Or/Wa Best Bass waters.......Tell about yours.....

[_Bassmaster_]

Hey, just thought I throw out a thread since I am new to the site and somewhat new to the NW. I was born and raised in New Orleans La. and fished Bass since childhood. I moved up to Oregon 5 yrs. ago and never thought about fishing Bass because it was so cold. Until a year and a half ago when I walked into Bob's sporting goods store to buy some rain gear and noticed an entire section of Bass lures and gear. Whooohoooo!!! My eyes lit up!! Long story short, I joined an awesome Bass club called The Mt. St. Helens Bassmasters and toured tons of waters throughout Oregon and Washington and would like to see what people have to say about the best Bass fishing spots they have experienced. So here is the start of the post. Oh, I would have to say mine is Craine Prairie Reservoir!!! I lost a ten pounder off the side of the boat and still placed 3rd.....

[Green Eyes]

I love to fish for smallies and my favorite area is up the gorge on the Columbia above the John Day or floating the John Day river. Lots of bass and very few people.:excited:

[Bassinator]

When did you fish craine? That lake as been on a down turn for years now.

[bassfishingnw]

Washington - Riffe, Banks, Washington and Silver

Oregon - Hagg, Siltcoose and Tenmile

ALL OF THE COLUMBIA!

Northern CA - Clear and Shasta.

Havasu if you can get there!!

Welcome to Ifish from on old Mt.St. Helens Bassmaster :)

[_Bassmaster_]

When did you fish craine? That lake as been on a down turn for years now.

I fished it this July. Everyone caught some quality fish on day one(I was skunked) then day two I limited out with several 4 pounders and broke off a 10 pounder. It was some great fishing. On day one, my son and I caught a dozen or so 8" babies. Which is good for the future.

[Midnghtshdow]

I fished it this July. Everyone caught some quality fish on day one(I was skunked) then day two I limited out with several 4 pounders and broke off a 10 pounder. It was some great fishing. On day one, my son and I caught a dozen or so 8" babies. Which is good for the future.


YA YA, your welcome :D

[_Bassmaster_]

YA YA, your welcome :D

Yeah, midnghtshdw deserves some credit for bringing me towards the area I hit the Bass. Only because my gps chartplotter took a **** and he already had it mapped out from the clear day on day one. Lol

[raptorschild]

Good thread Bassmaster.

I'd say my favorite bass water is the Wallula section of the Columbia or the Yakima.

Wallula can be tough for numbers, but the quality of the Smallmouth that reside in this area can be mind blowing.

Some of these quality fish swim up the Yakima every year, and so that river can have some nice fish in it. I caught a 20.5 inch smallmouth there this year. Probably the most memorable bass I've ever caught.

The Snake River can be fun as well. I was lucky enough to catch some nice fish from the mouth, all the way to Brownlee and in between this year.

[wameppspro]

1. The Columbia (6# Smallie)
2. Banks Lake
3. Takenitch (8.2 LM)
4. Lake Chelan (7.0 Smallie)

[_Bassmaster_]

1. The Columbia (6# Smallie)
2. Banks Lake
3. Takenitch (8.2 LM)
4. Lake Chelan (7.0 Smallie)

My club has a Tourny this year(2010) on Takenitch and I have never been there but have heard some good feedback on it. What are you using out there. Any special areas I should key in on?

[Midnghtshdow]

YA key in on an empty bag muuuhahhahaaaa hahaaa :D :meme:

[_Bassmaster_]

Yeah, we'll see about that one.... You here me from across the lake pulling an Iaconelli.......

[Bassinator]

Takenitch has been a mystery to me. I have never fished it because all the reports I get from it suck.. Let me know how the tourny goes.

[_Bassmaster_]

Does anyone know anything about this place?

[yfz450guy]

now that's funny right there, i don't care who you are.:D


YA key in on an empty bag muuuhahhahaaaa hahaaa :D :meme:

[yfz450guy]

do a search. there is tons of info here about it.:whistle:


Does anyone know anything about this place?

[wameppspro]

My club has a Tourny this year(2010) on Takenitch and I have never been there but have heard some good feedback on it. What are you using out there. Any special areas I should key in on?

Bassmaster,

I have fished it a few times, but not enough to give you any specifics. Actually the day I got the 8.2, I was out with a friend that lived in Florence. We had got a few and were just basically checking things out.

He was in the front on the motor and made some comment about how I had closed a lid. So I proceeded to stomp to the front of the boat and shoulder bumped him and made some comment about his comment.

I looked down and about swallowed my tongue. All I could see was head sticking out from between some tree limbs. I said how come you did not catch that fish. He says "what fish?" I pointed and dropped in the plastic I had on and it disappeared. I set the hook and the fight last for all of 2 seconds. I swung it onto the deck and we both just stood there.:passout:

He grabs his scales and I grab my prize, well it went 8.2. After a couple of photos she was released. I think thats when i remembered to breath. We tried to fish after that, but I had trouble trying to re-tie my line.

I would like to tell ya'all about how much skill it was and how stealthy we were and all that, but it actually happened just like that.

As far as fishing there, there is a lot of water for all kinds of fishing. Not sure when your tournament will be, but try and get down a few times and just look around. There is deep water, acres of lilly pads, timber, brush, railroad riprap and on and on. Explore and experiment.

I was amazed we did not see more boats. Parking is kind of limited, maybe thats why. My mother in law used to live down there and moved and my buddy moved. Have t make it a point ot return. I do miss the coastal lakes.....Good luck with your tourny.

[Chad S.]

Favorite: Lake Washington, Lake Chelan, Lake Goodwin, Spanaway Lake, and Lake Whatcom.

Easiest to figure out, and still good: Banks Lake, Lake Sammamish, Silver Lake, Lake Wallula, and Lake Umatilla.

[codeman]

Personnally, I like smallies way more, as I think they fight much harder and hang out in areas I enjoy being more (ie. the desert rimrock country). That being said, my favorite is the owhyee river, anywhere above the resevoir, especially around three forks. I have fished it dozens of times over the last 15 years and never been dissapointed. This last spring, me and a buddy fished around the hotsprings at three forks and worked our way down about a mile from there back to the road. Had the whole place to ourselves on a weekend. We caught 708 bass in 4 hours between the two of us. Most were in the 10 inch range, but a handfull of larger ones to about 2.5 pounds. mixed in the catch, we also landed around 12 nice red bands from 16 - 22 inches, several large squaw fish, and a few suckers. so, we probably caught 750 fish in those 4 hours. At one pt. we stood in the middle of the river and worked the hot springs and didn't even take a step for the first hour and caught fish on every single cast. finally moved because we had water to cover, not because fish stopped biting.
After owhyee, the snake river below hells canyon dam is my favorite. These bass fight harder than any others i've ever caught. I assume its because they live in that raging river. If you ever get the chance to fish either one, you won't be dissappointed.

[_Bassmaster_]

Personnally, I like smallies way more, as I think they fight much harder and hang out in areas I enjoy being more (ie. the desert rimrock country). That being said, my favorite is the owhyee river, anywhere above the resevoir, especially around three forks. I have fished it dozens of times over the last 15 years and never been dissapointed. This last spring, me and a buddy fished around the hotsprings at three forks and worked our way down about a mile from there back to the road. Had the whole place to ourselves on a weekend. We caught 708 bass in 4 hours between the two of us. Most were in the 10 inch range, but a handfull of larger ones to about 2.5 pounds. mixed in the catch, we also landed around 12 nice red bands from 16 - 22 inches, several large squaw fish, and a few suckers. so, we probably caught 750 fish in those 4 hours. At one pt. we stood in the middle of the river and worked the hot springs and didn't even take a step for the first hour and caught fish on every single cast. finally moved because we had water to cover, not because fish stopped biting.
After owhyee, the snake river below hells canyon dam is my favorite. These bass fight harder than any others i've ever caught. I assume its because they live in that raging river. If you ever get the chance to fish either one, you won't be dissappointed.

If I ever head that way I will surely let you know. You can either jump aboard with me or bring your boat and you can show me some good smallie spots. Remember, I am from the south and had never fished for smallies until moving to the NW and I still only have a little knowledge of the species.

[codeman]

no boat needed. The owhyee is only about 20 ft across and usually only about waist deep in the spring. There are some sections that deepen up in some holes, and some of the canyons can get swift and deep. Later in summer and into fall, it becomes pretty skinny. As you go down stream closer to the resevoir, the cat fishing at night is epic as well. We love to fish around the birch creek area. Last time we were there, we caught 70 cats between the 2 of us over night. most were around 1.5 to 2 lbs, but several were 5 to 7. Man that is fun on light gear. If you want to go the next spring, just pm me!!

[_Bassmaster_]

no boat needed. The owhyee is only about 20 ft across and usually only about waist deep in the spring. There are some sections that deepen up in some holes, and some of the canyons can get swift and deep. Later in summer and into fall, it becomes pretty skinny. As you go down stream closer to the resevoir, the cat fishing at night is epic as well. We love to fish around the birch creek area. Last time we were there, we caught 70 cats between the 2 of us over night. most were around 1.5 to 2 lbs, but several were 5 to 7. Man that is fun on light gear. If you want to go the next spring, just pm me!!


Thanks for the invite. I use to catch cats all the time down south. Would be nice to catch several of those 5-7 pounders and deep fry em. I will be in touch.

[codeman]

hey just on a side note, my buddy went to birch creek last year pretty early, in late march. It was cold outside, the water was raging, and he still managed to catch 7 cats during the day, and all were in the 5 to 7 pound range. We've gone down there probably 25 times over the years and with the exception of a couple of rafters taking out, we never ran into anybody.

[mike edson]

Good thread Bassmaster.

I'd say my favorite bass water is the Wallula section of the Columbia or the Yakima.

Wallula can be tough for numbers, but the quality of the Smallmouth that reside in this area can be mind blowing.

Some of these quality fish swim up the Yakima every year, and so that river can have some nice fish in it. I caught a 20.5 inch smallmouth there this year. Probably the most memorable bass I've ever caught.

The Snake River can be fun as well. I was lucky enough to catch some nice fish from the mouth, all the way to Brownlee and in between this year.
I live in Salem now, but grew up in Yakima. I used to fish from below Wanapum up to sunland. The Buckshot ranch area was always a good spot. Just thinking of those spots makes me happy:meme:

[_Bassmaster_]

Seems like an awful lot of viewers who are not posting. Come on, share your experiences and post!!! Everyone will learn some new about waters they've always wanted to venture too but didn't know much about it. View then post...

[Runner17]

Ok well i will go ahead and give it a shot

1. The ponds across from cress lake (they used to have some nice bass but have not caught any from it in years)

2. Columbia River out of Kalama

3. Silver lake

I have caught many 16+ inch smallmouth out of the kalama area while pikeminnow fishing and they are a blast on my light trout gear!

[_Bassmaster_]

Are you talking about the open area that you can see from I-5 and I think there is a duck blind set up in the middle? How do you get to them?

[Midnghtshdow]

You cant if that is owned by the port if caught there its a heafty fine, i know from an close one:whistle:

[CayenneGuy]

Long lake in Kitsap county holds plenty of 6lbers and a few 8+lbers. Tons of bg perch and trout for them to feed on.

I also like the little ponds/lakes around there too. I have caught several 6.5lbers in them.

[hawgcatcher]

I love the willamette and the fishing that I have had above the falls. Spent many a day on the river when I was a teen and caught lots of largemouth. Now I think it is mostly smallies.

In the recent years, I have fished the columbia and caught many smallies. I live close to Haag Lake and since it opened, I got many 4 plus pound fish.

A trip to Potholes is always a pleasure and always produces nice bass, crappie and walleyes.

I haven't fished it for years, but in the early 60s, I spent many hours on Chapman Lake near Spokane. I was in the USAF and had a lot of time off. You could rent a rowboat for a $1.00 a day and the lake was full of largemouth and smallmouth. Wonderful place.

But anywhere I can fish, I love it. Just being on the water, even a mud puddle is fun.

[Runner17]

You cant if that is owned by the port if caught there its a heafty fine, i know from an close one:whistle:

Thats why it is nice to know and be buddy buddy with all the guys who work for the port! home advantage i guess... yes that is the one but have not caught a fish in years... right before the turn to cress lake there is a dirt road on the left park on that and walk to them there are 3 ponds never caught anything but bluegill in the middle miscolored one but caught the best in the one on the far left that you cant see from the road... Still no fish caught there in years for me though

[boblag]

Brownlee (Powder River Arm), Columbia anywhere above the Willamette, lower Willamette.

[T. Reeser]

I am a big fan of Craine Praire as well. We go every 4th and I always leave with a good story. Its always fun.

[_Bassmaster_]

I am a big fan of Craine Praire as well. We go every 4th and I always leave with a good story. Its always fun.

Don't you love it!!! I love the raw camping and how you can beach your boat at your campsite. I don't think we have a tourny there next season but I will definetly make a trip. Craine is one of my favorites. I definitely recommend.

[Twothirteen]

My favorites!:

Above the Willamette Falls - This is my childhood fishing water. I know quite a bit now about the river, and I can't wait to learn even more. Do not eat.


Below the Falls on/around the dock under the OC bridge - This general area has provided me with my biggest fish-on, but unfortunately it broke loose. I've pulled out quite a few decent fish from this area. Do not eat.


Columbia River - Oh what can I say about the Columbia.. It's my newest love. Arkansasbasser showed me the ropes, and since then we've been pulling 'em out left n right. Tons of fish, some big, clean to eat compared to the Willamette. I have never eaten a Bass, yet, though.


-- Chase / TwoThirteen

[jonnyho22]

My favorite in OR is the John Day River. One day I caught a 7lb smally and 5 minutes later a 5lb steelhead. The best thing was on a 5 day float we only saw people as we put in and as we took out.

In WA it would have to be any of the backwaters off the Columbia River when the smallies are spawning.

Still trying to learn how to fish for them, would love to go out with someone that knows what they are doing for both small and largemouth.

[_Bassmaster_]

My favorite in OR is the John Day River. One day I caught a 7lb smally and 5 minutes later a 5lb steelhead. The best thing was on a 5 day float we only saw people as we put in and as we took out.

In WA it would have to be any of the backwaters off the Columbia River when the smallies are spawning.

Still trying to learn how to fish for them, would love to go out with someone that knows what they are doing for both small and largemouth.

Where do you launch for the John Day river? Do you go to the crowded John Day launch right of the hwy, or do you launch at the vacant(crappy gravel rd) one in Westport?

[Slayer12]

Tenmile, Dorena Res., S. Umpqua R., Topsy Res., Mckay Res.

Got a little cabin fever at the moment.... plannin a frozen trip to tenmile soon... don't care how cold. I just need to get on the water.

[_Bassmaster_]

My last trip to tenmile was a two day tourny that resulted in 30 degree weather and a few hour hail storm. Didn't get to fish it much but I will surely hit in mid to late spring this time!!

[a12seccrx]

I'd never eat one, but the bass on the Willy above the falls can be a lot of fun!
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/smallmouth1.jpg (http://www.ifish.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/68901/size/big/cat//ppuser/16187)

http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/Willy_Bucketmouth.jpg (http://www.ifish.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/101612/size/big/cat//ppuser/16187)

[Slayer12]

My last trip to tenmile was a two day tourny that resulted in 30 degree weather and a few hour hail storm. Didn't get to fish it much but I will surely hit in mid to late spring this time!!

I've been on that lake a few times that I would love to have this weather... anything is better than 40 mph winds and sideways rain.

[Cue772]

I've done my best to get into river fishing but have still had no luck. Seems to me that steelhead/salmon fishers are a different breed, and basically not much fun. Anyway, I have been able to pick up some fly fishing and fish trout mainly up around the St. Helens lakes and this has been a blast.

As for the original question...I have caught a few nice fish at the mouth of the Washougal river, and Lacamas Lake just north of Camas has also been a productive lake as well so far. I cannot give you much of a favorite as I'm still learning the bass maps around here. Silver Lake is first on my radar.

Thanks to all for the great information!

[_Bassmaster_]

Best thing to do when learning new waters.......do what I did and join a club!!!