Sockeye in the Columbia

[SureSet]

Never fished for them in the columbia, but I see 8-10,000 a day over the dam. Does anyone pick these up fishing for Steelhead, do they hit the same type of gear or are they specific? Also, are they any good for the table, smoking, etc?

Just curious, I believe I saw the regs allow you keep incidental catch of Sockeye.

Thanks in advance.

SureSet

[SuperT]

I'm not sure of the tactics for fishing for them, but I wouldn't waste it in the smoker. Sockeye are definitely the best tasting of all the salmon! A lot of the sockeyes I hear about come off of spinners, but that's for Alaska and Canada. I'm sure it's the same here.

[Nanook]

Pretty much a tough deal that long in fresh water. Do a search on here for previous posts. images/icons/wink.gif

[jawbreaker]

I once landed one on a spinner six years ago while fishing for steelhead. That was the only time I've ever caught one. I've heard of people catching them on bare hooks in some Washington lakes but haven't tried it.

[4Salt]

It is well known that Sockeye are notorious non-biters. I just returned from the Kenai penninsula in Alaska, where they use a technique called "lining" to hook the Sockeye. This technique only works where the fish are stacked thick close to shore in relatively fast, shallow current, and I believe is illegal, or at least not considered very ethical here in Washington. Having said all that, I have had some success on the Fraser river in Canada using a fairly large spoon in chrome or brass finish (Canadian wonder, Pixie etc...) Remove the hook and attach a foot long 12lb. test mono leader. To that tie a no. 6 or 8 shrimp pattern fly, preferably a brighter color to make it visible in the murky Columbia river water. Cast slightly upstream, and SLOWLY retrieve, while letting it swing down with the current. Give this a try below Bonneville or John Day dam where the fish stack up. This technique might just work in the Columbia, though I've never personally used it there. Let us know how you did. images/icons/smile.gif

Good luck,

Mark

[Trick]

Had a freind yesterday pick up a sockeye fishing for steelhead off of Jones beach, west of Clatskanie. He was plunking spin-n-glos. I've yet to ever catch one fishing this way, but it apparently is possible.

[Killertraylor]

I gilnetted about a billion (exaggeration) of them back in the early 90's in Bristol Bay. 4 Salt is right - the best way to get them to bite is in a gilnet. I've heard of guys hooking them on fly gear when they are really thick in the Alaska rivers. Reds are some of the best eating salmon around - great smoked and great on the BBQ. I've been watching the Dam count as well and I'm happy to see the large # going up the Columbia this year.

[bathtub bob]

They cant stand it.!!!!! Gillnets are going in the Columbia.