Tri-Cities, Columbia River, Yakima River Cats

[HammerinHonkers]

Hey All,
Was just wondering if any of you guys around the tri-cities have been doing any catfishing on the columbia or the yakima river. I have seen that the yak. is pretty high and dirty, but coming back into shape. I am making a trip over to the tri for 4 days next weekend and was planning on doing some fishing for cats, and some smallies. Figured it might be a little soon for smallies, plus with the yak the way it is the fishing might not be worth it. Any info would be great. Thanks Guys.
HH

[10Key]

My brothers have been fishing for cats on the Columbia near Wallula (On the Kennewick side) and they have been doing ok. Last week, they pulled one close to 8 pounds in. Other than that, they have been getting a bunch of dinks on most trips.

The Yakima River fishing should improve in the coming months, it is still a bit early to find them schooled up and feeding.

[jig head]

Some of the best Channel Cat fishing is right below Ice Habor Dam on the Snake. Go down stream on the east side and use the plunking technique in the current. I start with crawlers and go to squaw fish chunks later. There are some fine sized fighting cats and wallyeye in that current.

[HammerinHonkers]

Jig Head,
Hey, thanks for the info on ice harbor dam. Do you fish from shore or from boat. We fish from shore and was just wondering if it is accessible from shore. Is it decent this early, or does it get better later in spring? Thanks for the info, i am heading to the tri this friday for four days of fishing, golfing and shooting sage rats, should be a good time. Thanks again.
HH

[jig head]

There is a road on the east side below the dam. Go down below the rip rap to the natural bank. Use a bottom sinker (4-5 oz.) I used a pole holder spike to hold my rod when I tightened the line. There should be cats in there all year.