First Brownlee adventure

[WP]

Just got back from 3 days of fishing on Brownlee. The first day was spent exploring the area from Huntington to Richland. Did a little fishing around the confluence of the Powder and the snake. Not much happened! I wasn't sure what to look for (in terms of water and structure)as we looked to catch a few crappie. The next two days were spent fishing crappie in the morning and cats at night, out of Farewell Bend campgrounds. The hours from 6-9:30 A.M. we caught a ton of small crappie in coves or areas the bank anglers were fishing (without intruding on their fishing). Only caught 4 really decent crappie for the two days. The first night catfishing was poor. No fish though we had a couple of bites. The second night we caught a number of big cats (6-8 lbs) at the power lines. I felt like I really didn't have the information to have made it a great trip. I would bve interested in where others have been successful. I found the shoreline dificult to read. The fathometer was not too helpful, other than to warn me away from some non-productive water. Fish showed everywhere! Lots of jumping fish (not sure what but mostly in open water and large!) We used crappie jigs mostly, lemon green curley tails seemed to work best, with a s-l-o-w retrieve and no bobber. Worms and crappie for cats, in about 35-40 feet of water. I am interested in trying this fishery again sometime (8 hours drive makes it a rare trip!) The camp was beautiful and the people friendly. The mosquitos were a pain but tolerable until sunset. I am interested in any and all information about this wonderful fishery! I would be interested in e-mail discussions with anyone who would be interested! Thanks to those who provided me with information prior to the trip. I never did find the cemetery though? Springs was full and the first night we spent at Holcum (sp?) near Richland...bad idea! Farewell Bend is great.
WP :smile: :smile: :cheers:

[Snapshot]

Nice to see that someone besides me makes these type trips. I recall going to Brownlee and sleeping the boat and catching a lot of smallies. I did not know what I was doing and fished in the cove I slept in. As daylite woke us we started tossing worms and caught a whole bunch of bass.
As for catfish, any time of day or night, try chicken livers. It has a smell of blood and the catfish go crazy over it.

Nice write up and report. Thanks

*Fish only bite wet hooks*
Ray

[BuKuBass]

The large fish that were jumping were most likely carp. Shaking off parasites; overjoyed by spawning? Who knows?
The cemetary is found just downstream from Hubbard Creek on the Oregon side.
Search the archives and ye shall find all sorts of info.

[salmurai]

WP, welcome to Brownlee. It is BIG and can be intimidating. Watch the wind. Next time try tubes. Inch and a half long. Red and white, yellow and white, green and white. This time of year 4 to 6 feet under a bobber. I've camped in my boat and had to reel the catfish rods in, just to get some sleep. Feel free to contact me for any info. If I don't know, I'll just make something up. Just kidding. Give me an e anytime.... Sal

[Mojo]

Glad you had a good trip. Next time I'll try to have some GPS points for you, or maps. The problem is the fish move around based on water levels. Shoot me an e-mail before you come out again, and we'll join forces on some slabs.

[WP]

Thanks to everyone for the help...before and after the trip. I will definately be back and will try to take people up on their offers! Brownlee is beautiful and a really pleasant trip for a vacation...even from the Willamette Valley. I hope I can return the favor if anyone comes out for some ocean fishing (salmon, bottom, and tuna). I do most of my fishing there with a little time on the Columbia for shad, springers, and sturgeon. Thanks again, this is a nice, helpful group.
WP :cheers: