View Full Version : Columbia River Summer Steelhead
NorthRiverS
07-07-2000, 03:53 PM
I would like some info. on how to catch Columbia River summer steelhead. I will be launching from Chinook Landing. I would like to know where to fish, hot lures, water depth, and when the tides are best. I've fished this run before, but have had poor success. I would love to get out there since the weather is great, but I would like to be there with some confidence.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
S
Nanook
07-07-2000, 04:06 PM
Find some running water 2 to 2.5 mph at
8 to 12 feet deep. Sit on the anchor and
run small spinners of your choice with
a 20 - 26 inch drop weight in the current.
We run leaders with 15 lb test at least
36 inches long. Secret hint - red beads
and red spinner blade. Change up the blade
and colors. It's not a bite until it's
taking line!! Best to you. ******
Deleted User
07-07-2000, 04:52 PM
Just out from the mouth of the Sandy R. a ways above C. Landing is one of the best spots. There are several wing jetties up & down from there that are also good. Both are near water fished for fall chinook only a little shallower for steelhead. A couple other things North is to try X5 red Flatfish if the current isn't too strong. I also like to fish the areas between Beacon Rock and Bonn. Dam out of the Fishery (used to be Coverts) and backtroll current that is stronger up there. Along Ives Is. is one of the better spots. I usually use Warts in the same 8 to 12' depths. - RT
[This message has been edited by RT (edited 07-07-2000).]
NorthRiverS
07-08-2000, 03:34 PM
Thanks for the information guys. Are the fish counts high enough at Bonneville, about 1200 per day, to get after them ?
Also. I noted the dam counts show numbers for "Wild Steelhead" and "Steelhead". Does the Steelhead number include the Wild Steelhead in its count ? Anyone know what I'm talking about ? http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/confused.gif
It is confusing. I'll mention it to my bud at the FPC next time I see him. I think "Steelhead" includes all fish and "Wild Steelhead" is a portion of the total. There is a problem with the definition of "Wild" because there are several hatcheries which refuse to mark their fish. It's a political thing I won't get in to, but the effect of not marking is presumably that more fish reach the upper river.