Its light shines each night as a silent testament to the pride, fortitude, and resolve of the people who settled the Pacific Northwest, and to those who live here today.
Clatsop Spit Beaches:
The Seaside Aquarium Seaside Aquarium, 200 North Prom, Seaside, Oregon 97138 Tel: (503) 738-6211.
Fort Stevens at Warrington. The Historic Area, Military Museum, and the Gift Shop are open at 10:00 AM seven days a week. Guided tours are available during the summer tourist season. Visitors are free to explore the concrete batteries and to check out the progress on the reconstruction of the Battery Pratt gun carriage. The gun tube and breech is already there for your inspection. This is a-one-of-a kind project in the nation, maybe the whole world!!! Watch for announcements of special events.
Fort Clatsop was the winter encampment for the Lewis and Clark Expedition from December 1805 to March 1806.
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Post by Admin on Aug 12, 2015 3:02:41 GMT
Mile by Mile Guide from Astoria to Seaside
Click on the following link List of Oregon State Parks with partial or complete closure. Then click on the All Parks box and scroll down to the Stat Park of interest.
Mile 0.0 The Astoria–Megler Bridge is a steel cantilever through truss bridge that spans the Columbia River between Astoria, Oregon and Point Ellice near Megler, Washington, in the United States. Located 14 miles (23 km) from the mouth of the river, the bridge is 4.1 miles (6.6 km) long[4] and was the last completed segment of U.S. Route 101 between Olympia, Washington, and Los Angeles, California.[5] It is the longest continuous truss bridge in North America. From the Wikipedia
Mile 3.0 The Astoria Column and the Columbia River Maritime Museum. 7.0 Fort Clatsop National Memorial provides visitors with a look into the historic past. Each summer the National Park Service offers programs that depict the daily activities of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The memorial is a complete replica of the site where Lewis and Clark spent the winter of 1805–06. The winter was particularly hard on our nations most celebrated explorers. To access the Fort Clatsop Memorial, turn southeast onto Old Highway 101 and then south on Fort Clatsop Road.
7.5 Ridge Road/Columbia Beach Road is the access road to Columbia Beach, Fort Stevens State Park, Fort Stevens Historic Museum, Clatsop Spit and the south jetty at Clatsop Spit. Turn west onto Ridge Road/Columbia Beach Road from Highway 101.
The Peter Iredale Road is the main entrance to Fort Stevens State Park, Coffenbury Lake and the beach access to Columbia Beach and Clatsop spit. The Peter Iredale Road is the only road that allows access to the ocean beach by motor vehicles. Motor vehicles are allowed on the ocean beaches all year except the beach northward from the wreck of the Peter Iredale is closed to vehicular access from May 1st to September 15th from 12:01 P.M. to Midnight. Fort Stevens State Park is a full service State Park. There is ample parking at all of the Fort Stevens recreational areas. Coffenbury Lake is stocked with rainbow trout throughout the summer. Columbia Beach is the site of the grounded British bark Peter Iredale. The rusting skeleton of the ship has been the dominant feature on the beach since running aground on October 25, 1906. Columbia Beach and the ocean beach at Clatsop Spit offer the clam digger some of the best razor clam digging on the Oregon Coast. The fishing for redtail surfperch ranges from poor to excellent from late spring through the summer as the perch migrate along Oregon’s beaches. Picking editable mushrooms is popular recreational activity at Fort Stevens State Park, but be 100 percent sure that the mushroom picked is an editable one. No guessing allowed. Searching for Agates is another recreational activity that is very popular with beach goers.
Over and throughout the years my wife has collected tons of abates. Double click the image to enlarge it.
Turn west into the Day Use Entrance of Fort Stevens State Park to access the ocean beach at Clatsop Spit, the south jetty at Clatsop Spit and the beach at the Jetty Sands on the southern shore of the Columbia River. Vehicle access is allowed to the beach at the Jetty Sands.
The access roads to the parking areas adjacent to the ocean beach at Clatsop Spit and to the south jetty at Clatsop Spit are open twenty–four hours daily. Clatsop Spit and the south jetty at Clatsop Spit are divided into geographical areas A, B, C and D. There are signs located at the entrances of the access roads that identify each area. Areas A and B are the access roads to the parking area adjacent to Clatsop Spit Beach. Digging for razor clams, surf fishing for redtail surfperch and beach combing are the attractions here. Area C is the access road to the parking area adjacent to Clatsop Spit Beach and the south jetty at Clatsop Spit. There is a viewing platform at the beginning of the jetty that offers an exceptional view of the mouth of the Columbia River, Clatsop Beach and Clatsop Spit. Digging for razor clams, surf fishing for redtail surfperch, fishing from the south jetty and beach combing are the attractions here. Area D is the access road to the parking area adjacent to the southern shore of the Columbia River located at the tip of Clatsop Spit. The beach on the southern shore is referred to as the Jetty Sands or Social Security Beach by local anglers. Parking is allowed on the beach at Jetty Sands. Excellent fishing for sturgeon, redtail perch and wildlife viewing are the attractions here.
Turn onto Pacific Drive from Ridge Road/Columbia Beach Road and follow the sign to the jetty at the Historic Fort Stevens Museum. Vehicular access to the Historic Fort Stevens is restricted to the hours the park is open, from 10:00 am to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week. Historic Fort Stevens was a major defense installation from the Civil War through World War Two. Today the remains of the Fort, the museum, the guard house, the barracks site and the battlements in conjunction with the beauty of the surrounding area fulfill the expectations of the visitor. The park is well known for reenactment of Civil War Battles over the Labor Day Weekend.
11.5 Sunset Beach offers excellent digging for razor clams. Sunset Beach Road is the first public access point south of Fort Stevens State Park. Turn west onto Sunset Beach Road from Hwy 101 and park on the beach.
17.0 Del Rey Beach State Wayside located 2 miles north of Gearhart and offers excellent clam digging. Parking is allowed on the beach.
20.0 Gearhart is accessible by turning west onto Pacific Avenue from Highway 101. Follow the signs for beach access and park on the beach. The razor clam digging from Gearhart south to Tillamook Head is not quite as good as the beach north of Gearhart but the clams are larger.
22.0 approximately Neawanna Point Wayside is located on the west side of Hwy 101 and is eastern access point to the Necanicum River Estuary to crab and dig for purple varnish clams or soft shell clams.
21.3 Broadway and 23.0 Avenue U: Seaside Beach offers excellent digging for razor clams, and has the distinction of being the end of the Lewis and Clark Trail. Members of the expedition camped over the winter of 1805 making salt for their return trip east. The City of Seaside, like other beach communities, does not allow parking on the beachfront streets from 11:00pm to 5:00am. Access to Seaside Beach is available from multiple locations in the City of Seaside beginning at the Cove Via Avenue U to public parking area at the end of Avenue U; or, turn south onto S. Edgewood St. Continue south on Edgewood St. to the public parking area located on Ocean Vista Dr. Park and follow the trail to the beach at the Cove. Turn west onto Avenue G., but parking is limited to the street. There is a beach side public parking area located between 12th Avenue entry, and 11th Avenue exit. And additional but limited parking between 11th Avenue entry and 10th Avenue.
Several options for parking in Seaside: whether you are arriving to Seaside from the north, or the south, parking in Seaside is free*, quite easy and in larger abundance than many are aware. If you aren't sure of your activities while in Seaside, stop into the Visitors Center on the corner of Broadway and Hwy 101 (Roosevelt). The friendly staff can help you find a nice restaurant, family-friendly activities and quaint shops or direct you towards the beach.
From the North: turn right onto 1st Avenue as you approach Broadway along Hwy 101 (referenced as Roosevelt within Seaside city limits). Drive west until you pass the Seaside Civic and Convention Center. The lot just west of the Convention Center is free and open to the public. Street parking is also available but in lower supply. Should the Convention Center lot be full, continue west on 1st Avenue and turn left onto Columbia. Pass through Broadway and take your first right onto Avenue A. The public parking garage sign is located on your immediate right and the first two levels are free and open to the public. There is no overnight parking allowed in this garage for public vehicles.
From the South: turn left onto Broadway from Hwy 101 (referenced as Roosevelt within Seaside city limits). The possibility exists that street parking will be available on Broadway. We simply advise that your pay attention to all posted signs. If street parking is not available, proceed until you get to the corner of Broadway and Columbia. Turn left onto Columbia and take your first right onto Avenue A. The public parking garage sign is located on your immediate right and the first two levels are free and open to the public. There is no overnight parking allowed in this garage for public vehicles.
*Please pay attention to posted signs as parking hours may vary from location to location. Also note that Motor Home and Bus parking is prohibited in the Convention Center lot from June 1 - October 1.
RV and Motorhome Parking: there are a few options for those driving large vehicles through Seaside but not planning to overnight in the area. Option number one is located just north of the Seaside Visitors Bureau at the corner of Broadway and Hwy 101 (referenced as Roosevelt in Seaside). Broadway and its many shops, restaurants, family-friendly activities and ocean beach are located no more than 1/2 mile from this lot.
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Post by Admin on Sept 30, 2017 15:53:33 GMT
Click on the Tbone Tidal Projections for the Columbia River entrance at the North Jetty, Washington State to view the option for tidal projections. Click on the link Make Predictions Using Options to access the options variables to display the tidal projections of interest into the future beyond 2 days of tidal projections.
46.2667° N, 124.0667° W
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Post by Admin on Jun 30, 2019 22:52:34 GMT
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