Largemouth Bass

Although Maywood Park is a small, primarily residential area near Portland, opportunities for largemouth bass fishing exist in the nearby Columbia Slough. This unique waterway, a network of interconnected channels and wetlands, provides surprisingly good habitat for largemouth. Spring and early summer are generally the most productive times, as the bass move into the shallows to spawn. Focus your efforts around submerged vegetation, docks, and other structure. Plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits are all effective lures. Access to the slough is available at several parks and boat launches along its course. Be aware of the urban setting, and respect private property. The largemouth in the Columbia Slough tend to be relatively pressured, so using finesse techniques and varying your presentation can be key to success. Also, be mindful of water quality advisories, as the slough can be affected by runoff and pollution. The bass here are known to be quite aggressive feeders when conditions are right, providing exciting opportunities for anglers willing to explore this urban fishery.