Columbia steelies above I-205?

[GoFish]

I'm gonna get one this year!!! Because I intend to actually go instead of just reading about it here.

Anybody been out there yet? When does it start to really happen? I've got pretty good access to the launch at Chinook Landing but don't really know where to set up at. Go up? Go down? Don't try to run straight across (found that out in those low water years). Anybody want to spill the beans on this zipperlip stretch? I need an X on the water where my anchor goes. :rolleyes:

[Drachir]

Go down river, and fish the North side of Government Island. Look for good current flow and anchor down in 15'-18' of water. Use a 4' dropper, a 5' leader and an X-4 Flourescent Red Flatfish. If they are there this will get you fish!! Good Luck, I want to see fish pics!!! :grin:

[ 06-20-2002, 06:50 PM: Message edited by: Drachir ]

[Good to the Last Cast]

I second the advise from Drachir, doesn't hurt to put a little scent on(shrimp), the flatfish that is. I tried putting some on behind the ears but it didn't catch me fish and the girlfriend made me sleep on the couch!!!!!! :grin: :grin:

[Mrdorkfish]

gofish, I fished Gov Island yesterday....Water is way high...i couldn't fish it like i usually do...time....A guy inside of me ( Radar Dave) Had one on but it was most likely a Chinook the way his pole went down and reel was a scream'n :shocked: F7, black spots is my choice down there. Mid July is usually when we start really catching fish but go feel it out...check depths.

Great luck !

Mrdorkfish

[Bounty Hunter]

Do you guys worry about the tides very much when anchored for steelies along Gov't Is.? I found that it didn't matter much for Springers that high up, as long as you had good current. Morning vs. Afternoons seemed to be a bigger factor for my Springers, but I haven't clocked enough steely hours to know.

[Bounty Hunter]

Do you guys worry about the tides very much when anchored for steelies along Gov't Is.? I found that it didn't matter much for Springers that high up, as long as you had good current. Morning vs. Afternoons seemed to be a bigger factor for my Springers, but I haven't clocked enough steely hours to know.

[Drachir]

This year with all the melting snow pack, the tides will have a little less influence on this section of the river. However, as the Summer wears on and the outflow decreases, the tides will have an impact on where, and how much current you will be fishing. Just my .02 worth!! I always watch the tides when I fish the area around Chinook Landing. :wink:

[GoFish]

Drachir,

Thanks for the tip. I notice that you are advising fishing deeper than I usually would for steelhead. I have heard that 5-12 feet of depth is where they travel. Is the spot your suggesting the only area you would look that deep or have I been thinking wrong all this time?

[Drachir]

No, I seem to have best success in that depth range. By no means stick to that as gospel. This year the Springers were in shallower than normal, so it may follow the Summers may do the same. Springers were best in 6'-12' that may be same this Summer. Good Luck!!! Remember, I want to see your Fish Pics!! :grin: