Columbia Steelhead

[nivtup]

So,

Hi guys and gals,

Another of your long time observers dives into the BB.

I fish the Lower Columbia frequently, mostly for Sturgeon throughout the summer, do my best at trying for salmon at this time of year, but never seem to get enough time down there. I suppose the only way to spend enough time down there is to move.

So the question is,

How do you go about catching steelhead in the Astoria area? Or is it even a good area to try?

Ant help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[This message has been edited by nivtup (edited 08-19-2000).]

[Deleted User]

Hi Nivtip. I don't think fishers do well in the lower Col. estuary for steelhead. I've seen them caught on salmon gear only a few rare times. I think when they enter the system they really go quickly up river and don't hang around and feed like the salmon do. If I'm wrong, hoefully some frequent fishers from there will enlighten us. - RT

[Trick]

Any of the lower river beaches are still cranking out steelhead above Tongue point. Try plunking Spin-n-Glows on the outgoing tide to promote lure action. Many of the beaches are available to persons without boats but many of the hot spots are out on the lower river island system and you'll need a boat to access them. Hot colors have been red tiger stripes size #2 and #4, Gray ghosts and clown patterns have also been working well. Both sides of the river have access points, but watch for private property. The size #4's seem to work better on steelhead and the #2's seem to work well for both salmon and steelhead. Me and a buddy went out this morning and he landed a 20+ nook on a size 2 ghost pattern and missed another one. The guy next to us was spooled by a 30+ upriver bright. Our spot cranked out about 20 steelhead last week, but we didn't hook up on any this morning. Getting kinda late for summer runs but the fish that are left are running very large, even the hatchery fish are running as high as 15+. Must be lots of feed out there. Good luck!