Vernonia Pond

[Tail_Swinger]

Anyone have news about Vernonia Pond? How's the crappie or perch fishing? Water level/clarity?

Tomorrow my wife and I are gonna do a fishing trip, haven't decided exactly where to go. Thinking of hitting the Sandy out near Oxbow or Dabny parks, shooting up to North Fork or Faraday Lake, Gales Creek, or going to Vernonia for some panfish action.

Whereever we go, I want to be able to get my wife into a fish or three on a flyrod. We'll be bringing spin and fly tackle (we couldn't get away without or lucky ultralight spin rods) but I'd really like it if she could catch something on a fly, and so would she.

Other options would probably be trying out the St Louis ponds, but since neither of us has been there, we're looking for something we're more familiar with.

Just as a side note, we spent an hour fishing last night on the Tualatin at Cook Park. Only one fish landed, and it was by my wife. She was tossing a pink Roostertail when a nice fat, 1.5 lb largemouth took the spinner hard. I love seeing her playing a fish, especially a nice one like that. She giggles and has such a ball!

[Wannabe]

I've heard Vernonia is kicking out some fish of the warmwater variety and quite a few at that. Nothing large to speak of but numbers. Lots of bluegill I guess and small bass. Could be a good choice. Trya little rubber legged bug if ya got them.
<)))><

[fishboy5]

Where is Vernonia Pond? Is there a boat launch?
Thanks

[ 08-11-2002, 11:49 AM: Message edited by: fishboy5 ]

[Tail_Swinger]

Vernonia Pond is on the outskirts of the little town of Vernonia (take Hwt 47 to Vernonia, then turn onto Main St. and go a couple miles) THe pond itself lies only a few hundred feet away from the Nehalem River. There's a small unimproved (read: gravel) boat ramp, without a dock. There is a fishing dock on the other side of the pond though.

In the spring (and fall?) the pond is stocked with rainbows. There's also panfish and bass in there. Lotsa yellow perch. Some nice size ones at that.

[fishboy5]

Oregon?

[Tail_Swinger]

Yeah, Oregon. I didin't see that you were from Battle Ground.

If you're interested in fishing there, there's a few ways I know how to get there from washington. There's probably better ways, but... you can get on Hwy 30 westbound in Portland off I-5, drive toward scapoose. You'll see signs pointing to Vernonia. Just follow the signs. Pond will be before you get into town. Or...the longer way...I-5 down into Portland, take the Exit for 405, from 405 hop onto US 26 West, about 30+ miles later you'll come to the Hwy 47 junction, which takes off to the right. Follow 47 all the way into Vernonia, turn right on main street, keep driving till you hit the pond (it'll be on your right)

Last spring I landed 2 nice fat rainbows on flies. Guys fishing worms, powerbait, or marshmellow + worm were taking more fish then I was. Also saw some 8-10 inch yellow perch caught from guys bottom fishing worms. Some people trolling hooked into perch + trout. Have heard the crappie can be good there too, but hadn't personally seen any yet. Have seen bluegill + bass taken from the pond. Heard there's bullhead catfish in there too. Used to have a friend that lived in Vernonia. He's a die-hard bass guy, and fishes 4-5 inch plastics texas rigged. Has brought some nice fish outta there. If I ever get new fins for my tube, I'm gonna take it out there one of these days and try the middle of the pond.

[fishboy5]

Thanks T.S. I'm gonna try to get out there this week to check it out.