Though fewer bright steelhead are being caught, fish can still be found throughout the system. The season’s first summer steelhead has made it to the Sandy Hatchery, which means more are likely present in the lower river, along with rumors of spring Chinook. Anglers would do best to check river levels before heading to the river. Fresh fish should be entering the system with each passing rain event for the next several months. Fishing effort has been high in this system.

Flow and visibility on the Sandy are greatly influenced by each passing front and change in snow levels. Colder temperatures, as well as less precipitation means this glacially fed system will not only be on the drop, but will also clear up much more quickly.

Anglers should confirm access before they go. All Metro Parks and boat ramps (including Dabney and Lewis and Clark) are now open but may have modified operations. Check conditions at individual parks on Metro’s website. State parks and recreation areas appear open.